4-29-2007 till 5-06-2007

          The past week has been the most challenging I have experienced since discovering I have cancer.  There are many emotions and feelings that go with having cancer not to mention the physical pain and discomfort.               

            There are tests upon tests of one kind or another and they seem to never end.  Of course there is chemotherapy, loss of taste, loss of hair, loss of appetite, blood clots, extreme pain and total exhaustion.               

            Last week 4-30-2007 started like most weeks with a trip back to the doctor.  On Tuesday, 5-1-2007, I was scheduled for another 7 hour sit while receiving Chemotherapy.  Prior to the treatment Dr. Babcock tested my blood and found the hemoglobin to again register low. This is another reason for the lack of energy. The treatment proceeded as planned and I was back on Thursday for follow-up fluids which took about 2 more hours.  Also the white cells were down again so another shot was necessary.              

            On Friday, 5-4-2007 the after effects seem to hit with full blast.  This was the worst yet. I lost all energy and could barley lift my arms.  The sick feeling in my stomach was wrenching.  This was the worst I had experienced.  All I wanted to do was sleep, which is unlike me.  This weakness and sickness has persisted throughout the weekend. Doing the radio show on Saturday morning was pure agony. 

            This Chemo treatment was the third I had received and it seems that with each treatment the effects seem to get worst.  Fortunately they only last about 3 or 4 days and then they are over until the next treatment.  I was also informed this week that my mother has just been diagnosed with breast cancer.  I would appreciate your prayers for her.  She is a living legion and an inspiration to our entire family. 

            No matter how bad a situation is I always try to put humor into whatever adversity I go through.  Cancer is devastating, no doubt about it.  If I personally were not going through this situation I would never add humor however I am going through cancer and so I came up with a list of the Top 10 Advantages of Cancer.  Now please remember this is humorous and not intended to offend anyone.  However remember I am the one going through this so I can add some humor. Humor sure helps me deal with my situation in a much better way.  Here they are: 

1.     You can save on haircuts 

2.     You hear from old friends you haven’t heard from in years and some you had even forgotten about. 

3.     Your insurance premiums finally pay off 

4.     You can finally wear those great old clothes that had shrank because you have lost so much  weight 

5.     You can eat more and weight  less 

6.     No more bad hair days 

7.     Spouse treats you much better 

8.     No more Honey-do lists 

9.     You become Mama’s baby again 

10.  You do not have to shave due to the effect of Chemotherapy.             

            I have full confidence that I will recover and be 100 percent shortly and if you are experiencing cancer you should have full confidence that you too will recover.  Without hope and faith there is little chance. If you know someone going through this battle please send them a card, an email or call them. They need it. 

            Cancer is a very difficult battle and they will appreciate your thoughts. For those with cancer please remember also that faith, hope, belief and prayer will pave the way for a total recovery and don’t forget to get the book entitled “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” by Dr. Joseph Murphy as well as the movie called “The Secret”. The Secret can be purchased on the web by going to www.thesecret.tv. These two things can change your outlook and life regarding cancer.  

            If you need to email me my email address is jerry@jerryfowler.com.