Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt Recall ‘Panic’ When Doctors Said He Might Be Paralyzed After Brain Tumor Surgery

Joe Amabile, known for his appearance on “The Bachelor,” has recently opened up about his experience following brain surgery to remove a cancerous tumour. This complex operation was necessary to address his low-grade astrocytoma, which had raised significant concerns, including the potential for temporary paralysis.

In a candid conversation during the September 17 episode of their podcast “Not Married to This,” Amabile, 40, and his fiancée, Serena Pitt, 28, shared insights about the emotional rollercoaster associated with the procedure. Amabile reflected on the moments leading up to the surgery, revealing that he felt a sense of calm before anxiety overtook him while waiting in the pre-operative area. “I was feeling super vulnerable and I was scared,” he admitted.

Pitt confirmed this sentiment, noting that it was particularly distressing to witness Amabile in a state of panic. “It was a moment that hit me… You were really scared, fairly so. I was really scared too,” she said. The couple faced the arduous task of saying goodbye before the operation, a moment that weighed heavily on both of them. Thankfully, the medical team provided reassurance, instilling confidence in their ability to successfully remove most of the tumour.

One of Amabile’s primary concerns was the risk of paralysis, since the tumour was located on the left side of his brain, affecting his right motor skills. He recalled the medical team warning him about the possibility of waking up with temporary paralysis, but they assured him that any such symptoms would likely resolve within two weeks.

After the operation, Amabile expressed relief at being awake and aware. “I remember just being really happy that I was awake,” he said. He immediately checked to ensure he could move his arms and legs, a moment of genuine gratitude for his functional abilities. Pitt described her anxiety during the waiting period, highlighting the emotional difficulty of being unable to see him immediately after surgery, despite getting positive updates from the medical staff.

The surgery was deemed a success, but Amabile experienced challenges with his verbal communication during his recovery. Pitt explained how he could understand questions and formulate responses in his mind, yet struggled to articulate them verbally. This disconnect led her to worry. “There was a moment where I was like, ‘What did you do to my husband?’ I was freaking out,” she recalled. It took about a week before she felt a return to his normal self.

Navigating these speech challenges has proved frustrating for Amabile, who has been advised by his neurosurgeon to be patient and allow time for recovery. As he progresses through the rehabilitation process, he is encouraged that improvement is on the horizon. Now, eight weeks post-surgery, Amabile is reportedly doing well, and will be continuing a course of medication to address any remaining cancerous cells.

With a remarkable spirit of determination and resilience, Amabile has set his sights on running the New York City Marathon, scheduled for November 2. Both he and Pitt are looking ahead with a sense of hope and motivation for the future, sharing their journey to raise awareness about the emotional and physical challenges related to brain surgery and recovery.

As they continue to navigate this new chapter of their lives, the couple remains committed to supporting one another and advocating for health awareness through their platform. Their experience serves as a reminder of the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.