Joe Amabile is sharing more details of his brain cancer journey.
Appearing on Good Morning America on Friday, August 28, the Bachelor in Paradise alum, 40, described experiencing “struggles” with his speech after undergoing surgery to remove a “blueberry size lesion” on his brain.
Joe explained that doctors found the lesion in the area of his brain that’s responsible for “speech, motor skills and memory.”
He continued, “According to my doctors, I probably wouldn’t know about this [lesion] until I eventually had a seizure.”
Joe underwent brain surgery earlier this month and doctors warned him that he may face difficulties with his speech post-surgery, which he confirmed was the case.
“I would think of what to say but I would have a hard time vocalizing it,” Joe explained. “And I would say I’m about 90 per cent back but I still struggle a little bit.”
The GMA segment also reported that Joe was currently taking daily medication following the surgery, which his doctor noted had limited side effects.
The Bachelorette alum announced via Instagram on July 13, that doctors found “a blueberry size lesion” on his brain which appeared to be a tumor during an MRI scan. Joe revealed at the time that he planned to undergo surgery within the next two weeks to “get it removed and get it tested.”
Joe went on to describe the experience as “a wild couple weeks” since he was told the news.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting this,” he continued. “I think it’s one of those things where you’re like, ‘Oh, something like this will never happen to me.’ And here I am.”
Joe added, “This past month has been a lot of ups and downs to say the least. After multiple scans and MRIs I have what looks to be an early stage brain tumor. In two weeks I’ll be undergoing a craniotomy to have it removed — yeah brain surgery. I’m doing my best to stay positive during this time and am lucky to have a lot of support from family and friends.”
Earlier this month, Joe announced that the brain surgery to remove the tumor was a success.
“They got it all!” he wrote via Instagram on August 6, alongside several post-op photos at the hospital.
Joe’s wife, Serena Pitt, shared a follow-up post via her own social media account the same day.
‘The best update: they were able to remove the entire tumor,” Serena, 28, wrote via her Instagram Stories. “Joe is recovering really well. We’re feeling so grateful.”
