Welcome back soldier. Job well done.

Sent by Karen | 7:43 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Glad to hear you are improving. I seems that your spirit is also getting stronger which means that the "new and improved Leroy" is on the way.

We are thankful that you made it successfully through all of the procedures even though they taxed your mind, body and spirit. I hope you felt the power of the many prayers said in your name and Laurie's.

Continue to heal. The prayers will also continue.

Sent by Al Cato | 7:47 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy,
So glad you are feeling better. I will keep praying for you. Each day will get better. You are so brave.
If everyone could please keep my husband in their prayers and thoughts on Wed. he will have his chemoembolization. We are all very scared that it won't work. Please pray for us.
The insurance company is still not going to cover the cost. The way they worded everything made us feel worst that it would not help. Please pray they are wrong.
God Bless,
Aurella

Sent by Aurella Rocchi | 7:54 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy your friend is very right, get back up and into the thick of living. Always have you in my morning intentions.

Sent by Pat Zalewski | 7:55 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Good morning Mr. Sievers.

Glad to hear that you are feeling better, if only some. I am that woman who stopped you at Hopkins and I must say, I was feeling a little bad about it after I got to work and read the blog. Thinking back, I could tell you weren't feeling well and I should have just left you alone, but I so admire you and what you've done that I just couldn't help myself. Thank you for asking. My day did go well. Even though I have this disease (Stage IV lung cancer coming up on a one year on 8/15/07) and I recently lost my husband of almost 36 years suddenly in April, I try to maintain a good and positive outlook. I think I'm doing pretty good. I come to work everyday and so far, things have gone along pretty well with my treatments. Thanks again and here's hoping that with each new day comes less discomfort for you.

Hang in there and stay strong. Lots of people pulling for you. Hello to Laurie. Take care, both of you.

Sent by Sandy Lathe | 8:05 AM ET | 08-13-2007

I think I understand a bit of what you are saying. Some days I have pain and give in and take the pain medication and feel so much better. Then the next day I don't have the same pain and wonder if I imagined it. The mind is an amazing thing. The pain can be so bad then we can forget it. Glad to hear your's is getting less and I'm sure it will continue to do so. You have definitely taken a "beating" and deserve to rest and recuperate. Thanks for taking the time to write today even though it was so difficult for you.Going for brain MRI today to see if lession has grown and woke up with migraine from nerves I guess.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 8:12 AM ET | 08-13-2007

It seems you have gone 15 rounds in the heavyweight championship and taken your beating.... hopefully it is now time to revel in the glory of the VICTORY!

Ron

Sent by Ron Bye (NH) | 8:12 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Just know we are all with you and you are always in our prayers.

Sent by Diana L Santamaria | 8:55 AM ET | 08-13-2007

I love Ron Bye's analogy of going 15 rounds -- some days it sure feels like that. And most especially for you, Leroy, after what you've just been through.

I am so glad you're feeling better. Last night before falling asleep, my husband turned to me and asked, "So how's Leroy doing?" I had to update him on all the latest and we both just can't believe how much you're going through. We both are thinking of you and praying for you.

And yes, Aurelia, I'll be sure to pray for you and your husband and his Wednesday chemoembolization.

Sent by Jordis | 9:09 AM ET | 08-13-2007

It is a miracle. The amazing work that thousands of people put into creating and implementing the procedures you just underwent.

You're an inspiration to us all. And an inspiration to yourself. Battered, yes; beaten, no.

Peace,
Sally

Sent by Sally Siegel | 9:11 AM ET | 08-13-2007

I wrote you this some time ago but I am reminded again of the plaque in our radiation department. "Fall down seven times, get up eight." I'm very glad you got back up after this last beating.

Sent by glenda | 9:13 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Dear Leroy,
I am thinking of you and am glad that you are feeling better each day....hang in there!! The mountains are calling me and I'm looking forward to the peace they give me. All of our community will be with me in spirit each day! Much love and hugs to all, especially to you and Laurie!! Jude

Sent by Judith Tynan | 9:13 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Here's to you and all the others who take the beatings and refuse to stay down.

You mentioned a chair. I hope it is a recliner. I slept in one for almost 2 months following each of my thoracic surgeries. My husband pulled up a desk chair with pillows to support my feet that hung over the footrest. That recliner was my healing spot. I hope you and others can have a chair like that too.

God bless you and sending best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Sent by Sara (MD) | 9:15 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Dear Leroy,
I am so sad about all that you have had to endure this past week. I am sure it was not easy for Laurie as well. I am the spouse/caretaker and I can truly empathize with her. The emotional pain and worry for your loved one can be overwhelming.

Give yourself whatever time and rest you need to feel better. You and Laurie are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sasha

Sent by sasha | 9:22 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Good morning Leroy,

My heart sings for you, I can sincerely say, Sunday was prayer answered for me. And now word of His unfailing love for you...as much as I hate the feeling of the meds I was encouraged by all of the posts for you, the love and prayers that was sent your way.I took some of the advice and my own,for the weekend (some times I do that, give advice and don't take it myself??do I hear an Amen??)
"Better is one day in His courts then thousands elsewhere". Hang in there Leroy and all, you never know who you are an inspiration to.

My tumor marker is coming down,#4 of 6 chemo is over and we will press on. Or as your friend says,"you have to get back up".

Sent by Sandy in Ohio | 9:22 AM ET | 08-13-2007

So glad to hear the pain has a new source, and the old one is gone! (Now, how weird does that sound? But, I know you'll understand I'm rooting for you!)

About pain. As a person who has dealt with severe chronic pain for more than 12 years before I even began the cancer experience, it's something I have a lot of experience with.

The main thing to remember is that the pain is much easier to manage with a preemptive strike. Take the pain medication--lowest dose is good, but take it *before* the pain is doing its best to ruin your day. You don't ever have to let the pain get the best of you. If you have been prescribed pain medication, there's a reason. It's not prescribed without thought; the doctors can't do that anymore. So, take the medication as advised, and, most importantly, please take it before the pain is making you unable to think. For 10 years I took pain medication, small doses, at regular intervals. Whenever I decided I didn't want to do that anymore, and that I'd only take it when my pain became unbearable, I became totally disabled. With the palliative doses throughout the day, I was a functioning human being.

When you stop the medication, taper off. There is no reason you should feel the effects of stopping the meds, other than a bit more breakthrough pain.

Leroy, keep taking good care of yourself, and you will stay in my daily thoughts and prayers.

Wendy

Sent by Wendy Murphey | 9:37 AM ET | 08-13-2007

What a relief to read your blog this morning. I'm so glad you are feeling a little better. Maybe tonight you can sleep in a bed. It is amazing how our brain handles pain.

I got the results of my CAT scan Friday. They didn't see any sign of cancer. Phew! The doc wants to wait for a month and see how I'm doing. If the pain still persists they will do a PET scan. I'm feeling very good about this now and think it is irritation related to my previously lung surgery.

I'm cheering for you Leroy.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 9:37 AM ET | 08-13-2007

To Aurella,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. I pray that the procedure is successful.

Sasha

Sent by sasha | 9:42 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Sounds like you played in a weekend rugby tournament. I know and cheerish that feeling of waking up the next day, one eye first and then take inventory of your body. Somehow you feel better than the previous days and start to smile. I can handle this.
Thinking of you daily.

Sent by Lisa | 9:43 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Thank you so much for writing, even when you really don't feel like it. You are masterful at communicating what this journey is all about. I hope you are feeling that much better tomorrow!
Blessings, Nancy

Sent by Nancy Elzinga | 9:55 AM ET | 08-13-2007

I'm so very happy you are better today. I can truly appreciate what you're going through, "After the rain, flowers bloom".

Sent by Ruth White | 10:01 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Hi Leroy,

So glad u are doing better. I remember it just the way you described- during chemo- thinking you will never feel good again. Then, you wake up, and oh- what a great feeling. My prayers and thoughts were with you all weekend,

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 10:06 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Absolutely thrilled to hear your pain is lessening! With each day, I pray for your improvement. In the midst of your own pain, you encourage all of us to keep on truckin'. I am grateful. For your honesty (just not up to the podcast today to this hurts like hell!). God Bless, Leroy. You are a shining light in this world of cancer.

Sent by Kay | 10:08 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Well done! Keep on keeping on, Leroy. My sister had her mastectomy last Wednesday and she is healing, too.

I remember strongly being on chemo and wondering if I would ever feel good again, and especially if the mental fog would ever life. Even periods of relative normality felt great and causes to celebrate. The answer to both of those questions was, of course, yes. I hope that at some point soon you will experience this as well.

Enjoy as much of the day as you can.

Sent by Art Ritter | 10:13 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy, For every person who writes you on your blog, I am sure there are dozens of others who pray for you and think of you but do not write. In other words, you have an army of supporters. I hope this helps you during the difficult times. I also hope each reader turns around and tries to help someone closer to home - a friend, a neighbor, a relative - who needs such support. A card, a telephone call, some chocolate - every little bit of kindness means a lot to those struggling with this (or any other) disease. Thanks for all you do.

Sent by Wendy | 10:14 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Dear Leroy, You are a warrior! This is tough, and you are so right that in the moment it seems like it will never end. Hang tough. Linda

Sent by Linda | 10:14 AM ET | 08-13-2007

I'm so glad you've turned that corner to where the pain feels manageable. Yes, sometimes the pain meds can feel pretty icky too. I think you'll be glad you had all this done at once when you are over the worst of the recovery--but I'm sure you were questioning the choice during the worst of it.

Aurelia, you and your husband will be in my thoughts today.

Sent by N.R. | 10:17 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Aurella: Prayers for your husband. I hope it all goes well. Sorry about the insurance company. We didn't read the fine print on our first policy and ended up selling property that had been in the family since 1910. Keep appealing it even after it's over.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 10:23 AM ET | 08-13-2007

As always Leroy, you are able to put into words what we are all feeling! You inspire me. I am having a rough morning, my doctor called me on Saturday (never a good sign), it seems that once again my tumor marker is up significantly. I have done surgery, chemo, more surgery, radiation, clinical trial, now more chemo. No matter what, I will not give up. I will keep fighting the beast, although there are days where I wonder, will I ever catch a break? I guess the fact that I am still here and feeling okay means I have caught a break! Stay strong my friend, you are amazing!

Sent by Martie | 10:27 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Your description of pain was so graphic and so real that it brought all my memories flooding back. Happily, you ARE getting through this and soon your pain will become a memory and not a daily experience.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy Miles | 10:37 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Good to hear that you are feeling better. I have 6 more days of freedom before I return for my next treatment. When I'm on a "break" I always forget how bad it can get. I think that's what keeps me going back....good thing I guess......

Jill

Sent by Jill | 10:44 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy-

Keep on keepin' on.

Sometimes, the loved ones of cancer patients feel the same- like we've taken a (different kind of) beating too.

When that happens, I just turn off my brain (and emotions) and call it a day.

Sent by Elizabeth in Brooklyn | 10:48 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy,
Don't lose hope! We are all praying for you!
Carolynn

Sent by Carolynn Dubicki | 10:51 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Dear Leroy,

Sorry for that hell of a weekend, but glad to hear it has tapered off a bit. Keep taking it easy, you deserve it. I hope each day gets better, and better, and you get good results from all those procedures. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and everyone here. Best to Laurie - I know it killed her to watch you in so much pain. Take care.

Sent by Connie E. | 10:53 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy,

Bloodied, but unbowed as the saying goes. I think YOU are the miracle. I've known lots of cancer patients in my life and your resilience is astonishing. Good for you! Can't keep a good man down...and you are a good man.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:07 AM ET | 08-13-2007

All weekend, I've been holding my breath (well, off and on...I'd be dead by now otherwise...),hoping and praying that your pain would be relieved. Sounds like at least things are moving in the right direction, even though you are still a long way from feeling good.Hang on, Leroy. Focus on yourself and Laurie right now. Let the podcast and the blog go for awhile if necessary. We'll still be here, and everyone will understand. Take care of you.

Aurelia, Sandy L., Martie and so many others -- you are in my thoughts and prayers today. You have so much to deal with, and I admire your courage more than words can say.

Sent by Doris | 11:17 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy,
I am sure many of us feel the same way: you have the perfect words at the right time. Though my battle is in remission, I have others in my circle (children) who struggle every day through chemo, surgeries and the aftermath. I share your columns with the families when I think you speak to their situation and today I could barely wait to send your words to little J and her family. These words help us all--and I hope in the writing, you are helped as well.
I am grateful the pain is lessened and I am relieved to hear the old familiar "FIGHT" back in your sentences.

I hope Laurie and you are getting some well-deserved sleep.

Peace,
Robin Smith

Sent by Robin | 11:33 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Good Morning Leroy and All,

Glad to hear that there is some sunshine on the road in Cancer World today. Leroy, I'm so glad you are feeling better, battered but better!!
Your determination to continue the fight is an inspiration to all of us!! And I am keeping you and Laurie in my thoughts and prayers!

Aurella, don't let the insurance company make you have doubts about your husband's treatment, they are not medical people and have no background to make medical decisions. Continue the fight for coverage and also involve your political representatives and your state's Department of Insurance. Don't take no for an answer. I'm keeping you in my prayers also. My husband and I went through many battles with insurance companies and Social Security when he became disabled. You can win the battle as long as you do not give up. Prayers and healing for All. God Bless!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 11:47 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Not up to writing today..I will just say thoughts and prayers go with you daily.

Sent by Kerry | 11:48 AM ET | 08-13-2007

Hi Leroy,

What a trooper you are! I'm so glad for you that the pain is receding. Just like that old watch commercial says, you take a licking but keep on ticking.

Aurella, I'll send good thoughts for you and your husband. I just read about the procedure; and it looks like a terrific double gut punch directly to the tumor.

Sent by Sheara | 11:50 AM ET | 08-13-2007

I'm so glad things are beginning to get better. You did take a beating with all those procedures at once. I'm sorry it has been so painful, and I hope the pain and feeling bad will be history soon.
I could relate to your post on many levels. Thank you for writing today.

Aurelia, try not to let the insurance company steal your hope! Remember that it is their business to find reasons to deny payment.

A lot of other people mentioned upcoming procedures, and I wanted to wish you all the best. I wish all of us peace and light - whatever comes.
Scarlett

Sent by Scarlett | 11:51 AM ET | 08-13-2007

To Sandy Lathe,
My husband was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer last December and we've both had a difficult time dealing with our new life. My deepest sympathies go to you in losing your husband in the midst of your own illness. I applaud your fortitude and positive energy. You are an inspiration. I think it's wonderful that you stopped to talk to Leroy. Now he can put a face to all the people who are praying for him.

Sent by Elaine | 11:52 AM ET | 08-13-2007

So sorry you have to endure this. It is so
amazing how our bodies & minds work when
assaulted. When our family has gone through things I find this sooo incredible - BUT, it would be so much better NOT to have to experience it on a
personal level.

May each day see you feeling better.

Joan P
h

Sent by Joan P | 12:01 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Dear Leroy,
I am so glad you are feeling better. I could hear the "Rocky" music in my head as I read your words today. Keep going "Champ"!
Charlotte in Temecula

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 12:19 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy - You're an inspiration. I hope you feel better soon and can get a good night's sleep in your own bed. In the meantime, know that we are all lifting you up.

Aurella, I said a prayer for you today for peace and for healing for your husband. Shame on your insurance company. Don't listen to the negatives from them. We are lifting you up too.

Sent by Kim Barbato | 12:36 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy - I hope that you don't have to have all the procedures to finally finish off the beast. But please note that for every procedure that you do have, you give the rest of us hope that there is at least one more procedure out there somewhere that might work for us and that we should never give up. At the very least, you should get some kind of set of fancy medals to pin on your three-armed shirt from the radiology department or some kind of sash on it with emblems for every kind of treatment you've endured. I can forsee an ice cube representing the cryoablation, a lightning bolt for every round of radiation, a little antenna for the RFA, and a glue gun for the vertebroplasty. Maybe this can be the basis for the "uniform" that we patients can wear to display to other patients what we've been through.

Sent by Bob Maimone | 12:46 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy....stay strong and positive....you are in our prayers and the prayers of many more! Wishing that your pain will pass quickly and the your treatment results will be awesome!

Sent by Kathy | 12:48 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Dear Leroy,
It is Good News that you are feeling better today. I will not repeat all that has been said, only that I understand completely about the price you are paying for the few days of pain relief, but when you are in awful and excrutiating pain, the healing process is compromised and you may not be feeling as well as you are today if you had tried to "tough it out". It is a double-edged sword, I know, but you seem
to be over the worst of this round. I hope you think about the pain medication
as doing the job it was intended to do, and if you find yourself in the position
of needing it again, I hope you do not hesitate to let it do the job to allow your body to heal properly. That time will, undoubtedly, come again, so please
give that some thought. It often seems the cure is worse than the disease, but in this case, it is a temporary solution
to a problem that you would rather not become a permanent affliction. In the world of pain management, quality of life is the key, and I have been told when the pain is real, your choices become limited. I have learned the hard way, and suffered far too long because of my stubborn attitude to stay chemical
free, and that is not a price I am willing to pay again. Food for thought.

Aurella, I am saying a special prayer for your husband and the rest of your family. I hope the insurance company comes to their senses and will be more compassionate, enough to set aside their "scripted regulations". They are not living the illness as you and your husband are now forced to endure, and my prayers are for their enlightenment.
I am thinking of you, and so often find myself wondering how you are doing. I pray for healing and wellness in the future. Good luck, friend, and let us know how it works out.

Love, Briana

Sent by briana | 1:39 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy~
May the glue stick to you,
And, the pain 'tic' off you...

{ok ok, maybe that doesn't make sense :O} A for effort though..and BTW, Leroy, you get an A++++ in my book.

Thoughts & prayers as always

Sent by lisa | 2:05 PM ET | 08-13-2007

i have been reading your blog for some time now you give me hope my wife has lung cancer we found it when she got pneumonia a high fever we went to hosp and got the news she had already gone 5 years with lymphoma cancer treatments had put that into remission i guess the pneumonia saved her from going to far with the lung cancer she had radiation and chemo the chemo was harsh very harsh
but i thing that was a good thing as it may have kicked some cancer but she is doing well as you are you as i said give me hope i have said before i have the cancer too as i am in the front seat of this coaster and i feel every bump i have been the homemaker for some time i see this up close and i keep my sprit up from your blog it can be lonely
here in this place but you have shown me a way to keep my sanity and have my wife as well thank you keep your face in the wind brother.

Sent by Michael Bamburg | 2:37 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy:

I continue to follow your blog-diary and the wonderful comments which help give me strength. The seriousness of your current situation has been reflected in the tone of your voice as well as in the comments. There was a period of a few days when the blog made me depressed, but it was just the understandable sadness we feel when reading of the hurt that cancer causes. Though I don't want cancer to dominate all my waking hours, I don't want to put my head in the sand either: for me, at least for now, I want to feel the pain and sadness so I will be ready if things get worse. I add my name to the long list of those who thank you for the blog and who are wishing you good results and a speedy recovery.

Al, I look forward to your comments. I am 10 months post stage III melanoma dx with no evidence of recurrence. You say you've had five. I'm interested in where the recurrences were, if you don't mind sharing.

Bob A.

Sent by Bob A. | 3:08 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Glad you're feeling better Leroy, and I amen that bit about the painkillers making one sick. I am also glad that the pain has subsided somewhat. Post-surgery stinks, I think most of us agree with that. I have a whole personal science devoted to keeping them from making me sick when I have a procedure done. I hope that the procedures you had done will hold you in good stead for some time. I'm not much of a prayer but I do think that our heartfelt hopes and desires carry some power in this universe; mine is that somehow you'll keep on keepin' on for a long, long time.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 3:22 PM ET | 08-13-2007

That's a tough call...have the procedures in the same week and get it over with, or space them out and recover twice. I suppose your doctors believed that you'd be able to cope with having the procedures in quick sucession, or they wouldn't have done them that way. I just hope that that's not a decision that you'll ever be faced with again. Rest well.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 3:36 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy,
I am glad you are feeling a little better. I thought about you a lot this weekend and hoped you would start feeling better soon. I have always thought when things are going tough that I can go through anything as long as I see an end in sight. Im not so sure about that now. You have endured so much and yet you contunue to share with us all of your thoughts and feelings. I thank you for that. You continue to inspire me - you are my hero!
Jolyn - in Ca.

Sent by Jolyn | 4:01 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy,
After watching ???Living with Cancer??? a few months back on Discovery Channel, I couldn???t help but wondering how you were doing, so, I started reading your blog every once awhile. Although my husband and I have not experienced cancer personally, I really feel for you and relate to some of the stuff you are going through right now. To make my long story brief, back in 2005, everything started with my husband???s intense undiagnosed stomach pain (we were both 25 yrs old at the time). After many tests, the surgeon still couldn???t find anything so he decided to just remove his gallbladder laparoscopically as an experiment. Sure enough, he nicked my husband???s bile duct during the surgery (resulting in a bile leak later) and insisted that his surgery went perfectly smoothly. We finally transferred ourselves to another hospital and because of the delayed treatment, my husband developed many complications, one of which was peritonitis. He was eventually cut open again (the traditional open-belly surgery this time) in order to drain out almost a gallon of bile that was sitting in his belly for over a week. Yep, over three weeks in the hospital and recovering for the next year was really no fun. Fortunately, everything seems a lot better now. The original undiagnosed pain went away and the best of all, he is not taking anymore narcotics! There was a period of time during his recovery where my husband felt he would never recover and reading your latest blog took me right back to that period of time in our lives. Leroy, you are doing a terrific job and please keep up your good spirit and continue to fight hard, it???s all worth it!! Your blog is truly an inspiration to not only cancer patients but to all of us!!

Sent by Rachel | 4:27 PM ET | 08-13-2007

For Bob A. to answer his question.

My original melanoma lesion was on the left side of face just inside my sideburn. Had it removed along with skin graft to close wound. 1st recurrence was on the skin graft-couldn't miss it. Next one was 2 small freckles within an inch of original site (perfectly harmless looking but were melanoma). Next on was an odd shaped fleshy looking growth next to my ear but within 1 1/2 inches of original site. Next one was in my left jaw area and the last one was a "BB" under my skin at tip of my jawbone. All recurrences were within 1 1/2 inches of original site in spite of 2 sentinel node biopsies (11 nodes removed with no sign of melanoma).

Be sure to know the spots and moles and freckles on your body close to the original site. Can send me email at alcato@aol.com if need more info. Best wishes.

Sent by Al Cato | 5:09 PM ET | 08-13-2007

'Afternoon Leroy,

I am glad you are feeling better then Friday's post. I know that pain is very debilitating and once it is gone, it is hard to remember or so they say. Actually , I think they are right. I thought about your various procedures, and wondered if that was not a mistake, however, I see you point. Might as well feel lousy all at once then several times.

Continue to rest and be kind to yourself. Heal....

to one and all, good evening.

Sent by Susan Chap | 5:52 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Hey Leroy,
I am soooo glad to hear you're feeling better. It's a pleasure that your sense of humor is still intact. Wishing you continued improvement, XOXO

Sent by Katie | 6:19 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Hang in there, it will pass soon! Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 6:21 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Dear Leroy...I have a dear friend that always says "better days are coming"...I believe that will be true for you, Laurie, and all the others out there...including my cherished brother, Patrick...Fondly...Ann Pat...xoxoxo

Sent by Ann Patrice Sclafani-Forde | 6:32 PM ET | 08-13-2007

So thankful that you gave yourself a break on the podcast, Leroy, and that Sunday you could feel like you'd turned a corner and were heading back to feeling like yourself again. So many people are thinking of you and sending healing thoughts your way! I hope you are levitated back into full "feel good" status soon, and that you'll take it easy in the meantime. We're proud of you!

Sent by Sarah | 6:40 PM ET | 08-13-2007

When I was in mid-chemo I felt like 5 pounds of poop in a 4 pound bag. One day, for no apparent reason, I woke up and felt "normal". I had both energy and appetite. Totally weird. I took that day and went for a car ride, ate a chili dog and then had Pad Thai for dinner. The next day, I felt like poop again. But man, that Saturday was like a gift sent from God for "taking my beating like a man".

Hang in there best you can. All you can do.

Sent by Dave U. | 6:49 PM ET | 08-13-2007

To Leroy, Take it slow and easy, mend and get better.

To Sandy...the lady who stopped Leroy...peaceful days to you

Sent by Rochelle Cisneros | 8:10 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Hang in there Leroy. I can hear a little more perk in your voice today. Don't let the "dark cloud" get you down. I sit in the chemo room today with a best friend who has stage III colon cancer. She took her 11th of 12 chemo treatments today. She is doing good and very hopeful after #12 will come remission. I have hope for you and all the rest out there. God still works mircles....Love and Prayers

Sent by Teresa in WV | 8:18 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Peace and love to you.......you've beat the beast back again, one more time!!! All Shall Be Well..............Ruth

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 9:15 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy-I know this is redundant, but hang in there. My thoughts are also with you.

Sent by Fern Malowitz | 9:19 PM ET | 08-13-2007

As a six year survivor of breast cancer I read your blogs daily. You have helped me wrestle my own cancer demons more than you can know. Thanks!

Sent by Lori | 10:20 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Leroy, you won that round with the beast! You go guy! I hope the pain subsides quickly. Enjoy those sips of hot coffee (and are I say, chocolates too).

Sent by Dorothy, Los Angeles | 10:47 PM ET | 08-13-2007

Hang in there.

Sent by Betty in Germany | 1:13 AM ET | 08-14-2007

Leroy: I hope you recover and that your pain subsides completely. You are in my thoughts--Krupali

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 5:34 AM ET | 08-14-2007

Hey Leroy,
Glad to hear you are feeling better. Yes,you always get back up. You are quite an inspiration.
stay safe, stay strong,
Lance

Sent by Lance Carlson | 7:25 AM ET | 08-14-2007

Hi Leroy,
Just to send you a warm chuckle in all these trying hours and days.... musician Paul Thorn out of Tupelo, Miss. has a great song "I'd Rather Be A Hammer Than A Nail"... his professional boxing episode with Hands of Stone Durran beating was the insiration for the song, sounds like this cancer chapter could use a good chuckle now and again. Go easy, we are smiling for, and, about you. Stitches

Sent by Stitches | 11:48 AM ET | 08-23-2007

thank you for your generosity in commenting on the disfigured marine in the new york times. it is so impressive that you can go outside your self and have such compassion for the men and women caught up in this misbegotten war.

Sent by wayne johnson | 1:02 AM ET | 08-25-2007