Hi Leroy,
You inspire me. I am going through a post-cancer scare right now. All I can think about is NOT being here... all that I am going to miss. Reading your words reminds me to sit back. Think. Take a breath. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. I do what I can to survive and there is always this day. THIS day. Thank you.

Sent by Holly | 6:35 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Leroy

Lets just hope and pray you still have "dreams of the future" is THIRTY more years!

EVERYONE... Don't EVER stop dreaming of the future no matter you situation! The minute you stop.. you have none

ATTITUDE is so important!

Kick ass and do those things.. today.. tomorrow.. the next day... and for as long as you have on this earth!!

I was told I would not live.. that was 32 years ago

NEVER GIVE UP!

DREAM my Friends.... dream BIG!! Then and only then will you have no regrets

~Ron

Sent by Ronald K. Bye | 7:12 AM ET | 06-05-2007

First of all, congrats on the one year birthday...it not only marks the anniversary of your writing on this blog, but it 365 days worth of thought, and as you said, change.

I think writing--whether it be in a blog, or diary, or some other format is so cathartic, reflective, and promotes insight, and somehow instigates change.

The community you have built is priceless, and your words have comforted many folks.

Kudos on your 'victory' Leroy!
Now go to that bakery of yours, and treat yourself to some cake!

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 7:20 AM ET | 06-05-2007

It goes without saying...I'm very glad that you're here. It's a victory that you've confounded your doctors' predictions that you only had a very few months. I suppose that that's due to a combination of factors. Doctors use statistics when they try to predict how long any patient will survive. You're a statistic of one. Treatments are coming along that weren't available previously, and you're a tenacious old coot. Seriously, you're still here because you're supposed to be, and we're all the richer for it. I'm looking forward to the 2nd anniversary of our blog.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 7:30 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Hi Leroy,

Congratulations on your first year with mets anniversary! I don't really remember much about my first year. It was a flurry of appointments and sometimes complicated scheduling.

Surgery, treatments, and makng final arrangements, filled my days and weeks. Visits to doctors, multiple medical scans and tests, updating my will and creating a living will became my life. The visit to the funeral home to pre pay and plan my funeral was a surprisingly gentle experience due to the sincere compasssion of the funeral home employee.

Hardest of all was making arrangements for the future care of my dear and intelligent disabled adult son whose head injury suffered as an infant left him destined to never become independent. His father and brother have refused to care for him when I cannot.

Well, like you, I am amazed and somewhat bewildered that I'm still here and for some unknown reason I've been in remission for 19 months. In just a few weeks it will be 3 years since my mets diagnosis. After choosing the most aggressive treatments available I have outlived my prognosis and am now living in unchartered territory.

I've chosen to live as though I'm living, not dying. We downsized to a condo and, with the help of my talented partner, we are in the process of renovating it to fufill all of our special needs. This spring I optimistically planted perennials in my garden. I finally have the home of my dreams. It's a modest place but is already filled with wonderful memories.

We spend our time rejoycing in the dawn of another day. Our trips and outings are planned around places and activities we all truly enjoy.

I've chosen to enrich my gift of "extra" and unexpected time as a hospice volunteer which I've found to be hugely rewarding.

Goals and future plans are short term but real. We plan ahead for only three months.

Like you, I also have been permanently changed by my cancer. The change has been positive in that I now truly know what in life is important. I've accepted that I have no control over my future but I do have control over today. After all, as so many of us have learned, today is the only time we have.

Sue

Sent by Sue | 7:40 AM ET | 06-05-2007

I'm not even through chemo and yet to start radiation and still feel like a victory. I'll been able to carry on some sort of normal life peppered with treatments and a couple of lousy days. I've had stares from strangers and cards from people I've never met. What a ride. I'd still rather be boringly normal but what am I going to do.

Sent by Lisa | 7:44 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Hi Leroy,
I am just starting my cancer journey, and I too have those same fears and hopes. Today I start Radiation and Chemotherapy, and I am scared.. yet ready to live and beat this.

Today is also my daughters 6th birthday... she is a heart transplant patient who is autistic, yet the light of my world (as are her brother and sister). Cancer puts things in perspective, doesnt it? With all of its horrors and fears, there are blessings hiding amidst the muck... we just have to look for them.

Be blessed,
Heather
http://www.especiallyheather.com

Sent by Heather | 7:44 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Congrats on your 1 year anniversay. Every day is a victory! I agree with Dr. Tejura - treat yourself to a cake! Celebrate!

Sent by Kay | 8:04 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Congrats on your anniversary. You should be really happy because you have touched so many lives with your blog and have become so important to all of us that write in. You are loved and admired. It means so much to have a voice expressing our feelings about cancer.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 8:19 AM ET | 06-05-2007

have many more. I had a cancerous prostate removed in November and I am looking forward to my 1 year birthday also. I told my wife that I am celebrating two birthdays this year. My normal September one and the really important one on November 16th. So here's to many more for us all!!! Cheers!!

Sent by Bob Brandenburg | 8:32 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Good morning Leroy/everyone. You commented in your blog today Leroy that you were wondering if you accomplished the things you were dreaming about when you were diagnosed. Well, if one of your dreams was to help and inspire others you have succeeded. I feel priviliged to be a part of this family. "Keep dreaming Leroy"

Sent by sasha | 8:40 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Leroy,
I can't tell you how comforting your blog has been. I didn't know it existed until after the TV special with Ted Koppel and wish I had known of it long before.
I was diagnosed on June 28, 2006 with Stage IV colon cancer - no family history, no long term symptoms, not yet at the age a colonoscopy is recommended.
With the help and prayers of family and friends, I've made it through this year and with your help, I'm going to fight through another.
I too, remember wishing to have more time to do the things I've always wanted to do and now don't recall most, but on the list we keep on the refrigerator of "tasks to do", the most prominent one is to "Enjoy Life". It's a good daily reminder that we laugh about when one of us asks the other, "what are you doing?".
My best to you and thank you for your personal thoughts - they are a bright spot in my day.

Ann

Sent by Ann Jungbauer | 8:44 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Congratulations on your anniversary! As your reflect on your journey, I hope you find comfort in re-reading your many blogs to know that in expressing your most intimate thoughts, fears, hopes, etc. that you've touched so many lives in such a positive way.

As so many have said, your selflessness (sharing yourself in public with with the nation) has enabled you to create a work of art in literature - your blog. Your words come bubbling forth each day from this fountain of HOPE!! What a testimonial to the power of the human spirit.

Blessings and prayers as always.

Sent by Al Cato | 8:52 AM ET | 06-05-2007

I am glad you are here. You've certainly given all of us a voice.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 9:30 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Dear Dr. Tejura, just a short post to tell you how wonderful it is of you, as a physician, ( who probably has a very busy work schedule ) to take the time out and be a part of this blog. I respect and admire you. Thank you for being part of this family.

Sent by sasha | 9:33 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Congratulations! It doesn't seem like a year but many of us wondered not only if you would be here but whether we would. I am approaching my two year anniversary since I was diagnosed and given the six month prognosis. It has been an amazing two years! One of my dreams was to return to Paris. I've done that, gone to Greece and am planning a trip to Spain. I've had wonderful exciting opportunities at work that have been fun and rewarding. No, I'm not cured or even in remission but I am living. This week I was able to get rid of my wig! A big event even if it may be short lived. The journey continues. Thanks for a wonderful year of blogs!

Sent by Dona | 9:49 AM ET | 06-05-2007

It cannot get more exciting than being able to celebrate an anniversary of life that seemed impossible this time last year.

If that doesn't call for a purposeful visit to the bakery, I don't know what would.

GOOD ON YOU, Leroy for making this last year count for so much for so many.

Sent by Sara | 9:50 AM ET | 06-05-2007

I love how Sue said it: uncharted territory. Those days and hours and minutes we never thought we'd have, and those weeks, months and perhaps years that we never knew were ahead. But planning a life while battling this unrelenting beast is quite a feat.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've heard and read til I'm numb about living in the now. I believe it, and I try to live it. But as humans, we have this innate need to plan into the future. How do you do that when there may be no future? My dear, sweet husband and I have realized that so many of our goals before cancer were financial in nature -- get the house paid off, save for retirement, save for our son's college education. With both of us working, we had the goals and we were working like crazy to meet them. And had some real successes. But those goals, while still important and laudable, are somehow a bit hollow now. They don't render in us the same intensity they once did. But what's there in their place?

I'm going out next week to see family, many of whom I haven't seen since my diagnosis a year ago. Family is now even more important. And we're talking about a trip to Italy this fall, after I finish chemo. Who knows if I'll ever really work again. I've always been a planner, but this truly is uncharted territory. No map, no compass, no headings, no familiar landmarks. Just living some new kind of life between scans. But I'll tell you truthfully, I've never appreciated a sunny, breezy morning quite the same way I do now. Or the smell of my son's just-shampooed head. Or the stubble on my husband's chin. It's like I have traveled to a new country and everything is new here. I'd like to just get my passport stamped with this new country, Cancer, and then just go back home.

Sent by Jordis | 9:57 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Hi Leroy,

Congrats on your one year anniversary. I didn't know about your blog until the Ted Koppel special. I start each day with you, and I look forward to it. You seem to be able to put into words how I and many others feel. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

I started chemo last month. My cancer came back after almost 4 years. I have always been a positive person and decided I would try to be that way on my cancer journey. Obviously, I have down days, but I do begin each day thanking God for all of the good things I have in my life. I take life one day at a time and enjoy all the little things: coffee with a friend, taking a walk with my husband, relaxing with a good book and a glass of wine, etc. It seems that when I do have a down day I receive a card in the mail, phone call from a friend, or my son may drop by for a visit. I seem to get the boost I need. Sometimes I just need a good cry and that's ok.

Thanks, Leroy. I look forward to reading tomorrow's entry.

Take care.

Mary

Sent by Mary McLellem | 10:05 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Hi Leroy. I'm confused. I thought you started this blog in February? What am I missing? Whatever, I'm back at work now and still reading your blog. Cancer or no cancer I want you to continue writing your blog, even if it is just to tell us what your cancer free days are like now. Congratulations on whatever anniversary this is.

Sent by Ruth White | 10:09 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Dear Leroy,

I'm in a similar space. After 15 months, I am done with my treatment. Went on Letrozole, but was taken off in order to determine whether the Letrozole was responsible for my nose that dripped like a faucet and my lack of sense of smell. Not sure which bothered/bothers me more. Yeah, it is definitely an inconvenience to go through a quarter of a box of kleenex in a morning, but I find myself grieving more for the fact that some of my favorite foods no longer taste the same and that I can't enjoy the fragrance of my roses, all carefully chosen after hours spent sniffing around nurseries!

Still, there is obviously no question that I would rather be where I am now than where I was a year ago...soon to enjoy my first vacation in almost two years, and optimistic that dreams are worth having and might even possibly come true.

Yup, come what may, we definitely have some victories to celebrate at this point in time!

Sent by Shosh | 10:20 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Congrats to you, Leroy, and to the rest of us as well. I just came to this blog after the Living with Cancer special. I make it most every day. It's intriguing to me that your four or five paragraphs will set off a maelstrom of concurrent posts. This blog family shares so much emotion, energy and compassion that I don't find anywhere else. Nobody lacks an opinion on most anything. Yet, we are miles from judgemental.

You keep writing and we'll keep reading. Better yet, we'll keep posting and helping each other out. Leroy and all you guys have a lot to be proud of and I'm glad that I get to participate.

Stay strong and tough and brave everyone. I think there's power in community. I also think that attitude can make a big difference.

Heather, you can do it. I did it. You gotta grind it out sometimes, but you might be stronger than you think you are. One day at a time. If today's bad, try again tomorrow. Don't try to eat the elephant in one bite, it's too much. One bite at a time.

Sent by Dave U. | 10:23 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Congratulations. You are right in that you have recieved maybe the only gift of cancer, which is the gift of living in the present, which not many people fully appreciate or understand. Also look at how you focus on the friends and family that are worrying a lot about you, and maybe even helping you. If you aren't using them now, you will need them sometime soon. I never much hear you write about them. Good luck. From a surviving spouse.

Sent by Al | 10:25 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Leroy, I am enthusiastic for you and your one year anniversary. My mom just passed away a week ago today. She was also celebrating a one year anniversary with "clean, tumor-free" scans. We took her home from the hospital 3 weeks ago today with the knowledge we had 1-2 weeks left. We spent our time wisely. Spend yours wisely.

Sent by Whitney Emerick | 10:33 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Happy Birthday is perhaps inappropriate, but you're here and that is cause for celebration. Not only that, you seem to be here with vigor. As someone who has gotten so much from this blog, I share with others the hope that it will find its way to the bookshelves one day so even more people can gain strength and hope from it.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 10:36 AM ET | 06-05-2007

How helpful and hopeful your words are today, Larry. Thank you for bringing a real-life positive spin to this horrible disease. Congratulations on your one year of writing to us and keep up the good work!

Sent by jjg | 11:08 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Hi Leroy,
Congrats on your year of blogging about "my cancer". As it turns out, today is the one year anniversary of my diagnosis of Small cell lung cancer with brain mets. My doctors tell me that I have outlived their prognosis, which was about 6 months. I return to radiation treatments today for 10 sessions. Chemo continues also. What have I done to deserve this extra time? Beats me. My family doctor told me right in the beginning that my positive attitude would count for a lot, and maybe I just subconsciously have a positive outlook. Today I am just hoping for a wonderful summer, with visitors and my hobby of scrapbooking and card making. That's as far as I can think ahead.

As far as the past year goes, I consider myself so lucky because other than wicked tiredness, I have had no bad side effects from any treatments. And the wonderful support of my husband, who has been my absolute rock, cooking, laundry,etc., with me every step of the way. Supportive friends and family are also a blessing. I feel lifted up by so many people, and now I also have your blog, which touches on so many of the feelings most of us go through. Thank you Leroy. I will continue to read this every day, until the day when I cannot anymore, which I hope is a long ways off.
With affection, Jill

Sent by Jill Schaudt | 11:09 AM ET | 06-05-2007

CONGRATULATIONS & HIP HIP HOOOORAY FOR YOU.

A MAGNIFICENT VICTORY.

Sent by Joan P | 11:27 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Leroy, thank you for sharing your journey with us all this past year. As a caregiver and a professional in the oncology field, I have gained so much personally as well as professionally from your thoughts and those of all of your fellow bloggers. Thank you for your honesty, wisdom and humor. Thank you all for sharing your journey with me!

Sent by Karen | 11:29 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Leroy,

Congratulations on your one-year mark! I started reading your blog after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and it was about the time you were hoping to make it to the 7th Harry Potter. Be careful crossing streets, because it doesn't look like your cancer will kill you before book 7 comes out! I am planning to never have a recurrence, but if it comes back, I hope it is after the final three seasons of Lost! Visions of Sawyer got me through chemo!

Take care and keep writing. I learn something from you every day.

Mary G.
Baton Rouge

Sent by Mary Gugich | 11:33 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Leroy, stay strong and know you have friends that are pulling for you.

Sent by Kent | 11:49 AM ET | 06-05-2007

Rock on, Leroy! One year of blogging is fantastic, but even more than that is the fact that you are still enjoying life and living. And I don't believe that plans mean you're in denial, I think plans mean you have hope. And hope is one of the key ingredients to getting through cancer.

I celebrated my 1-year anniversary on May 25. I celebrated the day I was diagnosed because I think that's the day you become a survivor. I believe being a survivor isn't about beating the disease. Survivorship is about finding courage and strength you didn't know you had. Survivorship is about choosing to live even when you know you might die. People who die from cancer aren't any less survivors than those of us who narrowly escape its grasp. Survivorship isn't about evading death - it's about embracing the life you have, no matter how much of it is left.

So celebrate! Have cake! Enjoy this day! You are a survivor and we???re thankful you???re here.

Susan
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/lemonmargaritas/

Sent by Susan Metters | 12:10 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Leroy,

I too, did not know about you until I saw the documentary with Ted Koppel. In that short span of time, I have become totally invested in your future and the others who write here. I cannot tell you how much comfort, hope, and inspiration I receive from reading this blog. I am also reminded to live each day to its fullest, and be thankful for every blessing. I am praying that your scans come back clean. God Bless.

Sent by Connie | 12:41 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Leroy, Congratulations and thank you for spending this special year sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. I have never made it past 6 months without a recurrence, but I keep going and going, I hope I am like the everready battery, we'll see. Writing is always somethng that I have taken comfort in and it is so great to have a place like this when you can connect with your soulmates. I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop, but I always have hopes and dreams something to reach for, that's what makes all the yucky stuff tolerable, okay maybe not tolerable but something like that. I miss having momements of feeling absolutely carefree, I don't think that will every happen again. But like you said we are still here and that is everything, Take care, and enjoy your day, Estelle

Sent by Estelle | 12:57 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Hi Leroy, Congrats on the year!! I'm sending you positive vibes for your next scan!!

I myself, had my last infusion in April. July is my next scan to see if the tumors are shrinking. I've been going through this for 6 + years. Every 9 months or so, I get treatments... the tumors shrink then they grow back and we try something else. I've had aggressive therapy where I've lost all my hair. I had back then... very long dyed blonde hair. When it started to fall out, it happened all at once as I was brushing it. So I would brush, then grab a handful and continue until it was all out. Then I braided it up and kept it. I would've donated it, but they say they don't take dyed hair. I still have it after six years... maybe I've kept it as a reminder. My hair has since grown back and is longer and thicker than every before. I've kept its natural color of light brown/blonde so maybe if I loose it this time I'll donate it or maybe make myself a long pony tail to stick under a hat or something... don't really know yet... the wigs are still there... not sure if I'll have to use them or not either... and I actually took one of those medical gowns.... lol... don't know why... just wanted to. I don't think I really have a point to make... just wanted to right in. I guess I'm kinda in a place of waiting and wondering what's next... I just don't know...

Good luck to ya! Shirley

Sent by Shirley | 1:12 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Leroy - thanks for a great year of posts. This also marks my one-year anniversary for diagnosis - it was only days after I started this roller coaster ride that I first heard your audio commentary on NPR and knew immediately that I had to check out the blog. The growth of our little on-line cancer community from the blog has been kind of amazing and the support given to each of us that write in with our triumphs and setbacks is truly heartwarming. Blow out the candle on the birthday cake and reflect on all the good you've done with the blog and with the Living with Cancer program.

I'm trying to think of an appropriate way to "celibrate" a year with cancer. It's an anniversary that I would rather not have to recognize, but the positive spin is that because of the determined efforts of my oncologist, nurse and staff at the hospital, and the thoughts and prayers of friends and family, that I got the chance to take one more trip around the sun. I think that perhaps I will make a cake or some treats and bring them up to the treatment clinic and thank everyone for the gift of another year.

Sent by Bob Maimone | 1:57 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Happy Blog Birthday Leroy! This week starts the next round of follow-up appoints for my sister and me, because I will be with her for everyone. This Thursday the surgeon, next Monday the anesthesiologist, 1 week from Thursday same day surgery and the biopsies, 2 weeks from Thursday the post op visit. I have already started to dream of the results yes, I dream the surgeon says, "Everything looks good." He can do that because he uses a microscope to do the procedure.

Dreams are important. They allow us to escape, plan, and most importantly hope. Without dreams and hope we would not be who we are.

I am already dreaming about my next mini vacation, and next March when I return to Hawaii and see the whales. I am already thinking about do I take my laptop? Will the places we stay have a computer in the lobby for guests to use? If I don't take mine, can I borrow one? Why... this blog that's why.

Thanks Leroy.... great idea, GREAT DREAM!

:)

Sent by Susan Chap | 1:58 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Hi Leroy, Congratualtions on your one year anniversary! I hope that there are many more anniversaries to come! Though I have listened to you for some time, now what you have to say has real concrete meaning.

I was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer two weeks ago today. I have yet to get the nerve up to journal my experiences. Maybe putting pen to paper will make it more real than it already is...I do know that I have to chronicle this journey somehow. I have begun chemo and will begin radiation next week. I am still frightened by every new experience I go through. I have no idea what to expect and that scares me.

I look forward to hearing your commentary now and will visit your blog and read the posting regularly. I hope to gain from your insight and experiences as well as from those who participate and post.

Thank you for your candor and courage. Continued good luck!

Sent by Daria Wilber | 2:58 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Happy Birthday....and MANY MANY MORE!!!!!

Sent by Pat Doyle | 4:16 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Just wanted to say congratulations on your 1 year anniversary. I can name all the anniversaries since my husband's lung cancer diagnosis, surgery date, first chemo, etc. He on the other hand doesn't want to be reminded. It is how he handles it while I try other ways including reading this blog everyday. I have a question that you may have already discussed before I got hooked on your blog site, but do you have strange dreams? My husband dreams about things chasing him & he cannot kill them. The latest was an elephant was chasing him & he couldn't get away until he found an airplane & he flew away. I think it has to do with the fight or flight thing, but again he doesn't want to discuss the dream with me for very long & certainly not any connection to his cancer. Just wondered if others have similar dreams.

Sent by Kathy | 4:43 PM ET | 06-05-2007

When my breast cancer first came back and I was so terrified that I wouldn't live to see the Christmas, one of the breast ca mets support group members told me a story that made a lasting impression. She said when her friend was diagnosed with metastasis, she decided to clean out her closets so her family wouldn't have all that stuff to go through after she was gone. She had lots of Christmas sweaters, as she was an elementary school teacher. She gave all of them away, knowing her days were numbered. When Christmas rolled around, she was still here! And she didn't have any holiday sweaters to wear. Surprise to us.....a year can turn into to two...or five....or........

Sent by Sandra Shuler | 6:52 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Dear Kathy, in answer to your question about bad dreams, yes my husband has told me that he has nightmares. But I notice that this happens about four or five days after he gets his chemo infusion. He will get chills and fever during the night and thats when he has the bad dreams.

Sent by sasha | 6:59 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Fortunately, I have not directly fallen victim to cancer but my mother was recently diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multi Forte stage IV brain cancer.
As young as she is, we never expected it and the news threw everyone in my family for a loop. The devastation is enormous as the effect has been felt deeply by all of us. It seems every one of us is dealing with some degree of denial, especially my father. I think it is important to emphasize the need to deal with this issue pragmatically. Emotionally, I know my mother feels terribly frightened, angry and helpless. On the other hand, we're doing everything we can to make sure she's not facing this terrible adversary alone. I think a big difference between a cancer patient and a healthy human being is the constant awareness of their mortality. Since anyone of us could bite the dust at any time for an unforeseen reason, perhaps it's the 'knowing' that one is on a time clock that makes the predicament subject to confusion and despair. If suddenly we were all told we have but a few months left to live, how would we redefine our priorities to make the most of our final chapter?
Thank you for this blog , Leroy.

Sent by Ray | 10:17 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Happy blog anniversary! It was my good luck to have heard your very first NPR commentary in this blog; and I've been hooked ever since. Thanks to all who have shared their lives with us through this blog. You've each been a source of spiritual strength.

I'm also celebrating a first anniversary/victory of sorts, also. Last year many friends of mine and family walked in their respective communities' annual Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. I was not able to attend the Survivor Laps in any of these as my white cell counts were very low. Later this week, I'll be walking the Survivor Lap and participating as a fund raiser for the Westford RFL, something that didn't seem so promising to me at this time last year. I will light luminaria to honor the members of this blog community, too.

Sent by Sheara | 10:50 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Proper nutrition may offer some hope.

Please review the information regarding discoveries made about phytochemicals in broccoli and ask your doctor about incorporating more broccoli in your diet or taking the supplements that contain its active ingredients.

One of broccoli's active ingredients (DIM) has been shown to synergize with the number one cancer drug Taxol.

In a recent study, nutritional scientists have demonstrated that a diet rich in broccoli and tomatoes was more effective in stopping cancer than a leading drug on the market.

Nature has a lot to offer that people may not know about.

More information regarding these developments is available at:

http://www.activamune.com/news.htm

My heart is with you. I wish you luck and health.

Sent by Arash Michael Davallou | 10:58 PM ET | 06-05-2007

Well, I just emailed my (out of town) honey about how worried I am about my cell search results.

Depending upon the results of today's test, I will have another Faslodex shot or start oral chemo and Avastin.

My breast cancer (masectomy fall 2002) is now in my lungs.

My honey's ...only... response to my letter, was .... had I mailed the 4 letters he left on the counter?

What does that have to do with my concern about my breast cancer?

It's really lonely here.

I need to hear that he cares, that he is trying to understand, that I matter.

Anon post...from weeks back... I know it really really hurts...when you get little or no support. Not feeling the love here, either.

Earlier today I was resolved to make major life style changes...to fight this. Now, later in evening, after reaching out to my unresponsive husband, it's a "what's the use feeling"... an unloved,very anxious feeling ... that's me.
Tearfully, Carol

Sent by carol | 1:01 AM ET | 06-06-2007

Dear Leroy,

A couple of days from today is the day I was told I have cancer. I was diagnosed with a stage 2 breast cancer and had to undergo 6 months of chemo and 33 days of radiation. It seems like yesterday and I am so glad all that is behind me.

But it is coincidental that you talked about denial in today's blog. After all I've been through, I think I just got over the denial stage. Today, I had to go in for my herceptin infusion, and it struck me -- I am a patient-in-waiting. I have been carrying with me this feeling of dread I have been trying to ignore, the dread that one day this cancer will come back. The first 2 or 3 years has the highest incidence of recurrence. I am almost sure that I will die of this disease, maybe not this year or next, but I am almost certain that this will get me.

I have found strength and comfort in your blog. But on this 1st year anniversary for both of us, I just have a sense of foreboding.

Everyone, please pray for me. If you're not religious, please think kind thoughts. I just need the collective courage I've found in this blog in the past year. I am just really scared.

Sent by Myrna | 1:23 AM ET | 06-06-2007

I totally get what you mean. Once you have had cancer, it just isnt so scary anymore...just something to deal with and destroy. Congrats on your anniversary!!

Sent by Nancy Kelly | 1:45 AM ET | 06-06-2007

Hi Leroy,
I first heard you last August when I was driving to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to visit my Dad. I found out in February of 06 that I had a low grade but incurable lymphoma. You mentioned that you have to tell people; family and friends that you have the disease. I struggled with this for a long time I never did tell my Dad until my lymphoma changed to a more aggressive one in January. It was time to let my secret out of the bag. The love and support I have received from family and friends has been incredible. I now know that I should have said something sooner.

Tonight I came to your blog because I'm scared and I needed some uplifting from your words and those of others. I scheduled to have a stem cell transplant at the end of the month. My doctor gave me all the facts today. I also had a bone marrow biopsy today and have a PET scan scheduled for Thursday. My attitude has been great but suddenly today I felt vulnerable. Now I feel less alone and less scared.

Congratulations to you and thank you!
Steve

Sent by Steve Kurtti | 5:21 AM ET | 06-06-2007

Mazeltov, Leroy! I remember when my husband outlived his "6-12 months" prognosis. Tentative, "sticking your head up out of the foxhole" type of hope appeared at 6 months and then "Ah Ha, I beat you!" type of hope at 12 months. And, then a desire to keep on living as long as possible.

There's nothing more addictive than life. May you keep on living well as long as possible, Leroy. And, thank you for this blog.

Sent by Marilyn | 6:58 AM ET | 06-06-2007

6/6/07. I'm finding myself feeling anxious to know the results of your scans. I hope this finds you've had a great day & thoroughly enjoyed your cheese steak. I'm keeping my fingers crossed & praying for a clean scan...

Sent by Rebecca Weber | 3:56 PM ET | 06-06-2007

Leroy-
My name is Kobi Frum and i work for a company called glassybaby. The company was started by three time survivor Lee Rhodes, who discovered the healing power of these simple little candle holders. We would love to send you some to show you just how wonderfully healing they can be! If you could just send a shipping address to customerservice@glassybaby.com we can box up some votives and get them out to you. If you have any questions about our business please visit our website: www.glassybaby.com or shoot us an email.
We'll keep on reading as long as your writing!

Sent by Kobi Frum | 3:08 PM ET | 06-07-2007

Courage, Leroy. You help us all to be more sensitive and compassionate. At this moment, I am well, but I learn from you and this blog to be VERY GRATEFUL for this. Thank you for the courage to put yourself "out there" with your personal struggle. It may be personal, but I hope it's not lonely, because we all care.

Sent by Ann | 8:34 PM ET | 06-07-2007

Thank you for sharing with others.

How amazing it is that your writing on the blog and the "Living with Cancer" program reflect almost exactly how I feel about my cancers. The blog, especially, has made me more comfortable with my current cancer situation and my feelings.

My positive thoughts are being sent your way.

Sent by Judy | 4:31 PM ET | 06-10-2007

Leroy - I think we all look forward to the day we can celebrate 1 year of anything. This past December I celebrated my one year anniversary of Pancreatic cancer - cancer free. We celebrated it just like a birthday. I have been making a beaded necklace ever since my surgery in 2005 and any big event I put on a new bead. That bead was the greatest of all. I plan on filling that necklace from end to end. So keep on celebrating - we all deserve it from time to time.

Sent by Cathy | 8:18 PM ET | 06-11-2007

For all your accomplishments in journalism, your blog may well be your best work...not to diminish the years you wrote about momentous affairs, but to laud you for what you are able to say for all of us sharing cancer's impact upon our lives. I read your blog to my father every day, he's a 51 year survivor of colon cancer. It brings tears to his eyes. My bestest friend with ovarian cancer calls and tells me she gains strength from your words - that you say what she can't express. Please know how many lives you are touching - and accept our gratitude. I realize you haven't wanted to be defined as a "cancer victim", but I certainly don't think of you that way. All across this country, millions of people are comforted and we need you to keep writing...for all of us.
C.

Sent by CJN | 8:43 PM ET | 06-11-2007

Leroy,
Although it has been a year since the passing of my mother, I still struggle as a cancer survivor. It's strange, but listening to your story brings back all the horrible times during her four years of treatment. For that I thank you. It may sound funny, but through your experience, I am able to keep remembering my mother. As times goes by, I think that I naturally let go; thinking about her a little bit less each day -- this really scares me. As much as I want to think of all the amazing times we had together, those most trying and recent times are unfortunately the easiest to recall.

Thank you for your courage; you're making a difference in people's lives.

Sent by Adam Handaly | 12:08 PM ET | 06-18-2007