Jerry’s Greatest Challenge
4-6-2008 through 4-13-2008
Radiation Over, Other Problems Exposed
 

Editors Note:  This is week number 58 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 close situations will make a difference in your life.

From Jerry:   It has been 58 weeks since I began writing these updates.  Radiation was officially over on Friday 4-11-2008.  Every morning at the SCOA at 6:30 was tiring and made for an extremely long day.  I do what to thank the technician for her dedication for administrating the radiation.  Elizabeth Weaver was extremely helpful and right on time each day. Always had a smile and was very efficient.  Thanks Elizabeth for such a fine job.

I have an appointment with Dr. Babcock on Wednesday 4-16-2008 to see where we go next. 

I had an unusual experience on Friday.  Of the 5 tumors that were radiated, 4 were small and one was larger. The larger tumor according to Dr. Worthington, the neurosurgeon from Charleston, was associated with memory and speech.  He warned me that the following might happen.

While driving home from the office on Friday I was listening to the radio and hear Coach Steve Spurrier’s name.  I ponder the entire trip home wondering who Coach Spurrier was.  Many of you do not know that Judy and I sold Coach Steve Spurrier and his wife Jeri and his son and wife their houses when they moved to Columbia. We were in the Executive Box at the games and talked with Coach Spurrier and Jeri his wife quite often.  Why did I not recognize his name?

I then tried to remember my brother-in-law and my sisters last name, some of my friends and I was helpless.  My memory had disappeared.  I must remind you that for the pass two weeks I have worked an average of 14 hours per day for two weeks and the stress of the hours and work and the 5 brain tumor Gamma Knife Therapy had hit my memory.  In addition I had tremendous headaches and double vision.  WOW, this was alarming.  Within 3 hours most of my memory was back but the pain remained.

This has been an especially difficult week.  Although I have a high pain tolerance and drive this was been more difficult.  The difficulty comes in walking.  There seems to be much more pain in the back, shoulders and legs and because I am on a Chemo Pill daily and radiation daily I get very tired right after lunch.  

The headaches are worst so I started my Steroids back to aid in the swelling of the brain which causes the headaches.  I see double vision and I am dizzy and unbalanced.  All this seems to be coming from the treatment on the tumors.

I tell you this so if you go through similar things you will not be alarmed.  This seems to be normal and will pass with time.  

My thoughts are always positive and I know by my prayers and yours, faith and belief that I will be totally healed and better than new after this is over.
     
I want to thank the many who have sent me cards, notes, emails, calls and messages.  You are wonderful and I appreciate all your contact and concern. 

Like I said last week in my column,   I feel this is a way for God to allow me to experience the more difficult situations so I can talk to more people and help them deal with the down side of cancer.  That is my mission.

If you need a speaker that will share his experiences over the last year give me a call.  We need to get the word out to everyone that there is hope no matter what the situation. I can speak for 30 minutes or one hour whatever you need and there is no charge for my speaking.

Now let’s go out and create a terrific week for ourselves and everyone around us.  Remember you have been blessed, Pass it on or as the movie says, pay it forward which enables you to enrich your life forever.  You can make a difference in many lives if you will just reach out to others with compassion, love and understanding, prayer and belief.

God bless you all.  You are wonderful caring and supportive people and guess what, “Day by Day in Every Way, by the Grace of God, I am Getting Healthier and Healthier and Healthier". 

Now let’s create a terrific day for everyone around us.

Jerry Fowler