Joseph’s Story

Site created on September 2, 2019

Welcome to our CaringBridge website.


In 2015 Joe was diagnosed with PSC, an autoimmune disease that attacks the bile ducts to the liver.  PSC patients have an increased chance of cancer. In late July of this year after completing his annual testing Joe was diagnosed with Bile Duct Cancer.  We are fortunate that they caught the cancer in Stage 1, but it is an extremely aggressive cancer. UCSF referred Joe to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona for treatment.  The Mayo Clinic has told us that Joe needs to undergo 3 to 4 weeks of radiation and chemo twice a day followed by a Liver Transplant in order to beat the cancer. The doctors have told us that Joe's chances of getting a liver transplant are much better if we relocate to Arizona for the next 3-6 months. 


The Mayo Clinic is planning on starting radiation and chemo on September 9th.  We have rented a house in Arizona close to the clinic and will be bringing the kids with us the following week after we have had a chance to get the house ready for them. 


 We are using this site  to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

Newest Update

November 22, 2019

Journal entry by Michelle Pignati —

Pathology reports came back and the tumor is dead and the cancer did not spread at all. The radiation and chemo worked absolutely perfectly. Joe is officially cancer free. 
 
He is doing so well that as long as they can get the pain management under control they may discharge him tomorrow. 
Read More of the journal titled "November 22, 2019"
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