health

A strange symptom during his daily commute led to a man's Stage IV cancer diagnosis

Joe Gillette's morning commute hadn't changed in years — until the three-lane highway became four lanes one day. He realized he was seeing double out of one eye. He thought it might be a side effect from a recent bout of COVID-19 and immediately booked an appointment with his doctor.

A strange symptom during his daily commute led to a man's Stage IV cancer diagnosis

TL;DR

  • Joe Gillette experienced double vision during his commute, which led to the discovery of Stage IV kidney cancer.
  • The cancer had metastasized to his brain, lungs, bones, lymph nodes, and pancreas.
  • Gillette underwent aggressive treatment including immunotherapy, radiation, and brain surgery, which involved a 10-week medically induced coma.
  • His tumors responded to treatment, and he has been in remission with ongoing monitoring.
  • He now lives with gratitude, focusing on family and continuing his volunteer work with the American Cancer Society.