Living with Metastatic Bladder Cancer: Joey's Journey
Joey sold his business and felt like he was living the American dream when his life was turned upside down in 2019. He was diagnosed with metastatic bladder cancer.
“I remember I was trying to call my wife to talk to her,” recalls Joey. “And then I couldn't speak.”
In the United States, the average age for a bladder cancer diagnosis is 73. Joey was 45 years old at the time of his diagnosis. Adding to his shock, he went into immediate bladder removal surgery. After additional treatments, his oncologist recommended that he check himself out of the hospital because he likely had only weeks left to live.
"I thought, ‘No, doctor, that's not true,’” says Joey. “I'm going to beat this thing."
Joey’s determination seemed to pay off when just two weeks later his oncologist called him back and said a new targeted therapy was available. He started it immediately.
“I'm still considered stage 4 metastatic bladder cancer,” says Joey. “But in general, I feel pretty good today.”
Joey says when he’s asked about bladder cancer, he tries to talk about how the many treatment options and ongoing research helps create what he thinks is much needed – more hope.
Watch the video above to view Joey’s full story.
Originally published by Gilead Sciences
About Gilead
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world. Gilead has operations in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California. Gilead Website
