That sound you hear is the collective sigh of relief from your extended family. Our hearts, like yours, fill with gratitude!

Namaste, Leroy- "I recognize that within each of us is a place where peace dwells, and when we are in that place, we are One."

Sent by Don Winslow | 9:32 AM ET | 03-14-2007

WHA-HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sent by Joan | 9:35 AM ET | 03-14-2007

I pray with all of me heart that all those little beasts are gone. For good. What a battle you've fought! I bet your tired. Nothing wrong with keeping an afternoon nap on your schedule. My husband and I are sitting on the edge of our seats. He had a PET and CT scan yesterday. The first ones since beginning this round of maintenance chemo. Not meant to kill the tumors in his pancreas, but at least to keep them from growing. Well know on Friday. Were also leaving for the farm on Friday. The dairy farm that he grew up on in north central Nebraska. We hope to have good news to share with his family. I'll let you all know when we get back. Take care Leroy and All, Get some rest.

Sent by Toni | 10:05 AM ET | 03-14-2007

Yay! I'm so happy for you. Gratitude is a wonderful feeling, and it alone is very healing. I recommend relaxation and a bit of time to get your mind around this new normal in your life. :)

Sent by Katie | 10:10 AM ET | 03-14-2007

Rah, Rah, Rah.

I rejoice with you, for you, for your wife and family, for your friends and for all of us who read your blog.

Read you tomorrow!

Sent by Michael | 10:13 AM ET | 03-14-2007

BRAVO LEROY... SIMPLY BRAVO.... evidently those damn cells did not know who they were dealing with !!!

Sent by Marianne Dalton | 10:16 AM ET | 03-14-2007

Congratulations Leroy! I'm so happy for you!

Sent by Debbie R. | 11:43 AM ET | 03-14-2007

Leroy, I understand your statement of being filled with gratitude. Each and everyday that I attended my radiation treatments at Mayo last fall that is how I also felt. You provide added strength to all of us that read your blog each morning, sometimes bringing tears to our eyes, sometimes bringing a huge grin to our faces. Stay strong, stay healthy........

Sent by David G. | 11:44 AM ET | 03-14-2007

Every once in a while yesterday, while I was going about my normal work day, I'd stop and think, "Go, Leroy! Kick that tumor's butt! and I'd try to send out some warm, kick-butt vibes your way. Looks like you did it. I'm so happy for you! Now all you have to do is rest for a few days and LIVE. Go back to that Italian restaurant, order the garlic bread and laugh at how amazing life is. You've earned it.

Sent by K. Ives | 11:46 AM ET | 03-14-2007

Leroy, congratulations on getting through your third RFA. And no collapsed lung! Woo hoo! Is it possible to take a day off from cancer? It seems you certainly deserve it.

Sent by Jill Jamieson | 1:33 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Leroy, Let's all close our eyes and imagine we hear the theme from the movie, "JAWS". That will be all of your loyal readers praying over you and hoping for any "bad" cells swimming around in your body to be eaten up!

Sent by Patricia A. | 2:06 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Congratulations!!!! Now, when are you going to Hawaii?

Sent by Chris | 2:07 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Leroy,

May peace be with you, may rest come to you, and may you find it in yourself to put this behind you unless/until you need to deal with it again. Good going and God bless.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 2:08 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Well HELLO Ned!!! Dance away, enjoy every cancer-free, chemo-free moment.

Sent by Jen | 2:09 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Leroy, Enjoy this time. In the Cancer World, most of us live in three months cycles and try to live a normal life till the next scan comes up. You are an inspiration and give so much courage to the rest of us.

Sent by Aisha | 2:10 PM ET | 03-14-2007

It's wonderful news. Take a walk and enjoy the spring weather (it's sunny and mild so far this morning in St. Louis) and the good results.

Sent by Marilyn Tanaka | 2:11 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Leroy,

Ain't gratitude GRAND!! Sometimes we need to dig deep to find it. Today, no digging required. What a wonderful and unexpected place to be.

I am grateful that you've shared your journey with anyone who wanted to hear it. Can you imagine, by the example you've set as a cancer patient how many people will be proactive in discussing an alternative like RFA with their doctors and have success as well. Or, find a new doctor that will try it. Life has so many teachers. You... are my teacher, Leroy!

Sent by Missy | 2:47 PM ET | 03-14-2007

What a blessing that you can share this victory with everyone on the internets...people who are despairing over their tumors might gather great hope from your story. Thanks so much for sharing it! And congratulations!

Sent by Crow | 2:49 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Well Done!!! This is fantastic. So relieved! Take care.

Sent by Sandy Lathe | 2:50 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Congratulations! That is amazing. I'm glad it was so much smoother this time.

Sent by Laura | 4:33 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Leroy, I can't tell you how happy I am for you!!! I have been going through this journey with you and following your progress (physically and emotionally). I am so proud of your courage and honesty.

Sent by Sheri | 4:56 PM ET | 03-14-2007

In this moment, I am so happy. Be well.

Sent by M. Goldberg | 4:57 PM ET | 03-14-2007

I thought about everytime I woke up last night...which was most of it. I'm so glad you wrote this morning, but I knew someone would. Leroy I can't imagine "the powers that be" are not up there listening to all our prayers and reading this blog...they must know how special you are to all of us. I hope you do something special for the next few months and keep getting stronger and stronger. For Tony: Blessings to you and your husband. I will think of you these next few days and send strength. I sincerely hope you get good news. Pancreatic cancer is very close to my family too. Please let us know what test results. "The world came out to play today" what a beautiful day to be alive.

Sent by Patti Greening | 5:01 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Leroy,

:o)

There is no better news fit to print. Congratulations and enjoy the beauty of your life.

Sent by Teri Thomas | 5:08 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Leroy,

Good to hear that the last RFA went well. Enjoy the next three months off.

My first CT scan after starting Oxaliplatin did not go well. The tumors grew and some new ones might be growing. This is the first treatment in almost five years that hasn't worked. I've been through most of what you have through, RFA, brain surgery & radiation, bowel liver & lung resections, collapsed lung, and chemo.

As such, I started a new chemo regime yesterday. CPT-11 (Irinotecan) and Erbitux. Hopefully it goes well.

Sent by Jim Bloom | 5:10 PM ET | 03-14-2007

I'm SO HAPPY FOR YOU! I too am "cancer free" at the moment. We've been very fortunate Leroy. Lie back and enjoy this ride. I just wish I felt more normal already, I must exercise patience. Take care Leroy.

Sent by Ruth White | 5:33 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Leroy, words cannot express how wonderful this news is. So I won't even try, I'm just sitting here smiling.

Sent by Joe Robertson | 5:42 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Miracles do happen (as long as you're tough as nails waiting for them!!). In addition to good news, I wish you peace Leroy.

Sent by Lisa | 5:43 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Now its time to go to Hawaii!!

Aloha and Congrats.

Sent by Jill | 5:44 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Congratulations Leroy! For some dumb reason, your news made me sing "You've got to fight for the right to PARTY!!"

Go celebrate!

Sent by Jessie | 5:44 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Wow. Savor the moment. I'm so pleased to hear the good news.

Sent by Linda | 5:46 PM ET | 03-14-2007

I was so glad to log on and see this post, I was worried until I saw it. Great news, we are kicking some serious butt! O Joy!!!

Sent by Elizabeth Hendrix | 5:46 PM ET | 03-14-2007

WAY TO GO!!!!! Rest and Enjoy!

Sent by Grace | 5:47 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Dear Leroy:

Like everyone else, my heart is filled with such joy today.

May our communal happiness and positive energy reach Jim Bloom and all our other friends who need our support right now.

Sent by Harriet H. Liss | 5:58 PM ET | 03-14-2007

Quoting Steve Martins character in LA Story (about a different subject but the words and emotion sure fit): "wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful and yet again, wonderful".

How about planning a raft trip down the Colorado next summer, after your trip to Hawaii this year!

Sent by Suzie | 10:11 AM ET | 03-16-2007

I am so grateful for you and your family. I lost my husband 5 years ago to lung cancer and I know full well the kind of agony that can accompany the disease. Know that you do have a large "extended family" that celebrates your good news!

Sent by Linda Brookshire | 10:15 AM ET | 03-16-2007

Leroy - Congrats on burning off the last of the unwelcome invaders. In addition to the film references we've made to Psycho and Jaws, add any number of Star Wars battles using light sabers as further analogies to using RFA to excise the tumors.

To Jim Bloom - hang in there. Ive already been down the Oxaliplatin road (and am glad to get off it) too - it worked for a while and then stopped. Added the CPT-11, which worked for a short time, and then added the Erbitux, which seems to be doing the trick now. If you've just started the Erbitux, you may not have the skin rash yet, but just remember that the rash is a good thing - as uncomfortable as it may make you, its putting your tumors through living hell.

Maybe a topic for future discussion on this blog could be the tricks we've learned in coping with the side effects of our treatments. How did you all learn to work around the Oxaliplatin and Cisplatin cold sensitivity and neuropathy? How about that Erbitux rash - what worked to relieve it? How about nausea - what was the best treatment? I'm sure that theres a wealth of experience out there that can be shared.

Sent by Bob Maimone | 10:17 AM ET | 03-16-2007

Dear Leroy,

Your poignant words have bored themselves into the hearts and souls of so many. I have only read your blog for a short while (my husband has just finished chemo and radiation, but your words have never failed to resonate amid the fears, the uncertainties, the tears, the anger...of this journey. Your fight has been amazing and I am so happy for your current victory. Stepping into this "cancer world" has been painful to say the least, but the people, their incredible stories and spirit, the dedicated medical personnel - all these parts of the experience have enlightened and enriched me beyond words. Be well, God bless Leroy, and continue to share your wealth.

Sent by Vicki | 10:22 AM ET | 03-16-2007

Dear Leroy,

Wonderful news! You've been through a lot to get to this point. Now its time to enjoy.

Sent by Lilly T. | 10:24 AM ET | 03-16-2007

Enjoy the moment and the well wishes from everyone! It is clear the nature of cancer and why it grows is not known so we can only celebrate and savor the times we are without it -whatever day or week or years time frame in which that occurs.

Sent by LJ | 10:25 AM ET | 03-16-2007

Dear Leroy,

I have only been reading your blog for a few days. (I'm a retired cancer nurse.) I honor your wonderful important work in writing your story so eloquently. Your journey with cancer is touching so many others.

It is exciting to hear your good news....prayers and positive healing energy being sent to you.

Could you share where you are being treated, or is this inappropriate for this setting?

Sent by Terry | 10:27 AM ET | 03-16-2007

I don't know what to say!! Its a true miracle! You are the reason people have hope when they are given a bleak diagnosis. Feel good, feel powerful...you are a conquerer!

Sent by Kelly | 10:30 AM ET | 03-16-2007

My wonderful Swaroopa yoga teacher, Barbara says a wonderful thing during the deep relaxation part of class, which I think you might enjoy doing as part of your celebration at this juncture: "Rest in your 'entire' body, or rest in your awareness of your body, or rest in awareness itself." And have a heart-nourishingly good time deciding the ways you will yum on yourself and invoke increasing energy and health. Thrive with abandon!

Sent by Sarah | 10:34 AM ET | 03-16-2007

Leroy,

You brought tears to my eyes this morning. Tears of happiness.

Sent by Lisa | 10:39 AM ET | 03-16-2007

Dear Leroy,

I am thrilled to hear about your progress. WOW, now its time to explore the wonders of Hawaii. It will be so nice for you to get away for a while and leave behind hospitals, treatments..... and simply enjoy life. Start packing and get ready for big luaus and prepare to show off your hula moves!!!

I echo the sentiments of all of the "community" ... Hello Ned, and congratulations to you for your courage and perseverance in this fight. Thank you too for your generosity in letting us in to your experience. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. I look forward to the day when we can say, "Oh, yeah, Leroy Sievers... isn't he the guy who used to have cancer?"

All the best.

Sent by Blanca Marckowrdt-Carou | 10:43 AM ET | 03-16-2007

Congratulations!!!!

Sent by Mary | 12:21 PM ET | 03-16-2007

What a wonderful day!!!!!

Sent by Terri | 12:52 PM ET | 03-16-2007

Ditto, ditto, ditto. As a friend used to tell my husband and me, "I will hold you in the light." That is what I am doing for Leroy and all of the cancer patients writing in to this blog and in my community. Thank you NPR and the internet for bringing us together for support.

Peace to all.

Sent by Deborah | 1:39 PM ET | 03-16-2007

WooHooo!

Awesome news on our front too! It's the day for Good News! My wife got her pathology report today and NO evidence of cancer in her lymph! Which could call off the post-op chemo. Fingers crossed.

Sent by Tim | 1:41 PM ET | 03-16-2007

We are rejoicing with you today!

Sent by Debbie | 1:45 PM ET | 03-16-2007

Pardon the pun, but I think you are on the cutting edge. I have advanced hormone resistant prostate cancer and have found that if you find the right doctors, there are treatment strategies that can keep you playing golf another round or two.

I am so grateful that you have decided to share your experience and talents as an observer of the human condition.

Sent by Dr. Bill Kennedy | 1:47 PM ET | 03-16-2007

Praise God!! As I was reading this blog I couldn't help but visualize someone playing a video game. Running around as fast as they can, pushing different buttons to employ different weapons in the fight, and finally...as my 7 year old son yells out upon winning a match...VICTORY!!! And from all over the house, anyone who hears him yells out YooHoo! Yoohoo Leroy! Heal man, heal. With Prayers and heart felt Blessings,

Sent by Toni | 2:09 PM ET | 03-16-2007

Leroy,

I hope you realize what a huge help and inspiration you are to people- not just people with cancer, but those of us without such problems. Because of your blog, I know I am better prepared to fight cancer at some point in my life. I also have such a deeper understanding of what it means to have cancer.

I rejoice at your good news and am just in awe of the medical marvels you have experienced. Have fun !

Sent by Linda H. | 4:54 PM ET | 03-16-2007

Congratulations Leroy!!!!! May you continue to lead a healthy happy life!!!

Many many blessings to you and your family. you have inspired me to investigate more about RFA for me!!! smile may God bless you.

Sent by Ann | 4:55 PM ET | 03-16-2007

Leroy, I had not written to you since before my operation in July of 2006. I am so happy to hear you are doing so well. Keep up the good work!!! My last chemo was on December 8th 2006 and I will be going back for a scan this coming April. I don't know if my cancer is back or gone for good I just know I am so grateful for this time that I have with my family and friends I just can't stop smiling. It's like I have a secret about life now that I did not have before. Again, I'm very happy for you. Regards, Frances...

Sent by Frances | 4:57 PM ET | 03-16-2007

Whewwwwwwww!

I'm totally awestruck!

And the monkey's uncle!

Sent by William Atsumi | 6:02 PM ET | 03-19-2007

Congratulations Leroy! That's awesome news! I can only imagine how excited you must be. Go out and celebrate!

Sent by A.T. | 10:03 AM ET | 03-20-2007

I am so happy for you, Leroy. I hope and pray it continues to go well. You are such an incredible ray of sunshine for all of us!

Sent by Andi Daschbach | 10:23 AM ET | 03-20-2007

Leroy, I've been sending your blog to my mate, who's still in hospital after a 12-hour operation last week, in the hope that he can see there is light at the end of that very long and winding tunnel. Enjoy! Cheers ? P.S. I'd still like to buy you a beer Down Under! Come on down!

Sent by Tom Krause | 10:25 AM ET | 03-20-2007

I can't tell you how happy I am for you. Even though we all have different circumstances, it's so good to hear of someone making such remarkable progress. If not for ourselves, it gives us hope for others, and I thank you for sharing.

Sent by Juanita Helms | 10:31 AM ET | 03-20-2007

Like your closing words on 16 Feb 2006, namely, "I have work to do, because I'm going to fight like hell," you have truly become the warrior. Time now for R&R so you may continue to encourage others by your example. All the best to you and my wish is for continued success to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Sent by Jerry Cook | 11:14 AM ET | 03-20-2007

It had been sometime since I'd been on this post. How pleasant to read your wonderful report! I'm praising God because of you.

Sent by Bernadette | 11:22 AM ET | 03-20-2007

Delighted at the news!! Enjoy!!!

Sent by Pat Doyle | 11:23 AM ET | 03-20-2007

Hooray! Live, laugh, love. Here's to the future.

Sent by Mary | 11:24 AM ET | 03-20-2007

Let me second Don Winslow's comment and many others! I'm jumping up and down,

yippee!

Sent by Penny | 11:26 AM ET | 03-20-2007