May 31, 2013 4 min read

BENTLEYVILLE – Jim and Casey Beatty recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary, but the couple hold dear every day they spend together.

Just seven months after they married on May 15, 2010, Jim was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer that had metastasized to his liver. Five weeks ago, he was given four weeks to live.

However, his fighting spirit, positive attitude and alternative medical treatments give Jim renewed hope each day.

“That’s all I’ve got,” said Jim, 38, referring to his attitude. “If I don’t have that, I’m not going to make it. All I can do right now is go day to day.”

Today, a benefit spaghetti dinner to help the couple with medical expenses will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, Bentleyville. The dinner is sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Bentleyville. Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children.

Jim plans to attend the dinner if he feels up to it. He was hospitalized earlier this week so surgeons could remove four liters of fluid from his abdomen.

Surrounded by their four Chihuahuas in the living room of their Bentleyville home, the couple emotionally recalled last week how they learned Jim had cancer.

It started with pain in his abdomen, which the couple attributed to either a urinary tract infection, hernia or the poor eating habits Jim had developed while working long hours on the gas wells.

Then one day on the job, he buckled in pain. Three days later, on a Wednesday, he went to the hospital. He was diagnosed immediately. The next day, he was at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for a consultation, and on Friday, he received his port.

Jim has gone through several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the tumor, including 10 weeks of chemotherapy before he had six to eight inches of his colon surgically removed to disconnect the blood supply to his liver.

“He’s not a poster child for cancer,” Casey, 27, said. “He’s doesn’t smoke. He’s not the right age. He has no family history.”

Jim also experienced multiple setbacks early on. He spent 11 days in intensive care, and four days after he was released from the hospital, he returned with a partial bowel blockage. He later developed an infection.

“For everything we’ve been handed the last 2 1/2 years, we’ve made the best of it,” said Jim, who has not worked since his diagnosis.

Jim also has relied on a strong support system, most notably, of course, his wife, his best friend, Kirk Difalco of Canonsburg, and his family. Kirk has been with Jim and Casey every step of the way, often giving Casey a break from long days spent at the hospital or ensuring Jim was not alone when Casey had to work.

“We’ve been real blessed with additional support, too,” said Casey, referring to the alternative treatments the couple have embraced, including chiropractic care, probiotics and major dietary changes.

Even though some people have snickered at their choice of treatments, Casey said the couple “will do whatever we can” to help Jim survive.

“If he thought those two bowls of dog food would help, he’d eat them,” Casey said as she glanced over at the four food and water bowls neatly lined up for the Chihuahuas.

Jim has lost a considerable amount of weight, and he no longer resembles the man in the couple’s wedding photo. Casey’s appearance has changed, too.

“I’ve aged,” she said.

The cancer treatment has left Jim extremely weak. He no longer can work on motorcycles and cars, which he previously enjoyed. Instead, he takes daily walks, when he is able, with his wife.

“I’ve got pain, but I deal with it,” Jim said. “Every day I’m here past the date I was given is a success. If things keep going the way they’re going, I’ll be all right.”