04/13/2026
After receiving a rare male breast cancer diagnosis, Joe underwent a mastectomy and 12 weeks of chemotherapy. When he finished treatment and had several clear scans, he thought his fight with cancer was over. Two years later, a dermatologist noticed an unusual spot that turned out to be stage 1 melanoma.
These diagnoses were the first of many steps in Joe’s fight against cancer, a battle that continues today.
Joe spent his 70th birthday at an emergency room suffering from intense abdominal pain. A CT scan showed small tumors in the small intestine and spots in his right lung, and Joe was diagnosed with a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer affecting his small bowel. He also was found to have a separate tumor in the right lung.
Joe’s initial treatment plan included chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation on the lung tumor. While still undergoing treatment for these two cancers, Joe’s doctors discovered a fifth, unrelated cancer — this time in his liver.
With the unique nature of Joe’s treatment needs, Dr. Toby Campbell submitted the case for a large specialist team review by UW Health oncology care experts who tailored his treatment plan.
Joe is thankful that his team’s aggressive and individualized treatment plan is allowing him get back to his favorite hobbies. Working as an art teacher in Wisconsin Rapids for over three decades, Joe has a deep passion for art. He now has his own art studio in Baraboo, which he shares with his wife, Nancy.
For his latest project, Joe’s teaming up with the Empty Bowls organization in Baraboo to create ceramic bowls, with the profits donated to local food pantries. Despite his diagnoses, Joe is busier than ever in the studio.
