Congratulations and enjoy the trip. I appreciated the "Living with Cancer" show by the way, especially the emphasis on living.

Sent by Crawford | 7:06 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Watching your story on Living with Cancer last night and reading your blog this morning yanked me back - in the best way possible - to the place I need to be inside myself. I hit 8 years in what the doctors call remission and what I call my "beautiful reprieve" from Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on April 27th. During chemo I put a list of three things on my refrigerator that I would do if I survived. One was to write a novel and to finally go back to working as a writer in some capacity. The other was to take a trip to Europe. I've managed the first, walking away from a 20 year career as a paralegal and back to the journalism and communications I pursued in college. It was hard and took 5 years of struggling, but it was worth it. I was so focused and pumped up after cancer. I became a First Connection volunteer, I cycled 100 miles in Tahoe to raise money for Leukemia & lymphoma, I wrote for my local paper about my experience. I lived in Erie, PA, then and I regularly went to the peninsula to walk, roller blade and bike. I would look at the blue sky and the blue water and thank God for this reprieve, promising to use my writing to do something good. I wrote my first novel, never sold it, and dove into the second.

Then I moved to Cleveland to work at Case Western University and at first it was great. I was writing for a vision center that worked toward corporate social responsibility and sustainability, I was working on improving my creative writing, I finished my masters and published my thesis. I felt centered and whole and making the most of my new post-cancer life. Then my center closed and I landed at an insurance company in a brutal environment doing useless work and just crashed. I've been in a bad pattern of shutting down emotionally to make it through the work day - a waste of 40 hours each week of my precious new life - and spending hours sending out resumes that are probably lost in someone's spam blocker somewhere. I've had lots of health problems and have been worried this job would cause a relapse. I'm never hopeless, but I've been pretty bummed out.

Then I watched you on Ted Koppel's show last night, read your blog this morning, looked in my e-mail box and saw that one of the tons of job alerts I get had two jobs for writers at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and one for PR at the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I felt the old me who pumped that bike up a dangerous switchback in Lake Tahoe to help others with cancer come back.

No more whining and being bummed out. I will just fight harder to get out of Cleveland, get a better job and make a difference for as long as this beautiful reprieve lasts.

And I'm going to plan that trip to Europe, even if it takes a long time to make it really happen.

Thank you for pulling me back to the center that cancer created within me - a terrible disease that ultimately taught me to following my true calling to write and to be a better person in the process.

Sent by Janet Roberts | 7:20 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Dear Leroy: My name is Francesca and I am 34 and 6 weeks ago got diagnosed with satge 4 Non Hadkin's Lymphoma. My word has gone upside down but I am a fighter and i know I will be around a while longer , or at least I hope so so my 3 year old will have memories of me.. just like you mentioned yesterday on the documentary on Discovery. I got set to watch the special really thinking of both Lance Armostrong and Mrs. Edwards but I eneded up being so inspired by you and your story. I think we look at this disease in very similar ways ...and I also hope that when I am gone people will remember me as being less fat! Thank you for your inspiration and ENJOY HAWAII! I will definitelly be back at the blog.. all the best, Francesca

Sent by Francesca Giessmann | 7:22 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Enjoy Hawaii and the Mai Tais Leroy! This is a more perfect time for that vacation than you ever thought you would have--I'm glad you're taking advantage of it.

I enjoyed the Ted Koppel show last night.

Sent by N.R. | 7:32 AM ET | 05-07-2007

After watching the documentary last night, I had one comment to my husband. I wondered if anyone watching was saying "enough all ready, I am sick of this cancer thing". My husband replied," Most probably the only ones watching this are those somehow affected by cancer". Could that be true?

Sent by Maddy Ayre | 7:40 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy ~

The documentary last evenng was wonderful. I continue to learn the most and relate the most to your outlook, perspective, and candid remarks. Have a wonderful trip...you deserve it!

Sent by Maria | 7:40 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you for being on the Discovery special last night and this blog. I'm glad you are going to Hawaii and hope you enjoy it tremendously. The program last night was special, I couldn't have watched it even a couple of months ago. What I got from it was - how special you are Leroy and that you are doing a service for all cancer patients, that everyone appreciated their nurses (myself included and I am an RN) and that Elizabeth Edwards openly admitted that having financial stability helps a lot even though no one finds cancer easy. Thank GOD you are still here Leroy and the world got to see you last night. Your words resonate with me and I share your feelings.

Sent by Vicki | 7:58 AM ET | 05-07-2007

What a terrific program last evening!! Thank you for sharing your story along with Lance. I must tell you that when I was diagnosed, I bought Lance's book -It;s Not About the Bike". In it he says (paraphrase)- "It's ok to be afraid BUT always leave room in your heart for HOPE". This stuck with me through the darkest hours because I was/am afraid but I do believe in the power of HOPE, not unrealistic Hope but just Hope.

I was struck by the comment of your oncologist - "He will die from his cancer". Statistically, scientifically and every other way one can imagine, his words were true at the time. What he failed to recognize and acknowledge is that we are all unique individuals ( the stats are for large groups )and how our bodies respond to various treatments is equally unique. This is why, in my opinion, a cancer patient who is willing to fight must continue to try the next therapy available even though the previous one has failed. We are all searching for that combination that will work for us before the time runs out. One of the great and unsolved mysteries of cancer is why one treatment will work for you for your specific type of cancer but will not work for me! If this enigma can be solved, it will bring us closer to a cure.

With all of this said, I have also been a witness/helper/supporter of several friends who pursued an aggressive regime but each failed to keep the cancer at bay. They came to that point when they were "physically and emotionally too tired" to continue their fight. I understood. They made a heroic attempt to save their lives but their time and energy were exhausted and they died. Each of us must face this as a very good possibility. When is the right time to "give up the fight"? I don't know today but I will know when my time comes.

I must also say that I have seen the oncologists "give up" on patients and send them away with no chance and no Hope. I believe that as long as the patient is willing to fight, the oncologist should be "in the trenches" with them trying to find the right combination. A broken spirit, a spirit with no Hope and no goal will most certainly wither and die. Let the patient decide.

I have also witnessed a "cancer miracle". A young friend with tumors everwhere, sticking out from his neck and collarbone, chest, etc. I sent him to my oncologist. My oncologist told me later that he had never seen a person with so many visible tumors and that he said to himself that this young man was dead. He put him in the hospital and started chemo. This continued over many weeks. Today he is cancer free. Scans don not show any tumors in his body!! Miracles do happen.

Continued best wishes and prayers for you and yours Mr. Sievers. Continue your good work because you say for many of us what we feel but often don't have a forum to express our feelings.

Sent by Al Cato | 7:58 AM ET | 05-07-2007

I watched you and others on television last night; you, Lance and Elizabeth spoke a lot of truths that others needed to hear. I, too have cancer, just diagnosis on January 8, 2007 with colon cancer than on January 10 with metastasis liver cancer. The care each patient receives is the most important part of the journey for it is the foundation of your spirit and outlook. Just as you, Elizabeth and Lance, I have received the best care possible, due to two extraordinary physicians, one local and one at Cleveland Clinic. I owe my physical well-being to both of them and a host of other great physicians who have helped in the healing process. I have a friend with stage II colon cancer, she took a different path, and her journey has been, in my eyes, awful. She chose to follow one doctor???s guide and not educate herself on the disease and treatments available. I have read everything I can on both the disease and every treatment available or studied. I have had surgery and 2 out of 12 chemotherapies under my belt. Except for those days following chemotherapy I feel good and am even able to work. Thank you for having the ability and strength to share your story on national television, it had to be difficult. I am new to your blog and blogging altogether but it will be a wonderful outlet for the many trials, tribulations, and emotions that go with cancer. Enjoy Hawaii.

Sent by Bonnie Allman | 8:12 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy, I enjoyed "meeting" you yesterday on your special. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Enjoy your trip and try to forget about cancer for a while.

Janis

Sent by Janis | 8:28 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy - the show was really good last night. Kudos to you, Ted, Lance, and Elizabeth, as well as all the people in the studio and those behind the scenes that worked so hard to put it on. It was a neat angle to have your medical team on there - they seem like a great team.

Enjoy your vacation - well deserved, I might add. When I had lymphoma, I had to cancel a trip to Yellowstone that was greatly anticipated. I had wanted to see it all my life, and the day I cancelled it was the only day I remember feeling truly sad during chemo. I wondered if I would ever have another chance. A few years later, we went to Yellowstone, and to the Grand Tetons and Glacier National Park. It felt great to have survived and done the trip after all, to see so many amazing things.

I wanted to comment on Janet Roberts' comment. I also am a First Connection volunteer for the LLS and also a Team in Training Alumni, with two marathons. It was a great feeling, wasn't it, to survive and come back to do marathons in my case and a Century bike ride in yours? I don't think I ever would have done this had I not experienced cancer. Also, with First Connection, I made a call a couple of months ago to a man who was to start chemo the next day for stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma. When we finished talking, he said that after talking to me, his fear and stress of facing this was gone and replaced by a confidence that all would be OK. It was the most wonderful feeling to know that through my experience, I was able to help someone else get ready to face his ordeal and turn fear into hope. I imagine that you (Janet) have had similar experiences. Good luck with the new job, Janet.

Sent by Art Ritter | 8:58 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy

I must say I was deeply moved by the special last evening and it has directed me here.....

I am a 32 year survivor of testicular cancer (stage II pure embryonal carcinoma with vascular invasion.. a very rare form of the disease comprising some 5% of testicular cases).. diagnosed at a time when much less was known about the disease and how to treat it.. I was not supposed to survive.. but survive I did!! I was told by my doctor that he knew of ONE patient that had the same pathology as mine and lived....

Not only did I merely survive.. but I have THRIVED and lead a fulfilling and "normal" life....

My cancer experience changed me as would be no surprise.. I became a very driven person... I found focus in my work and became somewhat of a "workaholic"... it has allowed me to do things I am not so sure I would have been able to do otherwise!!

Despite my very grim prognosis (less than 10% 5-year survival and 50/50 2-year survival).. within hours of that diagnosis/prognosis I never again even considered the possibility I would not survive! Yes I knew that was a very real possibility... but until such time as I was on my last breath.. I was not going to give up.

I became nearly two people or personalitites... one that was sick and dealt with the treatments as necessary and the other that was so focused on LIVING.. I got chemo on Friday's and was back at work on Monday!

My journey was ceratinly not "fun".. but I also knew and in the last year I have had the good fortune to meet some of the most amazing people I could ever imagine that have and continue to endure sooo much more than I ever did! Though I have not truly "met" you... You are now one of those people to me....

Back when I was diagnosed... you simply did not talk about the big "C" word.. and especially for a 20 year old male and with the "sexual connotations/implications"... the end result was I was totally ALONE in my fight and journey... there were no support groups... no internet to do research or communicate with others...

I kept completely silent about my experiences and fight!! Approxmiately 2 years ago I faced the 30th anniversary of my diagnosis and my 50th birthday and it brought me to a very retrospective point in life.. I got complete copies of my medical records and researched everything they contained.. I have since written my survival story and begun to speak out about my experience.. I have beocme involved with several cancer organizations including the LAF.. and I have co-founded www.canceradvocatescoalition.org...

I will be silent NO MORE!!

I am very grateful for your courage to speak out and share your journey through cancer.. the ups and downs... you are certainly an inspiration to many and I will also draw on this inspiration to continue to speak out.. to do my best to share my story with the hopes of giving even one person hope when there may not be any otherwise...

Anyone interested is welcome to communicate with me as you may get my email address at the above website.

Sent by Ronald K. Bye | 9:07 AM ET | 05-07-2007

With tears in my eyes, I thank you for sharing your message of hope on the Living with Cancer show aired last evening. Enjoy Hawaii, enjoy your family, enjoy those Mai Tai's. You deserve a break!

Sent by karen | 9:08 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you Leroy, the special last night was wonderful. I am so appreciative of all your hard work, and willingness to be so totally honest and open. My Dad died almost two years ago and I still regret not having the conversations we all imagine we will have. I think if he had seen your special it may have made a difference. Have a wonderful vacation, and a mai tai for me.

I do have a question... so many of us that have been reading your blog consider you a friend and care deeply about you. How does that make you feel knowing virtual strangers have such feelings? Perhaps we aren't really strangers?

Sent by Susan | 9:10 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Yeah Hawaii!! Have a great time. Maybe you can buy some new Hawiian shirts.
Thank you for the show last night, it was very well done.

Sent by debbie | 9:11 AM ET | 05-07-2007

I've tried to put my finger on exactly what it is about your blog, Leroy, that so touches my heart---even beyond your searing honesty and your laser-like ability to articulate thoughts I sometimes haven't even whispered to myself.

Reading Al Cato's moving commentary this morning may have finally put it all together for me. Not only are your musings more often than not inspired, but they clearly bring out in your loyal band of cancer world buddies the most deeply felt and valuable wisdom one could hope to hear on issues many of us are facing moment by moment as we go forward in these stupifying times. Thank you Leroy! Thank you, Leroy's friends! You are awesome!!

Sent by Anita Solomon | 9:20 AM ET | 05-07-2007

What you had to say last night transcends cancer. You calmed and organized my fear of the disease. I have grown to a new understanding of lifes possibilities. Thank you

Sent by elizabeth sebastian | 9:21 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,

Thank you for showing us all cancer isn't all it's cracked up to be. Ted Koppel's special last night was astounding and you, you beautiful big guy, almost moved me to tears. Elizabeth actually accomplished that. One look at her, her openness, her soft eyes reflecting that "knowing" thing that all cancer survivors have. For the first time in a while I felt understood.

As I listened to Lance Armstrong speak about his rumble with cancer, I saw a bit of myself, or at least what I aspire to be as a cancer survivor. Whereas I secretely see myself as Joan of Arc, he brightly shown as knightly one slaying the cancer dragon. I feel myself falling short so often of my idyllic goals, yet he shines, Elizabeth glows and you, you write, keeping all of us believing in the beauty of the every day.

Thanks Leroy. Now I'm not too afraid of my next appointment with my oncologist, even though I've been telling myself the strange olfactory things and dizziness are because I'm blonde. I'll tell him about it this time when I see him.

Sent by Teri Thomas | 9:21 AM ET | 05-07-2007

The documentary last night was just so wonderful, Leroy - so many things covered and touched upon that ring true for those of us in cancer world. It was especially nice to hear from Laurie - I've often wondered how she felt about her place in your cancer, and how all of this, including your blog, was affecting her. You have said many times how tough cancer is on the ones who don't have it, but are forced to participate anyway, and your decision to discuss your cancer in such a public way surely has had ramifications for Laurie. So thank you both, Leroy and Laurie, for sharing your story for the benefit of all of us. And have a wonderful time in Hawaii!

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 9:22 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Last night I watched the special "Living With Cancer" and I had to write to tell you how moving it was to me that you shared your story. You will be in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you have a wonderful time on vacation.

Sent by Carolyn Morris | 9:31 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you for speaking out for those of us who are traveling along the roads of Cancertown.

Sent by Cory | 9:38 AM ET | 05-07-2007

I watched your special last night and was deeply affected by your strength. I am a nurse and care for profoundly retarded patients in a 24 hour nursing facility and I must say it becomes very difficult, but rewarding at the same time. I see your fight, I hope you win. I also believe in miracles...I am praying for yours.

Warm hugs,

Sent by Robin T | 9:39 AM ET | 05-07-2007

It seems you are telling my (and countless others) story in a much more concise and creative way. When people want to know how i feel I can just send them to this blog. By the way as a sarcoma (very rare) surviver there is the added stress of losing major body parts (arm and shoulder) and organs (kidney so far). This makes blending into a crowd much harder. I liked it better when I didn't look like I had cancer. Thank you for willing to be our voice.

Sent by Russ | 9:49 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,
Thank you for sharing your story last night, I have esphogeal cancer, diagnosed in Feb. I am a 46 year old woman with 2 children. Cancer is so weird, it does turn your life upside down. I never in a million years thought I would be someone who has it, or how it would effect my life. So many things you said were exactly how I have been feeling, most times unwilling to burden my family with the non positive. I'm not sure how cancer will effect my life long term, but I will never give up, my family needs me and I need them. One thing is for sure, you find out who you really can count on and every day you are grateful for those people. Have a great vacation, you deserve it.

Sent by Chris Fitzgerald | 9:56 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy

My wife and I watched the show last night, "Living with Cancer," and I thought it was very well done. Although it was largely about you, I imagine the producer in you had something to do with how it turned out. Thank you for the show, the blog, and your perspective. Enjoy the vacation!

Sent by David | 9:57 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you Leroy for your comments on the special last night. It was nice to hear from a patient, rather than a doctor.

As a recovering alchoholic (almost 8 yrs sober) and now cancer patient, a Mai Tai is the first drink I have craved in years. I really do not want to drink, it's just I figured that when the "end is near" I too have mentioned a beach, a gallon (or 3) of Mai Tais and a carton of Marlboros as the proper way to go out.

Thank you for the special last night, though I couldn't watch the entire thing. I recorded the entire thing on DVR, but when your oncologist said "he will die from this cancer", I had to stop watching. I have heard the same thing from every doctor I have seen in the 3 months since I've been diagnosed. Whay can't they find a better way to put it? Why can't they quote the number of survivors, or folks who are living with an uncurable cancer rather than the number who die?

Hearing your doctor say those words brought back the emotions that I have successfully repressed for the past month. I have been living, quite happily I may add, in total denial of my prognosis. I get my chemo, I go in for my scans, I did set up a trust but the only way I have been able to live, is by imagining a future. To do that, I have to believe that my cancer can and will be controlled.

I will try to watch the rest of the special, but it may take a few tries...

Enjoy your vacation, drink a Mai Tai for me, and have a wonderful time.

Sent by Steph | 10:00 AM ET | 05-07-2007

"Living With Cancer" showed the world what cancer truly is, and it did it with enormous courage and humor. Thank you for devoting a portion of it to discussing your (very successful!) radiofrequency ablation procedure. I have been a cancer patient since 2002, and was also told to "go home and get your affairs in order" by two of the biggest cancer treatment powerhouses in the world. I stumbled on RFA by divine intervention, and it literally has saved my life. I am now a patient advocate for a cancer treatment facility in Jackson, MS that specializes in RFA. Radiofrequency ablation is a key procedure that allows patients take charge of this disease, rather than the other way around. I've had RFA in the lungs and the liver several times, with amazing results. Your position in the media and your willingness to share information will save countless lives. Thank you.

Sent by Cathy Forsythe | 10:01 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Mahalo, and thank you, Leroy for your honesty and inspiration. I cannot tell you how overwhelmed I am. I was so happy to hear about your true vacation, please have a mai tai for me. We all have a 'story', yet our feelings and emotions about this disease find a common thread. Funny, I listed the Molokai Ranch resort shortly after my treatment, in my favorites, in the hopes I can spend it with my children someday. We all need something to look forward to.
I am a Stage 3 breast cancer survivor and I thank you and Ted for what you have done for me and so many others. After the show, I felt I finally had a real friend who understands. I only wished I could've had my friends and family around me to see the show as well, so that I could say...see, this is how I feel.
Kudos to Ted for mentioning at the very beginning how easy it is for others of affluence. I am finding it difficult, feeling very much alone in all this. As a single mom, I want so much for my kids (22,20,12) to understand, yet I may be expecting too much. Of course, their problems are unsurmountable! My ex stopped paying child support and alimony after my treatment which forced the sale of my home, and resulted in moving my youngest away from his friends and school. I sometimes feel that the stress, not the cancer will kill me! I no longer can afford this home and need to move again, after only one year. I have NJFamily Care insurance and cannot earn anymore than $17,000/yr or I lose it. I remain positive, and know all I can do is keep going. After all, this is the small stuff when you have been told you have cancer. I also keep in mind those who have it worse and am thankful. I sometimes wish I could get this 'stuff' out of the way so that I can start to live, but then realize that these distractions are part of my life. They allow me to forget about the cancer until the next follow-up, or feeling the side effects of my treatment, so I guess it is a 'good thing.'
Sorry, didn't mean to 'vent'. I feel we are ultimately alone, in our thoughts, feelings, our diagnosis, our journey. Each one of us is different, in the way we heal, how we deal with it and what we believe. I firmly believe with the love and support that surrounds you, worldwide, you will be the one to beat the odds and have many more Hawaiian vacations...my love, appreciation and prayers are with you.

Sent by Lynn Michele | 10:02 AM ET | 05-07-2007

I watched the documentary last night and I admire your candor for admitting to crying and being upset. I am a nearly 2 year breast cancer survivor. I had a bilateral mastectomy in Nov. 2005 after a second cancer was foun in the left breast.. I had just finished 4 rounds of chemo for 3 tomors found in the right breast. My lymph nodes were all clean, so I am grateful and thankful. I also have hope but I will never be able to say I'm grateful for having cancer and that I`m a better person for having it, or that I woudn`t change a thing from the last 2 years.. Has it made stronger? Most certainly. But so have many other life experiences. I hate the feeling of dread prior to every lab draw, and oncologist visit. I hate the stomach churning feeling I experience for every ache and pain that lasts for more than a day. I`m tired of people telling me how brave I am. After all what is the alternative to this grueling treatment? DEATH. So don`t make me live up to being brave, I`m too busy fighting this disease that has rocked my world. Believe me, I don`t whine and cry all day, but if I have a bad day once in a while, it's my right. Your story is truly an inspiration and you have humanized this disease, and I am very grateful for that. Please enjoy Hawaii, and have a Mai Tai for me!

Sent by Judy | 10:05 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,
Thank you for being so open and honest. It is so hard to mentally get to the point/place that you so elegantly put into words last night.

Eight months ago my husband had a pain. Within a month we had the colon resection and at the age of 50 a Stage IV colon cancer with liver metastases diagnosis. At the age of 49 I was a Stage IV colon cancer caregiver. He has finished 6 months of chemo and we are preparing to have the liver resection at Johns Hopkins this month.

My thoughts are with you, enjoy your vacation.....you have made a difference.

Sent by kathy | 10:05 AM ET | 05-07-2007

What a great job on "Living With Cancer." It was a surprise and delight to see Marianne in person. I am so glad you all made a special acknowledgement to oncology nurses. What would we do without them. Have a great time in Hawaii and have a Mai Tai for us all!

Sent by Cherie Cuneo | 10:06 AM ET | 05-07-2007

There is a comic strip called "Zits" about a teenage boy and his (parents'?) trials and tribulations. I used to swear that the cartoonist was hiding in a closet in our house and writing about our then teenage son! Last night, watching "Living with Cancer," I would have sworn you were hiding in my closet and writing down my thoughts about having cancer! (Fortunately, you do it a bit more eloquently than I would.) While I would not have chosen to join this community of survivors (Stage IV Breast [incurable?] cancer), I have so far been able to find the positives in this experience. Had I not contracted this disease, I would never have known the depth of the love of family and friends. Perhaps I would have preferred to own a beach house to discover that, but one plays the hand one is dealt. Enjoy Hawaii!

Sent by Jennifer Kalkhof | 10:09 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy - I had been sneaking peeks at your blog for 3 weeks--ever since my doctor told me I might have lymphoma, but before the diagnosis.At that time, I didn't want to believe I could have cancer, but wanted to see how a real human being was dealing with it. Now I have my lymphoma diagnosis, so it felt safe to watch the Discovery program last night. It was a pleasure "meeting" you, Elizabeth and Lance and all the other people who spoke at the town hall meeting. My husband, 15-year-old son and I all watched together, since this will be a journey for all of us. It helped initiate the discussion of difficult issues, but gave us hope as well. Thanks again. I hope your trip to Hawaii is everything you want.

Sent by Susan B. | 10:15 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Of course I watched the Living with Cancer special, with only one misgiving, the one I am embarrassed to admit I ofen have. Why is so little attention paid to lung cancer? I have never smoked and never had a cancer symptom, but was diagnosed with stage 4 on 2/8/06. The patients with breast, prostate, colon cancer are "lucky" enough to have tests that can lead to earlier detection. There was a brief flurry of attention over Dana Reeve...and then the media as usual moved on. Lung cancer kills 4x as many folks as breast cancer each year. I have a friend who smoked for years and asked her doctor for a chest x-ray that she would pay for. The dr. refused to write the order. What are we, the vulnerable esp., supposed to do?

I heard a couple days ago (via an interview with Ted on WAMC) that you were going to Hawaii and I have been so excited for you since. Have a mojito for me please, as the chemo and drugs preclude it for me! I look forward to the tropical postings and hope it is all that you imagined.

Sent by Jan Shotwell | 10:25 AM ET | 05-07-2007

The only words I heard one week ago were, "He has not had a stroke, he has a brain tumor".

As a registered nurse for many years, all of my knowledge left me. I looked over at my father-in-law of 14 years and thought, "How am I going to do this?". Selfish I know, but truthful.

His symptoms started out very similar to yours. Slurred speech, facial drooping etc. A stroke was in my mind, it terrified me. How I wish that had been the answer we were searching for.

As I watched the special "Living With Cancer" last night, I was taken back to one week ago, when my life took a turn I was not expecting.

Your honesty and candidness were exactly what I needed. I know the part I am to play in all of this. I am "the nurse" but I couldn't quite get my mind around the details to make decisions. Your voice still resonates in me this morning as you said, "I was at a good hospital but if I would have stayed there I probably wouldn't have made it".

As a nurse, I know the limitations healthcare facilities, along with the dedicated employees face, it is heartbreaking but it is reality.

I know what I have to do. I am joining the fight. When the physician looked at me last week and said, "He might have 6 months", I accepted it with no questions. I now have questions. This morning, 6 months is not acceptable. I want answers and I want better explanations. Today is the day I will start getting them.

I am putting on my "Leroy" face.

Thank you so much for being what I needed in my life.

Sent by L Jackson | 10:27 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy: As the caregiver to a cancer survivor, I can honestly say your story is, in a very real sense, our story. Last night's program was difficult in many ways to watch because it was so familiar and still so painful. But I thank you so much for having the courage to share so intimately and to express all the range of emotions that we all go through so eloquently. We are bonded together by this disease and it has changed all of our lives. You are so right when you say we have to live it everyday. Thanks also to Ted Koppel, Elizabeth Edwards and Lance Armstrong. I believe what you have done and are doing will truly help those who aren't living with this disease to better understand those who are. We are also planning a special trip out West and we, too, are hopeful that it will certainly not be our last. Enjoy Hawaii!

Sent by Patty | 10:28 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Caught the show - kudos!
Although watching you in the chemo room, made my stomach lurch, at the memory.
Enjoy your holiday!

Sent by Karen | 10:35 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Dear Leroy, Last nights show was great. Thak you for sharing. Enjoy Hawaii. Just one question- yellow or orange speedo?

Sent by Ron | 10:37 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy:

It was great to meet you (one of my heros) in person last night at the Townhall meeting. Your family, friends, medical team, and community that you have built are simply amazing human beings.

I was touched my Ted's kindness, and his deep regard for your friendship, I was moved by Elizabeth Edwards and her candor about life with cancer, and I was inpspired by Lance and his cancer that made him 'stronger'.

Have you made a difference? Heck yeah you have. Please don't ever doubt that.

Enjoy Hawaii, learn how to surf if you can.. (that or get a great tan!)

I feel honored to have finally put a face to a 'name on a blog'....and yes, I did comment today despite running on 'no sleep'.. but isn't that what doctors do? (kidding).

Safe travels. Take lots of pictures to share!

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 10:42 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Saw the Koppel special last night. Nice to put your face with the voice and words. I was especially impressed with the attitude toward death. The lady with pancreatic cancer was impressive. I recommend Art Buchwald's book "It Is Too Soon To Say Goodbye".
I am looking forward to our annual family Thanksgiving in Hawaii. I am not sure if I will play golf.
I am scheduled for prostate surgery follow-up in two weeks. Then will come radiation and hormone treatment to contain the spread. I don't feel sick and I don't look sick. Still, it freaks out my friend to know that I have cancer. But I will live with it.
Keep up the good work.

Sent by John McCrillis | 10:43 AM ET | 05-07-2007

I just "met" you - on the Discovery Channel Show last night. You were wonderful. I watched, because my brother-in-law, who I dearly love, has been on the Cancer roller-coaster for almost a year and a half now.

AS FOR YOUR TRIP TO HAWAII - be sure to go to the west side of Maui and find the spot where people stack rocks. You'll see it from the road. Create your own stacks. The stacks are to let people know that you were happy there. And you will be!

Sent by Denise Casey | 10:46 AM ET | 05-07-2007

You've done a great national service Leroy. I was struck by the national conversation taking place on television on a subject most Americans flee from: mortality. The sense of honesty carried the day. No time for BS when you're staring down cancer. Thanks for reminding us that we continue to LIVE and that living is the gift and hope that cancer underscores. Right now I'm watching the latest cycle of migratory birds comes through the back yard. The orioles are back!
I was not going to watch the program last night, but my partner needs the community you created. My son holed up in the back. His wife had to be at work, I was sitting in a restaurant waiting for dessert when my partner reminded me that she wanted to see the program. I'm so glad we did, for both our sakes.
Now, you go on to Hawaii and enjoy yourself. Hope the passport office is caught up with their processing. I'm still waiting for mine!
Strength for the journey good sir.

I was married yesterday and I'm looking forward to the conversation between myself and this wonderful friend/lover/partner/collaborator

Sent by Aida Mancillas | 10:49 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you for sharing your life with us -- last night's show was fascinating, even for those of us who have not had cancer. Have you had a PET scan to determine if you are cancer free?
I understand what you go through from the visits at Hopkins. My 23 year old son, Clark, has terminal vision. We take him to Hopkins every year (since age 4) and leave devastated with the news of his progressive blindness. Clark over compensates so well, we become optimistic in between visits. You are so correct when you stated how important it is to be near good medical care.
Lance Armstrong is his idol and Clark is now into competitive cycling (on the back of a tandem).
We try to end our hospital visits on a positive note and eat at Little Italy afterwards. I would love to know where you get the your favorite grub afterwards!

Sent by Tanya Rachfal | 10:50 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you. As a medical oncologist I listened to every word. As the husband of a wife who started chemo for metastatic breast cancer friday I shed tears. And as a member of a family I sat while my wife, our daughter, and I all cried, laughed, and tried to understand what we are all living. Thank you and you without a doubt ARE making a difference.

Sent by Tom Gaddis, MD | 11:06 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,

Thank you and Ted Koppel for the special last night. As a 3 time cancer survivor, Hodgkins at 16, Breast Cancer at 39 (2000) and 44 (2004) I can't tell you how moved I was by it. My mom and sister are both breast cancer survivors. I am dealing with my father-in-law now with stage 4 lung cancer and after 5 miraculous years, he is now in the end stages.
I just was so moved by all of you, But most especially by you and Ted Koppel. He brought realness to this disease and that fact that we can LIVE with cancer.

Enjoy your vacation! My only wish is to someday meet you and Ted Koppel and Elizabeth Edwards in person. Your are all amazing.

Sent by Andi | 11:07 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Enjoy Hawaii! I can relate to your Mai Tai conversation with your doctors. I recently insisted on receiving some CT scan results before leaving on a planned trip to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico; if the results had been bad, my plan was to stay at a snazzy all-inclusive beach resort until my money ran out.

I'd also like to thank you for the Discovery program last evening. Among other things, it has inspired me to share my own journal, which I've entitled "Welcome to The Hotel Melanoma".

Take care, and have a wonderful trip. Rich McDonald

Sent by Rich McDonald | 11:07 AM ET | 05-07-2007

The Discovery program last evening was worth the wait, Leroy. You all did a wonderful job. Stephanie, you're beautiful, and so is your family. I know that the show will make a great difference for many people, in that it'll make the experience of having cancer and the needs that we have much more understandable and available to the public at large. I hope that it will also start a much wider conversation about the gap in treatment that allows some patients to die because they don't have access to the care that they need, or because the care that they're able to afford is inadequate. I also hope that we turn some of our attention to the prevention of cancer, and what the country can do to avoid preventable cancers, find the causes for many of the cancers that are epidemic, and re-focus the attention away from blaming patients for not living spotless lives before diagnosis to what is in our environment and perhaps the products that we use that could be contribuiting to this problem.
You and Mrs. Edwards, Lance Armstrong, and Stephanie Dornbrook, and others in the town meeting who got up and spoke put a human face on cancer. I thank you all for your bravery.
By the way...Dr. Marissa Weiss got up and spoke and discussed the "whale in the room" of having cancer. She has done, and continues to do a huge service to those of us with breast cancer and those who care about us by founding "Living Beyond Breast Cancer", and by founding and running "Breast Cancer.org, the site for accurate information about breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, surgery, reconstruction options, and of the bc chat room that I and thousands of others go to for support, answers, and companionship with others who understand. I can't say enough for the wonderful work that this radiation oncologist, who is one of the best doctors in the Philadelphia area does on behalf of people with breast cancer all over the world.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 11:07 AM ET | 05-07-2007

LeRoy:
I watched the show last night and really have mixed feelings. I actually feel ashamed about the way I feel about Cancer. I was told that I had Kidney Cancer a few months ago and they took the Kidney out and instantly I'm a Cancer Survivor. A few week later they discover I have bladder cancer. I go in for treatments at the cancer center. No Chemo, No Sickness, No after effects and again I'm a Cancer Survivor. But what you and countless others have and are going thru are the true cancer survivors, I'm just a guy that has had cancer. Because so far it's been easy for me, I guess I feel guilty being called a survivor after watching the show last evening - best of luck and have a great time in Hawaii.

Sent by Gary | 11:08 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,
What a gift last night's program was to me and I hope, to all those who have had their lives impacted by cancer. Today I finished my last radiation treatment for breast cancer, exactly 8 months from the day of my diagnosis. What a journey through surgery, the scans, chemo and radiation but I'm loving my life, am blessed with family, friends and the disease has definitely changed me in ways that I'm continuing to discover.
My hope is to be able to help others who are also living with cancer, in any way I can and to live my life as fully as I can.One of my goals during treatment, was to be able to go to Boston for Fourth of July to hear the Boston Pops play the "1812 Overture", that was the music that helped me in my fight,so I'll be there this July to celebrate and hopefully waving a Pink Ribbon Flag.
Know that you will be in my thoughts and enjoy your trip to Hawaii....a gift of beauty and peace.

Sent by Judith Tynan | 11:09 AM ET | 05-07-2007

I cried when you asked if you had made a difference. Of course you have. You have said it for all of us.
Use sunscreen.............
Mary

Sent by mary casey | 11:15 AM ET | 05-07-2007

I am a colon cancer suvivor for the last 3 and half years.

Sent by Beth Morrison | 11:17 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,
I have been reading your blog for several months now. I'm not sure why I started, I sort of stumbled onto it. A good friend's mother died of lung cancer last year, and no one in the family told me, I had to find her obituary in the paper. I wish I had known. I would have liked to thank her for being my friend. I also stumbled onto Ted Koppel last night, and I said, hey that's the guy I read on NPR! So I very much enjoyed meeting you; quite an oak of a man you are. Thanks for doing this.

Sent by Dianne Rhodes | 11:17 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Wonderful show last night, although quite emotional to watch even after having followed you for so long. Great Jacket!!!

Enjoy Hawaii. I believe travel enriches every part of our being and you can also pretend "normalcy". The other drunks on the beach will never know you have cancer. Peace.

Sent by Dona | 11:19 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,
Quick background -- 28 year broadcast journalist, in fact Chris Bury worked form me in his first or second radio gig way back when. But I got out of the business at a good time, when I was recruited into another career in finance. Nine years out from prostate cancer - phenomenal early catch by my doc.
But what I really want to say has less to do with cancer and more to do with your living and the work I saw last night on the air. You made me proud. What a great job you guys did. I undetand the difference between your saying "I'n not angry" and Lance saying he is -- he's angry about the lack of commitment in the war on the disease. You were speaking personally. I never had anger, either. These days, I keep a stock of those yellow bracelets in my desk at work, and at home. Any client or friend that gets diagnosed gets two -- one for him or herself, the other to pass on to another survivor. It helps get them over that initial stress. And by the way, if you have not seen it, Lance's Foundation hands out a pretty impressive binder full of stories and advice -- for free! I've taken to ordering those for friends, as well. The veery best of luck to you - you are an impressive member of "the club".

Sent by BIll Hoel | 11:20 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,

How wonderful that you are taking a vacation rather than heading toward your death. I am on the verge of six months diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and I long for my first "vacation". I think the difference is that you will be there to enjoy yourself, not waiting for "the shoe to drop". enjoy cancer free moments, even if you are not. Watch the sunset and do not think that it will be the last you see, because it will not be, and drink Mai tais, or mojitos, or whatever and celebrate that today you are alive and today your cancer is MUCH smaller than you!

I only was able to catch part of the program last night. I am 39 and I have 5 young children, one of whom is an infant who currently has a bad case of stomach flu so I was not aware until today that you too have been afflictied with lung cancer. I wanted to reenforce what Jan said in an earlier comment. The statistics shown last night showed that lung cancer will KILL three times more people this year than ANY other cancer, yet we hear nothing. When I go to my cancer center for appointments and treatment there is so much for breast, and prostate and other cancers, and NOTHING for lung cancer. I thinkit may be time for we survivors to begin to voice that not all of us are or were smokers. I do not know if you ever were Leroy, but I have always been a very anti-smoking advocate (ironic huh?!). Each day more and more of us are being afflicted and each day we are told that we caught it too late for early treatment. I had a cough in September, I thought it was part of my asthma..I was so wrong! Somewhere somehow there must be a way to convince the medical community, the government, the entertainment industry...ANYONE that those of us with lung cancer are people worthy of help and dignity, not punishment for doing it to ourselves. While I work on that I will continue to live. I am interested in the place for good cheesesteaks by Hopkins, I have to visit there on occaision to meet with my oncologist there, and I can always go for a good sandwhich! Keep up the good fight. Thank you for letting everyone into your journey, all of our journey. Someday I would love to share more with you, but for now know that I wish you nothing but sunshine and mai tais!

Sent by Bernadette Hale | 11:25 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you for sharing your life as it has unfolded for you in the past year. You said that you wanted to know if you made a difference. Even if it is just in the life of one person, you have made a difference and an impact on several people. Thank you again - and I look forward to many blogs from you ahead!

Sent by cynthia massey | 11:30 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Go baby go!!!!!!!!!! I was blesed with a trip to europe with my daughter by a brother of mine after I finished my chemo/radiation for lung cancer. My advice. Don't pack too much stuff. Wear the same clothes more than once and take a lot of pictures!!!! We have great memories now and are so grateful. See, some good things do come from cancer. I really thought the show last night did a good job expressing so many things/thoughts/feelings Ihave dealt with. Thank you and Thank you Ted too!

Sent by Ann Cavalier | 11:34 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy, First - Enjoy the sweet smelling air of Hawaii and of course, those Mai Tais!
Thank you for sharing your cancer journey with all of those people that watched the show on Discovery.
I was 36 at Dx with Breast Cancer. Today I am 39. I am still receiving treatments for mets to my lungs. So far, I've taken 12 different chemotherapy agents and I am going to enter a clinincal trial at the NCI in just a few weeks.
Several things in your show moved me. You were right on with every thought, feeling and emotion. I feel everything you feel so I know I'm not alone in my feelings. The comments about "crossing the line" made me chuckle because I tell my husband all the time, I have to go into a room with a skull and crossbone on the door and a big sign that says RADIOACTIVE MATTER Your radio frequency ablation gives me hope. My Dr. is very cutting edge (she found me this new gene therapy trial at NCI) and I've seen Dr's at MSK in NYC but I wonder if this type of treatment would work for me? My onc. has told me that because of my nodules in my lungs, that getting radiation would be like buck shot to my lungs and I wouldn't be able to breath. You've given me hope and I am going to look more into this treatment that you've received.
You inspired me last night whether you meant to or not. Lance Armstrong has been one of my motivators all along (I read his book at first Dx and it helped me so much). I wear the yellow LiveStrong bracelet not because it's trendy....because it reminds me everyday to be strong and live strong!
Thanks again and keep up the good work!

Sent by Catherine Beuttenmuller | 11:34 AM ET | 05-07-2007

I watched the "Living with Cancer" program last night, at my husbands urging. He is recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and your program was to be part of our education. Thank you, I can't say that enough. Good luck and God bless

Sent by Rhonda | 11:40 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Dear Leroy: My name is Jim and I am a cancer survivor. My relationship with the disease began just under two years ago when I noticed that I had a small lump on the left side of my neck. I ignored it. For almost six months, I went on with the business of living life in the fast lane, and I tried to pay no attention to the clear signal that something was wrong with my body. As the lump grew from the size of a marble to the size of a baseball, I continued on, simply pretending it wasn't there.

Finally, my wife Cindy made an appointment with our family physician, who sent me to an oncologist at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. The diagnosis was not good, not good at all. I had non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and the disease had progressed well into the fourth stage. Scans revealed that the lump in my neck had plenty of company throughout the rest of my body. In all, I had about ten tumors, ranging from the size of golf balls to softballs, that were spread throughout my chest, abdomen, neck and groin. My oncologist, Dr. Lee Hartner, ordered that I begin chemotherapy almost immediately.

For four months, I underwent heavy chemo and monoclonal inhibitor treatment at the hospital. As you know all to well, the experience was physically miserable, mentally exhausting and spirtually challenging. In the end, however, the drugs and my damaged immune system beat the cancer down. Last week I celebrated my first anniversary in remission.

I was blessed to have a great doctor, and unbelievably supportive wife, and a type of cancer that, while deadly, was very treatable. I am a lucky son of a bitch. No doubt about that.

Today I am doing well, but to say the disease changed my life is a gross understatement; it's like saying that Babe Ruth changed baseball. Like all survivors, I live with the memory of the illness, the knowledge that it could return at any time, and a very clear sense of my own mortality. For some reason, I am okay with all of that. Maybe it's because I have always been a little bit crazy. I think that helps.

If I can pass anything on to your readers, it is these lessons.

1. Get regular physicals, at least once a year.

2. Don't ignore lumps, or any other signals that your body may be giving you. That one sounds obvious, but it's not. Too many of us ignore the warning signs until it is too late.

3. Most importantly, any person who has been diagnosed with cancer must be willing to fight. To take the cancer down. To rage against the dying of the light. Doctors and drugs cannot kill cancer by themselves. Ultimately, I believe, the patient must kill it, must slaughter it. I don't believe there is any other way to win the fight.

For you, Mr. Sievers, I have the utmost respect and admiration. Watching your story on Discovery last night brought back so many of the feelings and thoughts that I had when I was actively sick, and I thank you for that. Those feelings, and the lessons they ultimately teach, must never be forgotten.

As for your health, I will pray for it every day because, even though I am still undecided about the existence of God, I believe very much in the power of prayer. That's another lesson we cancer fighters learn.

Just remember this, Leroy: you are a tough son of a bitch, and it's gonna take more than a few rogue cells to
take you out. Listen to me.

Keep up the good fight. The world needs you.

Jim

Sent by James Ray | 11:50 AM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,
I thank you so much for what you shared with all of us last night on the show. My husband has been a runner all of his life and I am a martial artist. We both very much enjoy participating in marathons. Lance Armstrong is a world champion athlete and a formidable man, but Leo and I both so completely related to you on a personal level as though we had known you all of our lives.

Leo was diagnosed a year ago with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. We were told that he just needed to be monitored and that it would probably be quite a while before he actually needed treatment. Only a very short time after that, while we were training to do the Little Rock Marathon, he started feeling "abnormally old" and mentioned it to his doctor. Well, in a very short time he had gone from "just needing to be monitored" to needing chemo. He had an allergic reaction to his first chemo treatment and it nearly killed him. They changed his coctail and he has been taking his chemo treatments every three weeks since January. As you have said, the cancer didn't make him sick, but the chemo is truly a drag. He says it's like being hit in the face with a velvet frying pan. He can't do anything he's used to doing. He can't stay focused on anything for very long at a time. Absoslutely nothing that was just normal every day every minute existence is the same as it was. As soon as he starts to fell almost normal, it's time for his next treatment. You put all of that into words for him. You made it ok on levels that I couldn't do for him and I thank you so very much for that.

I'm glad that you have been given more time ... enjoy Hawaii ... you've more than earned a great vacation.

Sent by Marie Trisollini | 12:00 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Dear Leroy,
I just want to say that i saw you last night on Living with Cancer and i was so intrigued! You are an amazing person and i look up to you in a big way! I lost my father to colon cancer in 2004 when he was only 45. I was only 17 then and although we had tryed to prepare for his death, it still came as a shock when i watched him take his last breathe. Watching the show last night really boosted my mood. Although you talked about some sad things i couldnt help but think about my father as you told your story. I remember his wonderful oncology nurse Linda and how much she meant to him, and i also remember those four hour treatments where the chemo would just drip...I was hooked as of last night i felt like many of the things you had experienced was a deja vu of what my father had and i had to know more! Hence why i have logged on to your blog. Your right it really is the little things in life that he thought about and shared with us that meant the world and while i sat here this morning to read what you had to say today i couldnt help but giggle! I saw that you are off to Hawaii and i am very excited for you but what made me giggle was when you mentioned that you owned Hawaiin shirts! My father had a closet full of them and would wear them everywhere from the ever so often family BBQ to nights out on the town so while this struck me as hilarious that another man understands this passion about these crazy shirts! all i have to say is AT LEAST you are going to Hawaii! I think my dad will be living vicariously
through you.
Have a great time Leroy!!!!!

Sent by Danielle | 12:02 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy - Thank you so much for an incredible thing you did for all of us affected by cancer. I can't imagine letting the cameras come into my life during those times that I feel most vulnerable - but so incredibly thankful you did. I cried throughout the entire program because it made me feel that all of the "crazy" ideas that run through our heads are "normal" for someone fighting the good fight. I watched it with my husband & I think he became tired of me exclaiming "yes - that's exactly how I feel!".

I am a 12 year survivor from my first melanoma diagnosis & 3 years post-diagnosis of my second stage IIIb melanoma. I am 38 years old with three children (19, 13 & 12). I am like all the others with children that were on your program last night. My first terrifying thought was I don't want my children to grow up without a mother.

I have one of the many dreaded types of cancer in which there is only one approved treatment. If that doesn't work, the doctors basically tell you that there is nothing else they can do. After watching your program, I have learned that you keep fighting & searching for someone else that is willing to help. After three surgeries & many months of adjuvent therapy (torture) - I am currently cancer-free. Like you, however, my doctors tell me that the odds are very high that it will return. As you said, I feel it's most likely there "looking for a place to live". Hopefully, real estate prices are just too high & it will remain homeless : )

We all learn to "live" with what I call the gorilla on our backs. My life will never be the same. Some bad, but also good. I can honestly say that I look at the world through completely different lenses now. I always appreciated beauty in nature, sunsets, the smile on a child's face...but now, I am absolutely aw-struck & overwhelmed by it to the point that there are no words to articulate it.

Thanks friend...you are making a difference in this world.

Sent by Michelle Murphy | 12:03 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Dear Leroy,.. to see you speaking from your soul, to radio listeners was very moving and inspiring. Actually, seeing the words you spoke, "on the tv screen", gave me an insight of how my brother may be thinking.
My brother, at age 49, was diagnosed last July with lung cancer, Phase 4, with a tumor on his back. It has been a devasting experience for him and his wife, who married August 2000, a first marriage for them both. They have two beautiful daughters aged 4, and almost 3. My brother does want to see them grow! Thus, the awesome documentary by Ted Koeppel, is a New Hope On the Horizon! My brother has been told a couple of times, "there is no cure.".
Thus, finding Leroy Sievers Blog this morn', was inspiring, to say the least, when I proceeded to read the postings of the morning!
Kudos to Al Cato and Cathy Forsythe for insight and information...and the many other postings, I read this morning. God Bless you All with Hope.

Sent by Diane Hurley, Michigan | 12:09 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you for sharing your self, your striggles, your hopes and dears and emotions with all of us last night.
You made a difference in my life and many others lives by doing so.
En-JOY your vacation, Leroy!
God Bless you.
Vivian

Sent by Vivian | 12:13 PM ET | 05-07-2007

So grateful to everyone involved in last night's production and to the Discovery Channel and, especially, NPR for presenting this show and the blog. While I was only a caregiver, I was on the journey. Lance was my husband's inspiration as a cyclist himself. He announced to his oncologist after coming back from the brink of death, "I have to be well enough to train for and ride in the Ride for the Roses." He was and he did. He rode two more years! He never really reached remission, but we never gave up hope and our journey was easier because of that hope. Our medical team had lots of hope -- never false hope -- clear and straight forward, but always positive. It made all of the difference.
Bless everyone and peace to all who responds to your blog today.

Sent by Deborah Compton | 12:14 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,
Wonderful Show last night. I do not have cancer nor have I had anyone in my family with it. Thank you for opening my eyes and reminding me to be thank ful for my good health and that of my family. GOD BlESS YOU

Sent by Jody Kepp | 12:16 PM ET | 05-07-2007

One more comment. (I think)
Those of us with lung cancer don't "deserve" it either. It is not like back in the day of Jesus on the earth when lepars were told their sin caused their illness. But smokers are made to feel that way. Do people really think that? Really?
Also, most people do not seem aware of the fact that one cancer can be in many places via metastisis. If lung cancer spreads to the brain it is still a lung cancer etc.... More should be told about this. A friend I made in a support group kept saying she had liver cancer because her lung cancer had spread to her liver. They are entirely different and the treatments are different as well.

Sent by Ann Cavalier | 12:18 PM ET | 05-07-2007

I am a colorectal cancer survivor/ I too have tumors in my lungs 4 very small in my right and 2 small ones in my left lung. I have been to University of Michigan, Mayo and Nih. Where I was in a clinical trial for a colorect cancer vaccine study. It didn't work.
Now I am in Grand Blanc, Mi. I really have faith in my Oncologist Dr.Paul Adams.We will talk about radiofreqency ablation.

I really enjoyed last nights show with Ted Koppel, you, Elizabeth Edwards and Lance Armstrong.
The sad part about the program was I told all my family and friends about it. But no one watched it. How disappointing no one watched it. I can't understand it . I am living with it,however they can't even watch something that is important to me. They are very scared I know. Fear is a very strong emotion. No one wants to go there. Cancer equates fear. Believe me if I had a chance I wouldn't have gone there either. I so enjoy your blogs. Talking is very freeing it is important to get the emotioms out. I too have cried bucket. I also have had days of feeling cancer light. However, you are right It never goes away. I is the silent under tone that follows you everywhere.
I would like to blog with others and talk of our hopes and fears. Is there a site that one can go to to talk about cancer other than yours.
Not that I don't enjoy your blog because I do.
Recently, I was taken off chemo because my cea was going up. I had a cat scan friday. NOw the wait!!!!! Thursday is an appointment with my Oncologist. We will see. I do not want to go through the down and out heavy duty chemo for the summer. You know you have only a so many summer in your life. I want my summeer chem free.... If I can.
Thank you again for the show last night, it is comforting to know that I'm not alone........... You did a great service to all of us survivors.

Be well and enjoy Hawaii.... and have a Mai ti for me........

Sent by Beth Morrison | 12:18 PM ET | 05-07-2007

I so enjoyed your show last night. I am a 2 years breast cancer survivor, but have a close friend at work with sarcoma and not a good outcome. I was very interested in your radiation treatment you talked about and we are looking into this for him. I understad they do this in Oklahoma also, we are in Seattle. Someone else at work has spent a fair amount of time looking into this already, but your show reinforced how great this can be. My friend just returned from Hawaii with his family, his first time there. He wanted to feel the warm sun, breeze and sand beneath his feet. And also spend some quality time with his wife, four kids and entire family.

I missed the first hour of your show, I will rewatch tonight. Thank you for doing this for "us"

Sent by Carol | 12:19 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Wonderful show last night. I wish there had been more of a discussion about Radio Frequency Ablation because I would bet that 95% of cancer patients have never heard of the procedure. And I assume their oncologists don't tell them about it either because they are generally only interested in drugs. An investigation into why this is so, would be a great benefit to the public.

Sent by Eileen Baum | 12:27 PM ET | 05-07-2007

My wife & I watched your show last night. I must tell you I felt that you were saying the same things that I have been saying to family and friends since I was diagnosed with cancer. You said so many things that I am thinking and feeling that it was scary. I said to my wife after the show was over that I was so disappointed that the show was not shown on local TV stations because it excluded many people who can't afford cable TV. The message is one that needs to be heard by every one. I was diagnosed with stage three prostate cancer in February and since I had no symptoms, this blind sided us. I find that your statement about how your life changes planning and schedule wise is hard for people that don't have cancer to understand. I want to thank you for doing this show. Great Job!

Sent by Tim Wise | 12:29 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Where can I send you money? I will buy you a mai tai!

Sent by Mr. Scott | 12:34 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy- I saw you on the Discovery Channel last night and am very glad you are doing so well given what you've been through! Keep up the great attitude. Best, Joe.

Sent by Joe Regan | 12:36 PM ET | 05-07-2007

LeRoy -
Thanks for last night's show. I'm looking for kidney specialists. This thing doesn't seem to want to take 'post' from me.

Sent by Andy Hickman | 12:36 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,
Thank you for the program. I am a prostate cancer patient (NO, I'm a cancer survivor!) Like many others, I was deeply moved by every word. By the end of the night, I was exhausted. I fell into bed and pleaded with my wife to get the physical she'd been postponing.

This morning brought an email that the sister of a dear friend had lost her fight with cancer. (A more effective punctuation of the oveall message is not possible.)

Enjoy your trip, life is for the living. (I will wear a Hawaiian shirt for you. Cheers!)

Sent by Don C. | 12:46 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,

Please just ditch the idea that you haven't lived a good enough life or done enough. You did more in one night to bring cancer out of the closet than most do in a lifetime.

I used to live in Hawaii and cry every time I see it from the air when I visit. It is the most beautiful place I have ever been. I don't know which island(s) you are going to, but if you go to the big island, have dinner at the Volcano Lodge on the edge of Volcano National Park. My best friend owns it...and they make great mai tais to go with the gourmet cuisine!

Thank you for the program last night. I've seen your picture, but didn't know you were such a teddy bear! Consider yourself hugged by an old lady who has come to admire you greatly.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:48 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Enjoy your holiday. My husband and I enjoyed "LIVING with Cancer." As a cancer survivor and Army reservist,I've been told I can't go to war. People are so afraid of cancer. They don't realize it is a fact in our life stories not our entire life story.

Sent by Sherri Kent | 12:48 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Your last comment,"..but I think I'll write early in the day. Before it's Mai Tai time.", is interesting. Since you were not positive/definite it implies that you might write late in the day, after Mai Tai time.
Now that might make for some interesting reading! Come on Leroy, give it a whirl, at least for one day out of your trip.
Don
PS I taped the show for any of our Support Group that may have missed it. Great program!

Sent by Don Winslow | 12:50 PM ET | 05-07-2007

I may have said Volcano Lodge when I meant to say Kilauea Lodge. If so, forgive the brain fart.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:50 PM ET | 05-07-2007

A terrific show last night. I didn't want to watch it because I was afraid it would remind me of something that I want and try to forget. My husband suggested that we watch it together and I am so glad that we did. Our stuggles began 3 years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A new home, a new area, a new job, a new child--wham--a new diagnosis. How absolutely terrifying for everyone receiving the news. It does profoundly change people. For myself, I am more understanding, more sympathetic, and a much better listener. Thank your for sharing your story. It will make a difference to a lot of people just hearing your journey.

Sent by gloria | 12:52 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy, Last night I cried tears for a man I didn't even know. I listened to your voice and heard your words and felt I got to know you. When Ted announced bad news and then went to commerical, I was thinking, if he comes back and says Leroy died before this documentary could be finished, I'm just going to burst into tears. I am so glad you are alive and I plan on visiting your blog. I work for a hospital and I hope to buy copies of the program on DVD for our patients and their families to watch. I learned so much and was deeply moved. What a wonderful friend you have in Ted Koppel. Thank you for sharing your story.

Sent by Anna Wilson | 12:52 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Dear Leroy,
I stumbled over your blog a couple of weeks ago while googling "chemo brain". I was amazed! I thought "This man has been wandering around in my head!" I was diagnosed with Stage IV GBM brain cancer the first of December. Thank you for putting words to my thoughts and emotions. No matter what kind of cancer we have we all have a common bond. Maybe it is a finite length to our lives that is sooner than any of us wants or expected.
Enjoy Hawaii. I think I will go to Venice, buy a good bottle of wine and sit at some small cafe on some small side canal and watch the world go by. Keep on keeping on.

Sent by Gene | 1:07 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy -
I would never have watched last night's program had I not been initiated into the cancer ranks with news two days before this past Christmas that I had colorectal cancer. Up until that time I had spent 56 years in perfect health. I've been through the chemo, the radiation and the surgery, and am now going back on chemo for 5 1/2 months. Watching and listening to you last night I came to the conclusion that I might be wise to shed my private battle and become a bit more open about my situation. I was especially taken with your comments at the end of the program about the dilemna you found yourself in when greeting someone at a party and they asked how you were doing and you weren't sure whether or not she knew of your cancer. I've felt this awkwardness every day and "coming clean" and being more open will probably make it easier for me as well as others. It's not earth-shattering, but for me it's a step forward that I probably otherwise would not be taking without your experience, insight and willingness to share. Thanks!

Sent by Chuck Wielgus | 1:08 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Mr. Sievers, I watched the Ted Koppel interview last night and it was excellent. I have had breast cancer since 2000. I am currently being treated again. You did not seem open to any alternative treatments, but the medical profession does not have it all. Please read "Outsmart Your Cancer" by Tanya Harter Pierce. Don't shortchange yourself by relying entirely on medical. At the present time I am taking treatment out of the U. S. and I am seeing many people who were written off as "no hope" patients being helped greatly. Please consider this. If I could talk to Mrs. Edwards, Tony Snow, etc., I would surely encourage them to consider alternatives.

Sent by Irene Metzger | 1:09 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Dear Leroy,

I have followed your blog for almost a year now. It helped me through my chemotherapy and radiation. I just completed my radiation about a month ago and I have no evidence of cancer.

Your blog have made a difference. Thank you. Thank you for sharing and thank you for your eloquence. 5 was crying while watching you on the show. My heart goes out to you and your wife for being so brave and strong.

Enjoy your Mai Tai. I will order a Mai Tai and drink to your health. Salut!

Sent by Myrna | 1:13 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you Leroy for opening up your life and your experience with cancer to the rest of us on the show last night. It was an amazing three hours. I am so happy for you that you found this new technology to get rid of the tumors and that you can go to Hawaii with a smile on your face! You've earned those Mai Tais! I go in Wednesday for my 7th chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I am the mother of two small children, so Elizabeth Edwards words about having cancer when you have children hit very close to home. Although I have a very good prognosis, there are still 1000 people a year that die of Hodgkin's. That and the risk of a secondary cancer are the elephants in the room for me. After treatment #8, I will have a PET scan, then I will have radiation treatments. Because I had lymph node involvment in the chest, I will get radiation to the chest which makes me much more likely to get breast cancer down the road. Add to that that my mother is a breast cancer survivor and my risk goes up even more. This is the cross all cancer survivors must bear. Even if we are "cured" we are never truly free from it.

Even though no one would ever want cancer, it does have it's benefits. It's given me permission to speak up for myself more than ever. Although I want my life to be as normal as possible, I also want to enjoy the present. I don't want to argue with my husband over spending $200 on new pillows for my screen porch where I can rest and recuperate after treatments. I want it to look nice and I want it to look nice RIGHT NOW! I'm not going to sit around and wait so much anymore. It's not like I stopped contributing to my IRA or anything, but I have a more balanced outlook. My husband doesn't always get that, but I sure as hell don't lay awake at night worrying about how he feels about that $200 anymore.

Have a great trip and THANK YOU for the show last night. Aloha,

Sara Behnke
Charlotte, NC

Sent by Sara Behnke | 1:16 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Bill (my partner) and I watched and cried, not only for you but for us! We understand what you r going thru, Bill was diagnosed 7/05 and you have expressed everything he's wanted, but couldn't! I think and hope now we will be able to discuss the "taboo" subjects we've been avoiding. Could you pls give your audience and update and maybe include a portion on caregivers, and the uninsured cancer victims??? I will continue to read your blog and pray for you and all cancer victims and families. Thank you again for your story and GOD BLESS!

Sent by EMILIA ROSADO | 1:26 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Dear Leroy, I found out on Thursday that my cancer(dx.2004) had metastasized. Not shocking, because I have an aggressive form of cancer and my tumor markers have been sky high.
Processing this sad news, I thought of you. Be like Leroy, I thought. Went off to a wedding in the mountains of Virginia and enjoyed being with dear friends. Now the biopsies start, the surgery and the recuperation. Watching you last evening was inspiring---you looked handsome in the navy sports coat! Thanks for the show, the blog and for making a difference in how I face this next roller coaster ride. Enjoy Hawaii--pack the new sport coat-it will go nicely over your Hawaiian print shirts.

Sent by Elizabeth | 1:38 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,
We enjoyed your program last night. I noticed the man with testicular cancer who asked if there was anyone matching cancer survivors with newly diagnosed patients. Here in Huston we have been doing this with great success since 1990 through an organization called CanCare. We train and match volunteers by age, sex, and diagnosis to offer HOPE to these patients through survivors of their type of cancer. It is a very strong message and many of the patients become volunteers. More information is available on our web site CanCare.org.
Thank you for what you are doing.
abob aboyd

Sent by Dr. Bob Boyd | 1:50 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Hi, I saw a good part of the "Living with Cancer" program last night and appreciated seeing what people had to say. I've been a survivor of ovarian cancer for about 26 years, and it was caught at a time when it wasn't terminal. I prayed to the Lord about it and worked on both body and soul, learned about how the human body works, and focused on my immune system. Details can be found at http://www.soulwellmall.com/cancer.html and I also have a commentary page at the site on boosting one's immune system, and I can be reached from there. God bless you all! Monica

Sent by Monica | 1:55 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy - I am fairly certain I have read every blog entry you have made, but I do not recall you mentioning how you support yourself. Do you live off of disability insurance? Were you wealthy before your cancer? Are you supported by a family member? Seems like finances are also a part of dealing with cancer. Thanks and keep up the great work!

Sent by John in Bethesda | 2:18 PM ET | 05-07-2007

I really enjoyed the documentary last night. Truthfully, I was afraid to watch it, probably afraid to face my own history in watching someone die with cancer as well as afraid of my own mortality. One thing that struck me, that no one really touched on during the Q&A was the being treated as "walking dead" syndrome Lance Armstrong spoke of in his interview. The media in this country really emphasized that with the recurrence of Elizabeth Edwards' cancer, which is a shame, because she is living with cancer, not sitting around waiting to die. Thank you so much for the gift of this wonderful documentary. It was amazing.

Sent by chris | 2:21 PM ET | 05-07-2007

I wanted to say thank you for sharing your experience last night. I watched in Wisconsin as my father watched in Illinois. It was important to me that he watch the program to validate his feelings, his worries, his nightmares. My father was diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer three and a half years ago. The tumors have spread to the lungs, the abdomen, the lymph nodes, etc.... He originally was given about 3-6 months to live. Here we are nearly 4 years later and he is still with us. As you said last night, people look at my dad and do not know he is ill even though on the inside cancer is just taking over. My dad has always been able to keep cracking jokes even in the worst of times. I saw that in you last night and I think it is such a great quality. I am unsure that if it were not for my dad's sarcasm and stubbourness that he would still be here today. I love my dad with everything I am and it just kills me to know of his situation. The best I can do is be there for him and keep him smiling and laughing at the little things in life to keep our focus of the big things. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It helped me greatly.

Sent by April Kovara | 2:25 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you so much for expressing so many of your honest feelings and sharing your thoughts and experiences in your journey with cancer. My brother is dealing with it right now and has for many years. His spirit is indominatable and he does try to LIVESTRONG. I too have been diagnosed with MDS, Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Thank you for adding your strength and helping us understand how important it is to just LIVE each day. You have and are doing a wonderful service for us all. Thank you so much for the program last night and have a Wonderful time in Hawaii! Enjoy!

Sent by Barbara | 2:26 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Having lost my mother to stomach cancer in September, it was with great trepidation that I tuned in to "Living With Cancer" last night. I am so glad that I did. I had so many unresolved issues regarding my mother and the way she handled her treatment and her preparation for the end that was to come that I thought I would never have answers to. Listening to Leroy made me see some of the things my mother did/did not do in a whole new light and made me see things from her perspective - not merely mine as someone being left behind. Thank you Leroy for giving me some piece of mind that I thought I would never have. I admire your spirit and will keep you in my prayers.

Sent by Tracy Campbell | 2:30 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy, it was a pleasure "meeting" you on the Ted Koppel special last night. I've read your blog sporadically since being diagnosed with lung cancer last September, but now you're firmly established at the top of my bookmarks along with lchelp.org and onctalk.com. I hope you have a great vacation in the 50th State. Visiting Hawaii is NOT on my "to do" list -- but only because I've lived here the past 35 years!

When I started my cancer journey last year from the family doctor to the pulmonologist to the thoracic surgeon to the oncologist, I tried to convey that I was not interested in outdated prognosis numbers, but only in exploring the best treatment for my condition at the time. To their credit, no physician has ever offered those statistics, I've never looked for them, I still don't know them, and I don't care. I'm an individual and they have no real meaning for me or any other individual. My goal, which now seems achievable, is to keep this thing beat back until I'm old enough to die of something else. That's probably the best I can hope for, and it's good enough! Best wishes and Aloha.

Sent by Ned | 2:35 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Dear Leroy, I don???t have cancer, I have Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia, a rare blood disorder, Pseudo Tumor Ceribri, Hepatitis C and an unidentifiable fungus in my lungs is the latest diagnoses. During my last trip to the hospital I was in a coma for 3 weeks. I found your story to be of inspiration to me. I have nearly died three times in the last 14 years. I don't think I can go through another diagnoses, but I know I will handle it as I always have, with courage, strength and a sense of humor. I refuse to die and I will continue to fight and I hope you will do the same. Best of luck!

Sent by Janine Licausi | 2:38 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,
My name is Lindsey. I am 20 years old, and I happen to see the documentary last night. I sat there through the whole show and cried. I couldn't believe how amazingly strong you are. It is almost unbelievable. You have allowed me to understand that life is precious no matter what, whether we are scared of dying or we know that we have about 20 more years ahead of us. I realized last night that cancer is a really unforgetable scare for not only the person that has the cancer but the loved ones of the person. I wanted to write you because you have opened my eyes to realize that you only live life once, you don't get second chances after death, and you have to make the most of the time you have.
My grandfather passed away in july 2002 with stomache cancer, it took a big toll on me because he was my hero. I didn't think I would ever be able to forgive God for taking him away from me, but I did. I know that my grandfather like you wasn't afraid of dying. He knew that no matter what he was either gonna "die from the cancer or from getting hit by a bus." those words really struck me because he felt the same way. I just want you to know that you are an inspiration to me and i will try to write you everyday! I hope you have a wonderful vacation! And make sure you have a drink for me!!! I hope that your scans forever show you'll be ok, make sure you keep me posted, cause I'll be watching you and praying the best for you!
Forever your friend,
Lindsey

Sent by Lindsey Paulk | 2:46 PM ET | 05-07-2007

I have heard your commentary on NPR, and watched the terrific show last night. It home for me, I have Stage 3 ovarian cancer diagnosed in 05, had surgery and chemo and was doing well. Then then a scan showed it was back. I had surgery 5 weeks ago and last night was the night before restarting chemotherapy, I was feeling very sorry for myself, however after hearing your story, Lance Armstrong's story and Elizabeth Edwards, It turned me around an put things back into perspective. I can do this again, and i need to. Every point you made, I have thought about, and it is hard to have permission to verbalize them to others, people do not fully understand.
I got angry at my sister once when she told me, WE were going to beat this cancer. I told her it was mine, and I wasn't so sure, but I was going to try to do everything I could to do so.
Enough you have a great vacation in that beautiful state of Hawaii. I love it there myself, it is just the hours in the plane that get to me. This is a wonderful gift you give to us, Thank you

Sent by Rita | 3:03 PM ET | 05-07-2007

I was moved by the telecast program on cancer Sunday night and felt compelled to read your blog. Wish you a wonderful vacation and drink an extra mai-tai for yourself --- you earned it.

Job well done on the telecast. You cannot imagine how many people were enkindled with renewed hope.

Sent by Richard Rysiewski | 3:16 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Leroy,
Last night's program on the Discovery Channel was excellent. As an onocology nurse I am grateful to the recognition given to the role of RN's in cancer care. As a caregiver I felt it was a real window to the world of cancer to those who have not had to look inside before. I am so thrilled for you and the others on the panel that surviving and living is exactly what you are able to do. Enjoy Hawaii you so deserve it!!! My husband was diagnosed one year ago with an inoperable brain tumor. The initial treatment stopped working after 7 months and his tumor has grown unfortunately brain cancer is all about location, location, location. He hasn't been able to work since his diagnosis, he is now often confused and can't be left alone. He has great difficulty expressing himself. Luckily we discussed the hard issues early in his disease. We have three children under 21 and it is the most painful thing watching their Dad slowly change from this terrible disease. There is no cure just keeping the beast at bay. No, I can't say I am glad this came into our life...I hate this disease and I hate what it has done to my family. Thank you for helping others to understand it.
Karen

Sent by Karen Morin | 3:19 PM ET | 05-07-2007

My name is Dave. I am 43-years old and was diagnosed with esthesioneuroblastoma on June 7, 2005. I had to have major sinus, eye and brain surgery on July 13, 2005 at University of Pennsylvania to remove these tumors. This was followed six weeks later by six weeks of IMRT radiation to my head and neck. That was followed by four rounds of in-patient chemotherapy. It was supposed to be six rounds but I got so sick from the chemo that they decided that four rounds was sufficient. No data to support the benefits of six versus four rounds as this is such a rare cancer in abults.

I have two children and a wife. My boys were 8 and 10 when I got diagnosed. I will never forget my doctor telling me that I had cancer. Like you, I knew I was in trouble when he asked if my wife was in the waiting room. I heard him say esthesioneuroblastoma and I didn't hear anything after that. What the hell is an aesthesioneuroblastoma? I battled depression for about a month or so after the diagnosis but before the surgery. I was certain I was going to die and leave a wife and two children.

I remember driving home from the doctor's office. My mom was watching our kids. I had to tell her that I had cancer (which had claimed her mother and several siblings). I remember telling her that "I am not brave and I am not strong". How could I ever endure this treatment? Much like you stated in the show, you kind of learn to do whatever you have to do. It's not so much bravery as it is necessity. I was afraid of needles. I hadn't had a blood draw in years just to avoid getting a needle stick.

I am very lucky. I am very much alive and very healthy presently. I gained all my wieght back (65 lbs.)and have returned to my "regular life". I ski again. I play racquetball again. I coach my son's baseball team again.

Somewhere along the way during my treatments I started to believe that I was going to live. Then the ordeal became an issue of grinding it out from day to day. For ten months you just had to say - it's going to get better, just keep going.

I was mesmerized by last night's show. I found myself constantly nodding my head in agreement with the things being said by the audience and by the panelists. My chemo nurses were the best. My neurosurgeon was the best. My radiation oncologist was/is a wonderful example of humanity. My maxillofacial dentist had a heart of gold. I never realized how many people cared about me until I got sick. It changed my life in a positive direction that likely never would have happened without becoming ill. I met so many people and made so many friends.

To me, cancer was the great equalizer. I am pretty much a country boy who was thrust into life in inner-city Philadelphia during most of my treatments. Cancer doesn't care if you are rich or poor. If you are black or white. If you are young or old. If you have a doctorate or if you are in preschool. Every day I would sit and wait for my radiation treatment. Typically they would run 1-2 hours late. Almost everyone in that waiting room knew everyone else's story. In a way, it was like a giant group therapy session every day for six weeks. You didn't have to explain the fear or pain or anxiety to these people. They were living it right beside you. Politics makes strange bedfellows. But cancer makes stranger bedfellows.

I admire your courage for sharing your story. I also respect your wife's (?) decision to not participate on camera. That is her personal choice and nobody elses.

I must disagree with your assessment that you are not a hero, though. You are a hero. So am I. So is everyone who goes through this - caregiver or patient. You cannot be weak and go through this.

Like you, I too have cried more in the last two years than I did in ages. September 11th made me cry a lot because it made me think that evil was beating good on our planet. Too much hate and not enough love and understanding. It sounds corny, but it's true - hate rarely has ever solved anything.

Ironically, just yesterday I found out that my best friend has advanced prostate cancer. Things do not look optimistic. His wife called me to talk to me. I told her that I owe it to her and Joe to be there for her any time any way I can. So many people did so many nice things for me when I was sick that I could spend the rest of my life trying to pay back these favors and never get even.

Thanks for having the courage to share your story. I pray that you continue to endure. Enjoy as much of your life as you can. If that is 25 more years so be it. If it is 25 more days, then try to enjoy them as much as your can.

Sent by Dave Ulery | 3:25 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you. I hesitated about watching the program last night, however I was so glad I did. Much of what you said in the broadcast has passed around in my own head. You articulated the daily changing thoughts and feelings of coping with the effects of the disease on a considered life. Thank you for your ponderings and for sharing it all.

I was diagnosed with Her2 positive breast cancer in late July 2006 and immediately started researching my options. This cancer accounts for about 25% of the breast cancers and is more agressive. However, new treatment options seem to be available with increasing frequency these days, and I hope I am fortunate enough to benefit from the new treatments I have received. Even three years ago the options were fewer and outcomes more frequently deadly.

Like you, I find the nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals to be honest, kind and warm people who do what they can to lessen our discomfort and anxiety. I am grateful that so many fine people choose oncology for their healthcare careers.

Thanks to Discovery and NPR for the in- depth coverage of this topic that touches so many of us. And thank you, Leroy, for verbalizing your thoughts so truly. Enjoy the mai tais and warm breezes of Hawaii with the satisfaction of job well done and well appreciated.

Sent by Martha Anderson | 3:27 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Hey LeRoy,
I watched the entire show last night. It was really heartfelt. What an amazing ride you have been on. I am a 2 time breast cancer survivor and also a friend of david and nancy dow.
Have a wonderful vacation in Hawaii..and have lots of mai-tais and wear all your hawaiian shirts!

take good care

Mary Kay McLoughlin

Sent by Mary Kay McLoughlin | 3:35 PM ET | 05-07-2007

First--Thank you Leroy for your incredible sharing last night. I will probably watch it again tonight. So often I felt you were voicing exactly what I feel.

Second--I too am headed of for a vacation. To the Galapagos! All my life I have wanted to go there--but, as stage IV lung cancer as a diagnosis--I have stopped putting it off. Live each day--as you said last night.

Sent by Sally Yeo | 3:40 PM ET | 05-07-2007

Thank you for sharing your story and having the courage to lay bare the pain and emotional up and downs and turnarounds inherent in living with cancer.

I live in a small