Hi Leroy,

Gotta love technology, sounds amazing but hopefully it will really help you and my fingers are crossed for a successful procedure.

Take care,

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 9:08 AM ET | 07-17-2007

LMAO!!! I am sitting in my studio trying to say "vertebroplasty" and am completely butchering it. Good thing you didn't have to say it indeed.

So they will fix "two, two, two bones at once." Figured it went with your infomercial sentence.

Oh Leroy, it does sound like stuff that will help and also give you some ability to "take action" which makes everyone feel better. That positive energy will serve you well.

AWESOME!

Now if someone could just glue my mouth shut I could fix my weight issue.

xoxo

Lori

Sent by Lori Levin | 9:14 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy,
Continue to have hope, we do! You left me smiling today, thank you!

Sent by Carolynn Dubicki | 9:18 AM ET | 07-17-2007

AHHHHH sounds to me like you once again have a PLAN!! :-)

And TWO for the "price" of one.. who could resist! LOL

Actually my aging Mom had a compression fracture of her spine (simply from age) and they did what sounds like this same proceedure... she was in very significant pain before the surgery.. and the pain was ELIMINATED INSTANTLY when they did this proceedure!! AMAZING!

I am so happy for you Leroy in that you seem to once again be looking FORWARD and have a plan of attack... I know how you were struggling with simply waiting!

Best of Luck Leroy!

Sent by Ron Bye (NH) | 9:20 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Dear Leroy, How very interesting these new procedures are and hopeful for you too. I never thought I would look forward to any treatment, especially chemo, but mine starts this week and I am looking forward to it. I am hopeful that it will stop my cough and kill or stunt the growth of some of those nasty cancer cells. I have to remain positive because finacially things are a disaster - air conditioner broke, my husband needs new brakes because his car has to travel 2 hrs. back and forth to work daily so I can have health insurance. All this happening this week. Very happy to hear YOUR news:)

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 9:29 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Hurray, Leroy. It is amazing what they can do. I am so very happy for you that you are moving forward. Yesterday's blog gave me goose bumps. I think about stuff like that too, it's good to know you do to, I'm not the only one. I wrote a little piece on the same subject, but I haven't shared it with anyone, I thought they'd think I was depressed or something. Let's both work at living everyday like the song says "like we were dying".

Sent by Ruth White | 9:31 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Hi Leroy,

You must feel relieved just to know that things are happening again to keep your cancer at bay. I hope these proceedures will give you time and peace of mind for a while.

I like that they are trying a number of different treatments on you. I worry sometimes that doctors do what they do best and may not try the new and different treatments because they are not too familiar with them.

I'm so glad I ask questions and search out other possibilities. Even if it doesn't always get me any where, it makes me feel like I am proactive and advocating for my best care.

Tomorrow my husband and I are off for the east coast for a combination business and family trip. I haven't seen my aunts, uncles and cousins since I got sick 1 1/2 years ago. I'm still tired from the radiation, and my hip is still sore, but I really want this trip to go well. The 5 hour airplane ride is just something I have to get through to get to the prize. I just keep telling my self "I am cancer-free and gratefully living life to the fullest." And it's true, I am.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 9:38 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy! This is WONDERFUL news! Leave it to you to once again chart new territory in the area of cancer treatment! And doesn't it just feel worlds better to actually have a plan?

All my best,
Lesa in Kansas

Sent by Lesa | 9:39 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Isn't it amazing how they come up with these things when you are waiting. Sometimes the procedures make so much sense it's funny. Thanks for the laugh today.

Sent by Lisa | 9:50 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Dear Leroy,

WOW! Groovy! Awesome!

I think I hear Ethel Merman singing in the background, slightly altered rendition: "...something is coming up roses..." :-)

Glue guns go girl! Maybe a little decoupage while they're at it!

Good news, I'm glad something stands a good chance of helping.

happily,
Kim Blankenship

Sent by Kim Blankenship | 9:58 AM ET | 07-17-2007

You are actually going to be running HOT and COLD!!!...

And I am jealous in way. When I had my open heart surgery to diagnose my tumor I had asked for a valve "tune-up" while they were in there... no luck... I'm sure I could have used a valve tightening or something...

Sent by Brit | 10:01 AM ET | 07-17-2007

I once used hot glue (a long time ago) on a crafts project. I'm so glad that there are real medical uses for it. Good luck. Amazing.

Sent by M Tanaka | 10:12 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Hey Leroy,
Great news! It is amazing what these doctors are doing now. There is a merging of human anatomy and home improvement! I am so glad we watched all those doctor shows and "This Old House" to prepare us for this stuff...pass the glue, Norm, STAT :) It is a good thing to have a plan, have a focus. To bring in another saying from the past; "keep on trucking", Leroy. Godspeed.
stay safe, stay strong,
Lance

Sent by Lance Carlson | 10:13 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Ahh Leroy, you should call me, and i'll tell you how to say it ;).. good luck with the scheduled procedures...

Sending good thoughts as always!

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 10:14 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Gotta love those little guys (and gals) in the basement! So creative! What will they think of next? Something to treat pancreatice cancer? (Sigh, I can dream, can't I?)

Sent by Stephanie Dornbrook | 10:15 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Great news!! Leroy,
Science is amazing. They have used the "cement" or glue for our older Aunties- when they have cracked a vertebrae due to osteoporosis. It prevents pain and loss of height and other complications that can result from the curvatures that arise following many fractures over time.
How wonderful that you have some very good doc's who work hard to find you great options!!
Speaking of legacies--who first thought this one up?

Sent by Deb | 10:19 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Good news, Leroy! I will say a little prayer for you and your doctors.
Charlotte in Temecula

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 10:26 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Isn't it amazing how excited we can get over the strange things they are willing to do to our bodies? I do know of an 80 year old woman who had this procedure done because they thought other interventions would cause more serious harm at her age. She was up walking around pain free almost immediately. Great news to be moving forward. More whack-a-mole!

Sent by Dona | 10:40 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Good luck. I was worried about you because your blog wasn't up yet. This sounds hopeful. Hang in there.

Sent by Shirley Kucinski | 10:40 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Love to read the good news...some action is being taken and you do have a plan. Even though the treatments might seem somewhat bizarre (except for RFA), they do make sense as you explained them.

I know you are relieved to have a plan even if the plan causes some apprehension. It is ok to even be afraid as your mind wanders and the "what ifs" begin to emerge. Remember to always leave room in your heart for HOPE and the possibilities that your plan may bring to you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Laurie and your doctors.

Sent by Al Cato | 10:52 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Cool! I'm glad you have such creative doctors, Leroy. Weird, off-the-wall ideas that no one ever thought of before can lead to amazing breakthroughs.

Sent by Doris | 10:53 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Dear Leroy,
What wonderful news!!!! Hooray!!! Just when it seems that there is nothing to help.... you find out about a new treatment to give you some hope and better days!! I have you and Laurie in my thoughts and prayers daily. Good Luck and sending lots of Hugs!! Jude

Sent by Judith Tynan | 10:57 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy: It's not as hard to say as it looks. I'll try to spell it phonetically: ver - TEE - broh - plasty.
Got it?

Bet it's harder to DO than it is to SAY. SO glad you have something they think will actually help you feel better and back the ol' cancer back up into a corner.

GO LEROY!!!!!

Sent by Sandra Shuler | 11:04 AM ET | 07-17-2007

A new use for Super Glue??? These treatments are amazing, and it sounds like you have a brilliant team of doctors. Good luck!

Sent by Pamela Kennedy | 11:06 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy, you are a pioneer and once again, you are optimistic. That is great! Without hope, we are all lost. You must have an unusually strong constitution for the doctors to feel that you can try these new procedures. My prayers are with you and we will await your messages on your progress.

Sent by Jeanne C Rakowski | 11:07 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Moving forward is fantastic, Leroy - and just to set your mind at ease, vertebroplasty has been used on Multiple Myeloma patients for some time with great success. There's even a newer procedure called kyphoplasty where they insert a balloon first and then fill that with the cement to help those who have lost height because of their compression fractures. Best of luck to you with this procedure.

Sent by Dianne in NV | 11:08 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Your sense of humor is good!! You think they have a "dog and pony" show on glueing!!

Sent by Pat Beach | 11:28 AM ET | 07-17-2007

to bad they can't hot glue tumors to make them stop growing. Would love to have what is left of my pancrease and that tumor glued.

Sent by cathy | 11:30 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy,

This is good news. Another stay of execution. Hope you don't run out of them for a very long time.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:39 AM ET | 07-17-2007

Good morning, Leroy. I'm out to dinner with friends the other evening and spot a celebrity passing by. I announce "hey, it's Leroy Seivers friend, Ted What's-his name". I'm told, Ted Koppel, Sharon... it's Ted Koppel. I'm asked.."who's Leroy Seivers"? I tell them, and then thought how much I wish this were not the way I got to know you. You're a good man, Mr. Seivers..and I wish you well in this new treatment.

Sent by Sharon Donahue | 11:44 AM ET | 07-17-2007

A little step is still a step! That is great that something is finally going to happen and move you forward. I am relieved for you!

Sent by Cynthia | 12:03 PM ET | 07-17-2007

I'n glad you have a plan of action that should set back or destroy at least some of those evil tumors.

One thing that cancer world has done for me is given me a chance to really appreciate all the amazing medical techniques there are out there. Who would have thought they could just glue your vertebra together and glue a tumor inside it? You gotta love science, even if they haven't figured out the cure yet!

And I think I would kind of feel like I was getting a kind of bonus getting that other vertebra fixed at the same time.

So this sounds like a good news day--and you deserve it. We'll all be thinking of you when you have your surgery.

Sent by N.R. | 12:33 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Thank you for sharing the procedures that they are going to try. I think that sometimes people think there is no solution. Maybe people are working with a doctor that is not thinking creatively. We are in the process right now of trying to figure out what to do with the tumors on my liver in the chance that my cancer has stopped spreading which at least by last scan shows that it has for now and shows a shrinkage of another tumor on the tip of my pancreas by a significant amount. What a sense of "relief" (is there such a thing with cancer?) to know that there are ways to get at this thing. Good luck!!! I just know you're going to do well.

Sent by Becky | 12:34 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Wonderful news! Sending only healing thoughts. BTW, will they be using -- I know this sounds like Tinker Bell meets the AMA, or a New Age merger with a high-tech corporate conglomerate, the "Coblation SpineWand" -- or does the hot glue infusion do the same? Have only read about both. Here's to the death of the cancer cells and even further strengthening of your already strong body and spirit!

Sent by Marcia | 12:45 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Dear Leroy,

This procedure has been used for a while and I have heard there have been many success stories, which is such an encouraging thought. I have actually seen films of this procedure being performed and it is quite amazing. The alternatives, if you were to wait until a fracture actually occurred, would be a much more involved and painful process, so this sounds like a great idea! This sounds like the best, most concrete (no pun intended) news you have received lately and I am happy for you.

I am glad your physicians are being proactive, the reactive route does not make sense when there are procedures to prevent more suffering, and you do not need any further worries now, you have enough on your plate. Count your blessing, Leroy, it sounds as if you are receiving the best treatment and attention a person could ask for, short of a miraculous instant cure, and who knows? The more time you can buy is time for the guys in the basement to come up with new and innovative ways to fight this beast!

Say a prayer, I am busy, as usual, on my quest to find the proper treatment and someone who will pay more close attention to what is happening inside my body. I am frustrated still, but not giving up yet, thanks to some supportive friends out there who have given me some new ideas on my quest.
Thanks to you and those who come here day after day, hearing the successes many have had on their quest gives me more hope that one day it will, indeed, be my turn to be able to come here and report some positive news.

Love, Briana

Sent by briana | 12:56 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Hi Leroy,

I am so happy that the "waiting game" is over and you now have a plan. It's a terrible feeling when you are in limbo. I hope the procecures are successful.

Always in my prayers , Sasha

Sent by sasha | 12:57 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy, I've never written before but I surely got excited about your new glue job. Reminds me of that caulking stuff that gets bigger and bigger and fills a space. And, from the comments, I see it's used on backs of old ladies. That's me. Thanks to your blog, maybe I, too, can get a glue job. I have lots of things crumbling and sagging! You hang in there. As a cancer survivor, there's just nothing else to do except give up and that's not an option. Thank you for your sharing your fight with us.

Sent by Nancy McFadden | 1:12 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! I have a friend on which the performed that exact procedure. It was for a cracked Vertebra, and it worked great, and he is 81. So glad you are moving ahead. Just waiting, is not my idea of fun. Too many bad things can happen. All the Luck! Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 1:31 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy, so you shouldn't fracture your tongue, it's pronounced "ver (rhymes with fur) TEA-bro-plas-tea.
You gotta hand it to the folks with the brains, fixing a spine with glue is pretty out there, and a great idea. Heck, I had one of my incisions closed with the stuff by a plastic surgeon, and it makes a LOVELY scar! When your body doesn't need it to hold your incision closed anymore, it just flakes off.
I note with pleasure the uptic in your cheeriness with the new plan.
I'm waiting with bated breath along with you the last Harry Potter book. 10 days left!

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 1:42 PM ET | 07-17-2007

I have heard of this with success. My sister-in-law's mother had it done because of a fracture due to osteoporosis and it worked well. Hang in there. We're all pulling for you.

Sent by Sandy Lathe | 2:20 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Dear Leroy,

We all keep telling you how special you are, what a difference you are making in people's lives. Just the status of how your day goes affects so many. It can literally make or break a day for other people. Today is good!! Just when you think you're down and out here comes a welcome shot in the arm (or back). Keep hanging in there, everybody. Keep the faith.

Sent by Connie E. | 2:41 PM ET | 07-17-2007

I'm laughing, like many who commented here. I have a sneaking suspicion that some osteo docs are no more than overeducated greasemonkeys who view the human form as a sort of vehicle...and I'm so glad. You're getting a twofer...no, a threefer in repairing not one but two vertebrae and cutting off the tumor's blood supply too. (Can't they use avastin for that?)Freezing of the ribs sounds like it could be kind of uncomfortable afterwards. Who knows, Leroy, maybe by the time your body has had it they'll be doing total body transplants. I plan on being uploaded to the internet upon the death of my body. I practically live here now anyway. Love your unsinkable hope.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 3:53 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Hi Leroy,

Your news made my "heart smile". Reading your blog and the comments is my therapy!! It surely helps me to keep looking forward. I know this takes a lot of your time. It is such a great service to us in the cancer fight.

My warmest thanks,
Betty Lewis

Sent by Betty Lewis | 3:56 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy,

So you'll be running hot and cold?

I understand about how hard it is to get your mouth around some medical terms. The type of cancer my mother had was a doozy for me at the time: bronchio-aveolar adenocarcinoma. I had the worst time with the word "aveolar".

Best of luck on the upcoming proedures. You'll be in my thoughts :o)

Sent by Teri Thomas | 3:59 PM ET | 07-17-2007

amazing how these days we are looking at treatment!!! it gives us all the hope we need and who cares if its glue,duck tape, rubber cement...it's more than a treatment...it is truly a HOPE FOR ONE DAY MORE........

Sent by marianne dalton | 4:18 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy,
Great new!!!!
Good news for one of us is good news for us all!
David

Sent by David White | 4:30 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Just wanted to say that one moth ago I had kidney cryoablation for tumors in both my kidneys. Procedure was was not bad at all. Just have a few holes in my abdomen. Everything went well. I wish you the best.

Sent by Roger | 4:40 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy,

Big word with big results! Congrats on moving forward and continuing to inspire and encourage. I'm so happy that you are having the procedure and that fractures will be prevented. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and you are well on the way to both!

Congrats, Suzanne

Sent by Suzanne Lindley | 4:51 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy, Such a deal! I'm so glad for this plan moving ahead and the sense of some control it must give you! All the best. Karen Quinn

Sent by Karen Quinn | 5:06 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Hi Leroy!
I have been reading your blog since I saw your interview. I thought it was time to introduce myself, so I can stop feeling like a Peeping Tom. I am thrilled to hear about this new procedure for you, I am sure you know how many of us are out there cheering for you and each other. Maybe the possibilty of a fracture to your spine is because of the sheer weight of carrying all of your audience and has nothing to do with your cancer :)
It is an extremely gratifying feeling to know you know how we feel! Good luck with this new procedure . Do you think they can use glitter glue it is much more stylish than Elmers!
Yours sincerely,
Wendy Narzem,
Diagnosed with Breast Cancer BRCA 2 Oct. 2005
Procedures: Lumpectomy, Double Mastectomy, Chemotherapy, Hysterectomy and Breast Reconstruction

Sent by Wendy Narzem | 5:36 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Hi Leroy,

Great to hear about the vertebroplasty. Stability for the spine is a good thing. In surgery we use superglue to close skin.

Rough couple of days, last night and all today in the ER with my sister. Talk about patience, right now I have very little.

Best to all

Sent by Susan Chap | 5:54 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Dear L,
I talked to you on the Talk of America show last year---I am still here and I have hair for the first time in 5 years. I think of you a lot and am happy to hear about your plan. That is the toughest---waiting for the plan. I am on a new chemo now and hopefully it will do the trick. It's called Nexavar and it's for kidney ca, but also is succesful in liver ca (mine). Thanks for your update...Take care ..much luck in the new proceedure. xo dee congress

Sent by Dee Congress | 7:38 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Wowie Zowie Little Frieda !!!!
Amazing procedures.
Amazing world.
Go Leroy !

Sent by Nancy O | 7:48 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy....Awesome news today....It is amazing to me to find so many new (or old) treatments to look into for my fiance...
I keep all of you in my prayers...

Sent by Laurie H. | 8:07 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy,
GREAT NEWS! God Bless you and the best of luck! Be strong and don't let this monster get you!
Brianna I'm glad you are doing better. I am thinking about you.
If everyone could say a pray for my husband we just find out today the tumors in his liver are a little bigger. We have a Doctor's appt. on Monday with a doctor at a different center to get some feed back from him. Please pray for us.
Aurella
Aurella

Sent by Aurella Rocchi | 8:15 PM ET | 07-17-2007

I'm going to respond first before I enjoy everyone's comments...Leroy, your post re: legacy and all those comments posted that day were incredible. You always put us all at ease and take away our anxiety, whatever it may be. You make us laugh, you make us cry, you reach across and nourish us. The glue image is great,but am glad that it exists for you to use! Best to you! Sherri in Texas, BC dx 4-06

Sent by Sherri Eggleston | 8:24 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Leroy,
You must have the greatest team of doctors. They always seem to have something new for you to try. I'm so glad to hear it. You must keep this Blog going. We all depend on it. You're an inspiration to all of us with loved ones who are "Living With Cancer"

Sent by Elaine | 8:32 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Dear Leroy,
Another rabbit pulled out of the hat! Really think about this-can you imagine how many people are going to suggest this to their doctors for all sorts of problems. Leroy, never doubt the good you do in this world. I am excited for you and cannot wait to hear all about it!

Sent by Linda Hilsen | 8:52 PM ET | 07-17-2007

May the Lord bless and keep you and strengthen you to face these terrifying-sounding procedures. I read every post. What you and your readers do for each other and for all who need your thoughts and comfort is truly moving--beyond words. Someday our time will come; may we remember the hope and strength that come through in your posts and your commenters' messages. Bless you all.

Sent by Connie Brown | 10:39 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Hi Leroy
one thing about your blog worries me. First I should say I am new to your blog and new to cancer. (Grade 3 brain)

The worry is in the general tone of things. Everything sounds as though it is life and death (as it really is) But that sets one up for the "I'm sick" feeling that is counter productive.

An example of what I am talking about: My father in law worked with a group of men, one of whom was very concerned about his health. Once in a while the men would drop by his work place and comment on how sick he looked. It was so effective that by noon, he usually went home sick.

Sent by micheal | 11:11 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Wow! This is such great news. I have to confess that, while I'm commenting late in the evening, I made sure to read your post this morning before I left for my own infusion visit. Your bright way forward must have been a good omen for me, too. Today, my husband and I were waiting in the exam room, when my oncologist entered with a broad smile and her first sentence to me was, "You're perfect!" meaning still NED and a low CA-125, too.

To Briana, It's wonderful to read that you are finding some nearby support. Our good wishes are with you every step of the way.

Sent by Sheara | 11:27 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Wow, this is great. I am thrilled that you are getting to "do" something.

I have some good news of my own today. My mets have not spread beyond my lungs and I signed on to the trial for a stem cell transplant today! It feels good to be "doing" something.

Sent by Jill | 11:49 PM ET | 07-17-2007

Oh LeRoy!! I was actually going to suggest that procedure to you (the one you are having) and another one very similar called a "kyphoplasty". My husband Paul has had multiple myeloma since August 2003 and he has had all of his lumbar and a couple of his thoracic vertebrae "plastied". Due to his myeloma, he had compression fractures in every one of them. We just call it "super-glued". It was actually a miracle. He had virtually no pain with them at all, and has had no bad side effects - just the continued ability to walk, which is just what we wanted. We wondered the same thing - how did they figure this out? Who was the first guy to say "just sit right there, Earl, while I get that big-bore needle right in there....." But, what a blessing!! It will be for you, too!!

Sent by Jeanette Carney | 11:50 PM ET | 07-17-2007

dear leroy,

great news !!!!
When i was first diagnosed with cancer 6 years ago I found that the time spent waiting for treatment was the most difficult time. Once on a treatment path I felt positive and was able to focus and find peace.

I'm so happy for you.

peace and love,
susan

Sent by susan | 12:07 AM ET | 07-18-2007

My mother was a participant in, at that time, an experimental program at the University of Iowa in the early 90's for autolgous bone marrow transplants. It was her hope, which seems to have been realized, that she advanced the science in ways that would help people she would never know. You all are doing the same. I miss her, sometimes more than I think I can bear, until I read here of the strides that are made because of your courage. thank you.

Sent by jhm | 12:58 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Hi Leroy,

I thought I might answer your question about who thinks up these new procedures - it's the medical companies. I know because I'm a sales rep in the surgical field.

I used to sell and provide clinical support for a lot of oesophageal stents which are mostly a palliative procedure for patients with throat and stomach cancer to allow them to swallow and, therefore, eat. Basically giving some quality of life.

Most reps in the surgical/medical world are generally regarded (at least here anyway in Australia) as being motivated by money and not much else. I used to find receiving a booking for a stent to be bittersweet - glad to have business to pay the bills but sad that it meant another person in serious trouble and normally just a few months to live.

I worked very closely with the manufacturer to develop our line of stents to make them more effective for the patient and easier to use for the surgeons.

The general public has no idea how the face of medicine today has very much been transformed by Research & Development conducted by medical companies. Right down to sales reps being present, as I am, in theatre to guide the surgeons using these new types of products.

I'm glad to hear this process is working in your favour Leroy, all the very best for 2 weeks time.

Cheers

Craig, Australia.

Sent by Craig | 8:31 AM ET | 07-18-2007

I, too, have had vertebroplasty for spinal cancer. I had three vertebra that were almost eaten away and were in danger of collapsing on my spinal cord and paralysing me. It is such a quick procedure -about 30 minutes- and another couple of hours lying flat until it "solidified" and I was free to go. Pain and fear of paralysis were gone in so short a time. Another fracture on my spine that didn't involve the cancer was also repaired so, like you, I got a bonus. It has been a year and I am so grateful for the skill of my physician and for those who developed this minimally invasive procedure for people who are suffering. Best wishes to all

Sent by Roslyn | 3:51 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Good choice for Vertebroplasty as it is standard of care for vertebral compression fractures ??? people can find out more about the procedure on www.vertebroplasty.com ??? there is also a section about malignant lesions on this website.

Take care ??? God bless

Sent by Kristina | 2:47 PM ET | 07-19-2007

Leroy-What a courageous person you are! I spent 18 yrs doing Hospice nursing-I always said "these are the heroes of the world"-and you are surely one, and I'm so glad you don't need Hospice. Keep the faith!

Sent by Janet Yost | 6:56 PM ET | 07-23-2007

I'm posting to this a bit late--this is my first visit to the site. I watched and enjoyed you on the Discovery Channel. It was comforting to hear someone articulate the thoughts and feelings I have as a 39 year old STAGE IV (bone mets at first diagnosis in Feb 2006) breast cancer patient.

Those bone mets caused numerous compression fractures, one of which ended up smashing a nerve in my lower back. After several hours of horrendous pain (and all the pain medication the ER is allowed to administer), my team of doctors determined the cause of my pain.

I underwent vertebroplasty (don't worry: I had this procedure nearly 18 months ago and STILL have difficulty pronouncing it!) and the pain relief was immediate. The pain continued to abate and now is nearly undetectable! There is recent news on the web of a "Spinal Cavity Wand" procedure earning FDA approval. Sounds like vertebroplasty to me...

I later had an MRI. My radiation oncologist had never seen a post-op vertebroplasty on film.

Good luck to you and thank you so much for giving us all a voice!

Sent by Diane | 4:33 PM ET | 07-24-2007

I viewed this blog while searching for an old friend, Joanne Wilkerson-Burke, whom I lost track of in the past year. I was touched by all the support and loving messages given to Leroy. I wish him well, also saw that my friemy thoughts and prayers are with him. I also noted that Joanne blogged too. I'd love to be in touch with her as I believe that she too may have cancer, I'd hate to have her go through it without a message of love from me. If there is a way to reach her, please give her my e-mail address. Thank You Kris

Sent by Kris Petersen | 7:41 PM ET | 09-12-2007