|
Jerry’s Greatest Challenge
8-19-2007 through 8-26-2007
Mom’s Operation Successful
My Hair is Returning
Editors Note: This is the 25th week since Jerry was diagnosed with lung cancer. Jerry has reported each week regarding the progress, treatment, feelings, events and thoughts as he goes through this challenge. To reach Jerry email him at Jerry@JerryFowler.com
From Jerry: This week has been especially challenging. I still am experiencing the unusual swelling in my ankles and feet. Although Dr. Hicks, my cardiologist has prescribed a fluid pill the swelling has not been reduced. This is one of the side effects of the Chemo chemicals flowing thorough my body. Also my control of balance is still not what it was before the cancer. Sometimes for no apparent reason I will walk into a wall as I am going through the doorway.
This Wednesday 8-29-2007 I will receive the second treatment of the less aggressive form of Chemo. Most of my treatments are on Tuesdays however this week I am teaching the new Realtor Orientation at Midlands Technical Institution on the Northeast campus so we had to change it to Wednesday. Dr Babcock told me that this less aggressive form has fewer side effects. I am not sure that is correct. Seems I have experienced more little side effects than with the more aggressive form of chemo. We must remember however that each body is different and each person will experience different affects.
Most people still call and think I am only working part time. I have only missed one week total of work since February. I still am working about 10 hours per day and I still run the chairmanship of the BBB and attend all the School board meetings as Lexington/Richland School District 5 vice chairman and I am active as director of the Business Development Club. Do I experience fatigue? Yes I do however I believe one can sit down and stop and become worst physically or one can move forward with a positive attitude, belief, and prayer. The combination of attitude, belief and prayer is one that will win over cancer every time. I like the second choice better.
My hair has started growing back. WOW, I forgot what hair was like. Probably God’s way of making sure my head will not be cold this winter.
Some really great news this week is the results of my mother’s surgery. She was operated on this past Wednesday in Charlotte for breast cancer. They did a partial mastectomy with complete success. The lymph nodes were checked and there were no cancer cells present. This procedure was actually done as an out-patient service. Medical times have really changed. She will start Chemo and Radiation combination in about six weeks. We are all excited about the results of her operation and thank all of you for your prayers, thoughts, emails and calls.
If you have a loved one who is experiencing the devastation of cancer please surround them with love, positive thoughts and positive things to read. We must keep their mind focused on the fact that they will be healed and they can beat the cancer. There are so many ups and downs that occur even from hour to hour. One minute you feel great and the next you have pains everywhere. Encourage them to get out and do things even if they do not feel like it. Just make sure they do not overdo any of their activities. When they get tired insist that they rest and remember each person is different. Some can push and forge ahead with un-relentless energy while others must have their rest. Only the individual will know their limitations. After experiencing weeks of therapy and treatments it is normal for discouragement to develop in most cancer patients. However don’t give up on your loved ones. Keep helping and pushing. The reward will be total success and an appreciation for each other resulting from this closeness.
Also don’t forget if you miss a weekly article in the paper, just go to my web site at www.JerryFowler.com, look on the left side and click on “Jerry’s Medical Updates”. These reports are one week behind the paper so you need to wait one week before the current week is posted. This will allow you to read each weekly update since the discovery of my cancer. As time permits, I am also willing to speak to your civic clubs, community clubs, garden clubs and gatherings. Cancer affects many and hopefully through these speeches I can help someone deal with the devastation most cancer patients experience.
In the meantime if you need me just email me at jerry@JerryFowler.com. My phone number is 803-798-0555. All contact information is on my website. Until next week I wish you a terrific and prosperous week and thanks to everyone for your prayers and remember that “Day by Day in every way, by the grace of God, I am getting better and better and better and so can you if you are dealing with any type adversity. Now let’s go out and create a terrific day.
Previous Page Next Page | 
