Supporting the Beckers after Jim's passing

Hi, my name is Leslie Becker. My beloved husband of 23 years, Jim Becker, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It is small cell carcinoma. The good news? Given the cancer cells are small, they should respond to chemotherapy quickly. Unfortunately, the bad news is that this type of cancer also spreads rapidly. His chemotherapy treatments started this week as an inpatient in the hospital. We are hoping he'll get some relief from the symptoms quickly.

We are asking for continued prayer. We are also asking for financial support to assist with the impending medical expenses. Thank you in advance for considering this.

I started a site to get updates and learn other ways to support us for further information. The link is: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/M3S1H6T

Sincerely,

Leslie Becker

Here's the full story...

Jim lost his appetite as of April 3rd. Then, on Easter (April 17th, 2022), he started having abdominal pain. We thought he had an appendicitis. Sadly, after multiple scans and tests, including a liver biopsy, we received the news of a stage 4 cancer diagnosis on Thursday, May 5th. This disease has metastasized throughout his body (especially in his lungs, liver, and bones). Within a few weeks, his breathing became labored. So, he began home oxygen on Friday.

He was supposed to start chemo on Monday, but he struggled to breathe to the extent he was sent via ambulance to the hospital instead. Thankfully, the nurses and the oncologist, Dr. Penley, at St. Thomas Midtown in downtown Nashville have taken good care of him. As a result, he was able to begin chemotherapy yesterday. He had another dose today. He'll get the next tomorrow.

Since the disease is advanced, the plan is to continue chemo treatments three times a week, every three weeks. Right now, he's to do six rounds total. However, that could change. We understand that stage 4 implies it is not curable but treatable. So Jim and I are hopeful. We are praying the chemo will help relieve some of the symptoms quickly.

This journey has just started. We trust it will draw us closer together as a couple and as a family. Our teenagers, Justin (18), Josh (16), and Scott (15), are handling the news as best as they can. It reminds us to live each moment by faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

We are overwhelmed by the love and support already shown by so many friends and family members. Thanks for everything you do to walk with us during this journey.

Sincerely,

Leslie Becker