Week 51 - Jerry's Greatest Challenge - Thank God for My Health

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.

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.
 

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

Jerry Fowler

$525,000 - Irmo, SC @ Lake Murray

MLS#

309556

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

3 Full / N/A

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of Bollin Ligon Walker Realtors
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...

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$290,000 - Irmo, SC @ None

MLS#

291867

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
Secluded home with pond on 5.8 acres - PASTURE FOR HORSES. Complete privacy away from busy roads and noise yet less than 1/2 mile from YMCA. Totall...

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$155,000 - Irmo, SC @ Ashford Hall

MLS#

291894

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
APPROX 1.5 ACRE LOT!! Open and spacious floor plan with a main level master suite. Large kitchen is open to the 2 story great room. Upstairs has 3 ...

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$205,000 - Irmo, SC @ The Courtyards At Salem Place

MLS#

292047

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
NEW BRICK HOME CLOSE IN TO IRMO & LAKE MURRAY. LOCATED OFF OF HWY 6 & SALEM CHURCH RD. THIS HOME IS CONVENIENT TO SCHOOLS, SHOPPING & LAKE MURRAY. ...

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$95,000 - Irmo, SC @ New Friarsgate

MLS#

292049

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of ERA Wilder Realty
Open floor plan with large living room and dining room. Renovations since 2009 include new roof, new blinds, sliding door, appliances, hardwood lam...

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$139,900 - Irmo, SC @ Old Friarsgate

MLS#

292611

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of Russell & Jeffcoat
Great location, close to the Columbiana Center mall, close to schools, rare find in established neighborhood. 9' ceilings, neutral colors, wonderfu...

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$99,700 - Irmo, SC @ New Friarsgate

MLS#

298716

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of Russell & Jeffcoat
New heat pump installed. Pristine condition - oversized Garage. Estate sale. New exterior paint.

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$2,390,000 - Irmo, SC @ None

MLS#

298757

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

5

Baths:

6 Full / 1 Half

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of EXIT Real Estate Solutions
LAKEFRONT MEDITERRANEAN MASTERPIECE! One of LAKE MURRAY's Greatest Estates with Resort-Style Luxuries is now available on the most desirable area o...

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$119,900 - Irmo, SC @ Old Friarsgate

MLS#

311859

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Columbia
MOVE IN CONDITION! New carpet! Freshly painted! New tile in both bathrooms! Master w/private bath & his/her closets! New doors throughout. New rang...

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$214,900 - Irmo, SC @ Chelsea Park

MLS#

311844

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of Weichert Rlt Ray Covington
Loaded with extras-hardwoods in kitchen and entry, recessed lighting, tankless water heater, screen porch, privacy fenced rear yard, private lot wi...

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