Joey Feek of Joey + Rory Decides to Cease Cancer Treatment
“Sometimes there just aren’t enough surgeries or doctors or chemotherapies or prayers. And you have to wipe the tears from your cheeks and say the words that you were hoping to never have to say”¦
Enough.”
This was the heartbreaking, devastating news that fans and followers of the traditional country and bluegrass duo Joey + Rory, and people beyond the music community who had been following their tragic story woke up to on Friday morning (10-23). Joey Feek—the wife of Rory Lee Feek, and mother of one-year-old Indiana Feek, is ending her battle with stage IV colorectal cancer. After surgery in July and five weeks of radiation treatment, the Cancer has returned, and been deemed terminal.
“’I’m sorry to have to tell you this”¦’ That’s how the conversation began,” Rory said in a blog post Friday morning. “Then the doctor explained that the scans revealed that two quarter-sized tumors have already grown back in the same area that they had been blasting daily with chemo and radiation. And that many more smaller tumors were visible all throughout the abdominal region. She said that the cancer was aggressively spreading in spite of all they’ve been doing.”
“So we did what you do when the medicine isn’t working, and the doctors are at a loss”¦and when the ‘statistics” say you can do more chemo, but it will only buy you a little time”¦We came home.
Not to die. But to live.”
Joey Feek was first diagnosed with cervical Cancer shortly after the birth of the couple’s daughter Indiana in June of 2014. Indiana was born with Down Syndrome. But Joey and Rory’s faith never wavered, despite their story unfolding like a tragedy whose every next turn became more unbelievable and tragic than the one before.
“To say my wife is broken-hearted is an understatement,” Rory continued. “And to tell you that we’re not scared would be a lie. This is the kind of thing that happens to somebody else, not us. But then I have to remember”¦ we are somebody else to somebody else.”
Joey + Rory released seven studio albums, and in 2010 won Top New Vocal Duo of the Year at the ACM Awards. They were also nominated for Top Vocal Duo three times by the ACM’s, and twice by the CMA’s. A favorite among traditional country fans and country fans of faith, their music and story has inspired many, and continues to despite Friday’s news.
“It’s hard for me to feel slighted, when I know that the career that Joey and I have had this amazing last 7 years or so has only been, because God reached out His powerful hand and chose us,” Rory says. “He lifted us up from our little farm. and let us see and do things beyond our wildest dreams. And you can’t be in awe of an amazing road that God leads you down, and then be any less in awe of a corner that He has you turn.
“We ask for your prayers too. For a miracle. And even more so, for peace with His decision.
That is enough.”
October 23, 2015 @ 8:58 am
Sick, devastated, sad, a little angry, but still inspired by the strength these two have shown in a situation that has been unimaginable, and truly couldn’t happen to two better people.
October 23, 2015 @ 11:23 am
Completely agree! ; __ ;
October 23, 2015 @ 12:22 pm
All I can say is-I can totally relate, my beloved DH of many decades just said the same thing, after one punishing round of treatment. Prayers for them added to the list.
October 25, 2015 @ 9:30 am
Heartbreaking. I hope we can all learn something from their dignity.
October 26, 2015 @ 1:21 pm
Please don’t give up next month will be two year’s I’ve fighting Colon Cancer that Is on my liver and lungs I will be praying for you and your family I know they are dark days but god will get us Thur this god bless you and your family
October 23, 2015 @ 9:09 am
That is a damn shame and heartbreaking. My heart goes out to them.
October 23, 2015 @ 9:12 am
wow. prayers for them. This is a sad day for th music industry as a whole. What that duo represented is an inspiration for all.
October 23, 2015 @ 9:21 am
Sad, shocked and angry. Everybody knows somebody who has been affected by cancer and when you hear stories like this it takes you back in time. My thoughts and prayers to the Feek family. Thank you for showing and sharing you strength in your faith.
October 23, 2015 @ 9:27 am
So sad to hear this. They seem like such genuine people.
Cancer sucks, end of discussion. I fully expect them to carry on as they have for as long as they can with the dignity and class they have shown throughout their careers and this sickness. Folks, if you want to help them in this time of need, I suggest you buy their music and purchase it directly from them. That’s not a shill to sell their records. That’s the truth. There will be funds needed by this family as they continue forward.
October 23, 2015 @ 9:43 am
I was thinking of her when I named my Ekans Joey in Pokemon Reborn, the other day. It’s a shiny one too.
I realize I’m probably in the minority on this blog that plays Pokemon but it’s my own little way of tribute I guess, gonna grind her into a strong Pokemon.
I wish them well too.
October 23, 2015 @ 11:14 am
Makes you feel any better I play it sometimes myself and one of the few music fans that is a gamer.
To put my two cents in: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…Fuck cancer to the 9th level of Hell.
October 29, 2015 @ 1:03 pm
I am a pretty avid pokemon player myself (over 700 hours usually per cartridge)(I still have the first one I ever got, it was torchic way back in 2004/5)
I think that’s a pretty touching tribute.
November 3, 2015 @ 10:37 pm
I think Torchic was also the first Pokemon I’ve gotten, my first game was Sapphire if my memory is correct.
And thanks.
(Do you have a Facebook or Twitter where I can message you? I would like to exchange FC’s and stuff for the game but I don’t want to get into off topic territory on this thread)
October 23, 2015 @ 10:06 am
It’s a shame, sadden, and heartbroken I am praying for them.
October 23, 2015 @ 10:15 am
How incredibly sad and heartbreaking.
October 23, 2015 @ 10:24 am
So sorry to hear this. Prayers…
October 23, 2015 @ 11:18 am
Always thought they were a class act, now I know it.
October 23, 2015 @ 11:22 am
; __ ;
January 22, 2016 @ 12:32 pm
Still never give up ,its not over till its over never give in and never give up no matter what the enemy puts on you,God Can do any thing,absulutly any thing trust beleave,the devil is fighting you because you are such a threat to him to many people are turning to God through you and husband,I see so much love in the two of you ,God wants you to live and I still beleave he already healed you.trust in the lord he is God .its me again shirley,pray for me ,I have no frends,my family don,t love me .my mom loved me so much she died,but praise God he loves me and has done many miracles the in my life,I know he wants me to be a speaker,useing my own life as a witness to others ,he has kept me alive after 9 car sccidents nothing ever broke ,I am a liveing miracle ,that God alone protected me,he has great plans for me,I always thought I was nothing because of my own family putting me down till this day,the bible said I,m special,God said I,m special I beleave he has had his hands on me for a long time he had to mold and make me for his will,and stop being hurt by my own family,they are deceived by saten ,and self centered,they have not the love of God in their hearts,I pray for them always that they will stop lieing to their self others,and GodThey call,the lie the truth,and the truth a lie,they read the bible but can,t understand it ,because their minds and hearts are blinded by saten.praise god I moved away from Meggett S.C. for I will never alow them to put their lies in my head again,I beleave God only .God said we can judge by ones fruits. If they were beleavers they would hear me for I have the spirit of truth. Joey you are fine,you are like me you need nourishment try eating slowly you have people to help you,and cook for you, I don,t I,m ti weak to cook ,I,m telling you the truth,your healed,just start eating God hath sent me to tell you this,now I,m going to get up and fix me something Dear God give me and Joey Feek strength in jesus name love and prayers Shirley Dewitt you know so much more when you are sick.don,t you think? Shirley
October 23, 2015 @ 11:27 am
Well, I guess I’ll go listen to Tonight Cowboy You’re Mine and cry a little. What heartbreaking news. They’re the only country duo who should be allowed to use a “+” in their name.
October 23, 2015 @ 11:34 am
Prayers for the Feek family; no doubt they could use them.
October 23, 2015 @ 11:35 am
Dang… 🙁
October 23, 2015 @ 12:02 pm
This is so heartbreaking. I never used to listen to their music, but I came across Rory’s blog on Facebook quite a while ago. I was struck by their story, and Rory’s way with words, and have been following his blog. I have a son about Indy’s age, and my heart completely breaks for Joey and what she must be going through.
October 23, 2015 @ 12:51 pm
Prayers are continuing for all of you! Unfortunately, we got the same news with my Husband’s brain cancer last April. Although I am happy for him b/c he is with Our Lord and at peace, my heart is still so empty. Cancer is a horrible disease and we desperately need a cure…for all types of cancer! Please know that you are in so many people’s hearts and prayers and we have to remember it is God’s plan, not our’s and God’s timing not ours.
In Christian love and wishing you many Blessings in the days and months ahead!!
December 3, 2015 @ 4:04 am
I have been reading up on tons of resources recently more and more cancer patients are coming forward and giving their testimony on taking cannibas oil about a gram daily. So many studies are showing cannibas oil curing all sorts of cancer!! Leukemia, liver, colon, brain,etc.. And yet so many people still remain skeptical but it has been curing stage 4 cancer as well. I lost many family and friends to cancer and had thyroid cancer myself and when u get something as scary as cancer It stops you and makes u think omg and I can’t die? I just delivered my twins two weeks before cancer surgery plus I got 3 other boys and I can’t leave my kids motherless!!??? I am just so thankful it was thyroid but unfortunately Dr. Waited too long to do proper test and better medical attention. Should been carried out by doctors.and 8 out of 10 lymph nodes removed had cancer in it. So every time I get a new symptom or sickness it’s like a high red flag alert going off for me to get more test?? I hate living in fear of cancer .. I love GOD and give all my thanks to him for the blessings in my life and some day when I take my last breath and release it my soul will go right back to GOD our father and creator. But until that point where I sY enough I need to keep fighting to live for my kids as well as myself!! I am talking to my Dr. Next visit for a medical marijuana card so at least I will be properly legal in Michigan.. But I am just in So much shock how so many people are discovering that cannibas oil has been putting cancer back in remission killing bad cells while saving the good!! Think about how amazing that is?? The government needs to step out of way of progress and let the scientist study cures using it! All sorts of ages people are trying it and some people are keeping their identity hidden due to their state won’t pass to legal cannibas yet and so they had to ask theirself a question?? Should I break the law by taking oil so I can live or should I not even bother to try since illegal and die?? Lot of people are saying Heck on the law!!! But I feel if u have cancer or a lived one has it help fight to live. Try using the oil and within few months u will be amazed on paper what test are showing!! At this point u got nothing to loose. So read up on it and study join cannibas groups online for moral support and questions along with stories of true positive outcomes.. If u get a doctor That won’t budge helping u get legal then go get a Dr. That will!! I just wish I could turn clocks back few years and New as much as I do now cause I would been administering this oil to my loved ones that passed and friends!!
October 23, 2015 @ 3:35 pm
Words can’t describe how sad I am after reading this. I’ve never really listened to their music much, but I’ve always really enjoyed hearing about them and always thought they were a very bright spot in the country music world. My heartfelt prayers go out to them.
October 23, 2015 @ 4:03 pm
A lot of times, I don’t know how many in my life, I ask “why would a merciful God allow such a sweet and kind person suffer and pay the ultimate price?”…this is one of those times. Prayers going out for this family.
October 23, 2015 @ 4:18 pm
Heartbreaking. Sending love and prayers to Joey, Rory and Indiana.
October 23, 2015 @ 4:41 pm
Prayers for them all, may God bless them now and always. Keep the faith and keep your chin up, God will bring you though it.
October 23, 2015 @ 4:50 pm
Prayers for both of them, and their little girl. Cancer sucks.
October 23, 2015 @ 5:01 pm
Great family, great artists , praying for some miracles.
October 23, 2015 @ 5:34 pm
Truly depressing. Let us hope that a last-minute miracle remission comes to Joey.
October 23, 2015 @ 7:40 pm
Joey, I well understand decision to give up chemo, rad treatment, etc., but please do not overlook the powerful natural cancer treatments available. In many, many cases, these alternative treatments, which usually involve diet, herbs, and a strong faith in the creator, are well documented and beyond doubt have been life-saving for many who have not benefitted from conventional cancer treatment. Just search the web, “alternative cancer treatments”, etc., and a wealth of info is available. Please don’t overlook this, Ken G. Charleston, SC
October 23, 2015 @ 10:17 pm
Very sad to hear this. They both come across as very good people.
October 24, 2015 @ 6:45 am
Heartbreaking news. Prayers.
October 24, 2015 @ 7:07 am
Have you heard of Indian Mud or Compound X ?
October 24, 2015 @ 1:08 pm
Prayers for them. I can’t imagine anyone saying anything bad about them. A bright picture of what love is. May their final days be enjoyed together, however long that may be.
October 24, 2015 @ 1:21 pm
Get this message to Rory asap… You need to find cannabis oil… it is your best chance of reversing your disease. Get high THC cannabis oil and ingest 1gram/day for 60 days. Google Rick Simpson and RSO.
October 29, 2015 @ 12:47 pm
I hope they see your message. If I was in that situation, I would be juicing like crazy and dosing cannabis oil.
December 3, 2015 @ 4:12 am
Omg. Yes yes yes. I just replied talking about the oil and gram a day and how it has been curing so many types cancer…. I been doing So much research on that study trying keep an open mind frame and with me having cancer in past gave me scare of my life but I thank GOD I’m still here but I’m also going to keep researching this and get my card to be legal. But I been spreading the word about this success stories around the world practically???!! So for all those skeptical people it’s worth giving it a try . your life is worth the fight . if u don’t want your loved ones to give up their fight then help them get the stuff they need whether legal or not in your area. I myself want to live!!!! I been thinking of Joey and cannibas for awhile now and I wish so badly someone that has connections with them is knowlegable enough to get them to try before too late!!!
October 24, 2015 @ 2:35 pm
OMG! this is upsetting! I didn’t even know she HAD cancer until now! will be praying for her!
October 24, 2015 @ 6:44 pm
Damn this is sad new. What a talented individual the world is in-danger of losing. Listening to their song “When I’m Gone” makes this situation and that song that much more haunting. Live each and every day this world provides to its absolute fullest.
October 24, 2015 @ 8:41 pm
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancers-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative/therapies/laetrile
October 25, 2015 @ 4:16 pm
My heart goes out to the Feek family. One who has been touched by cancer, I lost my first husband to cancer, but I know God loves us and is there for us, your faith is amazing. Our prayers are with you. We love you both.
October 26, 2015 @ 6:48 am
I can’t think of anything to say that doesn’t sound trite. Such nice people …. Cancer is a real bastard!
October 27, 2015 @ 2:42 pm
Joey and rory everyone is pulling for y’all . Every time I read this situation I feel tears rushing from my â¤. I get a knot in my stromach. I want y’all to promise me one thing. Hold onto Gods unchanging ✋. Remember to keep looking up cause HE is looking down . we all Love y’all here.
DR JESUS I’S THE ALMIGHTY GREAT PHYSICIAN.
FRIENDS IN CHRIST
GWENNIE LINTON MEESE
LATONIA KY
October 27, 2015 @ 5:22 pm
I am praying for this sweet lady. I don’t know you but I know we are sisters in Christ.I pray for a healing in your body in JESUS NAME!!! I pray for your Sweet little Family also.Keep the Faith.
October 27, 2015 @ 6:01 pm
Prayers for joey and rory what awesome people
October 27, 2015 @ 9:12 pm
Thinking and praying for you folks and having been through some of this with family there are decisions that have to be made. I am wondering if you have used or would consider using marijounia (spelling is wrong?) We are starting too learn of the positive benefits. Would love for it to be the ans.
October 28, 2015 @ 6:11 am
Prayers are being sent to Joey and Rory and may God bless you in ever aspect in your life and beyond and its truely a sad and tearful time that you are going through
November 1, 2015 @ 1:27 pm
Joey, Rory, and Indiana,
My thought and prayers are with you. God is a good doctor and only He knows what the future holds for us. I worked with Special need teens as a paraprofessional for 19 years. These were some of the best times of my life. Lots of love, hugs, kisses, and smiles every day. I have learned more in the 19 years than I taught. They taught me more than I did them. Their smiles can lift you up when you are having a bad day. I am sure you get plenty of suggestions……..but maybe you could read about Apricot Power. The power of apricot seeds and Vitamin B17 for cancer treatment. I will continually pray for you and your family. May God Bless You!
Deborah
November 2, 2015 @ 3:39 am
I received word this morning, 11/2, from a friend who is their neighbor, that they are asking for all who will, to pray for them “at the same time” this coming Thursday, 11/5, at 8:00 (EST, I s’pose~ but if you grab your own 8:00, that might just make it 24 hours of prayer).
For healing, of course, but also for peace, comfort, strength, and that glory be God’s no matter the outcome.
g
November 3, 2015 @ 4:59 pm
I know when things are tense and stressful no one wants to be pushed to look into another “remedy.” I saw another post on here about juicing and felt like I wanted to add to that. Several people have shared their success stories about having cancer(some stage 4) and have been able to beat their cancer. You have a lot of to live for and it couldn’t hurt to look at some of these stories and how they did it. It’s a pretty simple approach. All you need is a good masticating juicer and fresh vegies and fruit everyday. There are excellent recipes on the net that don’t taste nasty. I just want to say up front that these examples I’m referring to are just regular people and their success stories. These are a few I have read about: Tracee Sloan has a site that includes all of her favorite recipes that helped her beat lupus and cancer since she couldn’t afford health insurance at the time (www.juicerecipes.com) Tracee posted a vid on YouTube of a woman who shared her story with Tracee via a radio interview about beating stage 4 cancer doing juicing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsaAOS1qPLA. Also, You may know of Joe Cross (The Juice Guy) from Australia who has traveled many countries sharing his story about how he beat an autoimmune disease with juicing. He even put out a video about his journey “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.” There are many others that have shared their stories as well if you start investigating. All I’m getting at here is that if it’s possible to get on the road to healing through a natural means when other things have failed, it could be worth looking into. I’m really hoping for success for you.
November 12, 2015 @ 8:15 am
I am a firm believer in Natural remedies. I’ve told this before that my niece worked on cancer research, but left when she found out that the money taken in was going to the workers, and not the research, and she worked for a well known hospital. I cannot believe that people would hide a cure that is killing so many, and also how can they possibly sleep. I would love to say it should happen to them, but I couldn’t do that. I pray to St Jude & St Anthony as well as God for a miracle for Joey, as well as 2 other relatives that are in just as bad shape as Joey. I keep lighting Vigil lights and asking for prayers for the 3 of you. I know you will all make it. God Bless All.
November 15, 2015 @ 8:58 pm
I understand everything you are going thru and feeling. I lost my husband of 32 years my best friend as well and hospice with him last few weeks I had with him just love and hold on and always remember you will see each other again someday where there is no more pain no more tears and I understand when you say disappointed that you couldn’t share more time together but when you are really in love there is no amount of time that is enough so we carry on until we are together again praise God and live forever !
December 27, 2015 @ 7:16 pm
I hope they are trying some alternative treatments…sometimes they seem to work much better than the medical system’s toxic treatments that destroy