update: 2/2/26
This is Jose wife Tatania updating for those who weren’t aware of Jose’s passing Jan. 30th . It was painfully unfortunate how fast his cancer progressed since he last updated this site. Test revealed a second type of cancer. Jose initially suffered from Sarcoma (ups) and then found out of acute leukemia. We didn’t expect to lose him this soon.
So I’m here with a heavy heart sharing this news and posting this go fund me to help with the substantial amount it cost to give him a decent burial that he more than deserves. He dedicated and pride himself to his family, loved ones and work.
I appreciate any help and prayers for my family that we can pull through this together.
**Donations also accepted through Zelle linked through my phone number**
My name is Jose.
Back in September 29th, 2023, I had a sarcoma (a cancerous tumor) removed from my leg. At the time, the doctors didn’t think I needed any further treatment.
Fast forward to May 25th, 2025, I started feeling unwell and went to the ER. A chest X-ray and CT scan revealed a small mass—possibly another sarcoma—in my left lung and another in my adrenal gland. Because of that, as a precaution, they ordered a brain scan, which was done on June 3rd.
On June 23rd, I had a lung biopsy, which confirmed the mass in my lung is a sarcoma. So, the doctors began running more scans.
Then, on July 14th, I had a brain MRI. And on July 18th, I had a full-body PET/CT scan. Unfortunately, that confirmed there are masses in my brain, lung, and adrenal gland. Based on my medical history, the doctors strongly believe they are sarcomas.
Things escalated quickly after that. On July 21st, I lost sensation and strength on the right side of my body. I went to the ER and more tests revealed not only the brain mass but also a brain bleed that eventually developed into a blood clot.
I was discharged the next day, July 22nd, with prescribed medication and a plan. I’m now scheduled for brain surgery on Wednesday, July 30th, to remove both the tumor and the clot.
Due to the additional findings - After surgery, the next steps are radiation and chemotherapy. I’ve also asked to be considered for immunotherapy, but there’s no guarantee I’ll be selected for the trial.
In the meantime, I’ve been exploring other hospitals like Stanford Medical Cancer Center, in Palo Alto, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas and the Williams Cancer Institute in Beverly Hills, but they don’t accept Kaiser insurance, so it would all be out-of-pocket.
Any treatment received outside of Kaiser will need to be paid out-of-pocket.
All of this has been extremely difficult for me to talk about without getting overwhelmed. That’s why I haven’t reached out directly until now.
Please keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
**Health Update**
On July 30th, I underwent brain surgery to remove a sarcoma/tumor and a blood clot from the left side of my brain. I’m grateful to share that the procedure was successful.
I was discharged from the hospital the following day, on July 31st, and am now home focusing on rest and recovery.
My next steps include a follow-up MRI and a consultation with Radiation Oncology, both scheduled for August 14th, to discuss further treatment.
Meet with the Radiation Oncologist. Scheduled for radiation therapy on August 25th, August 26th, and August 27th.
Thank you to everyone who has offered support during this time — it truly means a lot.
**Health Update**
First chemotherapy infusion was on Oct 2, 2025, and the second was Oct 23, 2025 (Doxorubicin), with mixed results. Some tumors shrank and others grew.
I was switched to to immunotherapy infusions (Pembrolizumab)(Keytruda) My first immunotherapy infusion was on Nov 13, 2025, second was on Dec 4, 2025, and third was scheduled on Jan 15, 2025.
Unfortunately, I suffered from a seizure and was admitted to San Leandro Kaiser ER. CT scan showed new brain lesions.
I had to undergo ten sessions of brain radiation treatments, and five sessions of spinal radiation treatments. My Oncologist added a new medication to my treatment (Cabometyx). The medication caused my blood platelets to drop drastically and I was hospitalized again. I was released from the hospital on Monday, Jan 12, 2025, just to be re-admitted due to a fever.
I feel it's time for non traditional treatment. Unfortunately, this is all out of pocket and not covered under insurance.
Once I get discharged from the hospital, I'm planning on this treatment....
Anything you could help with, is greatly appreciated.
Organizer
