Jerry’s Greatest Challenge
10-14-2007 through 10-21-2007
I am Blessed 

Editors Note:  This is the 33rd 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:  It has been two weeks since my last Chemo treatment and I feel exceptionally good.  Day by day in every way, by the grace of God, I am getting better and better and better.  Life is good and so is God and thank you all for your prayers, letters, cards, calls and emails.

This week has been used to communicate with other cancer victims that are facing a great deal of adversity. 

I talked with a mother from Hamlet, NC whose 9 year old son has been diagnosed with Lymphoma.  This cancer is in his lungs, liver and other parts of his body.  He is the fourth in the family that have been affected by cancer in the last few years.  Unfortunately the last three did not make it.  This is very devastating to this mother.  She told me of this brave young man facing one of life’s more severe situations with courage and hope.  Please keep this young boy in your prayers.  We know he is going to be OK.  He has recently completed his second Chemo treatment.

I have talked with many this week suffering from breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and even brain cancer that are getting better and better.  There are a lot of people going through a lot of pain from cancer.  One common thing I have noticed is their attitude is great in the ones that are getting better.  The ones that are getting worst are the ones that seem to dwell in the negative.  I know it is easy to slide into that trap however the worst thing a patient can do is concentrate on negative things.

Just remember it is not just the pain of the cancer, it’s also the pain knowing the time it takes to get better, the wear and tear on the body and the feeling of being helpless. Devastation also occurs to the family of the patient.  They go through severe challenges as well.  Having a loved one sick is very draining on the mental capacity of the family.

We are moving forward with the Foundation.  Still trying to find a CPA that will help us set this up.  If you know a CPA that can help have them call me. The foundation will focus on the caregiver and we are in the process of writing out the function of the foundation. 

I am scheduled to have a PET scan completed on 11-5-2007.  This is one of the best ways to see exactly where my cancer is and what we must do to move in for the final treatment.  I expect the cancer to be completely gone. 

A large number of people call and ask how I am doing.  I am doing great.  Overall I feel terrific.  My hair is almost back to normal and my energy is good.  I do not have the stamina I once had however one must remember that my body has been through a lot of chemicals and poisons to kill the cancer.  Naturally this will affect your body in many different ways.  I am at work every day and I am speaking and meeting as if nothing has happened.  I still experience numbness in my feet and hands which is a result of the last 4 different Chemo treatments and I understand it will take months to overcome this side effect.

I have suffered from a cold this past week which has not been the best of situations.  Having a cold after recovering from lung cancer is not the most pleasant however I am not here to complaint, just let you know what I go through so you can understand what your friends and loved ones are going through.

When you visit your friends and loved ones keep the conversation positive.  Don’t treat them as if they are sick.  Don’t ask them how they feel but tell them they look good and you can see they are getting better and better. This is the news they need to hear.  By all means do not tell them about your aunt or uncle, brother or sister that had their same cancer and died. This is not the time for this and I know you mean well, however your visit should be positive and full of energy.  Most of all stay in touch.  Keep sending those cards and calling. They will appreciate this more than you will ever imagine.  Most of us including me would send one card and think we have done our duty.  Staying in touch every 3 to 5 weeks is very important.

As always please have your loved ones call me if they need to talk.  The best thing your loved ones can have available to them is the ability to talk with someone who has been through what they are experiencing.
 
Until next week I wish you a terrific and prosperous week 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 no matter what type adversity you or your family face.  Now let’s go out and create a terrific day for everyone we come in contact with. 

I wish to thank you all.  You have made my day, weeks and this year wonderful.  God bless you all and remember do something nice for someone who is suffering from any type sickness or illness and treat everyone you come in contact with as the most important person in the world.  They will appreciate you for this.

Jerry Fowler