So many of you have reached out to check on Jim, and we want you to know how much it means to have your prayers and support. Here’s the latest:

Jim has had four chemo treatments since December - going ok with some side effects (the most visual being that he lost all his hair after the second infusion). He’s had 3 hospital stays since his November 2023 surgery, the longest being 6 days for very low white blood counts. Chemo was altered to every other week instead of the planned regimen of 3 weeks on, 1 week off. Thankfully, nausea and pain are under better control these days. 

Jim’s January appointment at MD Anderson went well and he was assigned to Dr. Huey, who assured him that he was on the proper chemo. He will see Jim again after chemo #6 for a CT to evaluate how everything is progressing. Dr. H has been in contact with our local oncologist. Although Jim is not eligible for any clinical trials right now, being in the MDA system will give him a better chance in the future. We sure appreciate our son, Zach, being there with us to ask many questions.

Jim’s blood levels were too low for chemo #5 in February, so his doctor thought it best to postpone until after our trip to Colorado. We have just returned from an awesome week in Pagosa Springs with our family. We are so blessed to have had the opportunity to stay in a beautiful mountain cabin, thanks to friends, Ralph and Mauria Dillard. Snow fell the first night we were there and we had great weather the rest of the week. Jim’s wish after his Stage 4 diagnosis in November was to see snow again. Thank you, Lord, for granting not only this, but time together to make some special memories. We had four little ones running around - 3 year old Jovie, 2 1/2 year old Atlas, 7 month old Miles, and our newest granddaughter who is six weeks old. See the pics of little Jaya Ray Caldwell! “Ray” is after Jim’s dad - I know he would love this so much! 

Jim’s blood levels were not quite right for chemo# 5 when we got back last week. He is fighting a possible infection around his pain pump, so he will be having a “wash out” procedure tomorrow. He’s been seeing a naturopathic doctor who has helped with a variety of supplements. He’s also using a Rife machine for its healing properties, and taking an alternative cancer medication. Beating Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer means pulling out all the stops! Staying positive is sometimes a struggle, but we know how important this is in the healing process.

Thank you for your encouragement and for following his cancer journey.

Debbie

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart… ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭28‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬