I was forcibly treated in a general hospital in Richmond, Va., in 1981 in violation of Virginia law when I was 17. I am so glad that this young man apparently was granted access to legal counsel (which I was illegally denied when I requested it) and that his wishes for decisions so crucial to his wellbeing were heard and taken seriously. In 1992, I submitted testimony to Congress (which was published) about my experience and that of other teenagers in key health care decision making. What happened to me — the treatment against my wishes and its horrific aftermath — will never stop haunting me (or my family). I believe it would have been better for me to have been permitted to choose no treatment even if it might leave to death rather than go through what I did. Good for the judge in Virginia and for the boy and his family! Unfortunately, I imagine most young people will not be offered the access to legal process that this young man was accorded as required by Virginia law.

Sent by Louisa A. Smith | 10:02 AM ET | 08-21-2006

Hello Leroy,

I read what you wrote on NPR about my cancer. I am deeply touched by your attitude and action towards fighting against cancer. NEVER SAY DIE ! I WILL CROSS MY FINGERS FOR YOU! I AM SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT!

Sent by Zhang Yan | 10:04 AM ET | 08-21-2006

Thought I'd chime in to say hello and thank you for setting an example about what it means to be a cancer survivor in this day and age. You might enjoy taking a look at http://StepsForLiving.org, a cancer advocacy group I founded in 2004. I am a 10-year survivor of brain cancer and look forward to hearing from you. Rock on, brother.

Sent by Matthew Zachary | 11:41 AM ET | 08-21-2006

I agree, my life and death is my own business, is my own choice. I do not want others to impose their will and selfish opinions on my life. I hope you're a member of the Hemlock Society — it promotes death with dignity.

Sent by H.S. | 11:43 AM ET | 08-21-2006

Leroy,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. My brother-in-law, John, is currently on his way to the hospital to remove his mother from a respirator she suddenly became ill three weeks ago and they've since discovered she has lung cancer that has metastasized to her liver and spine. She has a living will asking not to be resuscitated but the hospital had no way of knowing that when she arrived. I have been following your column every day and it's been particularly poignant these past few weeks. I can only imagine how difficult it will be today for John, but I want to thank you for sharing your very personal journey with us. I wish you much success in your treatment.

Sent by Susan Braun | 11:45 AM ET | 08-21-2006

Sure, if he were 18 or over, this would not be a problem, and his parents would have no say. But suppose he were 13, or 7, or 2 — do the parents then have a right to intervene and subject him to a course of treatment that the traditional American medical community believes is a hoax and worthless? I would certainly not want to be the judge in a case like that.

Sent by David Larsen | 12:54 PM ET | 08-21-2006

You know, there just isn't an easy answer on this one. During the Terry Shiavo circus I was just adamant that Senator Frist, et al, should keep out of it and let her husband decide, working it out with the rest of the family if he could. I would want my husband to fight everyone like Mr. Shiavo did to let my body die if my brain had already died.

But as far as minors are concerned, I just don't know. If the parents are of a religion that doesn't allow medical treatments that would save the child's life, I do think the State should step in. That doesn't appear to be the issue here so I just don't know what to think except that you have to take each case individually.

Sent by Brenda | 12:57 PM ET | 08-21-2006

My mom died at 65 this past spring — colon cancer mets to the liver and lungs — and she refused more treatment after suffering horribly during her first round of (effective) chemo. I was absolutely horrified on one level because that ran so counter to my own approach. I have inflammatory breast cancer, mets and all, and have treated it aggressively for the past four years I've enjoyed a very high quality of life due to the positive effects of conventional therapies, and currently am very healthy and happy. But just because I cant foresee a day/situation where Id reject more treatment doesn't mean that day wont come. For my mom, it came much, much too soon...or maybe it just came too soon for the rest of us. She encouraged me constantly in my struggle to survive, and she and my dad were absolutely committed to supporting me — morally and financially — in whatever course of treatment I chose. She said early on that since she was asymptomatic, she had half a mind to just pack up and move to Greece and drink wine on the beach for the rest of her life. I am so sorry she never got to do that. It wouldn't have been her first choice, but it would still have been hers.

Sent by Joan Jones | 1:42 PM ET | 08-21-2006

My work involves reviewing medical charts for those applying for social security disability. Many of the cases involve cancer and I am astonished at the number of cases where have people decided (or had it decided by their circumstances) to not receive treatment based on financial considerations. Thankfully for you, access and affordability is not a major consideration, but with many it is. Just something else to think about when considering all the stress and decisions that come with cancer and other chronic conditions.

Thank you so much for your daily blogs. Your comments help open the doors for conversation for many who can't begin to articulate the hopes, fears and concerns that you so superbly express that are experienced by so many.

Sent by Leslie | 2:15 PM ET | 08-21-2006

One of the things that I learned through my own cancer experience is that it's not wise to make assumptions about anyone's decisions regarding their medical care (or about a lot of other things, for that matter). We can never know or really completely understand all of the factors involved for another person, especially regarding huge issues like life-and-death or quality of life.

I have become a much less judgmental person because of my own experience. I wish I could say that I'm completely non-judgmental, but that's my goal!

Sent by Maggie | 4:18 PM ET | 08-22-2006

Great posting! I don't think that anyone should be forced to do a treatment, but to me it is really sad that this young man is choosing to use a very suspect course of treatment to treat a very curable type of cancer. He has maybe an 80% shot with chemo and who knows what chance of survival on the alternative. I am a three and a half year Hodgkin's survivor and while the the chemo was pretty hard on me and in fact, nearly killed me, it saved my life and was worth the physical misery. I agree that he and his family have to decide, I just wonder if he is giving up too soon on the chemo. After I got so sick from it, my oncologist made adjustments and the last three months were not as bad.

Best of luck to you, Leroy. Thanks for writing such a great blog. I hope to someday soon read about your remission.

Sent by Art Ritter | 4:33 PM ET | 08-22-2006

My 33 year old husband was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer on Valentines Day 2005. One of the first things they had us do upon admission at MD Anderson was fill out the living will paperwork.

We failed to have an out-of-hospital DNR order when he coded at home on May 1st, 2005. In my panic, I called 911 (because thats what you do when someone needs help) and of course, the paramedics intubated him. That was not what my husband wanted and I knew it and had promised not to let it happen.

When we got to the ER the paramedic told me "your husband is doing phenomenal." I couldn't help but think to myself well, yeah, anything beats dead!

After the EEG confirmed what I already knew, I called his family in and told them what he had wanted and what I was going to do. I stood at his bedside choking back sobs as the nurse removed him from the vent. When he was still breathing after the first hour, I had my sister bring our two boys, ages four and six in to say goodbye to their daddy.

They each whispered their ritual goodnight saying into their daddy's ear and when my four-year-old got back out to the waiting room he told everyone "I made my Daddy laugh on the inside!"

My husband, my best friend, and the love of my life held on for one more hour before taking his last breath. I am sorry for the amount of time that he spent on the vent, but I honored his wishes as quickly as I could. I know he would have done the same thing for me.

Sent by D.L.N. | 4:42 PM ET | 08-22-2006

I am currently studying Developmental Psychology and have seen ample evidence of teenage decision-making being impaired. Teenagers do not have a fully functioning prefrontal cortex, amongst other structures involved in inhibition and restraint.

Additionally, my mother is currently receiving chemotherpy and it is tough at times but worth it for anyone past stage 2 cancer. There are many options that help one cope with the side effects, including the ever-controversial marijuana cigarettes (or THC tablets), which, nevertheless, have undoubtable medicinal properties.

Sent by Carlyn Carter | 6:00 PM ET | 08-22-2006

I agree with you about Hawaii. I also am going through cancer treatments right now and i would rather die doing something I like than being tied down to a hospital bed connected to various IV's and being pumped full of morphine. I understand alot of what you are going through, the sickness, being tired and it's hard to explain the kind of tired you feel after chemo, some people just don't get it. They think ok so you're tired big deal. Anyway I have enjoyed reading your story and my prayers are with you and your family. And when and if the time comes to go to Hawaii — I hope to see you there and I'll buy the first round!

Sent by Cynthia Villanueva | 6:03 PM ET | 08-22-2006

I've gotten into the habit of listening to podcasts as I do my morning bike ride around Central Parks loop (don't worry; I listen with the earplug in one ear so I can hear the traffic in the other). I just discovered this one and listened with nervous anticipation. As a cancer survivor, I don't really like to hear others stories since the bad ones are bad and the good ones are probably the exceptions. Besides, even the good ones still remind me of the fact that my health and my existence are subject to the whims of a few poorly programmed cells in my body, which hopefully have been killed off but may still be lurking, plotting their next assault.

As I said, I was listening to the first bunch of installments of this series as I was riding my bike. So yes, my body is luckily little the worse for wear after my initial occurrence (which included a year of intensive chemo and surgery) and my recurrence (chemo, radiation and surgery).

The first occurrence of cancer is scary enough. Everything is new and unknown, and it is hard to even know the questions to ask. In comparison, recurrence is even harder. While the first time is a surprise and shock, the second time is the manifestation of all of the fears that you lived with every day since that shock. It teaches you that no matter how much time and emotional distance you may put between you and the experience, it is never something that you can really put behind you. We can celebrate little anniversaries, but the wayward cells don?t care.

Since my recurrence and particularly since a recent scare that had me convinced that it had come back for a third time to finish the job, I now realize that it is a part of my world that will not go away. A pretty simple realization, I admit, but as Leroy Sievers says, it is hard to beat back hope.

So as I rode my bike listening to My Cancer, I forced myself to become comfortable in the world in which I live. I can't ride my bike away from it, so I might as well listen to the episodes and enjoy the scenery while I'm here.

Bravo on an insightful documentation of your/our experiences, and best wishes for the journey ahead.

Sent by Peter | 6:07 PM ET | 08-22-2006

To me, Cancer is just an inconvenience that I have to deal with. I lost my husband to one already, have a 12 year old daughter and 80 year Mom needing my support and love. I really believe a positive mental attitude is the best medicine for cancer. Of course, do not blindly believe what doctors tell you. Research your options before they (doctors) starting poking on you. All the treatment plans are developed based on percentage of success rates. So, it may not work for you. My doctor told me that after five years, if I am still around, it means that the medication works. Not really promising, but at least he is honest about it.

Sent by TC Oalibac | 6:14 PM ET | 08-22-2006

You do have right to choose how to die. Compare with so many people in China and not only in China, who have no choice about how they die. You are luckier and I admire your courage and decision. Come on, kill your enemy on his battlefield.

Sent by Sky | 12:29 PM ET | 08-24-2006

Thank you for telling your story. Cancer seems to be one of the scariest illnesses, yet because of the MANY different types, not enough research has been done.

My family has been dramatically affected by cancer. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 70s, and survived. My grandfather died of prostate cancer. My mother has had two different types of cancer - chondro sarcoma and fibrous sarcoma, both rare, both deadly, and she survived both. My father, on the other hand, was not so lucky - he passed away after battling glioblastoma (brain tumor).

Its amazing how many people are affected, not just the people who are ill, but those loved ones that help take care of them. I have now been in the position to take care of my mother and father during their treatments, and hospice. But the funny thing is, the disease has made me who I am today. It has made me realize the importance of family, as well as the importance of a positive attitude. My father had that - and it helped us all get through a very difficult time.

So again, thank you for sharing your story. You are helping others handle their own bouts with cancer, and it is nice to know you are not alone in this world.

Sent by Amy Groff | 12:59 PM ET | 08-24-2006

My daughter received chemo for Hodgkin's for six months ending on Christmas day 2005. The first treatment left her with dry heaves overnight and into the next day, for some reason they neglected to include anti-nausea meds. After that the nausea was controlled but she had skin rash, and other side effects - each time adjustments were made and she got thru it. Her port became infected and had to be removed, delaying the final treatments. But she was strong enough to fly by herself from Germany to Washington, DC, lugging large suitcases of presents, rent a car and drive to her brothers home to surprise us and be with her extended family for Christmas, which was the day she took the last chemo pill. Her treatment at 42, a bit old for Hodgkin's, was successful and her follow-ups show complete remission. She showed remission after 4 chemo cycles so the outlook being positive made it easier to complete the entire scheduled treatment. The young man and his parents needed to allow his physician to adjust his dosages and utilize other drugs to minimize his discomfort. Obviously a good rapport was not established between the physician and the patient and his family. This is sad. I believe the rate of cure at his age is well over 80%. It takes courage to fight cancer and in late stages I can understand a very ravaged or aged person deciding to forego treatment. I agree a teen may not make a wise decision and the parents may be prejudiced against the medical profession. My daughter showed remarkable strength of character and used her available energy to learn to paint in water colors, see friends and be close to her husband and children. I am saddened that this young boy may lose a life that might have been greatly enriched and affirmed by completing a successful treatment plan.

Sent by Jackie Matlock | 4:15 PM ET | 08-25-2006

Your last paragraph really resonates with me. You will "decide" how to die. Strange as it may seem, this at least is a small gift from having a terminal illness. One of my coworkers was recently diagnosed. It has made me realize that I am most frightened of dying suddenly, with no warning, and leaving my baby daughter and family without any preparation or saying all I need to tell them. If I should be so unlucky as to become sick, I would fight like heck, but be grateful for the chance to record my thoughts, get my things in order and leave the world a better place than I found it.

Grace and peace and luck to you. Thank you for the blog.

Sent by Karen Habeeb | 4:57 PM ET | 09-01-2006

Dear Leroy,

A friend sent me your blog. As a newcomer to cancer (just had a stage two tumor removed from my colon and am in the home recovery stage - trying to decide "to chemo or not". And I live in Hawaii already - it is a beautiful place to heal and be in a peaceful space. If you want to plan your visit let me know. I am doing my research about chemo now and truly appreciate reading all you have written to date.

Sent by Carolann Biederman | 12:32 PM ET | 09-05-2006

Cancer runs in my family, I am a survivor myself. My baby sister has just had surgery for stage three colon cancer and is facing six months of chemo. After just three treatments she ended up in the hospital for four days because her immune system dropped to the danger level and was placed in quarantine. She has several other medical problems as well but she just got turned down for her application for SSI. She has no insurance of any kind and can get no help from anywhere. She is considering stopping the treatments because of this. She just has no money. And she is tired of fighting for her disability. I ran across your article while surfing the web and found it very interesting along with the comments from all your readers. Thank you for telling your story...

Sent by Betty Lockey | 1:18 PM ET | 09-07-2006

behind you 1000 percent, no one but the person who is sick has the right what or what not is done to their body. government must be kept out of our life. it is getting too much in the way.

Sent by richard j. troy | 12:33 PM ET | 02-29-2008