Joe Amabile posted a video to Instagram on Wednesday confirming he is a week post‑craniotomy after doctors removed a low grade astrocytoma from his brain. The 40‑year‑old reality‑tv personality said his recovery is "really great for the most part" and described the medication he will take for the rest of his life to keep any remaining tumour cells dormant.
Treatment plan
Amabile explained that after the surgery he was able to stop taking OxyContin and other strong painkillers, relying only on occasional Tylenol. He will now swallow a daily pill that, according to his doctors, puts any residual tumour cells to sleep. Regular magnetic resonance imaging scans will monitor the site for any changes.
Family support and medical care
His wife, Serena Pitt, shared a carousel of photos from the hospital, thanking the staff at NYU Langone Health for their "patience, care, compassion and kindness". She noted that Amabile is now home and continuing his recovery.
The Canadian Cancer Society defines an astrocytoma as a tumour that begins in astrocyte cells of the brain. The Mayo Clinic adds that symptoms vary with tumour location and can include headaches, seizures, nausea, mood changes or speech difficulties. Early detection, often through imaging such as MRI, improves treatment outcomes, a point Amabile highlighted when he said he was grateful the lesion was caught early.
Amabile first revealed the diagnosis in mid‑July after a full‑body MRI showed a "blueberry‑size" lesion that doctors identified as a glioma, a broader category of brain tumours. He described the subsequent craniotomy as "brain surgery" and has since used his platform to encourage others to advocate for their health and ask questions of medical professionals.
For Canadians, the update underscores the importance of accessible imaging services and specialist care for neurological conditions. While Amabile received treatment in the United States, the principles of early screening and multidisciplinary care apply across the border. The story may prompt discussions about wait times for MRI scans and the availability of specialised neurosurgical expertise in Canada's provinces and territories.
Amabile's prognosis, according to his own update, is favourable. He will continue the daily medication, attend periodic MRIs and maintain a low‑stress lifestyle, hoping the tumour cells remain dormant indefinitely.
Based on reporting by Global News.