I've been wondering Leroy, what prognosis were you given as to what your "shelf life" would be IF you did not have the procedures that you have just been so agonizingly put through?
However, you DO sound much better today and it does, indeed, sound like you have decided to stay with us, fresh and optimistic once again! Did you get any sleep last night? How is the back?
Now, once again, you have opened up a new can of worms about the "fresh" and "sell by" dates on our buns and bread. Have fun with that one!
God Bless You Leroy!

Sent by J C Rakowski | 7:32 AM ET | 08-15-2007

'Morning Leroy,

WOW! I never knew that and I am really fussy about checking those dates. I am very happy you got your date stamp. I hope it gets changes many, many, many times more.

:)

Sent by Susan Chap | 7:44 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy - I'm sure you will stay "fresh" way beyond any date anyone sets for you......hope you're getting "away from the pain" and getting some rest!! This round with the beast is almost behind you - and once again you've won!!! Relish that victory!

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 8:21 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy, Now everyone who knows and loves you will insist that you are periodically run through machines( as you already are) to extend your sell-by date to keep your humor, optimism, and beautiful spirit going!

Sent by Karen Q. | 8:22 AM ET | 08-15-2007

I never knew that about the "sell by date" either. My only hope is also to extend my sell by date. It gets scarey sometimes when you get a new symptom, pain or procedure. Glad you are feeling a little better!

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 8:28 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy, Sounding better today and that is good. Your missive reminds me of a comedian I heard a while back. He was telling about funny things someone could do at a funeral and one of them was to put, "BEST IF USED BY (insert last week's date here)" across the top of the coffin. Though we all will have a "Best if used by date" at some point in our lives...do we want to know when it pops up? Welcome back.

Sent by Patricia A | 8:29 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Hi Leroy,

I'm glad your shelf life keeps getting extended. (I'm not so glad to learn the truth about changing dates on packages of baked goods. But hey, I prefer knowing truth in any situation.)

Here's to ever more extensions, as many as you want and need anyway, on your personal shelf life. While I'm wishing away here, I wish for everyone whose "shelf lives" are being cut short, major extensions, and miracles.
Whatever best meets their needs.

Peace,
Kim Blankenship

Sent by Kim Blankenship | 8:40 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Hows about considering your shelf life to yogurt ~ it lasts forever :)

Seriously, it never goes bad with those cultures and/or bacteria that take a lonnggggg time to ferment.

Better yet, compare it to the shelf life of a fine wine. It does get better with age, Leroy as you will.

Sent by lisa | 8:40 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Numbers/dates can say almost anything you want them to say......

I pay little if any attention to those kinds of things.... age.... prognosis... deadlines... "drop dead dates" (pun intended LOL)...

They are ALL open to interpretation, speculation and SWAG (scientific wild ass guesses)

I focus on my own "freshness factor".. does it have MOLD on it? LOL Until such time as it is OBVIOUS beyond any doubts to be spoiled... I keep on!!

Very little today, and especially in cancer world, is "set in stone".. black or white... so many shades of gray..................

Sent by Ron Bye (NH) | 8:51 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy,
I didn't know you worked in China?
Hang in there- you're not going anywhere.
Peace

Sent by Jessie | 8:53 AM ET | 08-15-2007

I always suspected those tabs were changed when the sell by date came around! It sounds as if you're doing better, Leroy, and we're all glad.

Just a reminder to keep Aurella's request that we pray/ think positive thoughts for her husband today, he's going through the chemoembolization.
We have to look out for each other.

Sent by S. S. | 9:07 AM ET | 08-15-2007

You've got to be feeling better to tell that story! Halleluyah!! And thanks for putting smiles on our faces and in our hearts. Fondly, Anita

Sent by Anita Solomon | 9:32 AM ET | 08-15-2007

I dont know Leroy, I have a gut feeling your shelf life has many years to go~~

Take care of you
Warm hugs your way,

Sent by Robin | 9:36 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Now you have us all wondering about our bakery goods - good thing about you Leroy...you ALWAYS stay fresh!

Sent by teri g. | 9:37 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Dear Leroy,

You do seem better today, and I'm glad. I know the pain can't be all gone, but I hope it is lessening day by day. I HATE that about the baked goods, and I'm such a stickler about that too! Here I have gone, and thrown out some perfectly good chocolate-covered donuts that I could have gnawed on for several more days! Crap! Anyway, I continue to pray for you and everyone here. God Bless you all with health, peace and comfort.

Connie E.

Sent by Connie E. | 9:37 AM ET | 08-15-2007

What a clever analogy, you are a clever man, what an imagination! Happy you are feeling better.

Sent by Ruth White | 9:51 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Hi Leroy:
I think your friend's question, perhaps well-intentioned, was still a little rude. Did that person really think you'd be going through all these procedures and related anxiety if you didn't think it would help at all? In the great mystery of life, you just might end up outliving us all -- including your inquisitive friend!

Your Canadian friend,
Nancy

Sent by Nancy Boomer | 10:13 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy,
First, I haven't been on this blog lately, due to responsibilities and a time crunch. I had to go back and read what's up with you. Keep on keeping on. Remember "First the pain, then the gain." You're a fighter. How blessed you are to be in such capable hands.

Secondly, I had no idea about the 'sell by date" revision, but about 10 years ago, the Wall St Journal had a related article on the expiration of OTC's and Prescription drugs. I now know better.

You're in my prayers.

Sent by Laura | 10:26 AM ET | 08-15-2007

I agree with your initial reaction, Leroy, to your friend's question. You're living now. I wonder if it slipped off the tongue out of habit, with a different meaning entirely? As if you might be a kid with a skinned knee: "Are you gonna live kiddo?"

With plastic wrap, modern preservatives and refrigeration, "sell-by dates" are certainly not what they used to be. Let's hope we can keep changing your little plastic clip ;-)

Sent by Alycia Keating | 10:37 AM ET | 08-15-2007

This must be why I bake my own bread! It is good to hear your upbeat voice again.

Sent by Ruth from Virginia | 10:39 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy and all,
The "So you're going to live" comment is such an interesting indicator of perspective. As you have so eloquently pointed out on many occasions, those of us with cancer have had to become friends with the knowledge that we (meaning all living things)are all mortal and that life is precious and uncertain. There is very little in our culture that reinforces that knowledge, and there is no doubt that most people try hard not to think of themselves as having an endpoint, much less one that could come sooner rather than later. I think most people who care about us have a hard time tolerating the constant knowledge that we are paddling against the current. (Sorry for changing your metaphor, but I am trying to stay away from carbs.) They hope that we will reach a "safe harbor," but the current is carrying everyone, sometimes a little faster, sometimes a little slower. My family does not want to hear anything that reminds them that I am traveling faster than we would like. I will keep paddling the best that I can and enjoying the light on the water. But I also would like them to really know that the end destination is OK to acknowledge sometimes. It is not a defeat--it's just landing on the inevitable shore.

I admire and applaud the way you paddle, Leroy.

Sent by Kathleen | 10:40 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Thank you Leroy,
I got a good chuckle this morning.
I was wondering what your friend meant when she asked "so you'll live?". Well, no one owns tomorrow so that is a question that has no answer.
Thanks for this morning's essay, you have given us a wonderful metaphor. Yes, I see my treatments as a way to buy time. If the radiation treatments I'm getting now will give me another 6 months of life that is a good deal... 12 months is a priceless gift.

May you enjoy and flourish during your extended "shelf-life".

Sent by Susan M | 11:21 AM ET | 08-15-2007

What a wonderful way to start my morning! With a good belly laugh. Ron Bye's and Jessie's posts just made my day and that's hard to do, given my level of pain due to residual side effects of Zometa.

Thanks, guys.

Brenda, Everett, WA

Sent by Brenda Y. Lynch | 11:38 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Love your analogies. We'll just keep running you back thru that machine over and over and over. Sound good?

Sent by DiAnn | 11:42 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy,
I see a difference between us and those relabeled hamburger buns. The bakery items just got older and staler (maybe not, with all of the preservatives that are used ;->), even with the label change. We get better each time we get an extension!

Funny thing about the view of acquaintences not seeming to live in Cancer World. Yesterday I saw a distant neighbor that I see less often than I did when our kids were on the same high school teams. She said, "I hear that you're cancer free." Now, maybe she has had some contact with CW, and she is trying to show encouragment and a positive outlook. On the other hand, she might be one of the dwindling few who is uneffected, and in denial of cancer's finality. So, I replied that the scans and blood counts looked good; but realistically there is always microscopic stuff, so after my trial ends we go into wait-and-watch mode. I added that I hoped to get closer to a normal routine soon. I'm not sure that this response was what she expected, tho.

Sent by Sheara` | 11:49 AM ET | 08-15-2007

Dear Leroy,

I hope today is a little better than yesterday and that tomorrow a little better than today. When I read your blog this morning I sensed a few mixed emotions which I feel are not necessary to describe. God knows you have been through hell and back. Always remember that we are pulling for both you and Laurie. If I have learned anything from your blog it is this..............
Compassion is the feeling of shared suffering. And yes, it does help! It can't eradicate the problem but it certainly brings some solace to know that you are not alone. I wish you well my friend.

Always in my prayers.

Sasha

Sent by sasha | 11:51 AM ET | 08-15-2007

I'm with DiAnn.....let's all get one of those wonderful machines.....and just keep on re-tagging.

Sent by Kay | 12:02 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy,

Glad to hear your sense of humor perking up.

Now I have to share the "sell by date" info with my wife - always seems silly to throw things away on the arbitrary date.

Sent by Geoff | 12:05 PM ET | 08-15-2007

You guys and gals, all of you have made my day. Love and Prayers From OHIO

Sent by Sandy in Ohio | 12:12 PM ET | 08-15-2007

I didn't get to comment yesterday, so I wanted to say how much I appreciated the post. You always articulate things so well. I'm sorry you've been suffering so much. I hope it will pay off even more than you expect.
This morning, I needed a good laugh. I hope it will entertain all to know that my mouth dropped open when I got the "sell by date" news. And, I thought I was a savvy consumer.
If this gets out, the baked goods industry will need a good campaign to cover their deceit. I heard Carl Rove is looking for work. Perhaps he can help them. lol
Anyway, I miss you many, many new clips.

Sent by Scarlett | 12:15 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Dear Leroy,
I am GLAD YOU are a redated date.....i am too, and every time I wonder if it will be the last, but I keep on truckin'----as so many of us do.Leroy,just keep on truckin'.I wish that on ALL of us. Take care xo dee

Sent by Dee Congress | 1:54 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Howdy, All!

Leroy>
We suspected bakeries would do that the first time we realized that our
bakery was pre-dating the bread, i.e., today I could buy a loaf baked
tomorrow. *shrugs* Thanks for the confirmation, as unsettling as it
may be...

I agree with Susan M, it's a very applicable metaphor; thank you for that!

And, it's also why we bake our own bread. *waves at Ruth*

Thank you for the well-wishes, Kim! I know we're all putting them to good use.

We start radiation this afternoon; must admit I'm nervous...maybe
admiting that will help me settle down.

Make a great rest of today!

-dp

Sent by dp | 2:31 PM ET | 08-15-2007

When I was told I had cancer, the prognosis was not good. One doctor said 6mos another said alittle longer. I'm still here 8mos later, back at work and feeling good most days. I still have my chemo days but thats only about two days a week. So I tell all the new cancer patients I can that we have no "sell by" date stamped on our heads. Don't give up hope and keep living everyday. Leroy, you and our "cancer family" on this blog give me hope to keep going past my "sell by" date. God bless you all!

Sent by David White | 2:52 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Well, I'm just shocked about the bread "sell by" deceit. I guess that I've had more trust in the producers of our food than that. I too, had my mouth drop open at that news!
As to your tactless friend, I'll call her, and I'll raise you one. About two years ago, when I'd recovered enough from 5 surgeries to go back to work, a friend asked me why I was doing that. Didn't I want to spend my time doing things that I'd always dreamed of doing?
I think that she thought that I was going to die in a very short time and should be contacting the "Make A Wish" foundation for a free trip to Disney World, or taking a slow boat to China.
Here I am, two years later, working full time, and in remission. Sigh....Disney World will just have to wait.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 3:36 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy,

I've found the folks outside of cancer world only understand "dying" or "cured". If you're not either, they can't comprehend.

Keep on updating that expiration date until you get to NED (no expiration date) ;-)

Sent by Karen D. | 3:56 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Dear Leroy,
I'm more and more amazed by the questions people ask about my husband's cancer and though I've thoroughly explained the situation time and time again, I still get the same questions over and over. At first, I believed that people just weren't listening closely and I'd repeat the facts but now whenever I get a series of questions, I just say that I don't want to discuss it because it's too painful. Anyway, why do they need to know so many details. Sometimes I think it's just to repeat the story to others.

Sent by Elaine | 4:26 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Good afternoon Leroy and All,

Leroy, I'm so glad to see the hint of humor back in your post. Prayers do get answered! That idea of getting run back through the redating machine sounds great. We can all munch on some stale buns and await a new date. We all may be a little more battered but we still have plenty of fiber left for the fight!! Poor pun, I know!! But giggles are good!

Ron, I loved your interpretation of SWAG. That brought a laugh. Thanks!

Seriously, I hope that all of us will use prognosis only as a framework to get a general idea of what may lie in store. No one can really tell us how long we are going to live. When I asked my oncologist for a prognosis, his reply was: "I can't give you one." My cancer is a very malignant form and was wide spread. So I knew that I was just day to day. So each day, indeed each minute is precious. Both he and I were surprised to obtain a remission, one of those trips through the redating machine! We can only hope there will be more. But what ever happens, I am very greatful to you, Leroy for your courage and willingness to lead the way. And to everyone on this blog, I will hold you all in my heart forever!! God Bless!!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 4:41 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy,

I loved today's post and somehow sense that you might be feeling a bit of rejuvenation from your procedures. I had gamma knife on Friday, recovered over the weekend, and had my own dose of super glue this morning. To think that I have been waiting for weeks on fractures to heal and in the matter of a few hours they are complete....probably better than ever - is an incredible feeling! I am happy that we all have these wonderful new machines that will help us to extend our shelf lives. Perhaps with more funding for cancer research there will be cancer answers and a cure in our futures. Here's to a tag with no expiration dates!

www.fightcolorectalcancer.org

Sent by Suzanne Lindley | 4:41 PM ET | 08-15-2007

There are some of us fortunate enough to have passed our "sell by" date a few years back. One almost can feel as if your still "being on the shelf" is a mistake or an oversight. I suppose that's when I learned to scrap off the mold and find a Sharpie to write in my own date.

Really enjoy your blog. Best thoughts to you, Leroy.

Sent by Ariella in NH | 6:19 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Hey Leroy,
I'm glad that you have a new color clip and your "BUNS" feel a little better or softer today...:) You sound like you are more yourself. So glad of that. Now what is this about extending bread shelf life a couple of weeks...:) Love and Best Wishes

Sent by Teresa in WV | 6:24 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Dear Leroy...I have decided your expiration date is very, very, very far into the future...see my friend, Charlie, is right...a better day is here...and you certainly deserve it...Fondly...Ann Pat...xoxoxo

Sent by Ann Patrice Sclafani-Forde | 7:34 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Karen D

I LOVE IT!!!

"NED".... no expiration date!!! LMAO

By the way all... my "sell by date" was 30 YEARS AGO!!! :-))

I was given a 10% prognosis of 5 year survival... so you can see why I hold little weight on prognoses...

Sent by Ron Bye (NH) | 8:37 PM ET | 08-15-2007

I may be the wet blanket in today's post, but it isn't my best day. I can understand your friend's comment, and perhaps it was meant to be light hearted, but it certainly hits very close to home for those who are living on the edge.

When my husband was at his worst, I had people who were always "tried to keep us positive" were "going to come see him" and then were surprised when he "went so quickly." We tried not to give details, but when I could, I very kindly told people "if you want to see Burge, do it now."

I don't think those in the non-cancer world really want to know what the truth is. It's a strange world to outsiders and if they don't go too deep, then they can stay above the fear. A positive comment is always welcome, but truth is truth and sometimes it just isn't positive.

It would be nice if we all did have a chance to be recycled after our expiration date, but many of us don't make it back to the factory and we go on to wherever...to many people's surprise.

I hope that all of you keep moving forward, but I still feel a little resentment for those who don't hear what they don't want too hear. It would be so much nicer if they admitted that the time was limited (it doesn't have to be an exact date) and help those dying live a few better days.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 9:54 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy,
I wanted to let you know that Cynthia G. Philpot died in a Dallas hospital on August 8th with the cancer that started in her breast and spread throughout her body. She enjoyed reading your blog. She was my niece.

Sent by Leonard J. McCown | 10:16 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Leroy -

Your friend was tactless, but at least her question reveals that she understands that you are caught in a life-and-death struggle, and she seems to care how it comes out.

In the past few days, we have heard from Earlene, who was abandoned by her husband and friends, Lilly T, who was disciplined for not laughing enough at work, Elaine, who suffers intrusive questioning by acquaintances just looking for gossip to pass along. We have heard from Tess, whose friend wants "the old Tess" back and whose employers offer her no assistance in preparing for sick leave. Briana's stories of uncaring physicians are the stuff of legend. I have said here before that the lack of support from friends and colleagues has been more difficult for me than the illness. The realization of just how isolated I really am has absolutely overwhelmed me, much more so than the disease, which I could always fight.

Yet, I am profoundly grateful for the few friends and family who have rallied round me the past couple of years. I pray every night for the grace to forgive those who have used this illness to hurt me. I am not a praying type of person, but for this I need help.

Just as I wish those who are unable or unwilling to understand that "cancer is pain" could come to understand how they add to that pain, I wish I could make those who support us understand how they alleviate the pain.

So I grab at every morsel of support that comes my way. I cherish every word of support. I would put your friend's question, however inartfully expressed, in that category. I just hope she doesn't divide the world of cancer patients into those who are dying and those who are going to live, as if the acute event of cancer were over; I hope she understands that there is a whole world of us who suffer every day to survive.

Sent by tex | 11:50 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Great message for all of us...shelf life...expiration date, it's on each of us. The very young or totally healthy likely pay it much attention. In a way being truly aware of it actually makes each day that much more precious and meant to be lived. Thanks for the insight Leroy!

Sent by Rich F. | 12:12 AM ET | 08-16-2007

It's OK to laugh~~and if it takes away from the pain and stress just for a minute, I say whatever works.
Have a great day Leroy : )

Sent by Robin T | 10:00 AM ET | 08-28-2007