Joe Amabile is sharing an encouraging update three weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor.
Nicknamed ‘Grocery Store Joe,’ Joe Amabile went on to become a recurring presence in the ‘Bachelor’ franchise after his memorable debut. SOURCE: @JOEAMABILE1/INSTAGRAM
The 40-year-old Bachelor in Paradise alum, affectionately known to Bachelor Nation fans as “Grocery Store Joe,” appeared on Good Morning America on Friday, August 28, where he revealed that his speech has almost completely returned following the procedure.
“I still struggle a little bit,” Amabile admitted. “I could think of what to say, but I would have a hard time vocalizing it.”
Despite the lingering difficulty, Amabile estimated that he’s now “about 90% back.”
Joe Amabile’s tumor affected the part of his brain responsible for speech
Joe Amabile competed on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ in 2018, finishing in fifth place alongside partner Jenna Johnson. SOURCE: MEGA
Amabile underwent surgery on August 6 after doctors discovered a blueberry-sized tumor in his brain.
The tumor was located in his left frontal lobe, an area involved in language expression, and doctors warned Amabile ahead of the procedure that his ability to speak could be affected.
Following surgery, Amabile found that he knew what he wanted to say but sometimes struggles to get the words out.
His doctor, Dr. Alexandra Miller, chief of neuro-oncology at the Perlmutter Cancer Center, told GMA that Amabile has a “good prognosis” and emphasized how fortunate he was that the tumor was discovered early.
Doctors diagnosed Joe Amabile with a low-grade astrocytoma
The Chicago native previously worked in the grocery business before his unexpected reality TV career took off. SOURCE: MEGA
After the tumor was removed and tested, doctors diagnosed Amabile with a low-grade astrocytoma, a type of cancerous brain tumor.
The reality star said doctors told him he likely wouldn’t have known the tumor was there until it eventually caused a seizure.
Amabile initially discovered the lesion after undergoing a full-body Prenuvo scan. An MRI later revealed what appeared to be a glioma, leading doctors to recommend surgery rather than continuing to monitor it.
Joe Amabile will take daily medication
Joe Amabile has continued connecting with Bachelor Nation fans as a co-host of the franchise’s ‘Bachelor Happy Hour’ podcast. SOURCE: MEGA
Although Amabile initially celebrated that surgeons were able to remove the entire visible tumor, his treatment isn’t over.
He previously explained that doctors can’t be certain whether microscopic malignant cells remain following surgery.
As a result, Amabile said he will take a daily pill intended to keep any remaining cancer cells dormant.
“When it comes to malignant brain tumors, they don’t know what’s left over,” he explained in an earlier health update. “So I will be going on treatment, which is just a pill every day for the rest of my life to put the bad cells to sleep.”
Joe Amabile returned to running just 15 days after surgery
Joe Amabile returned to exercise less than three weeks after his brain surgery, sharing milestones from his recovery with followers. SOURCE: @JOEAMABILE1/INSTAGRAM
Despite undergoing a craniotomy earlier this month, Amabile has already made significant progress physically.
One week after surgery, he revealed that he had stopped taking pain medication and was feeling better than he expected.
Just 15 days after the operation, Amabile shared a video of himself completing a three-mile run.
He spent four days in the hospital following the procedure before returning home to continue his recovery.
Serena Pitt has supported Joe Amabile throughout his health battle
Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt met on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ in 2021 and celebrated a second wedding ceremony in Charleston, S.C., in 2023. SOURCE: MEGA
Amabile has had wife Serena Pitt by his side throughout his diagnosis, surgery and recovery.
The couple met while filming Season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise in 2021 and later married.
Speaking alongside her husband on GMA, Pitt acknowledged how difficult the uncertainty surrounding the diagnosis has been but said the experience has made her even more grateful for their relationship.
“Unexpected challenges are going to be thrown your way, and I feel like it has made me feel very grateful for the partner that I chose,” Pitt said.
Amabile, meanwhile, said sharing his experience publicly has become important to the couple because it could help others going through similar health challenges.