Durning recovery from this recent surgery I used the phrase, "I'm bionic." My husband pointed out that they were removing things but not replacing them with anything. Every day we buy does make us stronger.

I'm so glad they have found a procedure to buy you more time. Hopefully, some of your readers in areas where there may not be the medical opportunities you have will be encouraged by this information to ask more questions and suggest more alternatives. Keep fighting the good fight!

Sent by Dona | 9:44 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Congratulations on being the first cancer "bionic man". You really put a smile on my face and all the others reading about it too, I'm sure. Thanks for the laughs and hope. Keep it coming:)

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 9:48 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Cryoablation seems to work well, had it two years ago and zero PSA ever since . . . so you're going to be super glued together? Wonder if they've ever tried duct tape . . .

Sent by Martin Boyce | 10:05 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Good Morning Mr. Bionic Sievers :)

Your assignment, if you choose to accept is .... wrong TV show, sorry. Medical advances are doing so much for the improvement of the quality of life, and abilities of patients, just look at the new prosthesis for amputees. Your back situation with the "glue" will be better, the freeze job on the ribs... Ok, I think, by now your body has dealt with the lung cinders. Keep that PMA* up there. :) Great blog today.

*positive mental attitude

Sent by Susan Chap | 10:15 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Wonderful words today Leroy... I think we are all stronger as well, because of what you do!
Thank you!

Sent by Laurie H. | 10:20 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Yes, Leroy, you are very strong! But I also see a gentle caring soul! Thank you.
I am glad you don't have to wear bad 70's clothes. That was not a good fashion era.
Charlotte in Temecula

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 10:27 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Leroy,

You remind me of one of those blow up clowns that bounces back after being knocked down. Glad to see your sense of humor in evidence today.It means you feel better.May youir glue job hold!

Sent by Diana Kitch | 10:41 AM ET | 07-18-2007

At the risk of sounding a little contrarian, I don't think that we have become stronger from our battles. I think each of us already has that inner mettle, which lays in wait until we need to use it. Of course, having this blog helps us each to better see our strengths, and in some cases to draw them out of each other. Here's to more strong and PMA days for everyone!

Sent by Sheara | 11:02 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Hi Leroy/All in Cancer land!

I guess I'm old enough to remember the slow motion running man, you forgot
to mention the bionic dog too! Yes... the 70's! Good ol days! I was
mostly into watching Starsky and Hutch, I thought Starsky was a cutie! I
was only in my pre-teens, but had a big crush on him.

I go for a scan on Thursday to see how the chemo treatment worked. Now I'll
be thinking about the 70's while I'm lying in the tube. Good times to be had by all! Wish me luck! And good luck to you on the bionic glue!

Carpe' Diem! Shirl Dolitz

Sent by Shirley Dolitz | 11:03 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Hi Leroy,

You have certainly taken a "Likin' and kept on Tickin'". It gives hope to all of us!! Best of luck on your upcoming procedures. I hope that these treatments will stop your cancer in it's tracks!

You continue to be an insipration. Go get 'em, Leroy!

And to all, keep up the good fight!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 11:09 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Hi Leroy/All,

As usual I had my morning chuckle for the day, you have a special way of making that happen. But I want to remind you of something you left out. The "Radiation", you can probably even glow in the dark as well, lol.

Be well my friend. Always in my prayers. Sasha

Sent by sasha | 11:10 AM ET | 07-18-2007

May I suggest that you ask for Gorilla Glue and tell King Kong to move over. Leroy is on his way. Thanks for being our glue, by the way.

Sent by Bonita-Seattle | 11:14 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Amen.

NO, NO, NO CLOTHES FROM THE 70'S!!! That would be more painful than any surgery you've been through.

Hey, all you need now is a "boob job" and you can say you've had just about every type of medical procedure there is. LOL! Now that would be a whole new kind of tv show.

Three cheers for your strength!

xo
Lori

Sent by Lori Levin | 11:17 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Well thank God you don't have to wear the bad seventies clothes!

My grandfather, a surgeon himself, in his old age had a heart valve and a hip replaced as well as some other minor surgeries that may have involved more bionic parts--I intend to follow his model--he made it to 98 (at half that age, I already have been radiated in two different areas, have a scar on one side of my chest from a port and on the other side from a chest tube, and had a stent in my esophagus for 6 months).

Sent by N.R. | 11:28 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Dear Leroy,
I think of all those scars as badges of courage. We're pretty strong, all right! And those whose doctors have no more treatment options to offer them must be very, very strong and courageous as they strive for and reach acceptance.

Sent by Doris | 11:40 AM ET | 07-18-2007

Leroy,

I often make the "danananananana.." noise while hobbling along. It makes me smile.

Sent by Brit | 12:09 PM ET | 07-18-2007

I liked Sheara's comment about having it in you all the time. I have always preferred being with people who have or survived some adversity in their lives.They are a resourceful, compassionate, and positive lot. So, gentlemen and women, start your glue guns now (Bonita great segue). And please Leroy ditch the thought of 70's attire, a real low point in fashion history.

Sent by Pat Z. | 12:18 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Great story Leroy,
I think of the scars,and extra parts,as my body reminding me of all hard work it has done (Battle Scars) in the fight with the monster. Like medals of bravery.
Don't say Six Million Dollar too loud the Insurance companies don't like the word Million. It means they don't have to pay anymore once you hit their magic number.
Sasha is right you do radiate to us, STRENGTH,COURAGE,AND HOPE. What a glow you have, keep it up.

Sent by Sam Means | 12:22 PM ET | 07-18-2007

I'm not quite sure why, Leroy, but I cried as I read your words this morning - perhaps in amazement that your body, mind, and spirit have been assaulted in so many ways and, yet, yours words are full of dignity, hope, and humor. I also realize just how much I appreciate your honesty when you describe what's happening and how you're feeling. I think in a world where there is so much dishonesty, your daily writings bring a sense of what is real and can be applied to all aspects of our lives. Thank you!

Sent by Molly | 12:33 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Leroy, You could be the concrete man from the Fantastic Four! He is really strong! So are we comparing scars this morning? Remember that scene from "Jaws" in the cabin of the boat, when Roy Schieder felt bad, because all he had was an apendectomy scar. I wish, I only had an appy scar. I won't go into the surgeries I have had over the years. This cancer thing certainly takes first place though.
The fortitude it requires to continue with the fight is enormous. And not just physically, but mentally as well. The waiting and hoping, the endless tests, the treatments, and all, not to be cured, but to have more time. Marvel should create "Cancer Man", he would certainly run faster, see more clearly, and have a bigger heart than any of the other "Super Heroes". After all, we have all been through much more. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 12:48 PM ET | 07-18-2007

I prefer to call myself "Bride of Frankenstein" but your analogy is quite amusing. They say that whatever does not kill us makes us stronger. Certainly that is the case with oesophageal cancer. My life is infinitly better because of it, for one thing, without it I doubt that I would be married to my wonderful hubby.

Keep up this wonderful blog,

Aoife

Sent by Aoife from Ireland | 1:08 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Hi Leroy,

I loved the Bionic Man, the Bionic Woman, and the Bionic Dog. That and Star Trek, were my favorite television shows.

Guess that's because all my life I've had multiple orthopedic surgeries, and I always hoped that someday, medicine would meet what I saw happening on television. (a kid gets hope from any place she can.)

Just seeing people (even tv characters) move better, stronger, and faster than before, after horrible accidents, gave me hope; and because I was a dancer, moving better, stronger, faster, was a life/spirit necessity. Surgeries and bone tumors were not going to stop me. No way.

Strength. You are tapping into your well of strength, and laying down a path others are following. I call this kind of thing a miracle.

Thank you for reminding me of my own inner well of strength. Thank you and others for sharing glimpses into your own inner wells of strength.

Thoughtfully and kindly,
Kim Blankenship

Sent by Kim Blankenship | 1:10 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Leroy,
You are strong beyond belief, your words have more strength then all of our remaining body parts glued together! Keep them coming!
Wendy

Sent by Wendy Narzem | 1:35 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Humor is a salve that we use often to put on our scars both mental and physical. Liked the salve you used today!

I believe that we all an inner strength that we can tap into if we can find the will to do so before we are overwhelmed by the darkness. The use of humor and by poking fun at yourself today shows that you have reached that inner strength, tapped into it and will use it to get you through the upcoming procedures and even more if necessary.

Blessings and prayers as always.

Sent by Al Cato | 2:17 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Leroy

We all have scars.. some visible some not... I have a scar that runs from my sternum to my pubic bone.. and for YEARS I pretty much would not remove my shirt in front of anyone.. but it was the invisible scars that took the longest to heal... and not until I began interacting with other survivors!

I could not agree more.... the human spirit and inner strength is truly something to behold! We have no idea how much we can indeed endure until we simply "have to"!

I have been amazed and inspired by so many here and elsewhere by their inner strength, spirit and faith!

I hope all the hot glue, frozen ribs, bailing twine and bubble gum indeed turns you into the bionic man... but honestly that would be a step down for you!

Sent by Ron Bye (NH) | 2:59 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Hey Leroy,

Don't sell yourself short. Lee Majors (I watched that show) and his alter ego Steve Austin, can't hold a candle to you. Your heart's much, much bigger and that's all that really counts. So what if you can't "sproing" jump off a building and keep running. You hate running anyway. Much love and comfort always sent your way.

Sent by Connie E. | 5:24 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Good day Leroy,

I'm laying here at the hospital receiving my first cycle of Gemcitabine. A chemo drug for non small cell cancer. A bit off the beaten track in my cancer area, Head and Neck. They have run out of more traditional treatments for me. This is my 5th major chemo regimen. I've had 6 surgeries and a the full blown 35 radiation treatments over the past 2 years. One of the surgeries was mind blowing, moving body parts around, putting in a titanium jaw, replacing 50% of my throat with tissue from my leg, etc. It really is amazing. Other than the cancer, I'm in great shape (minus the chonic eating and speaking disabilities caused by the surgeries) and my spirits are usually pretty good. But, at times I keep thinking, they're taking a piece at a time away from me. At some point, one decides to give up. It's due to any number of factors. Fatigue, impact on loved ones, not wanting to live with the new normal. I'd be interested in your thoughts as to when one should throw in the towel.

I have recently pointed my Dad to your website. As much as I try to explain to him how I feel, you have such a good way of putting how I feel into words. I think it is helping him, after 2 years of not understanding what I'm trying to tell him, see the light. For this I thank you.

If interested, my cancer blog is at ...

www.hncancer.blogspot.com

I look forward to your daily updates and hope the glue treatment does its intended magic.

Ed Steger

Sent by Ed Steger | 5:25 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Leroy,
Your treatment plan makes a lot of sense. Kudos to you and your docs for thinking outside of the chemo/radiation box.

Sent by Gene Koeneman | 7:23 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Hi Leroy,

Just wanted to add my bit...
I've been working on a project for orthopedics and neurosurgery, and a little bit of bio-glue (or a lot) seems like a really nice alternative to most of the things I've been learning about.

Sent by Lilly T. | 7:42 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Wow two verterbra for the price of one. Good luck with the procedure and tell them you don't want the Veg-O-Matic as your free gift.

I start my fifth chemo treatment on Monday for pancreatic cancer and am reminded of the Chinese proverb "That which doesn't kill me makes me stronger".

Good luck,
Bob

Sent by Bob | 9:22 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Dear Leroy,

Good news from another who is "BIONIC" and have been for several years and holding up well as far as the surgery to reconstruct my neck and my hip. Even though I am no longer bikini material, I am just happy there was something out there to help me when I found myself in the unfortunate position of having my neck collapse. I was a guinea pig, it was new surgery when I had it done with titanium plates, but after four prior surgeries, a year in a "halo", then another collapse, I was more than willng to try this procedure. I must admit I now have fun when I go through security at airports and courthouses. When the buzzer goes off, I just show them my neck, front and back, and no more questions. The "super glue" treatment has been considered for a couple of compression fractures, and if the time comes when it is needed, I can consider it with a lot less fear now because of your experience. I hope all goes well and I have no reason to think it will not. I have researched it and it certainly beats the alternative!!!!

Aurella, thank you for your kind words, and my prayers are with you and your husband and will look forward to hearing how is is doing. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and think about me, it really helps to feel less alone. I went to pick up some records today at the oncologists office and when they asked how I was doing, I found myself not asking, but demanding that he see me again and give me more than 11 minutes of his time. I need answers to my questions and deserve more of his time and attention. That is what he is getting paid the big bucks for, and I deserve more respect than what he allowed the last time I was there. All they had to do was look at my swollen chest and the pain in my eyes, and made the appointment without question. Now that I have copies of the labs and x-rays, I can go in a little more educated and be able to press him on the specifics. It may seem like a small victory, but to me it is a step in the right direction.

I also received some very welcomed complimentary remarks when I was on my quest today, being decribed as very intelligent, educated and diligent person who certainly knows what she needs and will stop at nothing until she gets it! At least someone has recognized the efforts I have made in order to become a more healthy, functioning member of society that I am now. I look in the mirror and hardly recognize the face looking back at me, and I am ready to get back to feeling better and experiencing some of the joys of life again. I am so tired of being frustrated all the time, crying more than I ever have in my entire life. I am almost afraid to dream that I may be able to get back to the point where I can realize my dream of reaching out and being a helping person in the medical community, not feeling so helpless that I cannot reach out to another who needs assistance and giving back so much of what I have learned from this truly frightening experience.
I continue to learn so much from everyone here when I come to this site and read all the comments, it has truly been a life-saver for me. I know my fight is no where near being over, but at least I feel as if I made some positive strides today. That is a miracle, and I am grateful.

Love, Briana

Sent by briana | 11:10 PM ET | 07-18-2007

I agree with the gist of what Sheara said. I've heard it said
"Tough times don't build character, they reveal it."
Not sure if that's the best way to put it, but I think we find we are stronger than we imagined when we look back at the list of things we have gone through to get where we are.

Sent by Scott Fertig | 11:31 PM ET | 07-18-2007

Hey Leroy (aka Steve Austin),

What a cool procedure. I read up on it a little bit. Gotta love that internet. As for strength, thank the internet again. It has made your blog possible, and the connectivity (is that an actual word?) you have created for all of us has given us the strength of all who read it. It is amazing how one's perspective changes once you have been treated for cancer. Strengthens the soul. Thanks again for providing all of us a connection.

stay safe, stay strong,

Lance

Sent by Lance Carlson | 12:23 AM ET | 07-19-2007

Leroy,

I'm 62 and in the 60s had a solid bright pink double breasted suit outlined with black thread with bell bottom pants --- LOL I thought it was "HOT" -- no pictures! LOL

I'm getting tired of carrying this 5FU chemo pump with me 24/7 to constantly remind me that I am not normal. Maybe when they change my regiment or take a break I won't get as many pity looks. At least on here it "me too". Thanks for the "normal for us" connection!

I am waiting until the 25th to see what that scan shows. More spots or less? Slow motion? LOL Plus I pass out always on the fourth day after staring into my high dosage chemo (3 week) cycle. Lots of tests and no definative answers only theory of low sugar spikes or an unusual side effect. Drs don't like theory without any proof.

I just don't like so much time at the hospitals. One day each week for infusions. Overnite every 3 weeks (like clockwork) from the passing out problem that they can't solve. Then there's the tests and Drs appointments -- on and on.

About 25% of my life is now Drs (practicing) and hospitals doing their CYA and insurance questioning if itas cost effective or necessary.

Be Strong - God Bless
Richard

Sent by Richard davis | 12:54 PM ET | 07-19-2007

I am a physician, internist who treated a 78 year old male with lung cancer. The
patient met with several oncologists and cancer experts. He decided all he wanted was a pill. His cancer doctor refused to give him the pill. I discussed the case and the treatment options at length with both the patient and the oncologist. A jealous doctor who is now himself under investegation for Medicare fraud reported this to the state. The state is now trying to discipline me for having given this pill which is potential life saving. The patient finally realized that he was not going to die and did receive radiation therapy and did have shrinkage of his cancer. he continues to use me as his physician. More specifically i Beleive your articles outline the thoughts and beliefs of cancer patients around the world. (my mother is a breast cancer recurrence patient and my father has history of prostate cancer). The physican patient relationship is of paramount importance. A primary care physican can be a powerful advocate for the patient.Another key is an early intervention.

Sent by G Dhillon | 4:16 PM ET | 07-23-2007

Dear Dr Dillon,
Your courage to do what you felt was the best for your patient tells me you CARED for this man and his concerns. If I understand your post correctly, you not only provided the treatment that was preferred by the one whose life was in the balance, but you also gave him HOPE to continue on and receive the cancer treatment he needed. It seems to me you gave this man, through the power of TRUST, the comfort level he needed in order to be able to proceed with radiation. The key here is your commitment to do what you believed BEST for him and in turn, because of the relationship you share with him based on faith, he was able to go on and is now still living and getting better.

I do not know to whom your post was
directed, but it resonates in my mind that this is what is truly missing in the treatment I have failed to receive.
I have been searching for trust, as well as care, and have received neither from my caregivers. How can I trust a physician who gives me 11 minutes of his time, and then I find that not only do I still feel very ill, there is documented evidence of a mass found by the radiologist that he failed to tell me existed? It was even stated in his report further investigation was highly recommended. In sheer desperation, when I did not know where else to turn, I decided to return to the beginning of this odyssey, back to the physician who diagnosed my breast cancer, thinking certainly he would understand my utter frustration with the lack of treatment I have been provided. When he said, regarding my dilemma, that "it was not his department", I felt a deep sense of hopelessness, more painful than before. If my illness was not his department, then whose was it? He did not feel that way when he told me, with tears in his eyes, that I had CANCER, and the disappointment made me begin to believe it was time to give up hope.

I read your post, and it spoke to me in such a way it gave me a renewed sense of hope to find that person with whom I can have that type of doctor-patient
relationship, one of mutual trust and respect. Your words told me that your breed is not extinct, and I want to thank you for the encouragement I felt to keep going and continue to look for that the care I need and deserve, and by
someone with your level of humanity. My life, I feel, depends on it and I thank you for whatever prompted you to write when you did. I sincerely hope you are not faced with any disciplinary action for doing what you felt best for your patient, perhaps not fitting into that particular molded opinion of another, but because of your commitment to the oath you took to first, do no harm. I hope I find someone with your integrity to provide the care I desperately need.

Thank you very much for writing and expressing your opinion, and sincerely
wish only the best for you.

Love, Briana

Sent by briana | 11:55 PM ET | 07-24-2007