BUT it's very very tiny... and was a leftover. So great you see it while it is so tiny and can deal with it. And YES you can STILL have an unexpectedly long and wonderful remission ... after you take care of this one. Of course you can, we just never know. I always gamble on the side of winning.

Nancy O

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 7:11 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy, that sucks. You deserved a little time without thinking about what to do next! I love how you say AFTER they put screws into your SKULL the surgery is painless. Yikes. As you say, it's not really like you have a choice. And that sucks.

Sent by NR | 7:31 AM ET | 03-29-2007

I am sorry, I feel very disappointed for you.
Intellectually I hear you saying it something they can deal with easily and its small, thats all "good news".. Tho really "goood news" would have been "No tumours, new sites or old".
This is more like, "The best news they ould give you out of the range of possibilties available under having a tumour."? ...small, do-able, not a new site
I wish it could have been clear, a smoother ride for a while at least.

One thing just struck me... you are going for these procedures that sound pretty horrid.... screwing into your skull and burning bits out of your lungs and shrugging off the risk of anotehr collapsed lung.....all with a sense of every-dayness about it.

Even if you knew it couldnt last, I do feel disappointed it hasn't stayed away longer.
My very best wishes to you Leroy

Sent by JJ | 7:40 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Oh Leroy,
I'm so sorry the news wasn't as good as hoped. My heart goes out to you. At least you know the procedure so you don't have to fear the unknown of a new treatment. Thank you for continuing to share the ups and downs. XO

Sent by Katie | 7:46 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy, I'm very sorry to read this news. But, as you said, you're not shocked and you're prepared to deal with this new tumor. That determined attitude and the vigilance of your doctors has gotten you this far and will carry you forward. Don't lose Hope!

Sent by Marilyn | 7:57 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy, I'm so sorry. I think this type of news is harder because the "shock" of the original diagnosis offers some protection. I had less than three months after a liver resection before I had new tumors. Knowing what to expect with the procedure is again a mixed blessing as the fear of the unknown is gone but it has been replaced with that nasty reality stuff. Positive energy will be with you from this group you know.

Sent by Dona | 8:08 AM ET | 03-29-2007

leroy,
i am very sadden and angered by this latest news for you ! you will be in my thoughts all day long today . stay strong.

Sent by marianne dalton | 8:26 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Dear Leroy: At this very moment I hope you can spiritually feel my arms around you and the tears running down my cheeks. All of us in your devoted blog community will see you through this too.

Sent by Harriet H. Liss | 8:55 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy, wishing you physical and emotional strength as you forge ahead on your journey. Consider yourself hugged!

Sent by Karen | 8:59 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy,
I am so sorry you have to fight again so soon. I am sorry you have to endure the screws etc. We all love you dearly and wish we could collectively hold your hands. Peace stay with you through this.

Sent by Sherri Eggleston | 9:23 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Dear Leroy, I am very sorry to hear your latest news. Even if you're prepared for it, it's still not what you wanted to hear from the doctors. My very best wishes are with you as you move forward through this phase. Hang in there.

Sent by Martha | 9:30 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Prayer is rising as I type. And I work in a church, too!

Love,

Ruth

Sent by Ruth from Virginia | 9:46 AM ET | 03-29-2007

That stinks. Make them take care of it quickly.

I keep wishing there were (like Star Trek, mebbe?) some kind of thing they could permanently insert in people with cancer that could, at the exact moment of growth (keep thinking of conception, but that's not exactly right!) communicate the nasty news and cause release of some warrior medicine or cell to kill it. Sort of continuous monitoring and treating.

Sent by Teri | 9:52 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy,
This week a well known female television talk show host, who has been endorsing a philosophy called "The Secret," had a guest who is hoping to heal herself from cancer, without surgery, chemo, or radiation. Interestingly enough, the talk show host told the guest that she had mistaken "The Secret" as simply positive thinking. The talk show host went on to say that an important part of "The Secret" is taking positive actions to reach one's goals. She emphatically stated that taking advantage of the most current advances in medical technology is part of those positive actions for those with illness, i.e. taking insulin, taking aggressive medical action to overcome cancer, etc. While, I'm not one to jump onto that whole bandwagon, it just strikes me that you, and many of our fellow bloggers seem to be the embodiment of maximizing our positive actions to get us to the best places we can each be.

Good luck to you throughout this next procedure. My thoughts will be with you.

Sent by Sheara | 9:53 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Not the news you wanted. I am sorry. Good luck with the treatment. I know you will face this with the strength and courage you have shown in the past.

Sent by marilyn | 10:27 AM ET | 03-29-2007

This just truely sucks!!!!So sorry Leroy.....think positive and be positive. Your doctors are on top of everything every single minute. All of us are wishing you well and we're not leaving the stadium just because you got a bad call and the other team went ahead. We love you....God Bless!

Sent by Patt | 10:35 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Hey Leroy,

Hang in there, I believe that the metastases will be getting weaker and weaker every time you take a stab at them. Eventually you'll take that final stab that will take care of the cancer for good.

Adam
http://adambeldycki.com

Sent by Adam Beldycki | 10:37 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy, I am so sorry to hear this. What a heartbreaking thing to read first thing in the morning.

I'm sending positive thoughts across the miles.

Sent by Bruce | 10:45 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy,

Get it done asap, continue to live your life and go on down the road. As you say, you don't have a choice about some things, but you always have a choice about HOW you do what you have to do. You have been making very healthy choices as far as I can tell. I admire you for that. Even so,f*** this damned disease!

Sent by Diana Kitch | 10:51 AM ET | 03-29-2007

OT (off topic) but for those of us ladies, a very interesting article on Breast Cancer:

http://www.webmd.aol.com/breast-cancer/features/common-chemicals-breast-cancer-link

Leroy- Thank God its small, and its the only one. Hopefully, this is the last tumor for a long time. I'm praying and thinking of you.

Sent by Laura | 10:56 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy,

I am utterly devastated for you. I wish I could be all up and Pollyanna-ish for you, but instead I'm angry and very sad. Geez. What a nasty disease we have.

I, too, have a highly re-occurring brain tumor type. I've got it on the run right now, thanks to my incredible neuro-oncologist, Dr. Robert Albright. But I know it will come back. It already has once.

I joke that if I really want to scare myself I go on the internet to learn more about my cancer. I'll never forget the guy who'd had ten craniotomies in ten years. Yipes.

There's something here that we'll get from all this. Perhaps its the intense, extraordinary sense of community that I've been blessed to experience.

I am sorry, Leroy, as I too was rooting for a clean scan for you. Gamma knife here you come. When will you have that procedure?

Sent by Jordis | 11:25 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy, my heart sank at your blog, but the treatment is there and you know it's effectiveness. Cherish the fact that there's no need for chemo or invasive surgery. You're in our hearts and prayers.

Sent by Chris | 11:30 AM ET | 03-29-2007

I'm so sorry Leroy. My heart sank as I read the first line. Good luck with the treatment. My thoughts are with you.

Dito what Diana said -- f*** this damned disease!

Sent by Grace | 11:35 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Hi Leroy -

Like everyone else who has written in, I am terribly sorry to hear your news, in large part because the return of anyone's cancer represents the realization of one of my greatest fears - that my cancer will return. I know how I would feel with such news, and the feeling is not a good one. You present a positive attitude about all of this, which is great and will likely be very helpful, but I hope you know how filled with sorrow all of us are to hear this news - especially from you.

Sent by Adam | 11:41 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Thank you Leroy for your immediate honesty and clarity. I look at your photo on the npr website and see a guy with a great smile. I'm smiling back at you, as we shrug our shoulders at this puzzle that is cancer, and keep going.

I also thank Adam for his vision of weakening metastases...this helps.

One big hug all around!

Sent by Joan Schatz | 11:42 AM ET | 03-29-2007

Dear Leroy: Look out the window. What do you see? Blue sky? Trees heavy with the blossoms of spring? Maybe a flock of birds soaring by? In every day, you will find something simple and sacred to sustain you through these difficult times. Draw strength from what's outside your window and from what's inside your heart. I know that I speak for many when I say that you are part of our world, something outside our window and in our hearts, someone who helps us through our day and with our own personal struggles with this disease. I wish you well and hope that you feel the deep affection we all have for you.

P.S. I am optimistic that your oncologist was referring to mini M&Ms, not those peanut or almond ones.

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

Cancer sucks so much. Hang in there, Leroy. We're all pulling for you.
crow

Sent by crow | 12:09 PM ET | 03-29-2007

I hope this is just another short downward turn on the Big C roller coaster - guess you will be screwed literally. But not for long - waiting to hear about you heading uphill very shortly - what an unfun ride! Keep hanging on as you show the rest of us riders how to do it with courage and grace. Wishing you strength and stamina in the days ahead.

Sent by Sara | 12:16 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Damn! Thanks for being so honest and saying what so many of us cancer survivors are feeling. Keep fighting,
and feel the prayers.

Sent by Mary C. | 12:28 PM ET | 03-29-2007

When I was 10 years old -- astride my bike going what seemed then like a million miles an hour, sister and best friend in tow, and the heat of a northern California sun beating down on us -- I crashed. The gripless handlebar plunged into my chin right there where there is no flesh, just skin over bone. The chrome cut a semicircle, sending those ghastly tingles through the lower half of my face, and ruined my warm carefree day. With blood streaming, scraped knees, and bruised palms, I got up, wheeled the bike back home, threw it down in the driveway, and pouted. Sis Patti and Rita went for another ride.

Setbacks are lonely and sad and they make you mad and tired. And even though you want to say you're happy for all the others who are going about their normal lives, sometimes it just hurts because it's not you going for that ride. It's okay to feel sorry for yourself. It's okay to get mad. It's okay to wish that you were they.

And when you've had a good cry and a good session of raging at something, anything, everything, you'll get back on the bike and ride like that pouty little 10-year old did.

Bless your heart, Leroy, for taking each punch in the gut as a perfect gentleman -- and still having sufficient compassion remaining to comfort your community here. I wish I could think of a more eloquent way to wish you happiness and peace and joy, other than to just wish it. This forum you provide is more valuable to your readers than you probably allow yourself to realize and I thank you for your generosity. It's valuable for me and I don't have cancer. And it's invaluable for my sister who does.

Sent by Penelope Kellar | 12:29 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy- Oh such a sas sad line to read. You will prevail and will get through this with your head held high and your spirit intact. Why- because you have no choice. Except to give up which is something I know you'll never do.

Sent by Linda Hilsen | 12:34 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Dear Leroy,
I'm holding you in my heart as you process and deal with this latest disappointment. Hang onto hope! All things are possible.

Sent by Doris | 12:36 PM ET | 03-29-2007

I am so sorry to hear your news. It's discouraging, scary and must be exhausting to contemplate. I had hoped that you'd have a respite from the process of dealing with all of this.
You know that it is good that it was caught so darn early in its M&M infancy, and that there is effective, quick treatment for it. That knowledge must help a little.
My thoughts are with you.

Sent by Maggie | 12:46 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Hi Leroy

Sorry my friend - another step on the path. I find this quote helps me at times like this.

"You see this goblet?" asks Achaan Chaa, the Thai meditation master. "For me this glass is already broken. I enjoy it; I drink out of it. It holds my water admirably, sometimes even reflecting the sun in beautiful patterns. If I should tap it, it has a lovely ring to it. But when I put this glass on the shelf and the wind knocks it over or my elbow brushes it off the table and it falls to the ground and shatters, I say, 'Of course.' When I understand that the glass is already broken, every moment with it is precious."

- Mark Epstein
Thoughts Without a Thinker

You are in my thoughts....

Sent by Julian | 1:00 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy, it was as crushing to hear your news as it was when I heard I hadn't succeeded in surviving with a miracle a year ago. My CA19-9 was down from 36,000 to 110 and I was so sure I would be the one who had a miracle because the chemo was so successful. I almost felt worse being off chemo - I went from diverticulitis to shingles!!! And then back on chemo because my numbers jumped to 2,000 in less than a month. I am so sorry for you. Me? I'm plugging along with chemo, still working for the almighty opportunity to have good insurance not really knowing how soon it will all come crashing down. My best to you in hoping the tumor can be obliterated and no more crop up.

Sent by Cheryl McDowell | 1:08 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Dang it! The hits just keep on coming... Is this considered a new occurrence, or just part of the last round (that included your hepatic lesions)? I always like to think of my "recurrence" as just the original that hadn't quite been all handled. It worked for my psyche...maybe it'll help you, too, Leroy. I figure as long as they keep telling me to come back because there's something else to try, I'm still good. It's if they tell me, don't bother coming back, that I'll really dread.

Much mojo comin' at you, friend...when's the big day?

jj

Sent by Joan Jones | 1:23 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Yikes! Talk about being "screwed".

I, too, am saddened by the news, but hope this is a small bump in the road for you and you'll be NED soon (and for a much longer time). Hugs.

Sent by BP | 1:37 PM ET | 03-29-2007

I thought about you first thing this morning and couldn't wait to read your entry this morning. Although I'm sad that it wasn't better news, I'm still feeling positive nevertheless. It's small and hopefully will be taken care of shortly so you can get back to enjoying NED time!! Keeping those positive thoughts coming your way! All the best to you! Sandy

Sent by Sandy Lathe | 1:58 PM ET | 03-29-2007

I'm so sorry to hear the news, Leroy, but your determination and optimism is still (and always will be) an inspiration for everyone. You've kicked cancer's butt before...you can do it again!

Sent by A.T. | 1:59 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Shining white beams of healing and comfort come your way.Positive thought and courage are yours.

Sent by Karil | 2:14 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Remember that blog your wrote about feeling like those inflatable punching clowns? Bam, they get slugged and then they pop back up.
I'm feeling like that clown having just read your blog. I send to you my best thoughts for the sucessful and quick obliteration of the M&M tumor and sincere wishes for a long quiescence of all cancer cells.

Sent by Susan M | 2:19 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy, you wrote that you didn't have much of a choice when friends asked if you were OK after this latest news. But don't you see? You did choose, and came down (once again) on the side of life, humour, courage, connection, steadiness. Choose on, brave man, and may strength and energy to sustain follow in the wake of your choosing.

Sent by Ceese Stickles | 2:20 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy,

For a lot of us with uncurable cancer, the real decision becomes choosing between "quality of life" versus "toughing it out until the end" with treatments. I looked at my insurance statement for 2006 and I was blown away at the cost of "staying alive". Having had several family members and friends "tough it out" and die horrific deaths in the end made my decision to "just let go" easier. I would like to die with a little dignity instead of slobbering up food, constantly bleeding on a bedsheet and taking a shot directly into the brain everyday. My personal Medical Power of Attorney knows what I want when my time comes and I have a ton of friends who will make sure that he repects my wishes. I am very sorry you didn't get the news you had hoped for, but keeping that postive attitude will "pull you on through".

Sent by Larry Hamm | 2:29 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Along with everyone else....I am sorry. This all reminds me of a book Gilda Radner wrote when she had cancer. "It's Always Something" was the title. I think we are all riding this out with you. I've noticed a lot more swears on the blog. Sometimes only four letter words can bully the six letter word that sneaks around in our bodies. Forget visualization. When they screw the thing on your head get a swearing chant in place and aim it at those devil cells and put them permanently behind bars.

Sent by SusanP | 2:35 PM ET | 03-29-2007

I am sorry for your news.
In a week where I have received some tough news, it is good to read that you still have treatment options...and that chemo is not part of the picture right now.
That procedure always sounds so magical--the laser sword of health.
The picture of the screws is not so magical; it is a positively primitive picture with such modern results.

One day and done. Love it.

FIGHT ON!

Sent by Robin | 2:49 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy-

I think the most appropriate thing to say is what several others have said before. "F--".

I'm sending good thoughts your way and hoping the proceedure is a smashing success.

Hug your family and pets. Look at a beautiful tree. Take three deep breaths. And continue to live it up the best you can.

Sent by Megan | 3:09 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy,
I am sorry that you will have to go through yet another painful procedure to get rid of yet another tumor. I am happy however, that the tumor is small and is the only one left. This gives me so much hope for you. May this be the last tumor and may you recover completely. Please know you are in my prayers.

Sent by Bethany | 3:10 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy, Collectively we groan, swear and stomp our feet to hear your news. Collectively we reach out and send you everything positive that we have to give.That's a lot of power, a lot of hope.My personal thoughts about M&Ms is part of that old jingle"...they melt..."Sounds like this one's gonna shrivle. Couldn't think of anything more appropriate. Good Luck, God Speed. Penny

Sent by Penny Hoblin | 3:44 PM ET | 03-29-2007

I have nothing more to add to the clever, hopeful and prayerful comments by so many of your blogger friends. My heart is aching that you will probably not have a truly carefree day again. Even if one MRI is clear, you still must live with the fear of "The Return of the Monster". I am so very saddened for you. Your life has been forever changed. The gift of your writing will be your legacy for life. So beautifully and honestly written and shared each day. Thank you and blessings to you. Ruth

Sent by Ruth Berlien | 4:03 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Dang. Actually, maybe more serious profanity is in order - I agree with everyone else who use the "f-bomb" to reflect our feelings on having another tumor pop up. Like that stupid "whack-a-mole" game at the county fair - you keep smacking the damned tumors and they just pop up someplace else. I hope that they can schedule your next visit with the gamma knife soon and your next dance with NED lasts longer.

Sent by Bob Maimone | 5:07 PM ET | 03-29-2007

We love you, Leroy, albeit we don't actually know you save for this blog. Our prayers and love reach out to you and your family.

Sent by joan | 5:57 PM ET | 03-29-2007

My thoughts are with you, and your approach seems just right to me -- acknowledge that it's certainly not what you hoped to hear, but focus on what you can do, given how small it apparently is. It's really rotten, though, that you couldn't have a longer break from all this. I hope the next one is a lot longer.

Sent by Linda | 6:02 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy,

Darn the luck! I was pained to read of the re-ocurrance, but you know the gamma knife and the wonders it performs.

My first paper and presentation in college was on the gamma knife and the the world of radiotactic surgery. While doing the reseach for the paper I was awestruck at how precise and clean this procedure is. In my mind, it made traditional surgery positively barbaric. I immediately made the decision to pursue radition therapy/nuclear medicine as my specialty based on that research paper.

Rest assured, Leroy, I will be using the "Siever-M&M measuring system" when discussing size with my patients :o)

You are a treasure!

Sent by Teri Thomas | 6:07 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy:
Visiting your blog each day has come to be part of my life. After reading today's entry, I wanted to tell you you are not alone and that I send you good wishes. When I saw that you had 50 replies, I KNOW you are not alone in this and that we care about you and hope for the best with you.
Deb

Sent by Deb | 6:31 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy,
I'm very sorry to hear this. My brother is on a similar journey right now (but his are inoperable)and he goes in for his MRi next week to see what's up. I can only send you love and love and love. Just know that you aren't riding the roller coaster alone.

Sent by Gwen | 7:14 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Dear Leroy, It is a kick in the gut every time, another room to build in our crowded cancer minds. A couple of weeks ago, after 10 hours of sleet, I saw 13 plump robins in a tree. How amazing! This was a moment of comfort. I hope you find your moments of comfort in these coming days.

Sent by Linda Newson | 7:30 PM ET | 03-29-2007

I read your latest blog while sitting and whining because I have a cold. I'm not whining any more. They found this tumor early and it is small - just keep fighting them mentally and physically. It's all you can do.

I had a malignancy on my ovary 16 years ago. In subsequent surgery the docs removed everything they wanted to prevent any spread. I am fortunate, but I count my blessings every day and cancer will never leave my life. It has taken me to a world that only others such as yourself would comprehend - and although much of that world is drugs, pain, surgery, etc., that cancer world has taught me so much - strength, humility, trust, appreciation. I have had a good outcome - and I'm sure that makes quite a different when viewing the beast.

About 5 years ago my brother had colon cancer. My doc said I should be checked and I was annoyed - I was only 47. Guess what - they found a tiny tumor that, if left unattended till the magic recommended colonoscopy age of 50, would likely have spread into the colon wall. It was removed, and all is well. I am a strong proponent that everyone should get a colonoscopy at age 40 - I mean, what harm does it do? The pros would seem to outweigh the cons.

Thanks for letting me share with you - I follow you regularly and am rooting for you!

Sent by Mary Stone | 8:10 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy,
My heart aches for you and Laurie. My gyn/onc tells me the goal with living with cancer is to stay one step ahead. Once your procedure is over, you'll be knocking on NED's door again!
We'll just have to keep storming heaven...
Lorraine

Sent by Lorraine Powell | 9:56 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Stay in there Leroy. You will whip this thing. The cancer is getting weaker. It's like the game of Risk. Takes a long time to win, but eventually you whittle your opponent down to 1, then none.

Sent by Gregg | 10:10 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Well, I'd offer a dish or something that could be thrown and broken, but I'm all out at the moment. Once again the beast calls you to battle, but like many of us you go on. Thank you for sharing your journey.

http://vampdaddy.blogspot.com

Sent by Vampdaddy | 10:36 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy

Sorry to hear it wasn't clean. I expect you to bounce back even stronger this time. There is something special about you.

Sent by Art Johnston | 10:41 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy I am so sorry the roller coaster ride you are on just dipped. So much has been said here that is wise and wonderful, supportive and direct.

It is small, it might have been there already and so on. I am sorry you felt that socked in the gut sick to your stomach feeling all over again.

I hope the procedure is done soon and that your climb back to remission is brief.

Sent by Melissa Thompson | 11:31 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Dear Leroy,

I'm so sorry to hear that a tumor returned. However, did you ever wonder if perhaps the reason it did is because you were so convinced it would? Several times in the last week or so you've written how you're sure it would come back and how you prepared yourself for the bad news. Thoughts are things, perhaps you're not giving yourself a chance. After treatment this time try thinking about how it WON'T come back, how you WON'T be disappointed, how you'll prepare yourself for success instead of failure. We are all spiritual beings having a human experience and we are all interconnected to touch one another. Every fiber of my being begs to express to you the importance of being positive. Of looking for the good rather than the bad, despite the fear. Don't let the fear continute to suck you into the negative any longer. You are more valuable than that, you do matter and you can be healed. A message of health, hope, and success would travel farther and touch many more than one of defeat. God be with you on this journey. Lord knows he's been with me on my journey of battle and defeat of the beast. I may be scarred and have battle wounds, but I've won! You can too!

Sent by Ann | 11:32 PM ET | 03-29-2007

leroy. i let out a long, deep sigh when i read your latest posting. i'm sorry. and as a fellow cancer survivor it makes me shake my fist once more at this ruthless disease. i dare not be trite with words like, 'hang in there. be courageous.' my prayers are with you.

Sent by fellow survivor | 11:56 PM ET | 03-29-2007

Leroy,

Those are not the words I was hoping to read from your blog, "new tumor." Keep up the fight.

Sent by Lisa | 1:09 AM ET | 03-30-2007

Leroy,
Through this rollercoaster ride that you have been going through my thoughts and prayers have been and will be with you. Through it all I am at awe at the manner that you embrace life and rise to the challenges put forth by this beast. We are survivors. I wish the best to you and Lori in your continued fight to battle this disease while enjoying and valuing all that life has to offer us, even while we live with cancer knocking at our door.

Sent by V | 4:45 AM ET | 03-30-2007

anybody out there know anything bout the book cancer as the turning point, or love poems from god?? thank you

Sent by bernie madden | 7:57 AM ET | 03-30-2007

Wow, what great news. Here's to the power of our collective positive energy and your brave spirit, Leroy.

Deb

Sent by Deb Charlton | 12:23 PM ET | 03-30-2007

Ciao Leroy,
i read all the 60 (and more) comments posted, and i have the picture in my mind of sixty people from around the world that are going to be with you, in the surgery room.

Sent by Marco | 8:08 AM ET | 04-03-2007

Leroy,

I'm touched by your news. My prayers are with you and your family.

Remember on January 19, I wrote about putting a teddy bear on my desk
as a daily reminder of you, my friend T, the little boy in chemo, and
all the rest, that we're working to help ?

Well here he sits, the next day. Now it remains
for us to keep up the fight and to always remember those who are
important. A paper with the names is inside the coat pocket.

best,

Emile

Sent by Emile | 11:25 AM ET | 04-03-2007

Thanks for writing this, Leroy. I'm a breast cancer survivor and write a monthly column called Bare-breasted Mama on Literary Mama www.literarymama.com. I appreciate you talking about this openly. Gail Konop Baker

Sent by Gail Konop Baker | 2:53 PM ET | 04-16-2007

Very very good blog, my gf mother had cancer and i know how someone suffers when they lose someone close and not only that how the person that has cancer goes through it, it makes me sad to even read about cancer, because i wouldnt even want my enemy to have cancer, a very disburting disease that not only kills a person but affects the whole family.

http://www.3000si.cn/html/Cancer/index.html

Sent by James | 11:30 PM ET | 07-22-2007

Hi Leroy, Heard you on MPR this morning. I applaud your courage and honesty. I lost my husband of 36 years of marriage to gull bladder cancer which had spread to his liver. Like you, he was on cemo until it didn't maintain his condition any more. Our daughter, a young reistered nurse,talked us into the disission to begin hospice in our home. She took family leave and stayed with us until six weeks later my husband died. I'm just starting to feel like a whole person again. I feel like my husband is with me all the time. I don't know if that is good or not, but that's where I'm at. It was his forth battle with cancer and we had been retired for three years when we heard the word "terminal". I'm thankful for the year we had to forgive stupid stuff, to renew our love and to let go. The grief and disorinitation hit later. Thank you for the oportunity to add to your wonderful blog. You are not alone. "Keep the faith"

Sent by Marge Kotten | 12:34 PM ET | 07-01-2008