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. This journey started April 3rd. He got back from a guys' boardgame weekend and had no appetite. This was not surprising because they tend to overeat while playing games until all hours of the night. Then, on Easter (April 17th, 2022) he started to have 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. The timeline for going home will depend on how he does with the treatment as well as his oxygen requirements. 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. Jim and I are hopeful. His ultimate goal is remission. We are praying the chemo will help relieve some of the current 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. He has loved receiving texts and calls from long-time friends. He has also loved having visitors here in the hospital (as long as they are free of illness) to pass the time. As an extrovert, that is healing for him! What do we need? First off, please keep us in your prayers as we face this new normal. Second, gift cards (gas cards, restaurants, etc.) are great since we are on the go so much. Third, help with transportation and pet care. We have an 80 lb. black lab, Bonnie, and an 8 lb. cat, named Dash. And, lastly, we're starting a GoFundMe link and a PayPal link to help with the impending medical expenses and other financial needs. Thanks again for your support!! Sincerely, Leslie Becker 615-554-1399 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us," Hebrews 12:1