Reality television personality Joe Amabile has shared an encouraging update following successful brain surgery to remove a tumor. Amabile, 40, posted images from his hospital room on Thursday, expressing optimism about his recovery with the caption, “They got it all!” The update comes after he underwent a craniotomy to excise a small, blueberry-sized tumor discovered earlier in the summer during a comprehensive medical scan.
Brain Surgery and Recovery
One of the shared photographs depicted Amabile resting in his hospital bed, his head bandaged, offering a cheerful smile. Another image showed him seated and giving a peace sign, with a box of cupcakes visible, adding a touch of levity to the situation. A poignant photo also captured his wife, Serena Pitt, 28, holding his hand, underscoring their shared experience and support.
Pitt, who also appeared on Bachelor in Paradise, echoed the positive sentiment on her Instagram Stories, stating, “The best update: they were able to remove the entire tumor.” She added, “Joe is recovering really well. We’re feeling so grateful.”
Discovery of the Tumor
Amabile had initially disclosed the discovery of the brain lesion in early July. He explained that a full-body scan revealed an anomaly, prompting further investigation with a brain MRI. This scan identified a “blueberry size lesion” in his brain, which medical professionals suspected to be a glioma, a type of brain tumor.
At the time, Amabile shared his surprise and the subsequent plan for surgery. “I now need to get brain surgery to get it removed and get it tested, and then we’re gonna go from there. So it’s been a wild couple weeks. Definitely wasn’t expecting this,” he recounted. He acknowledged the common sentiment of believing such events happen to others, stating, “I think it’s one of those things where you’re like, ‘Oh, something like this [will] never happen to me,’ and here I am.”
He expressed hope for a complete removal and a smooth recovery, noting that the tumor was believed to be in its early stages. “I hope they are able to get it all, and I’m fine. But I will keep you updated,” he had promised.
Navigating the Diagnosis
Amabile, who co-hosts the podcast “Not Married To This,” spoke about his approach to sharing the news publicly. He revealed that he had debated how much to share on social media but ultimately decided to be open about this significant part of his life. “I’ve gone back and forth about what I wanted to share on social media but ultimately this is now part of my life, so might as well. Onto a new journey,” he stated, emphasizing his effort to maintain a positive outlook with the support of loved ones.
Wife’s Support and Preparation
Serena Pitt played an active role in preparing for Amabile’s surgery and recovery. She reached out to her followers on Instagram, seeking advice and tips from those who had experienced or cared for someone undergoing brain surgery. “If you’ve been through brain surgery yourself or cared for someone who has, I’d be so grateful for any recommendations, must-have recovery items, or things that made the recovery process a little easier,” she requested.
Pitt detailed some of her preparations, which included purchasing specialized shampoo and conditioner suitable for use around the surgical site, pain relief medication such as Tylenol, comfortable pajamas, and a supportive pillow for his hospital stay. Her proactive approach highlighted her dedication to ensuring Amabile’s comfort and a smoother recovery period.
Joe Amabile’s Reality TV Journey
Joe Amabile first gained national attention as a contestant on The Bachelorette in 2018, before being eliminated. He subsequently joined the cast of Bachelor in Paradise for its fifth season in the same year. His journey on the show continued when he returned for the seventh season in 2021, where he met and fell in love with Serena Pitt.
The couple’s relationship progressed quickly, leading to their engagement during the season seven finale. They exchanged vows in a private civil ceremony at a New York courthouse in October 2022. This was followed by a more elaborate wedding celebration in Charleston, South Carolina, in September 2023, which was attended by family and friends.
Describing their choice of venue, Pitt told People magazine that they sought a vibrant city accessible to their guests and a venue they loved. “Charleston is so beautiful and the minute we visited the city and The Cedar Room we could instantly envision our wedding there,” she explained. Despite having no prior connections to the city, they were eager to create cherished memories there, aiming for a weekend that felt like a grand celebration for everyone.
Their wedding was officiated by fellow Bachelor Nation star Wells Adams. Pitt wore a gown by Robert Bullock and walked down the aisle to Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love.” The reception featured Southern-inspired cuisine, mini espresso martinis, and a dessert bar. The couple shared their first dance to “Take My Heart” by The Teskey Brothers, and Pitt changed into a second dress by Eisen Stein for the evening festivities.
