Jerry’s Greatest Challenge
11-25-2007 through 12-02-2007
Final Preparation for Radiation
 

Editors Note:  This is the 39th 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 involved many trips to the doctor.   I had a Chemo Treatment on Wednesday and this was the mildest I have experienced regarding side effects.  The treatment took almost 3 hours to complete.  The steroids given to make the nausea less noticeable will also keep you awake.  It’s like drinking many cups of coffee.  You seem to be wired for the first 24 hours and it usually takes about 2 days to return to normal.  

I also had a simulated radiation treatment on Friday.  This is where they put you in the mold formed last week and run a complete simulation.  It is kind of like a light show.  Lasers are shooting all around. The table keeps moving as the technicians are making all the final adjustments to shoot the radiation into the affected areas.   This process allows the doctors to place the final marks and reference points on my body so when the radiation starts they will be accurate.  I must say my chest and sides are quite marked up with purple permanent markers. 

I must also comment on the nurses, staff and doctors at SC Oncology Associates.  They are the best.  I have never had anyone treat me in any way except with tons of respect.  When someone is going through a disease like cancer this makes a huge difference.  Thank God for these super caregivers.  The ones at Dr. Babcock and Dr. Wrights office are awesome. 

I will not start the first radiation treatment until Tuesday 12-4-2007.  We will have 35 treatments, one per day, five days per week.  Combined with the Chemo treatments, which will be given once per week,  I expect to have this cancer eradicated for good. 
 
I wish to extend my condolences to the Marcus McDonald family.  Although I never met Marcus I heard a lot about him from my CPA, Foy Caulk and one of my mortgage lenders, Sheryl Redman. They were both close friends of Marcus and he passed on Thursday of last week from lung cancer.  According to all I have heard he was a remarkable person with a strong belief in God.  Please keep his family in your prayers.

We are still in the process of trying to set up a foundation to help the caregivers.  If you are interested in helping please contact me.  We need your help.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and December is always a very special time of the year.  I know we all need to think about the needs of people throughout the year but this is the time when most people concentrate on helping others.  Reach out to the ones in need.  Most of all forgive anyone and everyone you think have hurt you.  This will make a huge difference in your life.

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.

Please remember 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.

Have a terrific week.

Jerry Fowler