Leroy
I wanted to ask you if you know about the new drug Avastin that's being used for colon cancer. It's not a chemo. It's a short infusion. The side effects are some nose bleeds. My doc here in So. Cal. is Neil Barth. He's very cutting edge and has put people on Avastin and is seeing big improvements. Again, it's not a chemo.

Just wanted to pass that on to you.

Kate

Sent by Kate Sullivan Fuehrer | 7:59 AM ET | 07-05-2007

You are absolutely right. Your words are sadly beautiful. I will do just as you say.

Sent by Lori Levin | 8:00 AM ET | 07-05-2007

Dear Leroy, I have worked as a psychiatric nurse most of my career so I understand what you are saying. We are veterans of cancer and our soldiers need our support. Did you have a particular idea on how we could help? This might be something I could do even if I cannot physically work as a nurse anymore. Also, I don't know what I would have done without my own therapist who has helped me get through all of this and who also won't take money when insurance doesn't pay. God bless her and everyone else who reaches out to others.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 8:15 AM ET | 07-05-2007

I remember, I was fortunate to work a month during my intern year at the Veterans Hospital here in Atlanta; I was even more fortunate to work on the Veterans Day holiday. The night before,I made each one of my patients a homemade 'Thank You Card' and gave them to them the next morning during rounds, with a bag of candy. It may sound silly (as it did to my medical students), but it was my meager way of saying 'thank you' for fighting for us.

I hope they never are forgotten.

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 8:54 AM ET | 07-05-2007

A note to Kate..
My husband has cancer. After his oncologist gave him a prognosis of 1 to 2 years on 1-9-07, a doctor in our family suggested that we see Dr Barth. He wanted a PET scan done, said that we should work through the oncologist at home - insurance should cover it that way. Our HMO insurance denied, we paid out of pocket. Pet scan showed one hot spot, even my husbands oncologist was encouraged, 8 weeks later we got refferal to USC. We didn't wait 8 weeks, we are moving ahead on our own. My husband is scheduled for seed implants in seminle vescile on 7-10. This could be financially difficult for us, but Dr Barth is the only doctor that gave us hope and suggested the PET scan - he has been quick to say that cancer will be with my husband again. But if we can get the 10 years that we had between testicular cancer (1992) and prostrate cancer (2002) wouldn't that be wonderful. Five years from 2002, a good amount of time, but it has not been worry free - his PSA continued to rise even being on all the drugs - but urologist and oncologist both just didn't see any hope.

Insurance denied the suggested PET scan and any treatment out of network - but if we lived within 20 miles of Hoag Cancer Center we would have insurance - we live 40 miles away.

After 46 years of marriage - I am not ready to give up and thank the Lord neither is my husband.
HOPE, FAITH & LOVE are seeing us through.

Vickie

Sent by Vickie | 9:05 AM ET | 07-05-2007

Thanks for this one Leroy.

We need to be reminded that there are people who suffer worse things and with less support and fewer resources than we do. The veterans (and victims) of our wars are certainly among them. Then there are the quiet heroes ??? like the recent glioblastoma survivor I???ve met who has lost vision in one eye and still visits fellow vets at the local VA. There are many more like him.

You are absolutely right that many of these people may be forgotten years from now when they are still suffering. Most of the vets who are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan are between 19 1nd 25 years old. What chance have they had to experience most of life in any semblance of normalcy? What can we do, while we address own issues to help insure that they and others in similar situations are not forgotten and neglected?

One thing is simply to be available to listen to their stories as well as our own. Another is to open our congregations and communities to veterans and others who are suffering. A third is to insure that they are not forgotten, as they, in many cases already have been, by a government that sent them into an ill-advised and poorly justified war ??? which we don???t have to support in order to support its veterans and other victims.

Thanks for listening

John Shippee
Atlanta, Georgia

Sent by John Shippee | 9:15 AM ET | 07-05-2007

Amen Leroy....
Once again you bring the point home that, while cancer is a terrible fate, there are worse. We of the cancer club almost always have hope.
Ideally, all of us that come through this remember that we have gifts we should be sharing with those in need.

Sent by Tim | 9:34 AM ET | 07-05-2007

here are some interesting facts you may want to read about...
congress recently voted for an additional 100 billion dollars in war spending making hte grand total for the Iraq war to nearly a half a trillion dollars.
as a result the NCI budget will fall by 40 million dollars next year for ALL CANCERS.
fact- 2973 killed on 9/11
fact- aprox 3,070 US soldiers killed in conbat in Iraq
fact- 1,44,920 men,women and children will be dianosed in 2007 with cancer
fact- in 2007 aprox 559,650 men , women, children will die of cancer

bottom line- 495 billion dollars more will be spent on terrorism....WHAT ABOUT THE WARON CANCER?????????????????????????????????????????

Sent by marianne dalton | 9:54 AM ET | 07-05-2007

Not to make a political statement, but your post is right. We have some idea what those brave men and women are being forced to endure. And we should support our troops, and bring them home.

Dr. Tejura, you sound like the kind of person who I would want as my doctor. Good work.

Sent by Brit | 10:13 AM ET | 07-05-2007

Dear Leroy,

Yes, isn't it funny, (not), how those who are the most burdened, are also, somehow frequently among those offering aid and assistance.

The mental toll on everyone seems to be the last thing to get addressed. Whether it's from cancer, other illnesses, war, trauma, abuse....you name it, the mental toll may carry the biggest stigma of all.

There is no easy way to recognize it. If you've been there yourself, or loved someone who is there, then, probably you recognize a certain look in the eyes of the people who are suffering mentally.

Having a mental illness, on top of the physical illnesses, is crushing.

Knowing that the soldiers coming back from these extended tours of duty are probably not going to receive the treatment they need, is appalling.

Knowing that there are millions of people with all types of illness: mental and/or physical, and they don't get the treatment they need fills me with equal measures of anger and despair.

I, too, want to help. Pretty much anyone who needs it. I'm very worried about the soldiers. My grandfather, my dad, and his brothers served in World Wars I, II, and Korea. None of them are okay, really. They coped to the best of their varying abilities; 3 are dead: alcoholism, lung cancer, suicide.

I do not know what to do to help. I fight daily to not be completely overwhelmed managing my own illnesses. And yes, I have help, thank God, the helpers are wonderful, caring people. Some of them are getting absolutely worn out.

What can I do to help? How can I help the people who are helping me?

I do not forget. I do remember. I will continue to remember.

I hope you are able to get the specific type of treatment you are needing.

Still heartlight on for you, and all other people suffering with visible and invisible illnesses.

Sincerely,
Kim B.

Sent by Kim Blankenship | 10:21 AM ET | 07-05-2007

Leroy,
Happy belated July 4th. Thank you for reminding us to look outside of our struggle to see the struggles of others. Oftentimes we get so caught up in our own little bubble, that we fail to see the rest of the world. The fourth of July reminded me that before Hurricane Katrina took my home, and cancer took over just months later, that I enjoyed sending care packages to the troops. A wonderful website, www.anysoldier.com provides me with a helpful, healing distraction from my own woes. I find a small unit that I can send junk food and toothpaste to, and I forget that I have cancer. All my energies are focused on how wonderful they will feel when this package arrives. I do not support this war, but I DO support the wonderful people who are fighting it. It's just an extra added bonus that it feels good to be on the giving end of something nice.
Thanks Leroy, for the reminder, the 200 day reference and the much needed kick in the pants.

Sent by Liz Zimmerman | 10:27 AM ET | 07-05-2007

Agree wholeheartedly Leroy! Thinking of our soldiers ~every single one of them~
sure does put 'our battles' in perspective. It all comes back to empathy.
They will be and are forever remembered and appreciated......

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

It is important to remember those who sacrificed, and who have been scarred whether visible or not be the ravages of war for our freedom and country.

Cancer patients, their families, and friends also carry the scars of the disease. Whether we can see the surgical reminders, or can visualize what they either have been through, are going through, or have yet to experience.

Powerful words Leroy.

Sent by Susan Chap | 10:43 AM ET | 07-05-2007

Leroy last night at the Fireworks I talked with one of my hosts neighbors, who was a WW II vet. I had the pleasure of spending 1969 in Vietnam. We both agreed WW II and Vietnam and Iraq/Afganistan are so different The survivor rate has kept going up each conflict. But the biggest difference in these wars is the mental pressure placed on each combatant.In Vietnam I never felt safe,out of reach, or complacent. The only real safe time was R&R to Hawaii. Iraq is the same. Your mind can take 12 monthes of this when you are young, But not much more. In WW II there were battle lines in Europe where you could find places in the rear to relax. Plus you were fighting an unrestricted war. Vietnam and Iraq are political wars full of rules of engagement and close oversight.
The VA system has taken good care of my Agent Orange Exposure. I commend them for their work, but they are going to need help in the future with the wave of wounded warriors filling the streets.

Sent by Sam Means | 10:57 AM ET | 07-05-2007

Leroy,

It is my understanding that the mental health field is sadly understaffed when it comes to dealing with PTSD in returning combat soldiers. Ther4e aren't enough therapists to go around. Now I have let my license lapse, but would be delighted to donate hours if allowed. Bet there Are lots of us out there who still have our skills but not our piece of paper.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:20 AM ET | 07-05-2007

Leroy,

I understand there is a huge shortage of professionals to deal with PTSD in returning military personnel. I am a retired therapist. I have given up my license, but still have my skills. I would be delighted to donate therapy hours to these people if allowed. Bet there are MANY who feel as I do.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:23 AM ET | 07-05-2007

Amen. There's a reason for the saying "War is hell". Another thing to consider is that a lot of the folks serving in the military, and especially in hot zones, really are just kids. Military training or not, a 20-year old is a kid. This has to be too much to bear for anyone, let alone a kid. Is every war really necessary? Wouldn't it be something if we tried peace for 100 years just to see how that worked out? I'm too old to be this naive. But man, how well has war turned out?

Sent by Dave U. | 12:01 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Shopping Cart Soldier is an excellent book. Most of the homeless are veterans.

Sent by Paul Smith | 12:14 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Hi Leroy/All

Yesterday's blog was about "Travisty" regarding insurance companies, and we had some very powerful responses.

Has anyone ever visited someone at a Veteran's Hospital recently ! Shameful

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

Combat veterans of any war: check out www.yogaforvets.com. It's one option. And "Thank you" to all our veterans.

Sent by Lori | 1:29 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Leory,
Thanks for the reminder to think of others with problems perhaps greater than our own. It is heart breaking that we send our young people into war zones frought with political rules that put them at risk, rather than allowing them to win the war. I don't think this country knows how to win a war any longer. How sad for those called to sacrifice their lives.
I will never forget a young family I saw at the El Toro Marine Commissary years ago. The man was probably a Viet Nam veteran. He had lost both legs and one arm. I have never seen anyone handle such a severe disability as he did. He did not use a wheelchair but moved around on a little square platform with wheels. He did have a prosthetic arm. He zipped around that store helping his darling wife shop. When I was checking out I saw him out front in his van helping load the groceries. I hope I have had half his guts in dealing with my disease.
My husband was a disabled veteran from the Korean war. His injuries kept him from doing the things he loved and unfortunately he could not find any alternatives. He died of alcoholism. The VA never treated him well. Thank God my insurance through work and Champus allowed him to get good medical treatment.
Thanks for taking us to the 200 days article. We need to know these things about our brave soldiers.
Charlotte in Temecula

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 1:46 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Leroy, My brother and I fought in that Asian war that people want to forget. And most have. We both have nightmares of things past, but no help from the VA. We came home to protests, and it hurt, it hurt that the Country seemed to not respect what we had done. We are Marines, and will always love this Country, and would go and fight today, if called. I am fighting this disease, but would take time out to go over there, and fight for the Nation. I am proud to have served, and wish more remembered those who did not come home. Thanks for your kind thoughts. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 1:59 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Well said... I am grateful to each man and woman who served and is serving today in all of our wars. I am especially moved when I see the Gardens of Stone at Arlington, at the cemetary in Normandy and the Vietman Memorial. They serve as a reminder that we have young men and women who have answered the call of their country no matter the politics or categorization/classification of the war....good war vs. bad war. Not quite sure about the good war vs. the bad war except as each is designated by politicians/bureaucrats in Washington. I would submit that the soldiers certainly don't think in those terms. It is just "war" in every sense of the word.

When they return home, they should be respected and applauded for their service and sacrifice- not spit upon, called names, ignored if they need help and as they pass into eternity, they should be honored or at least acknowledged in some small way.

It is amazing to see how we treat our soldiers... They answered the call; they did their best and when they return to us shattered and broken, we try to mend them initially. As time passes, they move into the shadows and are no longer visible.

There are many analogies that can be made between our soldiers' treatment for wounds seen and not seen and those of us in the cancer war. Each group deserves the best this country has to offer to enable the healing to occur.

Blessings and prayers as always.

Sent by Al Cato | 2:13 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Leroy

I came home yesterday to find that a baby bird had fallen out of a nest about 25 feet up in my frontyard tree.
My three daughters demanded that I put it back. So I did, thinking all the while that I was going to fall, and have a funny story to explain my broken arm. I didn't fall. The bird I replaced, as well as, their siblings seemed a little shocked to be reunited up there. I thought about how unlikly that it was for that bird to be back in the nest. It's been a couple days and they're all still up there. It made me think of your blog. However unlikely it seems, sometimes humans have cheated nature in the simplest of ways. I think there is always room for hope, for miracles, for rescuing.

Sent by Art | 2:18 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Thank you Leroy.

My son was in Iraq while I was going through initial treatment. He was in the group that served their 12 month tour, were packed up waiting for the plane and got notice they are staying another 4 months and being transferred to Baghdad.

He said he has been diagnosed with PTSD along with most of the soldiers in his platoon. I'm sure his wife has also been damaged from the ordeal.

Thank you for remembering that the wounds are not always/only phisical and these people will need our consideration for years to come.

Incidentally, I viewed our lives as similar in regards to us both fighting for our lives and being in grave danger. The huge difference was, I slept in my own bed, ate what I chose when I chose, and had my family around me for support.

Sent by Karen D. | 3:17 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Leroy, Great reminder. I was married to a Vietnam Vet who had post-traumatic shock and even 20 years after his service, it damaged his life severly (and ultimately ended up killing our marriage). One thing about this war going on while I have been fighting my cancer battle is whenever I'm tempted to feel sorry for myself I think about what young men and women are facing in Iraq--even if they don't end up physically injured--and I definitely don't feel like I have a lot to complain about.

I think this is going to prove to be a hidden cost of his war is what it will cost to take casre of the vets of this war for the rest of their lives.

Sent by N.R. | 3:42 PM ET | 07-05-2007

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11469234

There was a good piece done on PTSD by NPR's own Joseph Shapiro. It caused me a "drive way moment," as most of Joe's stories do. (We went to school together growing up in DC).

Many troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq will struggle with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some will drink too much and use drugs. They'll lose jobs. They'll drive away friends, family, spouses and children. Most of them won't ask for help.

Mike Colson is a mental health counselor for the Department of Veteran's Affairs in Washington state. He believes that with the right medications and counseling, these veterans can learn to live and function while dealing with the mental health problems common to war. His job is to get traumatized veterans into care before it's too late. He jokingly refers to himself as the "dog catcher for trauma."

Sent by Dianne Rhodes | 4:17 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Amen, Leroy. Thanks for the reminder to us to look beyond our problems and into those of others that may not be in the place to get kindness and good care for themselves. If I could exchange my stage IV cancer and short life expectancy for PSTD and promise of long years of life with it, which would I choose? Hmmmmm. Not a hard choice for me. God bless our veterans, all of them.

How did the day go for you today, Leroy? I pray you got hopeful news. God bless you, too.

Sent by Sandra Shuler | 6:00 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Philosophy of pain.
The physical pain and emotional pain are sometimes nearly unbearable in this battle with cancer.
Physical and emotional pain are so different though.
Emotional pain often stays with us long after the event that caused it is over. Years and years even.
Physical pain almost imediately becomes an abstract idea again the moment it is gone. Within seconds. Maybe that's why so many people can endure physical pain for long periods, because deep down there is the hope and knowledge that it can go away at some point, at least for a moment. We live for those moments. It would be great if emotional pain worked the same way, but we do our best. That emotional part, that's where Leroy's blog comes into play. Thanks again Leroy.

Sent by Scott | 7:52 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Dear Leroy,
Thank you for your blog, which I just discovered today. I go to the hospital tomorrow for a lung biopsy to confirm that the masses growing there are metastatic colorectal cancer. If they are, I'll be starting back on another round of chemotherapy to try to put the cancer in remission.

My boss, a gentleman in his late sixties, shared with me his experience of having a lung biopsy in the 1970s. No needle biopsies in those days -- it was major surgery, with a long incision to open the chest and go in between two ribs. Progress indeed has been made in medicine. And that is the hope for all of us.

The more I discover about the human body, the more amazing I think we are as a creature. Yet, for all our resilience, we are also remarkably fragile. I hear your concern that our society has a difficult time remembering and honoring human fragility. Fragility is frightening. Those wounded in war need to keep themselves in the public eye, lest they be forgotten. And those struggling with diseases like cancer must keep themselves in the public eye, as well, I think. I look forward to journeying with you on the cancer road. Thank you for your voice.

Sent by Elsa Cumming | 9:29 PM ET | 07-05-2007

Leroy, your last two entries, where you mention PTSD re our veterans, and where you respond with 'no' to the question of whether you are depressed, offers the opportunity for me to advise that it is not unusual for cancer survivors, particularly those who have undergone long surgeries and/or certain types of chemotherapy, to suffer from clinical depression as a result.

As a head and neck cancer survivor who endured a 15 hour surgery along with radiation and chemotherapy, when I speak to new survivors still learning to cope with their situations, I like to remind them that having surgery is like being in a knife fight that you lose, even though you are probably asleep for the entire battle and feel no pain when you awaken.

As a result of what I have learned on a personal level, I encouraged my oncology/ENT team to include a psychologist/therapist among those on their otherwise inclusive and fantastic team. Such a person should be available from the initial announcement (and inevitable shock) through whatever treatment is provided, and beyond. The leader of my 'team' has given the obligatory nods in my direction, but I am not aware that he has actually made such a provision a reality.

I wonder if insurers have something to do with that or if medical doctors simply do not put any faith in the 'mad science' of psychotherapy?

In any event, a fellow survivor recently provided me with the URL to your blog, as I acknowledged that I have been recently diagnosed with probably recurrence of cancer to mouth/tongue area along with a worse situation: mets to lungs. The professionals are already bandying about the dreaded phrase 'palliative care', and I, therefore, find your experiences, as documented herein, hopeful indeed.

Hope and humor, my friend! Keep up the great work!

Sent by Joe Alvey | 5:08 PM ET | 07-06-2007

My husband spent 14 months in Iraq. Upon return he was recluse and even moved in to his own apartment. He started coming around after about 6 months and then my dx came. Instantly he put me, my family and my fears first. He realized his journey was over but mine was just begining. Ironically my cancer was a huge healer for him. I read once for someone else to be whole sometimes someone else has to break....maybe

Sent by sheila | 6:56 PM ET | 07-06-2007

Hi Leroy,

You are suffering however you are making purpose for your suffering. You are helping others understand about Cancer and there is such importance that lies with that responsability. My father died of Colon Cancer and my sister of only 33 was diagnosed as well. I would cry and ask why them? Now I understand that they have a greater purpose to lead by example, my sister is going on almost 10 years living with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. To everyone out there suffering regardless of the cause stay strong you are serving a purpose and teaching others! This is not a religious comment, but a spirtual and heart felt comment. Thank you.

Sent by Renee Callery | 12:46 PM ET | 07-18-2007