4-15-2007 till 4-22-2007

             Rod Shealy asked me to share my story about the battle I face with cancer in hopes that hearing my story might help others going through similar situations.  There have been hundreds of calls, emails and cards of thanks for sharing what happens in a cancer victim’s life.   

            This week I want to talk about the psychological devastation that cancer victim’s experience.In my case I was accustomed to working an average of 14 hours per day. Why?  I enjoyed the challenge of making a real estate transaction work for our clients and I studied how to make that easier and easier for that client.  I simply enjoyed working and going.  

             I was involved in many community functions and was the Chairman of the BBB, Director of the BDC, Real Estate Instructor,  Instructor for all new Realtors that join our association, Member of the Arbitration Board of South Carolina Association of Realtors,  Member of the Technology Committee for the South Carolina Association of Realtors,  SC only CyberProfessional, Lexington/Richland School District 5 board member, Vice-Chair of the School Board and many other clubs and groups. Being involved in so much kept me running constantly. 

            When cancer struck it was like time stopped.  For the first few weeks after a very invasive lung biopsy I was completely out of touch with the world.  I actually slept almost 20 hours per day, lost weight at a rapid pace, had no appetite and was really going downhill.  It was difficult to hold my arms up or walk more than a slow walk.  Taking a shower was torture.  Just drying my hair with a towel was mentally and physically draining to the point of me having to sit down after a shower to rest.

            Judy, my wife, helped pump all type supplements down me to help build my system back.  After a few weeks my appetite was restored and I could get by without the 20 hours per day sleep. Gradually some of my strength came back but I am still only about 30 percent of what I once was.The biggest challenge I face and is faced by many that are in my situation and were accustomed to working long hours is the guilt of not being in that constant whirlwind. 

            My challenge today is energy and stamina.  I get up early, 4:00AM each day and feel alive and full of energy which is the way I have felt for years.  Unfortunately after a few hours I run completely out of energy. Just walking around the yard can drain the energy completely out of your body.  In order to prepare for a school board meeting I must rest several hours before in order to go through 3 or 4 hours of meetings. 

            I asked Dr. Babcock what I can do to restore the lasting energy I once had and his answer is not what I wanted to hear.  “It takes time Jerry, according to Dr. Babcock. You have a 3-B classification of lung cancer. This snaps the energy right out of you”.  Additionally the fast weight lost down to my high school weight destroyed muscle tone and energy.  It will take time to build this back up.  Although I know what Dr. Babcock is saying is true, it is devastating to me. I am a “Do it Now and Do it Fast Guy” so the idea of taking time is hard to accept.  

            I try to go into the office for just a few hours per day to go over what our team is doing and what they need help with however the psychological effect works on my attitude and I must read good positive books and passages to keep my attitude high.  Attitude is everything when it comes to beating cancer and I will not let my attitude drop to low levels.  

            Thank God I have a team that has been trained to do all the professional things we have strived to achieve over the years.  I now know how so many cancer victims’ feel.  If you know someone suffering with cancer or any disease please be patient with them.  Their level of energy is far below that of normal and most of them have a very negative attitude about what has happened to them.  

            The week after a Chemo treatment can put your body through some very difficult times with something different happening each day to your body.  I received dozens of emails this week from cancer victims’ who just wanted to share thoughts.  I encourage this so if you know of anyone suffering from any physical problems encourage them to email me at jerry@jerryfowler.com.  I personally answer all my email and maybe something I say or a book or tape I recommend can just be the push they need to move their faith and belief forward and help them overcome the many problems associated with the dreaded “C” word, CANCER.  I appreciate your continued prayers, emails, cards and calls.