Published Jun 15, 2025

Chiseled Michigan Weightlifter With Unusual Abdominal Pain Learns He Has a Rare Cancer

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Managing Your Mental Health and Reality of a Different Body After Treatment

A Michigan man who regularly exercises and eats right was diagnosed with a rare cancer after experiencing abdominal pain and fatigue.
A desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) grows in the abdomen and pelvic area of the body, according to the National Cancer Institute. This type of tumor does not always cause the patient symptoms, and the symptoms associated with desmoplastic small round cell tumors can easily be mistaken for something else, such as general pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and swelling in the abdomen.
SurvivorNet experts recommend regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management for cancer survivors to lead healthy lives. They may also recommend regular checks for recurrence.
One benefit of maintaining optimal health for those with cancer is they are more likely to endure treatment better and experience fewer side effects, MD Anderson’s Dr. Sairah Ahmed told SurvivorNet.
Psychiatrist Dr. Samantha Boardman suggests that people who are working on their mental health practice positive psychology. Positive psychology focuses on encouraging patients to feel positive and finding what brings a sense of vitality to their lives.

A dedicated Michigan weightlifter known for his disciplined approach to exercise and nutrition, he never imagined that mild abdominal pain and fatigue would spiral into a life-threatening cancer diagnosis—reminding him that cancer does not discriminate, no matter how well you take care of your body.

“I never would have expected that it would happen to me, but I’ve obviously learned that cancer doesn’t discriminate,” Joe Fornasiero said in a YouTube video post.

Photo: Screenshot from YouTube/ThePatientStory

Fornasiero has dedicated the last 20 years of his life to molding his body inside and out to perfection. Then, what felt like a brick wall hit him when he started feeling abdominal pain and fatigue. A fortunate turn of fate helped Fornasiero address his abdominal pains when he underwent surgery for a hernia stemming from a weightlifting mishap. That is when doctors discovered a tumor. Although, at the time, the tumor was deemed benign, Fornasiero’s pains continued, prompting a follow-up visit with a more intensive examination. A CT scan discovered multiple tumors across his abdomen and pelvis.

“I [had] walked into the building, the healthiest person I knew. I’ve eaten healthy for years. I’ve exercised for over two decades. And yet here I am, walking out with a potential cancer diagnosis,” Fornasiero said.

Fornasiero was diagnosed with a desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT)—a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily develops in the abdomen and pelvic region, according to the National Cancer Institute. Often elusive, this tumor doesn’t always trigger symptoms, making early detection difficult. When symptoms do arise, they can easily be mistaken for common digestive issues like general pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal swelling.

Determined to fight, the proud weightlifter underwent an extensive and grueling surgery to remove affected lymph nodes, a portion of his diaphragm, and his spleen. Following the procedure, he faced intensive chemotherapy—a battle he believes was made slightly more manageable due to his dedication to exercise and proper nutrition.

Treatment for desmoplastic small round cell tumors typically involves surgical removal, followed by chemotherapy and radiation to target lingering cancer cells. Despite initially reaching remission, Fornasiero’s cancer returned, prompting him to continue treatment.

Fornasiero believes managing his mental health has helped him navigate this grueling and unexpected cancer journey in recent years.

“The key is to make sure you are doing everything, both mentally and physically, to give yourself the opportunity to achieve the highest chance of success,” he said.

Coping With a New Body Post-Treatment

Beyond the physical toll, cancer reshapes one’s self-image. Fornasiero, someone deeply attuned to his physique and overall fitness, likely faced profound changes that weren’t easy to accept.

To help navigate these shifts, psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin suggests embracing the transformation: “Although they may represent fear and pain, they also represent strength and courage,” she explains.

Research indicates that people often fixate on their body’s imperfections, leading to lower self-esteem. To counteract this, Dr. Strongin encourages deliberate self-appreciation:
“Spend time gazing at the parts of your body you love, honor them, and thank them,” she advises.

WATCH: Embracing your new body after treatment.

Her approach involves gradually accepting the body’s new form, fostering emotional and physical healing.

“It may not happen immediately, but with time, you can begin honoring and thanking your new body,” she adds.

Dr. Scott Irwin, a psychiatrist and Director of Supportive Care Services at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, explained to SurvivorNet that caring for patients psychologically can lead to better physical outcomes, too, in part because conditions such as depression and stress can make it harder to tolerate treatments.

“Actually, there is data [that show] that if you have extra stress or depression that you may not recover or you have a higher risk or recurrence,” Dr. Irwin said. “So in treating the depression, we’re actually impacting the cancer care outcomes.”

WATCH: Traditional Medicine Plus Diet, Acupuncture, and “Happy Pills”: How One Survivor Got Through Treatment

Stage 4 melanoma (a type of skin cancer) survivor Steve Silverstein previously told SurvivorNet that he was able to cope with battling cancer through a combination of diet and exercise changes, acupuncture, meditation, relaxation, and consistent visits to a psychologist, who helped him find the proper prescription medication to address his mental health. Other survivors shared with SurvivorNet that they were able to cope with the psychological trauma of cancer through support communities, deliberate mindfulness, and activities that bring them peace of mind, from blogging to dancing to painting to air guitar.

Managing Your Mental Health Along Your Cancer Journey

Fornasiero credits mental strength as a cornerstone of his journey. Psychiatrist Dr. Samantha Boardman recommends practicing positive psychology, which helps patients focus on what brings vitality into their lives.

WATCH: Managing your mental health amid a health challenge.

She identifies three essential pillars of resilience:

Connection – Engaging in meaningful interactions and building strong relationships.
Contribution – Finding purpose in helping others in ways that feel impactful.
Feeling Challenged – Expanding the mind through learning and exploration.

“Those are the cores of vitality and the pathways to enhance everyday resilience,” Dr. Boardman said.

WATCH: Helping patients live a healthier lifestyle.

Living a Healthy Lifestyle Can Help Patients As They Endure Treatment

Regardless of a cancer diagnosis, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact overall well-being.

Dr. Ken Miller, Director of Outpatient Oncology at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, offers these recommendations for cancer survivors:

Engage in at least two hours of exercise per week—even a simple walk counts!
Maintain a low-fat diet to support cellular health.
Eat a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables—the American Cancer Society suggests two to three cups daily.
Keep a healthy weight, as obesity has been linked to an increased risk of several cancers.

Dr. Sairah Ahmed, an associate professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, reinforces the importance of physical activity during treatment:
“The more physically fit you are going through your cancer treatment, the fewer side effects you’ll have, and the faster you’ll get back to your normal quality of life,” she explains.

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Kavontae Smalls is a writer and reporter for SurvivorNet. Read More