Good News and Other Uncharted Territory

 
“My oncologist and I were laughing later; neither of us could really remember a time when the news had been good. But this time it was.”
 
 

"I've got nothing for you. There's nothing on the scans." Not what I was expecting to hear from my oncologist this afternoon. I had been bracing myself for bad news. Trying to steel myself for when he said something like, "So there's a new growth" or "Something showed up." But not today. Even though I've been off chemo for a couple of months now, no new tumors.

It had been a long day. It started with the normal bloodwork — no big deal, they draw a little blood and you move on. Next up was CT scans. My oncologist wanted to look for any new tumors that might have cropped up while we weren't watching. My other doctor needed to see if the collapsed lung had gone away.

The answer to that was yes, which meant it was time to take out the chest tube. The most painful part of the process — the most painful part of this whole ordeal — was taking the bandages off my chest. Nothing else came close. My doctor tried to be really careful, trying to decide if she should go quickly and just rip them off, or slowly. Either way, it was excruciating. When the chest tube came out, it was a little weird. It's actually a couple of inches long, so it does take a while for the doctors to pull it out of your chest. It hurts a little, but it's also just a very strange sensation.

And finally, it was that agonizing wait to see my oncologist. He and I were laughing later; neither of us could really remember a time when the news had been good. But this time it was. With an added bonus. I got to see the scans of my lungs. I could see the black holes where the tumors had been before they were burned out. That was pretty cool.

So now there's only one left, and it has its date with the needle in about two weeks. After that? Uncharted territory. I feel like I should celebrate more, but to be honest, I'm exhausted. I haven't really slept in the last week. What better way to celebrate could there be, than a good night's sleep?

6:02 AM ET | 03- 1-2007 | permalink

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Such wonderful news, Leroy! Sleep and then celebrate!

Sent by Jeanmarie Morgan | 10:55 AM ET | 03-01-2007

Leroy,

Today's post made my day, I'm grinning from ear to ear. Congrats and sleep well.

Sent by Katie | 10:58 AM ET | 03-01-2007

Awesome news!! I hope you can really feel good about it once you've rested.

Sent by Crow | 10:59 AM ET | 03-01-2007

Awesome! That's all I can say. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

Sent by Marilyn | 11:01 AM ET | 03-01-2007

Congratulations!

Sent by Tom Clarke | 11:09 AM ET | 03-01-2007

A good night's sleep seems like the perfect way to celebrate. Congratulations on the great scan results and more importantly, for sharing your journey giving all of your readers hope under very challenging circumstances. Happy first day of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, too!

Sent by Andrea Clay | 11:47 AM ET | 03-01-2007

Yea!!! Great good news. Now for that really, really deep and deliciously looong sleep!! (And many more!)

Sent by Erika Hanson Brown | 11:48 AM ET | 03-01-2007

That's wonderful news, Leroy! I'm so happy for you! Get a good night's sleep and then go CELEBRATE!

Sent by A.T. | 11:50 AM ET | 03-01-2007

Awesome news!!

Sent by Sandy Lathe | 11:51 AM ET | 03-01-2007

So many things change when you get cancer that it is easy to expect only bad news. Reading your notes from today and yesterday really brighten my days — good on you and Ruth for your triumphs and wishes for more to come. While I was waiting for radiation yesterday, another patient, a very worldly wise sort of elderly man, responded to the nurses call to go change by saying I don't want to change. I like the way I am! We all shared a smile. He had said it all. Cancer brings big changes but it doesn't have to change the person we are inside. Be well.

Sent by Jessie | 11:52 AM ET | 03-01-2007

You go, Leroy. Excellent news. There is not much better than a long restful sleep, followed up with a wonderful breakfast, of course.

Sent by Elizabeth Dyer | 11:54 AM ET | 03-01-2007

I would add some chocolate to that celebration... chocolate that would have been banned if on that chemo medication you mentioned a while back. Congratulations.

Thank you for your blog. I have been reading it for several months now. In early February we moved my mother in to live with us — and into hospice care for end stage congestive heart failure. She is almost 83. During the first week she was with us she was in the hospital for a whole week and we thought she was going to die. During that extremely stressful time, I drew comfort from your blog. Dealing with health issues that threaten our lives is difficult, regardless of the cause. I know CHF is different from cancer, but despite all the differences, your blog brought me great strength and comfort during that difficult week.

Sent by Alice May | 12:02 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Wonderful news, Leroy! Get that last tumor zapped and take a well needed and deserved vacation... you and your bride need to recharge your batteries. Blessings and more blessings...

Sent by Karen | 12:03 PM ET | 03-01-2007

What wonderful news, Leroy! I am continually humbled by your process. Today I am rejoicing with you!

Sent by L. Stone | 12:04 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Awesome! I'll sleep better too! That's wonderful. Made my day. Cheers! (But you have to keep blogging!)

Sent by Ann | 12:06 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Such wonderful news! It is great to hear that nothing new showed up on your scan. I hope you slept well and had pleasant dreams.

Sent by Sondra Scott | 12:08 PM ET | 03-01-2007

YOU ARE ONE VERY ,VERY LUCKY MAN!!!!!! You must be feeling absolutely "weightless." Sleep well, my friend!

Sent by Marianne Dalton | 12:09 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Wonderful news! I know I really enjoy "passing" PET scans, and I have done so the last two times. I am down to seeing my oncologist once a month. I still have my Medi-Port, though. I don't want to have to go through that again!

Hang in there, Leroy. We love you.

Sent by Ruth | 12:11 PM ET | 03-01-2007

What glorious news, Leroy. We all need to cherish those moments when good news comes our way — take the time to absorb it and let it wash over us and enjoy the feeling of peace that it brings. I am on a short "treatment holiday" for 2 months and am feeling so wonderful. I try to be "in the moment" and really let myself experience this feeling of strength and health before treatment starts again. I wish you continued good news in the days and months to come.

Sent by Elena W. | 12:17 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Leroy, It seems time for the hot fudge sundae or the cheesesteak sandwich! A good day!

Sent by LJ | 12:28 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Dear Leroy,

I'm so happy about your good news. I hope you can enjoy life without pain, nausea and other awful symptoms for a while. But first, a good night's sleep!

Sent by Jane | 12:29 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Good news! It must have been very satisfying to see the empty places where the tumors used to be. I'm very happy for you. Take a nice long nap and then celebrate.

Sent by K. Ives | 12:30 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Leroy,

I'm so happy for your news! Personally, I'm a sack rat and there aren't very many things that feel better than drifting off into sleep with nothing worrying me. May you have many nights of deep and dreamless sleep.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:32 PM ET | 03-01-2007

As I read your wonderful news this morning on line, I look out my hotel room window and watch the sun rise over the mountains of California. It occurs to me that it truly is "a new day for you!" What joy. I have followed your postings closely because I too had colon cancer. My extreme surgery... and I do mean extreme, was almost 3 years ago, found by a routine colonoscopy. That day changed my life forever... but I am still here. The doctor told me I would have lived about 3 years with no intervention and those years would not have been pleasant. My three year mark is coming up soon. Thank you for your posts, your words have power. They make me cry, warm my heart, and make me even more thankful for being able to see the sunrise this morning!

Sent by Patricia | 12:33 PM ET | 03-01-2007

I am so happy for you. Who would have thunk it?

Sent by Marcia | 3:58 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Way to go, Leroy. Excellent news. Sleep well tonight.

Sent by Martha | 3:59 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Leroy,

I have tears of joy in my eyes, while I am reading your post. I am so happy for you. Congratulations!!!

Sent by Tatiana | 4:00 PM ET | 03-01-2007

WOW! I just came back in to post and there are already 18 notes. Does that tell you something, Leroy? I had a particularly bad week... new regimen of chemo hit really hard. On top of that I had a falling out with a long time friend. It seems she was upset with me for not making a grocery run for her... her stove burner went out, her ice maker is down. In the past week I have come to realize that what we view as important and life altering to some are mere bumps in the road...not even bumbs, grains of sand. In all fairness I should realize that people who have had a life threatening illness...chronic pain, loss of loved ones, view life a totally different way. WE ARE THE LUCKY ONES. Still somehow it is not easy to understand what people view as important. It is not fair for me to judge but the next time I offer to help someone out I will be sure I can follow through.:) Leroy, we all love you. I bet you never allowed yourself the luxury of the fantasy...."I have nothing for you today." God Bless and thanks for the good news.

Sent by Patti | 4:04 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Dear Leroy,

Super news. A good way to celebrate would be to start a "Team Leroy" to participate in a great local Washington, D.C. colorectal cancer awareness event. www.scopeitout5K.com. It is taking place March 24th during Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Receiving chemo as I type this on my phone... again I am thrilled with your latest test results.

Sent by Janet Turcotte | 4:05 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Wonderful news. Just wonderful.

Sent by Linda | 4:07 PM ET | 03-01-2007

FABULOUS!! MARVELOUS!! WONDERFUL!! (umm, out of synonyms) That's all I can say, pleasant dreams.

Sent by Jenene Koegel | 4:08 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Terrific news, Leroy!

In reading the comments, so many people say, "you must be ecstatic!" But getting a piece of really good news after getting so much bad news can be hard to absorb. My only advice is to take a minute in the next day or so, look around you and be awed by life. I don't need to tell you that. I'm so happy for you.

Sent by Jordis | 4:09 PM ET | 03-01-2007

CONGRATULATIONS!! Wonderful news. Sleep well.

Sent by Karen | 4:12 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Yipee!!!

Sent by Janis | 4:13 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Leroy, I am taking a quick break away from work and wanted to see how you are today. What wonderful, fabulous, exhilarating news! It's such a blessing to know that the ablations are having the hoped for effect, and I know that as your tumor burden is lifted, so are your spirits. After a good sleep... 10, 12, 14 hrs... I hope that you and yours find some really fun thing to do and celebrate. Just imagine your whole blog family sitting at their respective computers with party hats and tooters...

OK...1, 2, 3 HAPPY LUNG HEALTH LEROY!!! (Showers of confetti and floods of balloons) Consider yourself hugged... hard!

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 4:16 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Wonderful, hopeful, exciting news, Leroy, for you and for Ruth. Your journey has been such a roller coaster, and now, really, really good news! I celebrate with you.

Sent by Lynne Dahlborg | 4:17 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Wonderful, great news. I love that good report feeling, I am feeling relief for you. Now go take a nap, and enjoy!

Sent by Elizabeth | 4:18 PM ET | 03-01-2007

I am so very happy to hear your wonderful news!! Here's to great night sleep!

Sent by Jane | 4:19 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Wonderful news. I hope this is the most peaceful night's sleep you've had in a long time.

Sent by Geoff | 4:25 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Yea! Congratulations and keep up the Good Work! You are an amazing person! I constantly thank my daughter for telling me about your blog. It has been a mind, heart and soul opener! It is amazing everyday to read my thoughts and fears and true feelings so beautifully and honestly written. I believe you do speak for so many of us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Sleep deep and have Beautiful dreams!

Sent by Trish | 4:27 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Congratulations! I needed some good news today — thanks for providing it. I hope things continue well for you.

Sent by Julie | 4:35 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Wonderful, Leroy. I have listened to your podcasts for months and when I didn't have one this week, went in search of this site. I wonder if you realize the impact that you have made on so many unknown to you and how many good wishes are supporting you. My heart jumped a beat and a tear ran down my face when I read your good news. I wish you many more years of good news.

Sent by Judy | 4:44 PM ET | 03-01-2007

What A.T. said: Good night's sleep, and then a celebration... something you really enjoy doing/eating/drinking. Really, there's no reason not to, right? Right!

Sent by JJ | 4:46 PM ET | 03-01-2007

I am so happy to hear this wonderful news. While you are just doing what you have to do to get through this, from my vantage point, I think you are very brave and you provide a lot of inspiration to others. I hope you sleep deeply and well.

Sent by Marsha | 4:48 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Somehow, your great news today lifted my spirits — all the more reason for you to continue this blog because its a blessing to others. I thank God.

Sent by Merry | 4:49 PM ET | 03-01-2007

Fantastic news! Rest, let this wonderful news sink in, and then celebrate.

Sent by Mary M. | 4:50 PM ET | 03-01-2007

HURRAY FOR YOU LEROY!! I noticed there's another Ruth on your blog. I am Ruth White, just so we can tell who's who. Leroy, I can appreciate a good night's sleep. Enjoy. Hopefully I'll get rid of this darn feeding tube next week after seeing my doctors. Let's both have a little peace and joy for a while before we have to get back into action again. Whaddya say?

Sent by Ruth White | 4:56 PM ET | 03-01-2007

What glorious news! Sleep perchance to dream and tomorrow will be a day to celebrate with your friends and family.

Sent by Brin L. | 10:58 AM ET | 03-02-2007

Leroy,

Praise the Lord for the wonderful news!!! I am very happy for you!!!

I understand what you mean about wanting to celebrate by going to sleep. I remember when I graduated from seminary, after working full-time and attending seminary part-time for 9+ years. After graduation, someone at work asked me how I was going to celebrate. Like you, I wearily answered, "I think I'm going to go to sleep."

Sent by Greg Sheryl | 5:23 PM ET | 03-02-2007

Happy, happy, Joy, joy.

Sent by Susan Sawatzky | 5:24 PM ET | 03-02-2007

Dear Leroy,

You know this already, but your blog and the posts are extraordinary. I am so happy for you and Ruth White, though I am sure it can be disconcerting when you are not as actively fighting cancer.

Thank you so much for what you share and what you have accomplished.

You are changing the world!

Much love.

Sent by MA | 5:27 PM ET | 03-02-2007

I am so happy for you! And I am so happy that you have such wonderful news to share with all of us. Thank you for sharing.

Sent by Lilly T. | 5:41 PM ET | 03-02-2007

Glad to hear the great news, Leroy. Now march on and get the last one and keep cruzin... get a great nite sleep.

Sent by Charlie | 5:42 PM ET | 03-02-2007

Leroy,

Your life is so distilled down to a fine port from all of your suffering. I hope you can allow yourself to enjoy this good news. What wonderful news!

Sent by Therese | 5:43 PM ET | 03-02-2007

Leroy, I just checked in and I am so happy to hear nothing new to report other than you have queued the last tumor for demolition. Take five and then celebrate however you choose. You made my day!

Sent by Pat | 5:44 PM ET | 03-02-2007

Leroy that is great! Hard work paying off! As a stage four cc survivor, my last scans were clean as of this Monday. Words cannot explain the feelings that pour out of me. I wish I could bottle up this kind of joy and sell it. It's so powerful. I'd be a millionaire.

Sent by Reuben | 5:48 PM ET | 03-02-2007

Wahoo! We are doing the happy dance for you at our house!

Sent by Melissa T. | 5:49 PM ET | 03-02-2007

Wow! That is great news. I take it that the radiation killed the spinal tumors as well. Knock the last one off in a few weeks, and then really celebrate. How about that trip to Maui? I am very happy for you!

Sent by Mike Belknap | 5:50 PM ET | 03-02-2007

Leroy, congratulations! Looks like this visit to the oncologist was the one where you got the puppy for Christmas.

Sent by Lisa | 5:54 PM ET | 03-02-2007

Leroy,

I've been following your blog with great interest, and am just so happy for you that you finally received great news!!!!

My mother died three years ago from lung cancer, and my mother in law died 9 years ago from cancer. So... my husband and I are all too familiar with this rollercoaster ride.

May you continue with good results, lots of rest, feeling healthy and no new tumors.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

All the best.

Sent by Julie | 5:56 PM ET | 03-02-2007

YEAH!!!! WAY TO GO, LEROY!

Sent by Nann | 5:57 PM ET | 03-02-2007

I am just so made up for you Leroy! It's great to hear good news and damned good to be able to give it out too. Hope you had a restful weekend. I don't know what else to say...and whether to laugh or cry.

Now get on and KILL the other blighter!

Sent by JJ | 11:49 AM ET | 03-05-2007

It is humbling to know you wrote this weeks columns on so little sleep — your autopilot writing skills are dazzling! Your clear scans are SUCH a celebration and I hope that as you sleep, you will be dancing in your dreams. Is it time to go to Hawaii yet? I keep bee-buzzing on that because I want as we all do, for you to have as much joy in your life as you have given all who follow your blog.

Sent by Sarah | 5:24 PM ET | 03-05-2007

You put a BIG smile on my face this morning! But I'm sure it is not nearly as big as yours. I am thrilled for you and any others with good news. Those with bad news, prayers continue.

Sent by Betty O'Connor | 5:25 PM ET | 03-05-2007

YAHOO!!!!!! I am crying I am so happy for you! I was at the oncologist yesterday too, not as long and as involved as yours but I understand your joy.

Sent by Julie Pietras | 2:38 PM ET | 03-06-2007

Leroy, Congratulations! I've been reading your blog since Oct of last year, and there have been many times I've wanted to post a comment, but backed out at the last minute. You see, I don't have cancer, but have been affected by the "monster" all my life. I've watched friends and family loose their battle, but today is your day, and what a HAPPY day it is indeed! Live it for what it is, don't worry about tomorrow, and sleep peacefully my friend. I have no tears today, just joy for you, and all your friends in this amazing community of inspiration and selflessness. Bless all of you for the lessons I learn from you each day.

Sent by Judy T. | 2:40 PM ET | 03-06-2007

Yeah!! Take a good nap and then have some of that really good chocolate... You have all of online to help you celebrate.. we are happy for you!

Sent by Jeri | 2:43 PM ET | 03-06-2007

Wow! Leroy, I think you have JUST the right internal, heartfelt GPS to do this uncharted "celestial navigation" without a hitch. I've heard it's quiet out there — you should be able to get some sleep...

Sent by Shawna Ramsey | 4:56 PM ET | 03-06-2007

Felicidades and Congratulations! May all your tests be negative! My mom was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma and I hope for her to be in your position someday.

Sent by Yvonne | 10:17 AM ET | 03-07-2007

Glorious news! As I've taken to introducing your blog to everyone I know who is dealing with cancer in some way (their own, that of family or friends), your journey has demonstrated more than anything why we never lose hope. Have that chocolate and more!

Sent by Belinda | 4:54 PM ET | 03-07-2007

Leroy...

Everyday I read your post and everyday my day is better because of that! I am a senior citizen in reasonable good health...a little chronic pain. I come away from my computer with a better sense of how I need to stay in joy and gratitude and do my best to make the world a better place to live in... all because of you!. During the day if I reach some kind of challenge, I think of you and your challenge and I get on with my life.

I am delighted that you are at a good place today. Keep the faith... for you help me keep the faith.

Sent by Gladys Saslaw | 2:37 PM ET | 03-13-2007
   
   
   
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Leroy Sievers

Leroy Sievers

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Leroy Sievers in the Ted Koppel Documentary

Leroy Sievers speaks with Dr. Christos Georgiades. Credit: Tyrone Turner

A Ted Koppel documentary focuses on his friend Leroy Sievers' "My Cancer" blog and the response it evokes.

 
 
 

About 'My Cancer'

A journalist for more than 25 years, Leroy Sievers worked at CBS News, the Discovery Channel, and ABC News, where he was the executive producer of Nightline. He wrote this blog daily until his death in August.

 
 

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