Jerry’s Greatest Challenge
4-13-2008 through 4-20-2008
Hemorrhaging on the Brain, another Challenge
 

Editors Note:  This is week number 59 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 59 weeks since I began writing these updates.  Radiation was officially stopped on Friday 4-11-2008.  God is good and his grace is even better.   I have been through a great deal.  Why?  Well in my opinion I need to experience all aspects of this disease to appreciate what challenges people go through when dealing with cancer and the many different directions cancer can take you.  Prayer, faith, hope, belief, positive thinking, exercising the law of attraction and living in God’s grace are some of the most powerful virtues a human can have. 

I am living with all the positive attributes of the items mentioned.  The law of Attraction is one that I love.  I expect only good things to happen. I do not expect less than good, however most people go through life talking about what bad is happening to them.  Have you ever known someone that told you at this time every year they always get a cold? Guess what, they always do.  The mind is the most powerful force we have.  The law of attraction states that you attract what you think about.  One must dwell on the good things that will happen and not the bad.  If you dwell on the bad you can rest assured that the bad will happen. Let me remind you again to read the book entitled “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind”, by Dr. Joseph Murphy.  This book will change your life regardless of what situation, medical, financial or other situations you are experiencing.  Another book is entitled “Your Life Follows Your Words”, by Darlene Bishop.  This book follows the same concept.  Read them, they will totally change your life.

Wednesday was a very challenging day.  I met with Dr. Babcock at 8AM Wednesday morning.  My blood was extremely thin and registered a 5.2 on the scale which is not good.  I felt rather sick.  Could not walk straight, think straight nor function like I am accustomed to.  I was seeing double, my back and shoulders felt like someone have beaten me.  My head ached in all places even thought I was eating Tylenol by the dozens.  Dr. Babcock did not like what he was hearing at all. 

He then ordered a new MRI at the Baptist Hospital immediately for Friday morning to see if new tumors had developed.  The MRI was completed by 9AM on Friday.   Dr Babcock called by 12:30 and gave me good news.  There did not appear to be new tumors, however there was an indication that I was Hemorrhaging on the brain.  This creates pressure and a really horrible situation.   Driving is not allowed.  I was planning a trip for next weekend and had to cancel the trip. I had to miss the Lexington/Richland School District 5 Board Meeting on Monday.  The Hemorrhaging was apparently from the thin blood that collected from the largest tumor site in the brain.  Dr. Babcock brought me back to his office to take medicine which would thicken up the blood.  Now we need to be conscious of blood clots again, another concern of cancer patiences.

I tell you this so if you go through similar things you will not be alarmed.  This seems to be a reaction that is possible.  

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.  This 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