Embedded Files
Jim here...
I will be using this page to share my my Cancer & Total Gastrectomy journey.
Keep returning for more to come.
Sample of Current Lessons Learned Document
It is now available as a Kindle eBook on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZCY5RLK
If you are part of my extended family and supporters, send me an email, and I will send you a free copy for your personal use.
It's not a battle or a fight. Those come to an end.
I am on a new journey that will continue for the rest of my life.
Jim Seiler, 2025
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to my family, my church community, and my dear friends. Your unwavering support has been my lifeline. Without you, I would be lost in a wilderness of despair, searching for light.
I also want to honor the extraordinary medical teams who have cared for me with skill and compassion: the North Mississippi Oncology Team, the Infusion Suite staff, the NMMC ER team, the Home Health Team, my dedicated IMA GP, and the remarkable UAB Surgical Oncology Team in Birmingham. Your expertise and kindness have made this journey not only bearable but filled with grace.
If I’ve missed anyone, please know that I will continue to update this page as my path unfolds. Every act of care, every piece of awesome advice, and every moment of kindness matters—I carry it with me.
Reunion 2018-08-04
With my kids.
The fur baby
Indiana Bones - the Wonder Dog! (tm)
Dave, Sarah, me, Dad and Mom.
October 2025 - 50 pounds later...post-surgery and 8 chemo infusions.
It does snow in Tupelo! Who knew?
Jim's Cancer & Gastrectomy Journey - A Summary
On January 2, 2025, I went to the ER with extreme anemia, where I was diagnosed with a Gastric Cancer tumor (stomach). It was a large tumor on the inner surface of my stomach. After stabilizing my anemia with a variety of scientific magic (blood and iron infusions), I was referred to NMMC Oncology. After testing, imaging, endoscopy, and pathology, and because of the location and size, SOP was to remove my entire stomach (a Total Gastrectomy). Think extreme Bariatric Surgery. After the surgery, further pathology showed us that the tumor was a rare type in that it was caused by a wayward non-cancerous pancreatic cell that found its way into my stomach and became cancerous. So they are calling it a Pancreatic-Type cancer, but I did NOT have Pancreatic Cancer, and at this time, there is no evidence of cancer in any other tissue, including the 12 adjacent lymph nodes they removed. They had me WIDE open and took the time to really poke around, so I feel very good about that diagnosis. Normally, this type of cancer does not respond to chemo, but my tumor was reduced 50% by the first round, and I tolerated it so well that we went ahead with the already planned 2nd round. Genetic testing for the 11 pancreatic cancer markers were negative, so I likely did not inherit this and did not pass it on to my boys. It was a fluke. There is no blood test like other cancers, so the plan is to monitor via CT scans every 3 months for several years. So I am not calling myself cancer-free. For me, it's that we can't find any cancer and I am good with that.
So a round of four chemotherapy infusions (a four-drug regimen called FLOT), surgery in July 2025, then another round of four infusions with the same chemotherapy regimen.
Here is a concise narrative that I hope explains my Total Gastrectomy:
I had a total gastrectomy, which means my entire stomach was surgically removed. Normally, the stomach acts like a food-processing station — it stores what you eat, breaks it down with acid and enzymes, and sends it along to the intestines. Without a stomach, food now travels directly from my esophagus into my small intestine. It’s like rerouting a highway: instead of stopping at the usual rest area (the stomach), traffic goes straight through.
Because of this, I must eat smaller meals more often, and I need to be mindful of what I eat so my body can absorb nutrients properly. It’s a major change, but the rest of my digestive system has adapted — like a city adjusting its roads after a central hub is removed. The journey is different, but the destination is still the same: keeping me nourished and healthy.
Text created with MS CoPilot AI)
Links to resources
The Art of Identifying (Scientific) Misinformation
https://www.smartpatients.com/ Smart Patients is an online community for patients and families affected by a variety of illnesses. Here you can learn at your own level about scientific developments related to your condition, share your questions and concerns with other members, and use what you learn in the context of your own life.
https://research.smartpatients.com/resources/the-art-of-identifying-scientific-misinformation Art of Identifying (Scientific) Misinformation
No Stomach For Cancer: Organization offering patient support and information, including managing daily life and eating after a gastrectomy.
https://www.cancer.org/ American Cancer Society
https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/stomach-cancer.html MD Anderson - Stomach Cancer Resources
https://www.onealcanceruab.org/ O'Neal Cancer Center at the University of Alabama (UAB)
https://iuhealth.org/find-locations/iu-health-simon-cancer-center Indiana University - IU Health Simon Cancer Center
https://ccr.cancer.gov/surgical-oncology-program/clinical-team/diet-and-nutrition-after-gastrectomy-your-plan National Cancer Institute (,GOV)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/gastrectomy Cleveland Clinic - mechanics of stomach removal - WARNING: Graphic!
The following song playlist link requires a Spotify account - but you will be able to sign up for a free one orlogin.
Listen to "Pancreas" and "I went to the Doctor" songs.
"Remember, you are good enough, smart enough and doggone it, people like you!"
Variation of the affirmation made famous by Al Franken playing the character Stuart Smiley on SNL.
The content presented on these webpages is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. It reflects the personal
experiences and opinions of the author and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a substitute for consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. Always seek the guidance of your medical care team regarding any health-related decisions or concerns. Science matters—follow it.
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