4-8-2007 till 4-15-2007

            Rod Shealy, publisher of the Irmo News asked me to share my story about the battle I face with cancer.  There have been hundreds of calls, emails and cards of thanks for sharing what happens in a cancer victim’s life.  It has been a journey that no one can imagine unless you have been through something as devastating as cancer.  Life is fragile and special and with a good positive attitude, faith and prayer one will overcome the destruction cancer can cause.

            Last week’s first doctor’s appointment was on Tuesday 4-10-2007 for an evaluation X-Ray to determine how the tumor was progressing.  Prior to the X-Ray I did more blood work to see where the white count and blood consistency stood since I was prone to blood clots.  The blood was perfect.

            As Dr. Babcock and I waited for the results of the X-Ray as he explained that it takes time and many times results are only realized months later after changing the medicine and determining what will kill the cells.  Doctors just don’t know what will work and what will not.  It is trial and error.Dr. Babcock left the room to check the results of the X-Ray and came back with a huge smile on his face.  After four weeks we were seeing a decrease in the size of my tumor.  A miracle.The Tumor Is Shrinking.  This was the best news I have heard in months. Dr. Babcock was as excited as I have ever seen a doctor. The treatment is working, he said.   Those are words of music to a cancer patient’s ears. 

            The cancer support group I joined has opened my eyes to a lot of really tragic situations our neighbors are facing.  Just recently in our group we had a lady who joined us who just discovered she had reoccurring ovarian cancer after seven years of being free.  She lost her husband and her job at the same time.  Those are real challenges and that is what the cancer support group is designed for.  To help those in need. 

            There are a lot of people going through challenges.  Please reach out to them and give them an encouraging word, card, email and a prayer.  They need you desperately.

            On this same day I received my second Chemo treatment.  Seven hours of receiving chemicals.   While there Larry Mosley, owner of Mosley Jewelry came by to visit. He is a long time friend and an inspiration to many. Larry is a survivor of cancer and had one of the worst battles I have heard anyone going through.  Larry has volunteered his time to be at the clinic certain hours of the week to help those in need.  Larry bounces around the floor making people feel happy. If you know him you know how motivating Larry can be. He is full of laughs and help.   

            I still have not had any negative thoughts or thoughts of self pity.  Negative thoughts can and will destroy a person’s will to continue.   I have had a couple of adverse side effects this week. With progress comes some adversity as well.  I am now completely bald. (see photo below).  

            I told you last week it seems we are all vain when it comes to hair and this bothered me.  It is certainly a different look and rather than look like a dog with mange I shaved my head.   When you have had hair all your life, or most of your life it is strange to look into the mirror and see a bald head.  Of course they say that God created perfect heads and then he covered the others with hair.  This has certainly taken time to get used to. 

            The things one takes for granted when you have hair or noticed when you don’t.  Such as the simple task of resting your head back on your recliner.  Do you know how cold leather can be?  Or take the task of simply walking out on a brisk morning and your head freezes.

            On 4-12-2007.  I went back to Dr. Babcock for a shot to make sure the white blood count did not drop as it did last time.  The next day 4-13-2007, I was back in for a 2 ½ hour injection of fluids to fight the sickness one gets with Chemo. 

            On Friday night I had the first bout with sickness I have had.  The pain in your stomach is unbelievable and you cannot eat, rest or sleep, relax or anything.  You are in pain.  Thank God they have pills one can take to ease the pain.  The following day it was very difficult to actually drive to the radio station to do my radio show and the weakness was indescribable.  One can hardly pick up their arms or legs.  The Chemo treatment takes a lot out of your body and actually attacks all the cells, not just the cancer cells.

            Again I want to thank all those that write, email send cards and call.  Your support makes it possible to feel good about where you are going.  God bless each and every one of you.  If you know someone in need and would like to drop me a note just email me at jerry@jerryfowler.com and perhaps I can give them a call.  You’re the best.