On Wednesday August 31 Josh Hess went to the local hospital for pain and swelling around his knees. After blood test and CT scans it was discovered that he had a tumor on his hip as well. They sent him home only to call him back once they had results from his urine analysis that suggested there was a problem with his kidney function. They admitted him that night and after more tests the doctors informed him that he has large B-cell lymphoma. He was moved to Shadyside Hospital to be seen at Hillman Cancer Center where they will perform a bone marrow biopsy of his hip to confirm and stage the cancer. Where he will most likely stay through his first round of chemotherapy. After his bone biopsy they will need to do surgery to insert a metal plate on to his left femur as the lesions have badly weakened both legs, but the left is worse.
Hess had gone from working 12-hour days doing hard labor to bed ridden in a hospital in the blink of an eye. He had worked so hard the past few years to get into the best shape of his life unknowingly preparing for the biggest fight of his life. The road ahead of him is painful and scary and he won’t be able to do it alone. If you can help in donating it would be greatly appreciated.