Joe Gillette’s Unexpected Health Journey: From Double Vision to a Stage IV Diagnosis
Joe Gillette had a routine morning commute until he noticed something unusual. The three-lane highway appeared to have four lanes. This strange vision led him to realize double vision in one eye. Concerned that this might be a lingering effect from a recent COVID-19 infection, he arranged a medical appointment promptly.
After visiting his doctor, he was advised to consult an eye specialist and undergo a brain scan. The eye specialist found nerve damage in his right eye causing the double vision. Despite having an explanation, Gillette opted for a comprehensive test, knowing the significance of thorough health evaluations from his years volunteering with the American Cancer Society.
Coinciding with his 57th birthday, Gillette received a shocking result from the test. While out with his wife, an alert on his online patient portal informed them of cancerous tumors in his kidney, lung, brain, and stomach. “It was the worst birthday present ever,” Gillette recalled. He felt devastated by the diagnosis.
Further medical assessments revealed Stage IV kidney cancer with tumors spreading to his brain, bones, lymph nodes, lungs, and pancreas. Despite this severe condition, Gillette had shown no symptoms until the issue with his vision.
“If it wasn’t for COVID, I wouldn’t have caught it,” remarked Gillette, reflecting on the role the pandemic played in his early diagnosis.
The treatment plan was aggressive, guided by Dr. Martin Voss, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. With less than 20% of Stage IV kidney cancer patients surviving five years, immediate action was crucial. Gillette underwent immunotherapy, radiation, and brain surgery, entering a 10-week medically induced coma for recovery.
Upon awakening, Gillette was unaware of the elapsed time. “I woke up, tried to get out of bed, and the nurse told me I had been there for two and a half months,” he shared, expressing his utter surprise at the time passed.
Recovery involved intense physical and occupational therapy, after which more radiation therapy was applied. The treatment shrank his tumors significantly. He then continued with immunotherapy for two years, reporting no major side effects.
In April 2024, Gillette faced another surgery to remove the kidney tumor. Contrary to his concerns about extended recovery, he was discharged in three days.
Today, Gillette remains proactive about his health. He follows a daily oral immunotherapy routine, attends regular check-ups with Dr. Voss every six to eight weeks, and undergoes routine MRIs and endoscopies to monitor any developments. “There’s a huge effort to ensure we remain in good control of any new developments,” Voss explained.
His case underscores the importance of advanced treatment methods, as noted by Dr. Alpa Patel of the American Cancer Society, who highlighted the advancements in treatment options available now.
“He has responded to treatments that a decade ago didn’t exist,” Patel noted, emphasizing the improved quality of life due to innovative therapies.
Despite feeling anxious before scans, Gillette maintains a focus on the present, celebrating family milestones, such as the birth of his grandchild and an upcoming family wedding. He continues his involvement with cancer survivors and volunteers actively with the American Cancer Society.
“I’m grateful every day, not for what happened to me, but for the support that got me through,” Gillette expressed. “I’ll continue my treatment if it keeps me around.”