Week 38 - Jerry's Greatest Challenge - More Chemo Treatments

Jerry’s Greatest Challenge
11-18-2007 through 11-25-2007
More Chemo Treatments
 

Editors Note:  This is the 38th 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:  Well this has been a week of repeats.  Back to the oncology association and back on Chemo Treatments.  I started the first of six treatments on Wednesday 11-21-2007, the day before Thanksgiving.  The doctors have me on the following 4 chemicals or drugs:

• Carboplatinum
• Gemzar
• Aloxi
• Decadron

These are all given at one sitting which usually takes 2 and ½ hours. They are all administered through the port installed by my surgeon back in March of this year. These treatments will be given once per week.

This week I was also measured and marked with the primary marks for the 35 radiation treatments that will began on December 3rd.  This was very interesting.  The technicians lay you on a collapsible bag that fits from your lower back up behind your neck and head.  This is what they call forming. 

The purpose is to build a form, which is permanent that will make sure your body fit the exact same way each time you take your treatments.  Then they run you through this massive machine that has laser beams coming from all directions.  Once these lasers are coordinated to the cancer in your body they mark the areas with a dark purple X. 

The next step in this process will occur on Friday 11-30-07. This is what they call a simulation of treatment.  They then mark the other areas on the body.  The process today is simpler than in times past when they actually tattooed a mark on your body and that mark was permanent.   Once the simulation is over and Dr. Wright does his study we are then set to start radiation treatments the following Monday. These will be given each day, 5 days per week until we complete 35 treatments.

My understanding is each treatment will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.  Radiation is a very direct and powerful treatment with the only areas affected being the ones focused on.   Side effect will vary but because this is around my neck and esophagus I could have difficulty swallowing, eating and talking.  I am thinking positive that this will not occur.

We are still in the process of trying to set up a foundation to help the caregivers.  There seems to be nothing dedicated to the caregivers of the thousands of cancer patients and this would be used primarily to set up counseling groups, training classes and other ways to help the caregivers.  More on that as we move forward.

I sincerely hope that each and every one of you had a nice Thanksgiving.  I hope you used this time to spend with your family and that you told them you loved them. 

I would like to extend my condolences to the Chris Conner family as they suffered the lost of Chris last week due to complications in surgery due to blood clots.  Our prayers go out to the family and to the friends of Chris.  He was a wonderful person. 

If you are going through any type challenge read the book entitled “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, by Dr. Joseph Murphy.  If you read this book and follow its advice, you can overcome anything.

Also if you need a speaker at your club let me know.  We need to get the word out to all people about what their friends and neighbors are going through if they have cancer.  There is no one in any area that is not affected by cancer either in friends, loved ones, neighbors or others you know.  Cancer is rampant.

Jerry Fowler

$259,900 - Columbia, SC @ Usc

MLS#

284685

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

N/A

Baths:

N/A / 1 Half

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of RE/MAX The Advantage Group Inc
Enjoy Gamecock football in style! Touchdown Zone 2, Cockaboose #14 includes 5 parking spaces & 50 guest passes per game. Rooftop deck looks at Stad...

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$50,000 - Columbia, SC @ None

MLS#

201583

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

1

Baths:

N/A / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Merrilyn Hall Realty, Inc.
Building is an old Fort Jackson building. Not liveable without complete make over. Value is in land only. Possible Lease purchase or owner financing

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$58,000 - Columbia, SC @ None

MLS#

306808

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

2

Baths:

1 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Russell & Jeffcoat
Selling AS IS WHERE IS. Buyer's may inspect but seller will not make any repairs, Letter, etc. Buyer to verify data to include SF, schools, etc.

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$135,000 - Columbia, SC @ Forest Acres

MLS#

306809

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

1 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of The Mather Company Inc
CUTE HOME! This home is move in ready and has been updated! This home features some newer flooring, updated bathroom, updated kitchen, newer roof, ...

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$134,995 - Columbia, SC @ Cottontown

MLS#

291866

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

1 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of ERA Wilder Realty
Own a little piece of history while living in this charming downtown bungalow in Cottontown. Picture perfect home with 3 bedrooms and a remodeled k...

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$65,000 - Columbia, SC @ Woodfield Park

MLS#

292041

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

1 Full / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Russell & Jeffcoat
Charming brick bungalow with all hardwood floors throughout. Recently remodeled, smooth ceilings, 2 year old roof, ceiling fans, eat-in kitchen w/...

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$169,000 - Columbia, SC @ Usc

MLS#

292142

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

2

Baths:

1 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Devine Real Estate Group
Heart of USC campus. Renovated 2bd 1.5ba condo. Hardwood floors throughout. Granite in kitchen. Beautiful picture molding.

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$34,750 - Columbia, SC @ Dunston Hills

MLS#

292308

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

1 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Covenant Properties, Inc.
Outstanding investor/cashflow opportunity on this flawless Section 8 home. Guaranteed rent $700 month, long term tenant takes very good care of th...

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$44,000 - Columbia, SC @ Forestwood Estates

MLS#

292602

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

1 Full / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of ERA Wilder Realty
Renovated home with private, fenced yard. Brick home has new roof, doors and windows. Eaves and gables are freshly painted. Interior has hardwoods ...

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$84,900 - Columbia, SC @ Parkside

MLS#

292682

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

1

Baths:

1 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Covenant Properties, Inc.
Downtown living at a bargain price. Across from Finley Park. Top floor unit with beautiful view of pool. Motivated seller, bring offers.

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