Jim Fleming Jim's Cancer Journey

** Dear friends, we are so thankful for your generous hearts, but just wanted to make sure that you know that donations or  "Tributes" made here on this site go directly to Caringbridge only. We are not paying to use this service. 

Welcome to Jim's CaringBridge!  Jim has been in the hospital for a week now and we felt like this would be a good way to communicate his progress and prayer requests to those who love Jim, want to encourage him,  and would like to pray for him on this journey as we learn to trust God in new circumstances. Here's a brief synopsis of how we got here:

- In late September Jim began to experience discomfort, nausea and bloating in his stomach. We thought maybe some food allergies/sensitivities were the cause, but after following an elimination diet with only increasing symptoms, his doctor ordered a CT scan which ultimately led to the diagnosis on November 4th of stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the small intestine.  A tumor in his duodenum was restricting the passage of food from his stomach.
- On November 15, Jim had surgery to create a bypass for food and to install a port through which he will receive his chemo treatments. He came home after a few days in Mayo Rochester and was given a general diet. 
- A week ago, Jim was experiencing severe bloating, discomfort, and nausea. We found out that he was not processing food well with the new bypass and he was admitted to the hospital in Fairmont with an NG tube to empty his stomach, allowing it to rest and heal. This process has been much slower than we were hoping. After Thanksgiving, the doctor decided to add IV nutrition since Jim has lost a significant amount of weight. 
- The goal is to get him stabilized and strong enough to begin chemo treatments for the cancer. These treatments were supposed to start on Monday, November 25th, but were delayed when Jim was admitted to the hospital the day before. 

We are so thankful for those who have expressed their care and love for Jim and our family during this time. God is always faithful and we are seeing it in new ways as we surrender our timing to His plan for us. We continue to ask for your prayers and will provide specific ways that we are seeking God's direction and divine intervention.