Week 40 - Jerry's Greatest Challenge - Chemo and Radiation Now at Full Blast

Jerry’s Greatest Challenge
12-02-2007 through 12-09-2007
Chemo and Radiation Now at Full Blast
 

Editors Note:  This is week number 40 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.  If you have similar challenges why not give Jerry a call.  Sometimes just talking to someone going through the same or similar situations will make a difference.

From Jerry:  Radiation started on Tuesday 12-4-2007.  WOW, what an operation.  Thank God we have this type technology available. Can you imagine what would happen 50 years ago if we were having the same challenges?

The first three treatments are longer because the technicians take several X-Rays prior to administrating the radiation. This is to aid Dr. Wright in the exact positioning for the radiation.  The entire first few treatments only last 20 minutes which includes the X-Rays. After the first treatments each treatment thereafter is only about 10 minutes

You take your shirt off and you are positioned in the cast that was formed weeks ago. This is to make sure your body is in the same position each week.  There is a huge computerized machine that focuses on the marks that were put on your body weeks ago. There are 8 positions the machine focuses on. Each position treats for a period of time of somewhere around 20 seconds twice.  It is over in no time at all and you feel nothing.  However the real problem is being there every morning at 7:30 promptly.  No matter what happens the day before you must be there daily, 5 days per week.

Cancer is no fun.  There are ups and downs and days of fatigue.  The worst part is not knowing when you will feel bad or good. The up and down feeling makes it difficult to plan anything. For example this Sunday 12-2-2007 had me feeling drained the entire day.  All you want to do is sit or lie down.  This is not my style but this comes with the treatments. 

Another problem that developed this week was the white blood cells have dropped below what the doctors are comfortable with. This is not good.  When your white cells are low you are very capable and in a position to get sick.  This makes it difficult to be around people, shaking hands and mingling.  If this does not correct itself there are only two options and they are a blood transfusion or stop the radiation for two weeks and take shots.  Obviously stopping the radiation is not an option.

For all the bad times there are also many good times.  This Saturday morning at 10:00AM,  I spoke at the kick off of the cancer walk by the IB students at Irmo High. This was sponsored by the Lance Armstrong Foundation.  What a group of enthusiastic young students and volunteers.  Everyone was really into this walk. Eddie Walker, the principal of Irmo High was there and if you know Eddie you know how enthusiastic he can be.  Eddie adds that unbelievable optimism to the crowd. I would estimate about 150 people where there and this is what I enjoy most.  Thank you everyone that showed up, walked and ran and helped raise money for such a worthy cause. 

We are really gearing up for the Caregivers Foundation.  If you would like to help with the Caregivers Foundation please give me a call or email me.  This foundation will be solely for the benefit of the caregivers of cancer patients.  They are the ones that are forgotten and the ones that need more help than most. 

If you need a speaker at your club, Rotary, Kiwanis, Jaycees, community associations, garden clubs or any civic organization 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 and remember that day by day, by the grace of God, you are getting better and better and better.

Now let's go out and create a terrific week. 

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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