Jerry’s Greatest Challenge
2-17-2008 through 2-24-2008
Thank God for my Health 

Editors Note:  This is week number 51 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.  This trip has been a roller coaster of events.  If you have similar challenges why not give Jerry a call or email Jerry.  Sometimes just talking to someone going through the same or similar situations will make a difference.

To reach Jerry, email him at Jerry@JerryFowler.com.   If you miss the weekly newspaper articles in the New Irmo News, The Lake Murray News, the Cayce/West Columbia News or the Northeast News you can catch up or go back to week one or anywhere in between by going to Jerry’s web site at www.JerryFowler.com, look on the left side menu and click on Jerry’s Medical Updates.

From Jerry:   How many times does it take one being sick to appreciate their health and their position in life?  It has been 51 weeks since I first wrote about my ordeal.  God has opened lots of doors for me to help others that would have never been opened had I not gone through this challenge.  Life is very interesting.  We go through the world never giving a second thought to sickness and health until the lack of health hits us squarely between the eyes.  How many times have you heard about one of your friends struggling with a health issue and your thought was wow, I really hate he or she is having to go through such challenges.  Then we forget them.

This is natural.  Our toothache is more consuming than some of the ones we know who are going through life threatening situations.  Usually one has to be affected by a serious health situation to become attuned to others in need.  I thank God that he has allowed me to go through my situation.  This certainly makes me more compassionate to others and their needs. 

Life is very precious.  I urge you to reach out to others in need and help.  Work with them by calling, visiting, sending cards, emails, letters, anything you can do to make them feel special.  It is a very difficult time for anyone going through health issues.  Not only is there a feeling of helplessness and self-doubt but also a feeling of what have I done with my life. 

I have talked with a lot of people going through very serious health issues and this is one thing common to all.  They wish they had done more with their life.  Well it is not too late no matter where you are with your health.  I am a strong believer that one can better their situation for survival if the mind is attuned to getting well rather than self-pity.  Think with a positive attitude, and pray like there is no tomorrow and help others. 

This also brings me to the ones around the person going through a medical challenge.  Do not treat these people as if they are sick.  You are adding to the misery. Treat them as if this is just a temporary setback and through prayer, belief and the wonderful doctors the medical challenge will soon be over. 

I remember one of the first things I did publically was ask everyone to treat me as a regular person, not as a sick person.  If you treat me as sick then I get sicker.  Together we can all get better. 

This Wednesday I will be at the doctors for X-Rays and test to see where we are.  I expect this appointment to be very encouraging.  I would appreciate your prayers and thoughts as I go through this barrage of test.  After 10 Chemo-Treatments and 35 radiation treatments, the X-Rays will give the doctors an idea of where we are. In 30 days I will go through a PET scan to get a really good look at all the areas.

Remember if you would like me to speak at your club, civic group or neighborhood meeting be sure to call Deloris Anderson, my team member.  I feel it is an honor to share my story with you and your loved ones and hopefully I will say something that will help someone in a crisis situation. If you have a loved one that needs to talk just have them call.
 
My office number is 803-798-0555 or you can email me at Jerry@JerryFowler.com.  I promise either me or one of my associate will return your call or email you in a very timely fashion.   Now let’s go out and create a terrific week for ourselves and everyone around us. 

Just remember, this is the first day of the rest of your life. Make it count.  God bless you all.

Jerry Fowler