A little over a year ago, Jim developed an ulcer on his tongue. We assumed it was a simple canker sore and treated it as such. The ulcer began to grow, became increasingly painful and would not heal. It grew to the point that he was unable to eat and the pain became intolerable. We decided that it was time to see a doctor. At that time, Jim was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (stage 4 cancer). We discussed treatment options and surgery was performed. Half of Jim’s tongue was removed and replaced with an artery and tissue from his forearm. He also had several lymph nodes removed from his neck. He was discharged with a tracheostomy and a feeding tube.

After several weeks post surgery, he began chemotherapy/radiation treatments.

During the second week of radiation treatment, a new tumor began to emerge from his neck. The doctors assured us that during radiation, these types of issues could occur and that the treatment would likely shrink the tumor. However, that was not the case in Jim’s situation. Currently, the tumor has grown significantly on his neck and has been confirmed as a recurrence. The cancer has also spread to new areas in his tongue and chest (lungs).

On Monday, we are going to Fox Chase Cancer Center to discuss treatment plans and on Thursday, he is getting admitted into the hospital to have a Gastrostomy tube (feeding tube) placement. We have been told that this type of cancer cannot be cured but he can potentially go into remission and extend his life.

When I was a child, I remember playing “house” with my friends. We would push our baby dolls in their strollers and we would have pretend husbands. My pretend husband’s name was Jimmy Flite. At 10 years old, I knew that I would love Jim for the rest of my life. We still have plans of growing old together. Please continue to pray for Jim and our family ❤