Joe Comiskey's cancer battle

This past week a wonderful man and his family and friends have received absolutely devastating news. Our loved one, Joe has been diagnosed with colon cancer. Beginning in August, Joe began experiencing immense pain and discomfort in his stomach and colon. Chalking it up to the possibility that it was something that would pass, Joe continued his normal day to day routine. For months he kept trying to wait it out, hoping that it would just go away. Gradually the pain became completely unbearable. Joe was unable to eat without severe pain and noticed that he was beginning to drop weight very quickly. Finally, in December, Joe realized the severity of this situation and that it was only getting worse and that is wasn't just going to go away. He rushed to the emergency room and explained his symptoms to them: drastic weight loss, severe abdominal pain, and being unable to defecate. The hospital gave Joe a urine test, nothing more. and told him to go to his doctor, knowing that he didn't have insurance. Joe returned home, still in excruciating pain, and not knowing where to turn. On February 13th, two and a half months after his first hospital visit, he had now lost a total of 130 lbs. He went to a different hospital where he was immediately admitted. After extensive blood work, MRIs, and CAT scans it was discovered that Joe had two large masses in his colon. After a week of hospitalization, Joe underwent surgery in an attempt to remove the masses. During this time, the doctors found that the cancer had spread to his lower bladder. Due to the likelihood of the cancerous cells spreading further, they were unable to remove the masses. Joe has an extremely long journey ahead of him. Currently, the doctors have attached a colostomy bag to Joe'ss abdomen so that his elimination does not irritate his colon and cause further discomfort or complications. The next plan of action is for Joe to begin aggressive radiation treatments as soon as possible. If all goes well with the treatments, God willing, the doctors will then attempt to remove a large portion of Joe's colon, which will save his life. Our wishes are for everything to go as smoothly and painlessly as possible for Joe, and to have him back on the road to living a long healthy life, being able to spend many more years to come with his friends and family. Joe has always been a go-getter and this diagnosis has of course been as devastating as it is debilitating. Joe is an amazing son, brother, uncle, and friend. He truly has a heart of gold and has always done so much to help others around him. As you can imagine, this is one of the most stressful, heartbreaking, and difficult situations for Joe and everyone who loves him. From the bottom of our hearts, we would truly appreciate any contribution. Every bit counts, and will help alleviate some financial stress in this already painfully unfortunate situation. Please join us in helping Joe through this journey. The gratitude that we have for you and your contribution to this cause cannot be measured with words, and will never be forgotten. This kind, helpful, and compassionate gesture will be deeply and sincerely appreciated by Joe (and his friends and family) for the rest of his life. If you are unable to donate at this time, please keep Joe in your thoughts and prayers to help him get through this. Thank you.