Week 34 - Jerry's Greatest Challenge - Life is Good
Jerry’s Greatest Challenge
10-21-2007 through 10-28-2007
Life is Good
Editors Note: This is the 34th 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 three weeks since my last Chemo treatment and I feel exceptionally good. Overall I am getting along very well. I did have a bout with dizziness and nausea this past Saturday 10-20-2007. We are not sure what happened however this was the worst nausea I have had since I began Chemo treatments in March. Maybe this was my body’s attempt to rid itself of the harsh chemicals injected to fight the cancer. This is just an opinion, not the word from the doctor.
This week has again been used to communicate with other cancer victims that are facing a great deal of adversity.
If you have a friend, relative or loved one that you may feel could be encouraged by talking to me, give them my number or call me and give me their number and I will call them. Sometimes just talking to someone who is going through the same situation or similar situations can help their attitude. We have found that attitude will make a huge difference in overcoming cancer and other diseases.
I talked this past week to the St. Matthews Rotary Club and was honored to have lunch with them in St. Matthews. I met some wonderful people there. I have never spoken to an audience who did not have several people in attendance that were either affected directly by cancer or had close friends affected by cancer. This is a disease that knows no boundaries and will attack the rich, the poor, the healthy and the sick. Several people at that meeting were either going through fighting cancer or recovering from the effects of cancer.
On November 5th I will have the PET scan. In my opinion this is the most advanced form of testing on the market. The PET scan is relatively new but brings to the table some really good diagnostic tools for the doctor.
What is PET/CT?
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are both standard imaging tools that physicians use to pinpoint disease status in the body. A PET scan demonstrates the biological function of the body before anatomical changes take place, while the CT scan provides information about the body's anatomy such as size, shape and location. By combining these two scanning technologies, a PET/CT scan enables physicians to more accurately diagnose and identify cancer, heart disease and brain disorders.
When I talk with other cancer patients the question often comes up about PET scans regarding how safe this procedure is.
According to my research, although there are no known harmful effects from the procedure, there is some radiation exposure associated with the test. Therefore, it is not performed on pregnant patients or those who might be pregnant. The radioactive tracer injected for the PET scan has an extremely short life, changing rapidly to a nonradioactive and inert material by the time the patient leaves the scanning facility. As a result, there is no radiation risk for family members and no restrictions on patient activity following the scan.
In laymen terms, the technicians have the patient drink sugar water laced with radium or while you are resting on the scanner the technicians inject you with fluorodeoxyglucose into a small vein in the arm. During a period of quiet rest, the injected FDG is permitted to distribute itself within the cells of the body. Once this has occurred the scan is made by passing through a large scanning device.
The PET scan really allows the doctors to see where the cancer is and what it is doing and the areas of greater concentration.
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 functions of the foundation.
The cold I had last week is almost completely gone. This was the most difficult of all colds and I am told the lasting effect is due to the weakened condition of my lungs. However those are getting stronger day by day.
My entire family came down this weekend and stayed with us. Skip and Cyndy Seebeck, my brother-in-law and sister. My sister Angela and my mother Glenna were here from Thursday through Sunday. This was a very enjoyable time and Judy and I had a great time just being with them.
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 if they are the most important person in the world. They will appreciate you for this.
Jerry Fowler
- MLS#
302546- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 6
- Baths:
- 5 Full / 2 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
This Lake Murray property has it all!!! The view is out of this world; sunset is too awesome; top of the line appliances & building materials in th...
- MLS#
298757- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 6 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
LAKEFRONT MEDITERRANEAN MASTERPIECE! One of LAKE MURRAY's Greatest Estates with Resort-Style Luxuries is now available on the most desirable area o...
- MLS#
303796- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 2
- Baths:
- 1 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Breathtakaing BIG WATER VIEW of Lake Murray on 4.29 acres. Peninsula with 1176 water frontage off Hwy 6 near Ballentine and Irmo. Public water and ...
- MLS#
293592- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 4 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Magnificent Lake Murray Mansion--nothing compares to this Colonial Estate with 8000 SF in main house and 1000 SF over 4-car garage! Gourmet kitchen...
- MLS#
305256- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 4 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Desirable neighborhood on Lake Murray, close to mall and restaurants.
- MLS#
305449- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 6
- Baths:
- 6 Full / 3 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
7246 SF of luxury. Absolute Showplace f/your hi-end buyers looking for a well-appointed, impeccably-kept hm. See Assoc Docs flyer f/more info. All ...
- MLS#
307876- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 4 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
One of the best views on Lake Murray on year round deep water! Master on main and all bedrooms have a private bath. Private guest cottage with a fu...
- MLS#
310127- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 5 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Absolutely perfect! Amazing outdoor living center. 3 car garage plus detached 2 car garage and workshop area. Very tasteful decor and wall colors. ...
- MLS#
303826- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 3 Full / N/A
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Looking for Close in? Well look no further. This beautiful 3 year young brick home boasts 155' deep open water on Lake Murray. Private aluminum c...
- MLS#
302544- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 3 Full / 2 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Beautifully built dream home on Lake Murray that is perfect for entertaining w/lake views from almost every room in the house. The large exquisite ...
- MLS#
302980- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 3 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Custom iron gates welcome you to this amazing rare find on Kennerly Road. You are close enough to everything and far enough from everyone! Rolling ...
- MLS#
262275- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 4 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Phenomenal buy in Ascot on pond. Barry Davis built custom home. Well appointed with attention to detail and extras everywhere you turn. 2 story ent...
- MLS#
303283- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 4 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
BUILDERS' PERSONAL HOME! Stunning stacked stone & Acrocrete Construction.Inviting front wrap porch, hardwood floors throughout 1st floor except mas...
- MLS#
301786- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 3 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
REDUCED $50K from ORIGINAL list price! Come sit on your 800 square foot screen porch overlooking the large in-ground pool and watch the sun set ove...
- MLS#
306512- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 3 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Magnificent custom built, 4 bedroom, brick Colonial by Sovereign Homes!! Stunning attention to detail w/crown moldings,wainscoting, tray ceilings, ...
- MLS#
302181- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 4 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
This home has it all. Spacious open home with pool, rec room, spa, outdoor bar, full bath next to pool. Fish or watch the sunset from your 14' x 44...
- MLS#
310318- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / N/A
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
- MLS#
309105- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 3 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Sooo Big! Great floor plan that can work well for those who enjoy large-scale entertaining. 5BR/3.5BA, 3-bay garage, study w/ FP, office, Huge medi...
- MLS#
302786- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 5 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Great Floor Plan on all levels. 5 Bedrooms/5.5 Baths. Large Rec Room on lower level with full bar and HUGE 106'' TV, Pool Table. Large Office over ...
- MLS#
299575- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 5 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Jackie Chavis-built beauty! Gourmet kitchen-stainless appliances, Bosch dishwasher, Thermador, Corian. Gas log Fireplace between Kitchen and Great ...
- MLS#
308279- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 4 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Beautiful Ascot Estates home on level 1.03 acre lot. Double doors to front foyer and open floor plan. Formal DR w/wainscotting & columns, LR w/ f...
- MLS#
309556- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 3 Full / N/A
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Close-in, gr. water,on wide cove. Lg screen porch,Home light & bright, 9' ceil. Hwd. Floors. Split HVAC system, open floor plan, Office nook,kit wi...
- MLS#
306847- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 4 Full / N/A
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Close In * Ballentine Area * Priced Below Appraisal * One-Owner, custom Built * 104 Ft, on Lake Murray's Quiet & Private Shadowood Cover * Near Bea...
- MLS#
- 308694
- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 6
- Baths:
- 4 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Six Bedrooms and BONUS (Multiple Uses). This home sits on .61 acre lot w/irrigation. One of Ascot Estates finer homes. Immaculate condition. Formal...
- MLS#
309959- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 3 Full / 2 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Executive quality with spectacular recreational features! Back yard oasis featuring sparkling pool, lush landscaping, 1.2 acres of fenced privacy, ...
- MLS#
309631- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 6
- Baths:
- 3 Full / N/A
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Great house, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS VIEW OF RIVER/RAPIDS, NATURE ALL AROUND. You won't want to miss this home. Six bedrooms, three baths, gleaming hard...
- MLS#
276033- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 6
- Baths:
- 3 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Showplace!! Like new, 6 BR Brick house with in-ground pool with a beautifully landscaped lot. All hardwood floors are heart of pine. Many extras...
- MLS#
291609- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 3 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Beautiful lake home in an established community on Lake Murray. This home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and offers views of the lake from every ...
- MLS#
308561- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 3 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
4 BEDROOMS PLUS BONUS! TONS OF STORAGE/CLOSETS! CUSTOM HOME ON 1 ACRE LOT with great floor plan. Gourmet Kitchen, wine cooler, upgrades, hardwood f...
- MLS#
272527- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / N/A
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Adorable lake front cottage in serene, beautiful location. Heart pine floors, stainless appliances, gas fireplace, huge screened in porch. Nice doc...
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