Week 25 - Jerry's Greatest Challenge - My Hair is Returning

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.

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.

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. 

$133,000 - Columbia, SC @ Abington

MLS#

307674

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Asset Realty, Inc.
Great home for a 1st time home buyer.Smooth top range. Double-Door Refrigerator,Kitchen has a Island.Plenty of Storage Space.Great Yard with a Priv...

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$122,000 - Columbia, SC @ Abington

MLS#

304207

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of ERA Wilder Realty
4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home w/fireplace in family room, a roomy eat-in area, overlooking large fenced in backyard. This home awaits your enjoyment of ...

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$160,000 - Columbia, SC @ Adesso

MLS#

311057

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

1

Baths:

1 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Holder Properties
Beautiful one bedroom home facing Main Street. Our lst floor is like the 2nd floor in most buidings, so the view is good. Hardwood floors, good cl...

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$260,000 - Columbia, SC @ Adesso

MLS#

311015

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

2

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Holder Properties
Beautiful views of the western skyline as well as the Adesso pool and amenity deck from this 3rd floor home. One of Adesso's ADA units, this home ...

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$229,000 - Columbia, SC @ Adesso

MLS#

309473

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

2

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of The Wolfe Company Inc
Wonderful corner unit with wrap around balcony*Sought after Torino floor plan and the only one available*High ceilings, hardwood floors, granite, S...

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$160,000 - Columbia, SC @ Adesso

MLS#

306171

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

1

Baths:

1 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Holder Properties
Last finished one bedroom home facing our beautiful pool! 10' ceilings, hardwood floors, granite - all the finishes you would expect in a luxury b...

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$225,000 - Columbia, SC @ Adesso

MLS#

305699

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

2

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Holder Properties
One of two remaining Sorrento floorplans - Adesso's most popular floorplan! FABULOUS Master Bedroom Closet/Bathroom!!!!!Wonderful building with gr...

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$265,000 - Columbia, SC @ Adesso

MLS#

305379

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

2

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Holder Properties
The Final Firenze Floorplan at Adesso! Time is running out to be a Charter Owner at Adesso. This rounded-window view of our signature corner of M...

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$225,000 - Columbia, SC @ Adesso

MLS#

297753

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

2

Baths:

2 Full / 2 Half

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Holder Properties
It's the Adesso Final Countdown! This is one of 2 super-popular Sorrento floorplans remaining! Have you seen the closet in the master in this one?...

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$340,000 - Columbia, SC @ Adesso

MLS#

224185

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

3 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Holder Properties
Arresting views from the rounded windows & balcony overlooking beautiful western skyline. 10' ceilings, crown mouldings, hardwood floors, granite,...

 Virtual Tour  View Listing

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