Dear Leroy,
I can imagaine how exhausted you are by now. But, keep up the good work. Keep up the effort. With every moment, you get closer. You've come a long way. Keep going.

Always in my prayers.......Sasha

Sent by sasha | 7:56 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Good posting today Leroy! You have a unique way of letting us know that you are still in very much pain, yet - mending a little more each day. The emphasis is on "mending"
Have they had you up using your newly mended back? Are you sleeping better?
Your mind and memory is there creating images and remembering that are wonderful to read and hear about. You are so right about the old heros who took a licking and kept on ticking! Hollywood showed them taking all kinds of beatings and getting up and dusting themselves off. Life, however, is kinda different isn't it?
Leroy. keep healing nicely and may each day bring you more relief from pain and a stronger body. Let your imagination soar and keep sharing it with us!

Sent by J. C. Rakowski | 7:56 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Leroy and all,
I'm going to start another round of chemo today. I'm not looking forward to it. I have had 4 weeks off so my body could heal, not from cancer but from the chemo. I too wish life was like the movies, maybe then my body would bounce back and kill all the cancer cells on its own. But until then off to chemo I go.

God bless

Sent by David White | 7:56 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Hey Leroy, Hang in there! You are almost through the pain - I can tell! Thanks for the spoiler alert by the way. I still was able to read the blog except for that part cause I haven't seen the movie yet. See, you must be feeling better to be so considerate! :)

Chin up friend, the ride is still going up!

Sent by Sarah Senter | 8:45 AM ET | 08-16-2007

'Morning Leroy

Healing does take time. Typically after a major surgical procedure it takes the body one full year to completely heal itself. While the physical effects may not be present, it is still healing and surgeons usually do not tell the patient this. Chemo and radiation may slow the process as does some medications, especially steroids. So in the mean time....

Be patient and kind to yourself. I am also glad to see your wit returning.

Have a restful weekend!

Sent by Susan Chap | 8:57 AM ET | 08-16-2007

"Healing in real life, after all, takes a while." - I often have to remind myself of that. I am impatiently waiting for my body to return to normal after three surgeries for breast cancer. Thanks for the reminder, Leroy.

Sent by S. S. | 8:58 AM ET | 08-16-2007

It sure does take time to heal from all the cutting and jabbing and that they do on us. I'm just figuring out that even after I'm healed my body will never be what it was 2 years ago.

A few days ago I said to my father who was visiting, "I'm just not 100% yet." His eyes got wide and he said to me, "Well of course not. You lost half a lung, then you had cancer in your hip, and besides all that, you are 61 years old. You will never be 100% again. None of us will."

I know that some people can heal and come back and do amazing physical feats. I'll settle for absence of pain and living the rest of my life in a loving, satisfying, peaceful way.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 9:11 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Hi Leroy,
I jsut wanted to say thank you for your writting about your cancer. It has given me so much support while my sister has been battling her cancer. My sister died Aug 2, 2007 of her breast cancer she fought very very hard and never I don't think accepted the realtiy that her cancer would end her life to soon she was 50 years old. Frankley I understand that becasue even though I lived with and cared for her I now realize I never really accepted that reality.

I wish you the much peace in you fight against this most horrible diasese.

Thanks again for the support your space has given me.

Karen

Sent by Karen | 9:15 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Leroy, I love Matt Damon and the entire Bourne series. I'm glad you had a chance to enjoy the vivid action in amazing locations, outstanding camera work, and the fantastic journey of the hero before entering into the realism of actual high tech medical procedures followed by very human healing. I hope you will be much improved as the days go on. All the best to you!

Sent by Karen Q. | 9:16 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Dear Leroy,

My poor Mother has four more chemo treatments left, and looks and feels like hell. She's just trying to hang on. I'm impatient for her to be better too. I hope with the Fall will come some respite, both from the heat and this awful disease. We girls all grew up watching Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, etc., but there are just some things your handsome prince can't save you from. Sometimes you've got to put on your big girl undies, get own your own horse, and Ride. And sometimes you fall off, then you get back on. And sometimes you just want to stay off the horse, but you can't. I'm rambling today, very depressed. Take it easy and heal. I need you to get well. Your strength through adversity has given me hope. Many prayers sent your way.

Connie E.

Sent by Connie E. | 9:38 AM ET | 08-16-2007

I think that's one of the lessons cancer has taught me - to be a little more patient in order to heal. That is not usually my way so it was a hard lesson. This time is also harder because I am having more pain and not knowing yet where it's coming from - the cancer or the treatment and it's scarey so harder to be patient and wait for test results and hear whatis the treatment plan. THank you so much for continuing to write your blog throughout your distress - it means so much to all of us.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 9:40 AM ET | 08-16-2007

It's amazing to me how many mornings I wake up thinking along the lines you write about. My poor little body feels combat weary. Radation to the spine has been successfully completed; my doc feels over the next couple of months as the healing continues the fractures to my ribs will "fill themselves in". Now its on to get a port and a sit down with my oncolgist to decide what course of chemo. While I don't find myself in a rush for that, in the wee hours of the morning I find myself scheduling my next day with the greatest intent to accomplish at least 1 thru 3 on the list. Instead I woke up feeling like I've been hit by a mac truck and I have been thrwn against a block wall. There has been a lot of hustle and bustle the past 2 weeks with wonderful visits from 2 sisters....maybe I will take a nap at 9:50 a.m. and leave my1 thru 8 list for another day. I hope you will do the same...

Sent by Kay | 9:50 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Leroy:
Wishing you a great day of healing.
You're better looking than the TV heros and have already won the heart of the best girl in the plot.

Sent by Nikki | 9:56 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Leroy - I so remember the frustration of the physical aspects of some of my surgeries - and waking up everyday hoping that today would be the day when my "old self" and strength would return.......
Try to be patient with yourself....you are so right that our bodies are marvelous but have their own method and time for healing......now that I'm on this side of the surgeries, chemo and radiation I think that the body actually heals faster and easier than our hearts and heads.....but we have to all be patient with ourselves in all aspects of healing.....
Too bad there's not another H P book for you to devour during this time...have you read "In An Instant" about Bob Woodruff and his journey to health after his injuries?? I'm sure you have, but I'm about half-way thru it and find it really interesting - sure you could almost right same book with respect to all your experiences as a journalist.......really interesting though.....
Wish I was close by, I'd bring you a stack of good books and some of my homemade chicken tortellini soup and encourage you to keep resting and laying low.........take care and hugs to you........

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 10:18 AM ET | 08-16-2007

I'm sitting here (while I should be cooking
for my party tomorrow) LOL @ your comment
about you'd have to tell the 'bad guys to
lay low until you healed a bit'.

Love the sense of humor.

Joan P

Sent by Joan P | 10:48 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Leroy, There was a comedian from Saturday night live that said, "That one will leave a mark." I think you have left a mark, but it seems to be getting better, your sense of humor is back. Once in a cave when a rock creature was injured, Doc McCoy (Bones) fixed it up with a bag of ready crete, if only life were so easy. Hang in there1 Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 10:52 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Hi Leroy,

You point out the very thing I'm dealing with: can I find the wisdom and patience to let my body have the down time it needs to heal?
(I had the surgery, and am now recovering. Thank you Eileen, from Charlotte, for your well wishes before my surgery. It went well, and I'm recovering.)

Leroy, from reading you via this blog, I am always struck by how smart you are, as well as funny, wry, compassionate. Your body is lucky to have you. Seems like your body and spirit make a pretty good team most of the time.

I also like how you don't blame your body for getting ill/cancer. I struggle with that one, but am working on letting my spirit send both my mind and body healing thoughts. The illnesses I deal with are not the fault of my body.

My partner, Virgie, reminds me everyday, to give it time, let my body heal. Be gentle with myself. She is a major part of helping me get this far. She is being a steady caregiver for me through this, (thank you, Virgie.)

I also never picture you anymore without Laurie being there for you. I send her energy and strength too.

I hope you and Laurie feel more healing everyday. I hope healing happens on some level for everyone today.

Peace,
Kim Blankenship

Sent by Kim Blankenship | 11:03 AM ET | 08-16-2007

I have a feeling your impatience is largely due to your own irrepressible nature, your total engagement with life. Those traits may make being sick harder for you than for the average person -- but maybe they are also what gives you the strength to keep bouncing back, even if not as fast as an action hero.You're our very human hero, Leroy.

Sent by Doris | 11:12 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Good morning Leroy!
I had to have oral surgery a few years back, and my doctor told me to plan on taking three days off. I thought, okay, I'll get some stuff done around the house. Not! The first day, I tried to do laundry and almost fainted. So my body was telling me I had to take it easy. I couldn't wait to get back to work. I was so bored watching TV talk shows, didn't have the stamina to read. I hope you come along quickly.

Sent by Dianne | 11:18 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Hi Leroy,
It would be great to get up and go again like they do in the movies! However, in real life sometimes it is not too bad to enjoy the healing process...not the pain, but having a reason to do nothing. I suspect you are not very good at doing nothing.
I saw the Bourne Movie, too. I love these movies. I think it takes some of the rage about injustice out of me, since in real life I can't do much about injustice.
Take good care of yourself!
Charlotte in Temecula

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 11:44 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Hey Leroy..sometimes I wish this was true. That we didn't have to endure so much pain to get to a better point.
Sometimes we just need to rest up regroup and let our bodies catch up to our heads.
I know its tough to do so.Understand totally what your saying.
Taking the pain..I think we do it everyday..Sometimes even on the great days we may have it but the day is so great we can maybe set it aside. On the bad days..its a hard deal.
Kinda like Charles Dickens..Tale Of Two Cities.*IT was the best of times,it was the worst of times.*
The worst maybe cause of the pain,anxiety and fear we feel.
The best reconceliation, sensitivity,prayers and the support of so many.
I guess we can alude the first a little at times..cause we just do at times..the human spirit maybe takes over..and helps us. Soul greater then the body maybe.
the latter maybe shows us no matter how we feel someone is always there to pick us up and carry us when we need it.
Human condition maybe? Not totally sure.

*Take the Pain* Seems harsh..saw the movie and recall it. Sometimes the pain is greater then what we can take..thats when compassion and empathy helps us through it.

Wishing you many blessings in your day,
Take care of you , Leroy

Sent by Kerry | 11:47 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Dear Leroy,
You sound better everyday, and for the record you are an action hero to all of us! If cancer has given me one thing, it is a deep appreciation for the days that are relatively pain free! Pre-cancer I took it for granted that I would wake up feeling good each morning. I also felt free to plan in advance. Now days I hesitate before buying tickets for an event that is months away (I'm kicking myself over Jersey Boys, man I should have rolled the dice on those tickets!). 99% of the time I think I can be the person who totally beats the odds, I already have outlived two prognosis', next week will be 18 months since my diagnosis of cancer of an unknown primary (stage 4). I am having a PET scan on Monday (scared to death, my tumor marker is off the charts).
I wish you relief from your pain and peace my friend. Stay strong!

Sent by Martie | 11:53 AM ET | 08-16-2007

I read this blog on a daily basis, and I always come away with the feeling of awe. Your courage to share your pain is humbling for me. I would also say that unlike you, the action heroes have never once had to show REAL courage, bless you.

Sent by Charles Willingham | 11:54 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Leroy,

I'm impatient like you. What I've discovered (at last) is that healing happens in its own way, regardless of how I feel about the process. Hope you can just relax and let the good stuff come!

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:05 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Ahhh yes, the good old days of our own invincibility...Like you, Leroy, I'm in my 50's. Even before my cancer dx, I noticed that healing from small injuries, etc., took longer than it used to. My friends and I would often say that this aging thing sucks, but it beats the alternative. I guess that cancer, and it's debilitating treatments, make it a 3-in-1 punch for us. Still, a slower recovery beats the alternative.

More importantly thoug, I'm glad that you felt well enough to go out and to enjoy a movie.

Sent by Sheara | 12:30 PM ET | 08-16-2007

I was thinking about movies a couple of weeks ago when I had my port removed. When they put it in I was under general anesthesia, but for the removal, I was awake. And, like you said the other day, it is weird being awake in the operating room! I was watching him stitch - well, I could see the thread going up each time. Anyway, I thought about how movie heroes will get shot, dig out the bullet and stitch up the wound after some good stiff drinks of whiskey. Come to think of it, it's not so far fetched to think a drunk could pull all that off. I think I could do it on Tequila.
I guess my situation in comparison to yours and others who post on the blog is more of a "flesh wound." My prognosis is good, and after a few more radiation treatments, another surgery and some hormone drugs, I'm expected to fully recover - well if you call having a mishapen breast, scars and dead ovaries due to chemo fully recovered. Then there's the emotional stuff and the fact that I have chronic liver disease too. People are always quick to tell me how lucky I am and how it could have been worse. They are right, it could have. I try not to dwell on the "what ifs." What if I hadn't found the lump, what will the long term treatment side effects be, what if it comes back... That last one seems to be getting harder to put away as the end of treatments near.
Leroy, you will never know how much you and others on the blog inspire me and encourage me. Seeing you on the show was a pivotal event in my journey. Thanks.
Scarlett

Sent by Scarlett | 12:33 PM ET | 08-16-2007

hi leroy,

loved that movie, too, and had the same impression - he seemed invincible! i am glad that u are on your way to healing and hope that with each day u feel better and better. hope this gives u A Lot more "shelf time",

lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 12:39 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Hello All,

It is funny, in a coincidental sort of way, but yesterday I used an analogy in my cancer blog about being James Bond 007 in Casino Royale. In a nutshell, it said that if I was 007, I could continue with the beatings. Since I am not 007, I offered to spill my guts immediately to whoever wanted to know if the beatings would stop. The body can take only so much punishment. Having finished 35 radiation treatments, 7 surgeries, and 6 rounds of chemo over the past 2 years, I have been beaten into submission. For the first time ever in two years, I asked for a delay in my chemo treatment, I could not tolerate the side effects anymore. I needed a few more days to recover. In further web searching, which was prompted by something my chemo doctor said, it seems there is a negative side effect between the Gemcitabine (my current chemo drug) and the areas which were previously radiated. Since my airway and swallowing ability are substantially compromised due to the radiation and surgeries even without the chemo drug, throwing that on top of the radiated areas basically incapacitated me at home for 4 days. Result: severe pain, no eating, foul mood, and little sleep. The pain and anxiety medicine that usually works did very little to comfort me. Today, I am back up and eating again. The beatings will resume next week when I expect to be feeling strong enough to go out and fight another battle. James Bond would be proud of me.

Ed Steger
www.hncancer.blogspot.com

Sent by Ed Steger | 12:42 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Hi Leroy,

It is just so amazing to sit and read your comparisons of real situations to movies, etc. I have learned so much from you. Things that I would never know or even be able to imagine without you. I have developed some new interests that I would have never known without you. Even though you are going through a tough time, I know you are improving. It really takes time. When I endured Interleukin II (4 hospitalizations) there were times that I thought I would just have to surrender, but time took care of it.
Hang in there for us!!

Love,
Betty Lewis

Sent by Betty Lewis | 12:48 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Good Afternoon Leroy and All,

I think we can all relate to the fact that it takes time to heal and bounce back. And the older we get the longer it takes to bounce! A week of youthful bouncing now takes 2 to 3 weeks of older
bouncing to accomplish the same thing. But we get there eventually! Let's hope the Cancer cells feel more than a little messy by now and that they do not bounce back at all!

So Leroy, be careful and be patient. And bounce a little slowly but be steady. Keep the bad guys on the run!

I'm hoping my bad guys are still running. I had a tumor marker drawn this morning and will know more when I see my oncologist in two weeks.

Peace, Hope and lots of good bounces to everyone. God Bless!!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 1:39 PM ET | 08-16-2007

You're sounding better. Like Bourne, injury and healing happen on many levels. It was a great flick.
Peaceful day to you.

Sent by Rochelle | 1:45 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Dear Leroy,
I think you are doing an exceptional job of dealing with the aftermath of your procedures, and now it time to let you body heal. It takes time, as you said, and I am not the most patient person in the world, so there have been times when I did not allow myself enough time to heal properly. Thus, I ended up paying for it later, and it was not pretty. I hope you will allow yourelf this time, PLEASE take things easy, and do not rush the healing process. You body will tell you when it is time to "go great guns" again. That is not a time you can just put on your calendar, unfortunately, you are going to have to wait. But the time will come, trust me, and you WILL feel better, but you have undergone an assault- what an appropriate word when you are talking about battles. The healing processs is exhausting, and time consuming, but every minute of the wait is worthwhile and soon, you will look back on this time and be more prepared for the next assault, should it come. I think it is a learning process, like everything in life, and please take the lessons I have learned and try not to repeat the mistakes I made for you. This way you can avoid lengthening the healing process, as I did, and you will be grateful you took great care and gently let your body do the job it is so miraculously designed to do.

Take care, friend, and be well. My prayers are with you and Laurie. I hope, also, if my truth holds in your case, that you are conscious of the fact that this process is exhausting for her, as well, watching you go through such a difficult part of the journey. You are so fortunate to have her by your side, and I hope you tell her so. She deserves acknowledgement for her patience and efforts as she walks this path with you and Laurie, you are a very special lady to have the strength and courage to remain by Leroy's side.

My best to both of you, Briana

Sent by briana | 2:13 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Well, and then you're going right along living your life, enjoying the fact that you've been in remission for a year, and BANG! Your oncologist calls you at work (NEVER a good sign) to say that yesterdays' CT scan shows that you now have mets in the liver. I felt as though I'd been kicked in the stomach.
So...on Tues it's a PET CT scan, and I see my onc the following Wed, and decide what the heck all of this means, and what next. Talk about ruining my day!

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 2:32 PM ET | 08-16-2007

I enjoy reading your comments. I realize somebody really knows. I sent you a comment earlier about my 20 years old granddaughter. Last week her doctor told her up front you have approximately 3 months to live. What did it do to her, you quessed it. Not a word, no talk, no food, just morphine. We ask him the next day why? He said she thinks she can go back to school and I wanted her to know she would not be going back to school. She was very smart in her heart she knew her condition. He has destroyed her last months. He is a great doctor but for a 20 year old, it was the thing to do. She is swelling because of no protein. The group of doctors come by and start with she needs to go to palliative care, and she agrees. She does not want to go home. Now, they say no space you have to go home with hospice. She is no in agreement. What hurts the most is when people call you and say have you considered this place, or this treatment? And, it makes me think have I tried everything, I thought I had and then I get angry because they do not know how much time I have spent on different cancer centers, doctors and internet while trying to work to pay bills. Anyway, keep writing I understand you clearly and it helps me.

Sent by Mavis Adams | 2:59 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Your my "superhero". Hopfully with continued rest you'll get superhero strenght back. Tanya from KC

Sent by Tanya | 3:16 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Some days being an 'inaction hero' is plenty.

Sent by jack | 3:48 PM ET | 08-16-2007

For me I don't know that I will heal. Everything hurts inside and it's just from chemo, not surgery. Each hour passes and I hope I will feel better. There is a magical switch with some of the old chemos and side effects, one moment you feel rotten, and suddenly in the next you feel much better. Not happening this time with CPT 11. I wonder what will happen, maybe I have to try something else. Maybe relief tomorrow when I see the doctor. Can't keep anything down, such a beautiful day and I just can't see the sunshine. My best to you for that hourly healing.

Sent by Cheryl McDowell | 3:57 PM ET | 08-16-2007

I am looking forward to seeing the new Bourne movie also. I wish all problems were as easy to fix in real life as they are in the movies. You are sounding better with each day. Hang in there my "Movie Hero". Love and Best Wishes

Sent by Teresa in WV | 4:03 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Leroy,
I love your blogs and your sense of humor! I appreciate your writing to us regularly, bareing and sharing yourself openly.

And I am glad as I hear you healing and feeling stronger after this last assault.

I started reading your blogs after losing my loved one to prostate cancer, when the grief was over-powering. Your talking about "everything" gave me comfort and helped with the trauma and loneliness.

Thank you for including us in your journey through the land of Cancer.
You have my admiration. We're with you on this life journey, and we're all stronger for it!

Aloha,
Fran

Sent by Fran Welsh | 4:09 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Glad the healing is moving along even though it seems slow. Our bodies are true miracles...how does it take such a beating with unusual procedures done to it, some not so unusual such as cutting and taking out parts that are damaged or are in such a state as to be life threatening and have so many of them in succession and still find a way for healing to occur. I'd say that you, Leroy, put any character in the movies to shame. They are real wimps compared with your many procedures so don't sell yourself short.

Take this time while your body is healing to refuel your mental, emotional and spiritual energies. All of this will be called upon again to enter into the stress of "the cancer fight". In addition to modern medicine, we need our spirits and energies fully charged so that we can once again as needed meet, greet and defeat our respective cancers.

Continue your healing while we continue to send our prayers and blessings to you and Laurie.

Sent by Al Cato | 4:23 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Leroy,
So glad to see you are mending. I only have to hear my husbands voice when he calls me at work to know how the day is going to be and the opening of your daily writing is much the same. I pray for you both and all the others constantly and hope for "only flesh wounds".

Sent by kathie | 4:36 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Leroy,
Just give yourself time to heal. I know it seems forever but your body knows what it has to do. Just try and relax and give it sometime. You are in all our prayers. I know how much this STINKS! Just let your body tell you what to do. This is the real life as much as it STINKS! May God Bless you and help you get over this battle.

Sent by Aurella Rocchi | 4:58 PM ET | 08-16-2007

I love action movies. I haven't seen the latest Bourne film yet, but a few weeks ago I saw Live Free or Die Hard. In real life Bruce Willis would have been dead many times over. What he survived is so incredibly unrealistic, especially considering his character is NOT supposed to be superhero - he's supposed to just be an old school cop.

On the one hand, we can look at these films and say "NO WAY could he have survived that!!" and be disappointed with the lack of realism. Or we can laugh and smile at the fantasy and enjoy the chance to escape into that world.

Personally, I like to laugh and smile at those movies. I know I'm not an action hero and definitely not a superhero, but there is something motivating about those movies. I walk out of there feeling renewed confidence and an attitude of "I can do anything". While that's not entirely realistic, is that such a bad thing?

In my own experience I worry that people think I am minimizing cancer or that I am in denial. Believe me I am not. But I believe in hope and I let that lift me up. I like to think that I am kicking cancer's butt when in reality I have very little say over whether I beat it or not. I look confidently into the future claiming I will never have a recurrance, when I know the cancer will do what it damn well pleases.

What is my point? I guess my point is that a little bit of an unrealistic superhero attitude can be good for us. Even though in reality it may not affect the outcome, it makes the present more bearable. Worry ruins the present, but hope renews it. I choose hope, and I choose the superhero attitude.

Be well!
Susan
http://lemonmargaritas.com

PS - BTW, obviously I have bad days, and plenty of them. But overall, when looked at it's entirety, I have made a conscious choice to choose hope over despair.

Sent by Susan Metters | 5:41 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Karen (who posted above), I'm so sorry you recently lost your sister to breast cancer. Leroy has given us a place here to laugh and cry.
Leroy, you're right on that our bodies will heal on their own time. Our bodies remind us what to do. I still have that "cancer fatigue" -- just when I think things are going OK, I'll be floored by it; but I ain't complaining.
Leroy, you previous blog on shop bag plastic clips cracked me up - I'll never be able to take one seriously any more!

Sent by Dorothy, Los Angeles | 6:14 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Mavis: My heart goes out to you and your 20 year old granddaughter. I remember looking at places in Denver CO were my husband could go to "heal". It took the heart right out of me.

Unlike your Granddaughter, Burge wanted to go home, but there also were times when he wanted to stay in the hospital because he felt "safe". In the end, we were lucky. Our doctors understood that we were near the end, but also understood it was important for him to live through July and his son's 15th birthday. They did a "paperwork" transfer and kept the insurance company at bay for almost two weeks so we could stay in the room we were already in.

Since I have no idea where your granddaughter lives, I don't know if there is a small, home town hospital which needs the business bad enough to work with you. Our rural towns always have extra rooms and seem willing to help. In fact, my county hospital is so empty the county has a hard time keeping it open. Because of a long time commitment to our doctor, we stayed in a neighboring county's hospital where the hospice and home health nurses are the same as the daily nurses (and also work in my County for hospice and home health). For the patient, it appears that nothing has changed from being a full time patient to swing bed or hospice...hospice by the way often provides free services and medicines. You need to check if only for $$$ reasons.

I tried to keep things as normal as possible at the end even though we all knew Burge has little time left. I still bought new sleeping shorts, a package of socks, etc. Somehow, it made us both feel better. Personally, I feel it might have been good to have allowed your Granddaughter to plan for school even if she didn't get there...but I also know I'm not in your shoes and may be completely off base. Wish we could help.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 8:51 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Leroy,
I may be being redundant tonight. I'm late getting on your blog and I don't have time (unfortunately) to read what everyone said. I'm sorry if I reiterate and you may not read this.

My husband, who died after the the good fight, would say after one of his treatments, "I welcome the discomfort, the pain--it means I'm still alive."

Sometimes we have to remember that. Even the pain is welcoming--it means we're still alive and living the good fight.

Good luck with your fight.

Kathy

Sent by Kathy Barney | 9:44 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Leroy -

The last two days' postings are great - regardless of your procedures, the wry sense of humor is quite intact.

The comments about slow healing resonate with me. Last week, I wrote that after completing a 50+ mile bicycle ride that I felt healed of my RCC three months after major surgery. Well yesterday I rode that same ride again, did well, but was reminded that I am still healing this morning. What reminded me, you may ask? Bending over and picking up the Sunday paper!

Each day you'll feel better, so keep looking forward.

Andy

Sent by Andrew Kearns | 8:06 AM ET | 08-19-2007

Good Morning Leroy,
I loved your posting today and everyday
Hang in there Leroy....Sometimes we have to go thru a lot of rain to get to the sunshine. You are doing such a great job. An inspiration to people everywhere. Love and Prayers

Sent by Teresa in WV | 11:55 AM ET | 08-20-2007

I remember feeling true fatigue a year and a half (!) after chemo. I mentioned to the doctor that I didn't understand why I was so tired, and he said "Oh, that's normal." Why don't they tell you that up front so you can be prepared for feeling like s--t?! It takes time...time...time. But it's all worth it when you finally realize that you are back in business.

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 12:10 PM ET | 08-24-2007