Clean brain scan--that is great news Leroy.. I hope you enjoy your weekend!--Krupali

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 7:36 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Good news is always welcomed! Congrats on clear brain MRI. I agree with you on the other tumors, get them while they are small. As you know, cancer is not a static disease. It is always growing or at the very least looking for another place to become embedded.

Meanwhile, enjoy the weekend and the good news. Both will reinvigorate you for what next week brings forth.

Blessings and prayers as always.

Sent by Al Cato | 7:48 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Always good and bad news....

Being a "man of action" as well... I would tend to definitely agree with you on wanting to be aggressive and go on the offense rather than wait until all actions are simply reactions and defensive!!

I have always found when faced with the next struggle in my life.. I evaluate my options, choose a plan of action and TAKE ACTION... right or wrong.. my stress level drops dramatically simply by taking action!!

I would once again like to invite any and all to the first ever Northeast Regional Cancer Survivorship Summit in Madison, CT September 15th. It will be a life changing experience and will help everyone to take action to help others!!

http://www.canceradvocatescoalition.org

Sent by Ron Bye (NH) | 7:52 AM ET | 08-24-2007

I remember when I first started chemo a man came in and brought the nurses a large bouquet of flowers. They were all really glad to see him. He told them he would be back the next week because "things were growing again." All the nurses seemed so happy to see him and talked about how they would see him next week. All I could think of, being new to the scene, is how awful it must be to have to start over with chemo. I feel differently now. I know he obviously did okay the first time and had some time without chemo, which is more than many folks get.

Glad things are good in the brain arena.

Sent by Dona | 8:26 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Thats great news about the scan Leroy! So happy for you!!

Sent by Tracy | 8:31 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Leroy:
You sound so matter-of-fact when discussing your numerous cancer sites. Only a veteran of the Cancer Wars could do that. Once we adopt the "what is, is" attitude, it helps in coping with the future, whatever that may be.
Namaste,
Don

Sent by Don Winslow | 8:32 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Dear Leroy,

Trust that whatever you need will be there. You have one of the best oncology staff taking care of you. Aside from the fact that their "window of time" was way off, they have done a great job and I'm sure will continue to do so. I'm so happy that the brain scan came out clean. I have also received some positive news for a change, my husband's blood count is much better and he will be able to go back on chemo.

Thanks to you I have met the most beautiful people on this blog, people with gentleness, deep compassion and genuine concern for one another.
"People don't just happen"

Thank you Leroy...........stay well.

Sasha

Sent by sasha | 8:34 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Dear Leroy, It's always good to hear good news. When I had my bone scan yesterday the staff treated me like an old friend and took very good care of me. It's so rewarding as a nurse myself to receive such caring attention. I go for chemo today and next week start radiation for brain and bone mets. I am feeling optimistic and most of all because of what I read here and the support of you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Leroy for writing and all the contributors to this blog as your support sustains me and gives me courage to continue on doing things I never thought I would have to do. God Bless you all.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 8:56 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Interesting comments about your nurse. During my chemo, my chemo nurse once confided in me that she felt her job was very depressing if she stopped to think about all the people who, despite her best efforts, would not live. She always displayed however, one of the most upbeat, positive demeanors - and she was in fact a very bright spot in my months of darkness. Thank you to all of the medical personnel who do what they do to help us fight this insidious disease. They are very special people.

Hope you have a great weekend Leroy :)

Sent by Martha in FL | 8:57 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Let's hear it for all the wonderful medical folks who are supportive of us in so many ways. Who give us genuine welcoming smiles when we walk in for treatment, or for tests. Who ask about our weekend plans, our families, our pets. Who show real concern. Who touch our arm or shoulder reassuringly, to let us know they care. Who certainly must have their own bad days, problems, even illnesses. And who witness pain and suffering daily, and yet maintain a gently positive attitude. They are angels. Bless them all. Note to myself: take a gift box of candy to radiation today...

Sent by wendy | 9:03 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Hurrah on the clean scan! And for all the medical staff that encourages and rejoices in our recovery as well as support us through the process.

Sent by Kay | 9:18 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Great news Leroy!!! Now go have a nice big banana split : )

Sent by Robin T | 9:25 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Great news about your brain scan. There is nothing like the feeling of relief you get from hearing that a scan is clean.

I too get frustrated when I hear "it's too small to do anything about now...we have to wait until it grows." That goes against everything inside me. I'm a take action person. Let's get it when it's small. I want it out of me now. Of course, I'm also not a doctor. Though my husband might say that I often think I know all the answers.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 9:31 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Oh Leroy so glad your brain is okay. I send you hope and hugs that your other "spots" will not give you much trouble.
Kudos to chemo nurses everywhere!! I had 5 straight months of chemo last year and they took care of me like a mom or a sister or best best pal. Love and blessings to all of you. from Sherri in Texas, BC dx 4-06

Sent by Sherri Eggleston | 9:37 AM ET | 08-24-2007

I remember the joy of hearing I was "clear headed". That's fantastic news!

Best wishes on what's ahead...

Sent by Ariella in NH | 9:50 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Leroy,
So happy to hear your good news! I would just like to join the chorus in praising oncology nurses, the staff at the University of Chicago is the best! When Tom & I got my bad news on Weds, the nurses we're all there to give hugs and encouragement. They have been such a comfort over the last 18 months!

Sent by Martie | 10:02 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Great news that you CT was clear...they did see the brain though, right? lol
As a healthcare worker, i can say that we do know what happens to people..when we see a patient more than two or three times, we sort of adopt them. As morbid as this may sound, we sit at the nurses station and read the obits everyday...to see if we have lost anyone. I know this may sound erie to those who aren't in healtcare, but we care about our patients more than you realize.We feel bad, we cry and we mourn over our lost patients. Don't think for a minute that the nurses that render care to you several times just forget you when you walk out the door, a little peice of us goes with you. Thats why we do what we do.

Sent by Liz Zimmerman | 10:06 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Wonderful to hear that your noggin had nuttin' in it! *me being silly* It sounds like a version of the "After 40 it's just patch, patch, patch." After cancer that's metasticized, it's just patch, patch, patch.
I wanted you to know that part of the reason that I'm coping so well with having just learned that I have liver metastisis is that I've learned through you sharing your experience that there are many options to treat that are newer that I can ask about, such as the radiofrequency ablation. I'll see my oncologist on Monday morning, and we'll go over the films, and discuss where to go from here. I know that unless someone comes up with a systemic cure for stage 4 breast cancer, I'll always be dealing with putting out forest fires from here on out. I wish you well and wish us all the strength of mind and body that we need to get through all of the changes and trials that these diseases that are cancer put us through.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 10:08 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Hi Leroy,

Brain clear, GREAT, small lesions on back and lung? Chemo? Radiation? Waitful watching?

Seeing friendly faces can help make unbearable situations a tad better.

Because I was still home much later than usual, the storms in the Chicago area closed my campus. My sister actually called me to make sure I was OK? That was a first, thinking of someone other than herself. Hmmmm, maybe be kick in the butt did do some good.

Have a great weekend!

Sent by Susan Chap | 10:13 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Does having a "clean brain" mean you don't get to have a "dirty mind"? Hope not. Keep using that clean brain well. We're all enjoying the benefits.

Sent by Sandi Li | 10:28 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Leroy,
Great news about the scan. I'm so happy one less thing to worry about now. Hopefully they will know what to do about the others. Keep the faith.

Vicki,
So glad your are feeling better.

Sasha,
Glad your husband's counts are better. On to the next battle, but happy everything is moving on. I pray everynight for you and your husband.
It's good to hear some good news.

Sent by Aurella Rocchi | 10:45 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Really good news today Leroy and we are all rejoicing, especially the part about your brain scan being clean! My Mom used to worry about what was going to happen to her brain and all her creative thoughts on life, mankind, etc when her body left this world. Her mind remained alert and active right up to the end which came from Cronic Lung Disease, not "C". She had been so impressed by a book she had read long ago called, "Donovan's Brain" Ever hear of it?
Anyway I agree with your wanting to attack the little tumors before they can grow larger. Like you, I have wanted to have anything "foreign" that was living off of and attacking my body, to be cut out and done away with. Chemo sometimes kills off too much of the healthy organs with it's curing. What do your doctor's say? They must certainly want to give your body a chance to recoup' from your recent ordeals and gain strength.
Wonderful news!

Sent by J C Rakowski | 10:53 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Yeah - Leroy - a clean brain scan!!!! I remember holding my breath after my scan after diagnosis - and calling my best girlfriend and telling her "I have nothing in my head!!!" she told me, she knew that..... ha ha
What wonderful news!!! Have a splendid weekend - I'm in beautiful Oregon with my daughters for a special long weekend vacation and we are headed to coast today - Life is Good!!!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!!

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 10:54 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Dear Leroy,

Glad to hear the good news about your brain scan. I'll keep praying about those other tumors on your spine and the new spots in your lungs. Perhaps they will be "nothing" after all. Take care. Healing, comfort and peace, to everyone, always.

Sent by Connie E. | 11:04 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Congrats Leroy on the scan. I hope you are looking into Cyberknife to knock those stupid lung nodules out. Have a great weekend.

Sent by mike dougherty | 11:21 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Leroy,

You must be very happy to know you don't have a dirty mind!

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:34 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Good news on your scan. I had my special view mammogram this morning. There is some areas of calcification and the radiologist will recommend biopsy. Interesting, his reaction was "let's get them while they are small and remove them." My mom and sis have both had the same thing and was benign so I am not too worried.

Sent by Dianne in DC | 11:46 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Whew!! I am so glad to hear the mri of the brain was clear..Thank Goodness!!

I to want to do something about things now not wait. But I guess when we trust our Doctors that helps us look at what they say and look at the options we have.
At one point I had active disease however they looked at as a *Watch and wait* situation. With lymphoma they do this and its common even with some stage 4 disease. We kept checking for almost a year. I kept getting a promise from my Oncologist if the situation changed he would jump on and he did. The following year I was back in treatment and we did what needed to be done. He reminded me that over treatment was not a good thing and we had to meet a gentle balance due to it being a blood cancer.
I will admit it was a hard year but it bought me time for them to research new drugs and enter a trial knowing the one drug I was on was one that was effective and the other drug had finally hit phase three..which was better then phase one. So as I waited I saw changes in the treatment of my own disease. I think I learned I was much stronger then I knew I was..And when I was treated..I got full remission. Something I got with out a bone marrow transplant.

Waiting sucks I know and its hard knowing the cancer is there. As I talked to other lymphoma patients I found I was lucky he waited because the drug I was on is so over used its not funny. Still my doctor is adament of its over use by some. I tend to think if he is that way then I am not doing a drug just cause I am antsy.

Sounds like your doctors are on top of it. Which is a great thing.

Over a ten year period I have had awsome care. I have met so many caring medical staff. Some of which have become personal friends. Its funny at times I can't imagine not knowing these people.
Its across the board from the medical techs, scan techs nurses doctors and just everyone. I can't imagine going through it without them nor can my Husband. I could never do the job so Kudos to those who do..
By the way they love cookies to :)

Have a great day Everyone....

Sent by Kerry | 11:57 AM ET | 08-24-2007

I have great respect and appreciation for the chemo nurses who treated me for 17 months. I know they really care. But sometimes -- especially when I was new to the whole thing -- I was put off by the constant smiles and bright cheerful patter of many nurses. I think in a way, that's a kind of self-protective mechanism, a way of distancing themselves. My favorite two nurses were quiet and pleasant but more serious. They'd sense if I was having a bad moment and just reach out and take my hand. I see them in the hallway when I go for doctor's appointments and I think we're both glad to see each other -- but also both know how strongly I hope never to have to go back to their infusion room!

Great news about the brain scan, Leroy!

Sent by Doris | 12:28 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Hi Leroy and a "BIG" thumbs up on the great brain scan. Thats great news. Hi Vicki in FL. Hang in there. You never know what you can do until you get a lot of "SUPPORTERS" behind you. Hope all you guys have a wonderful weekend.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 12:35 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Leroy: Was gone yesterday so am commenting on yesterday's blog today.

My 15 year old son, like many his age, is very picky about the clothes he wears. He found some shirts made of material he liked last week, but the silk screening left something to be desired...kind of in the dragon/skull motif popular these days. I hated to let him have them, but they were the right price, dressy and we were in a hurry.

The image is light, so I did't notice until later that one of them is a "pile of skulls" much like the tatoos one sees on TV. What I did notice, however, was that the label says "made in vietnam" and the picture has a completely different take now that I've examined it.

Having graduated high school in 1967, this struck me rather hard, and even though I allowed my son to buy the shirts, a flood of memories of conversations with my college classmates who went to vietnam came on me and I felt very guilty.

It is a truth that one day, the Iraq war will be our vietnam in the minds of today's youth. Some will remember, but their children will not and as they purchase clothes, etc. how many of them will be struck by memories of Iraq? The realization is that "in the long run" few, outside of the families and friends, will remember those who gave their lives. That is a shame!

I know wars change history and sometime they may be necessary. We wouldn't want to be a part of a Hitler Germany, but look where we are with Japan and there were so many who died fighting that War.

War is hell! It has been ruining lives for the ages. I just hope that it will one day end and we will be at peace, but I fear that will be only after man has disapeared.

I hope that the same is not true for the war on cancer. God told Adam & Eve it was a murderous world out there and it seems we are all paying the price.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 12:59 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Good Afternoon Leroy and All,

Leroy, that is indeed great news about your clean brain scan! I hope Laurie is up to celebrating with you.

I also wonder when patients are advised to wait until the cancer grown more before treatment. But I guess it has to do with the limitations of how much radiation and chemo that our bodies can with stand overall. Hopefully, research will provide less toxic options at some point.

Vicki, all the best to you as you receive you treatment for your brain and bone mets. I too find the oncology nurses and techs very compassionate and wonder how they do it on a daily basis.
As a retired nurse myself, I know that tears are shed when it is learned that a patient has been lost. It always hurts!

My husband, Tom and I had a great time in the mountains in Cherokee, NC yesterday. And it was cooler with even a few rain drops on the way home!

To everyone, May the good news continue for one an all! LOVE and HOPE.

God Bless!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 12:59 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Great news, a clean brain! I have a CT scan in three weeks. How nice, you only had to wait an hour for your results. I may have to wait a week for my results. I'm alittle worried because I have missed some chemo treatments due to low blood counts. WE may have to look at a different kind of chemo drug. Chemo is no fun, but right now thats all I have to fright off the evil beast,that and prayer.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. God Bless

Sent by David White | 1:02 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Your brain, dear man, is "clean"and functioning at levels many never reach. I love the clarity of your witing and the open sharing you provide.

Thank you!

Sent by Peggy Miles | 1:33 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Dear Mr. Sievers, I've found your blog through info searches for RFA, which my husband will have soon. He's in somewhat your status, as in "still here" despite orginal prognosis. Had liver tumor removed in Jan 07 after being told it was inoperable. Has a lung spot that is still showing since last summer, no new ones on new scans, so now that he's survived adenomcarcinoma of liver, the drs take a look at the lung again, say consider surgery and RFA; he consulted for both, going to do the ablation. General chemo last fall did nothing for him. Your attitude's a lot like his; he will try various procedures especially newer techniques, then get scanned, tries to live as normally as possible. Compared to all the stress last summer at this time, he/we are doing well, enjoying short summer trips, resting in the yard. May your days be blessed---finding your blog has blessed mine!

Sent by Sarah | 3:02 PM ET | 08-24-2007

I'm glad your brain scan is clean. What a relief that must be.

Only a cancer patient can know of the stress involved in waiting for scan results. I have the latest bone marrow biopsy results on the desk at home, unopened.

I got good news last week on the blood work nine months after my chemotherapy, and the happiness with that is wonderful.

I'm just not ready to spoil my mood by opening that biopsy report. I feel fine and I just want to enjoy the weekend.

Years of dealing with cancer can be terribly draining psychologically. I suppose this is denial, but I suppose I'll open that letter...later.

Sent by Scott S. | 3:02 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Congrats, Leroy!

...and may we all _remain_ clear-headed.

Be well.

Sent by dp | 7:14 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Leroy, Congradulations on the results of your brain scan - great news!

Scott, I can relate. Putting off my mammogram til next mos. I am enjoying my summer too much to get any more bad news.

And here's to remembering all those who support us with the cancer journey - not just the medical personnel, but the many others (ie, volunteers, cancer wellness centers,) as well.

Sent by Beth | 7:36 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Leroy, I looked at the picture of the mutilated marine and cried... the look on the face of the bride is heartbreaking. I also thought of the story you told about the dying child in Africa and your shoe laces. Well, God Bless You, Kay

Sent by Kay Ruffini | 7:46 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Dear Leroy,
You don't know me -- don't need to. I am touched daily by your postings, although I have not yet been touched personally by cancer. And I can't tell you how much my heart lifted when I read your news of a clean brain scan. Thank you for making my day.
Martha in Seattle

Sent by Martha Wharton | 7:49 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Leroy, "In the meantime, I know that my brain is clean. That's enough for today."

enough? Oh, man, that's terrific!

I just had a scan an hour ago...I'm in NYC for what I call my 3000 mile checkups, the 90-day followups with the MSKCC docs. Normally, I'm fine from the day after I see the doc until about five days before the next scan--but this time, I've been so busy at work that I didn't have a lot of time up front to be nervous.

Now, sitting in my rental apartment on this very muggy NYC night, it's hitting me that I have to wait until Monday morning to find out if everything is still clear. More waiting. More worrying (no matter how hard I try not to worry, it happens.)

But I'm very happy you got your news today quickly, and it was good news. I've noticed that now, when a fellow patient has a test, I worry with them...and when the results are good, I experience the same rush (for them) that I feel when I get my own good news. So tonight, Leroy, I'm tagging along on your 'rush' of good news.

Fingers crossed I can ride that rush through to Monday when I (hopefully) get another little rush of good news of my own.

Of course, I'll share my rush of good news, too, with anyone who needs the quick uplift!

Sent by Pat | 9:44 PM ET | 08-24-2007

Dear Leroy,
Oh, Happy Day ! So glad the scan was good.I have scans Tuesday---my weekend will be busy so i won't think about it, but come Monday pm ......... Have a good weekend and heal. xo dee

Sent by Dee Congress | 10:15 PM ET | 08-24-2007

A clean brain and a clear mind
makes for a good day
Now only if the DC
humidity would go away

Jack in Northern VA

Sent by Jack Burrington | 8:31 AM ET | 08-25-2007

Great news that you had a clean brain scan and didn't have to wait long to get the news. I agree with you about going after those other tumors!

Sent by N.R. | 9:48 AM ET | 08-25-2007

Dear Leroy,

Yea!!!! Great news about the brain scan. You must be over the moon. I'm so happy for you it's as if I'd gotten the terrific news myself. I think it will help you deal with the other sites.

I was fortunate to have my oncologist and my chemo in a small, sort of branch office, of the main clinic. I still get to see all the nurses and staff who cared for me and nutured me during my worst when I go in for my now every-four months visit with the oncologist. It's amazing to see their delight in seeing me strong and healthy. And I know, in the event the day comes when I'm not on top of this, that they will be there to care for me, again. They are incredible human beings and a credit to the medical profession.

Now, take time to rejoice in this good news, and then come back swinging.

All my best,
Mo Spikes

Sent by Mo Spikes | 1:58 PM ET | 08-25-2007

So happy to hear of your "clear" brain scan. I am wondering at what point do they offer you anything besides chemo and or radiation?
I've been told there can be no surgery on my life due to too many tumors to count. Nothing mentioned to be done about tumors in bones either. I read of your surgeries and wonder why I'm not been offered anything to help. So happy though to hear they are making the effort to do the things to help you. Yea! Hugs to ya! Linda

Sent by LindaW | 10:50 PM ET | 08-25-2007

To Linda W,

I just read your post about options for treatment other than Chemo or Radiation. I advise you to ask your oncologist to explain other options to you. It may be that other treatments are not available at your treatment location and you will need a referral to another treatment center.

Also check with your insurance carrier to make sure that other forns of treatment are covered or be ready to pay for the cost of such treatments.

If you are not satisfied with your present options, you may need to seek a second opinion. Good luck to you as you continue to pursue your options.

God Bless!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 1:55 PM ET | 08-26-2007

My dear freiends,
I hope you all know how fortunate you are to have such caring and friendly medical support. I am not writing to complain, just to say that this is not the case everywhere, and it is heart-warming to me to know that there are still those out there who care about the people they are caring for. I believe if there were more healthcare workers who were able to show their compassion, people would not only feel a lot better, they would heal faster, too. Attitude is important on both sides of the fence, and I know if I were able to be more trusting and confident that my best interest is important to those who are involved in administering my care, I would have a lot less stress and anxiety, and my ability to fight the BEAST would improve greatly. I wish there was a way to get this message across to more in the medical community, some type of forum where THEY listened to us for a change and heard the reality of our thoughts and feelings, hopes and dreams, and the importance of being less robotic and more compassionate.
I know there are those who ARE very caring and listen to their patients, and I am not speaking to the entire community when I say there needs to be some type of change. I also understand the constraints that have been placed on medical personnel, now more than ever, and it does not always allow them time to think of our side of the story, but this is where reform could made a huge difference, and bring CARE back in to the word healthcare, and all of us would be happier, healthier, and more at peace with the frustrations we must all live with, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE. We have an opportunity now, with an election coming up, to speak up an speak out more and bring education to the forefront. I cannot think of a better way to effect a higher level of understanding.

Thank you for letting me share this, I think it is such an important issue in the well-being of many who are fighting this fight, and we need to know we have support in many places, beginning with those who literally have our lives in thier hands.

My best to all, Briana

Sent by briana | 9:27 PM ET | 08-26-2007

Congratulations on your scan. Here's to many more!

Just a note about hospital care. Nurses remember their patients! My Mom died after 5 years with lung cancer in 2001. In 2004 my father had an operation and as impossible as it sounds my father ended up in the SAME room where she died. It was beyond awful to visit him there with all those memories of her last days forced upon me, until one of the nurses said to me that she remembered my mother. I thought it was because my father had been a doctor at the same hospital until his retirement, but it wasn't.

She remembered my mother's dark eyes! She told me how beautiful they were, how expressive. I will never forget how much it has meant to me that they hadn't forgotten her. Especially such a personal detail. Of course your family doesn't forget you, of course your friends don't. It is a comfort to know that you impact also the people who give you care.

Sent by Elizabeth Eisinger Lande | 2:17 PM ET | 08-27-2007