A very Good Morning Leroy! Missed you these past three days. Really getting used to looking for you each morning after we arise and I bring my coffee in here by the "pooter" to begin the day.
Good thoughts today and I couldn't agree with you more about the TV fare. Horrible! We got so desparete trying to find something to look at in the evenings, that we resorted to dragging out the old Videos of our early family get togethers in the fifties & sixties. Now THAT was depressing! Most everyone is either dead and gone from our lives, and those of us who remain, do not even look like the same folks. Why was everyone smoking and drinking?? Oh, how we miss our lovely home on LI which we couldn't even afford to buy back today, if we wanted to.
Yes time is strange Leroy. You have opened thoughts up with your lovely Fall reminising. It was my best friend's favorite time of the year and now she is gone from my life because of "C". In fact most of the friends & relatives in those tapes are gone due to this disease.
Makes you realize how little has been done to find a cure. We do have better Chemo though, which extends our waiting.
Glad we're back to normal after Labor Day.

Sent by J C Rakowski | 7:39 AM ET | 09-04-2007

I can't believe it's Fall already. I'm also glad for better TV. I am a little sad because last time at this year I had finished chemo and was getting back to a "normal life" but now I am repeating chemo and in addition getting radiation. It feels like a step back but I am still hopefull that all this will help. Fall was never my happy time but being in Florida makes it so much better and I am surrounded by love and prayers. So I choose to look with excitement at what will come now. Thank you for your inspiring post today.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 8:34 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Dear Leroy,

So glad you made it.

Peace and blessings,

Connie

Sent by Connie E. | 9:26 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Leroy...
Red Sox in autumn - Can't find better TV than that! Especially the weekend of 9/14 thru 9/16 versus the Empire. Put it in your calendar...
Go Sox!

Sent by Tim | 9:26 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Dear Leroy/All,

There have been many times during this past eighteen months when I felt like I was dying because my heart was emotionally starved for my old life; many times when I reached the end of hope..................that feeling of sadness and emptiness, despair. But today I can relate to your comments Leroy. I too have lost some of the urgency ( I call it anxiety) I am still very sad, but spend less time worrying about how much longer I will have my husband by my side. With the help of a psychiatrist, medication and of course the blog, I feel that I am becoming stronger and even though there is always that sadness, I tend not to think in terms of "How Long" anymore. The holidays were very sad last year, but my children and I made it through them. I am hoping for the same this year. If we did it once, we can do it again! My therapist tells me I am a lot stronger than I give myself credit for. But, the bottom line is "I have no choice", I can see that now.

I wish the best for all of us this Fall and Winter and hope we all make it through the season without too many bumps in the road. Prayers to you and Laurie.

Sent by sasha | 9:32 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Hi Leroy/all,

Enjoyed your blog this am. Funny! You're right about TV... (that is so funny!) I don't go out much (tired) so I watch a lot of TV and it is so funny about what is on... not much. I'm looking forward to watching Hero's, Lost. desperate Housewives etc and some of the new stuff their advertising looked good anyway.

This is my favorite time of year, the fall... the smell of the crisp air, apples in an orchard, the beautiful scenery... here in upstate New York, it is truly beautiful this time of year! I like to go on those fall foliage old fashioned train rides they have here, it really is wonderful. I'm glad I'm still here to see it. (Glad you are too!)

Carpe' Diem, Shirl

Sent by Shirl | 9:33 AM ET | 09-04-2007

"Better chemo"? Isn't that an oxymoron, JC? :-)

I don't buy that - sorry! And read what Vicki from FL writes.

Fall is my favorite time of year too as it was for my 20 year old brother who was killed by a drunk driver back in 1979.

Our times/our lives are not in our control nor are they in the control of any Dr - but in our Creator, "in whom we live and move and have our being." There's a time to be born and a time to die. I take comfort and peace in these facts.

Don't mean to be "preachy" but I've been thinking of these things alot the past few weeks. As Leroy says he didn't think he'd be here to see another fall and here he is. And here I am - 7 years past what the MD's told me!

Sent by Vicky (NY) | 9:47 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Think of it Leroy...surely the TV producers must be thinking about "us", just look at the titles for the TV listings this week ..The Closer, Saving Grace, Cold Case, Children of God, Double Jeopardy, 50 Pills, The Longest Yard, Bones, Heores, Dirty Jobs, and of course..our subconscious during the chemo drip...South Park!

Sent by teri g. | 10:00 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Hey Leroy,

As I was reading your blog today, I was struck by something interesting. When you are not sick, everyone tells you to live like it was your last day on Earth - appreciate all the little things, say all of the unspoken things etc. Esentially, dont take the days for granted and 'live like you were dying'.

Now, my husband has stage IV cancer and we strive every day to NOT think that everyday could be the last. He is very healthy except that he has stage IV cancer. He has lost some hair to chemo and the rest to the razor but otherwise the guy looks great. I just think it is funny because now I (we) think like you do; maybe he'll be here for his 51st birthday and maybe he won't and maybe I wont make it to my next birthday but I sure as heck dont live my life like that. When people say that, they obviously dont understand what "Live like you were dying" means. Perhaps people should just leave it at, don't take life for granted.

For now, Bruce and I want to live like we are LIVING! I think Im gonna start THAT saying.:) Have a great autumn Leroy! I'll talk to you again in winter.

Sent by Sarah Senter | 10:01 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Thanks for the great laugh about bad TV! My favorite program was lousy last season, so I'm hoping they can redeem themselves this fall.
This fall, try to think of the rich fall colors as a celebration. You have had such a tremendous fight, and we are so grateful to have you with us for another autumn of Thanksgiving.

Sent by Lesa | 10:01 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Dear Leroy,
I too, didn't think i would be here after last fall and felt that everything i did was for the last time In FL, our season changes are subtle and yet magnificent and i enjoyed them so very much ---to think i am lucky enough to be here to enjoy them again WOW !!!!Every day is a TREAT!
Thank G-d !!May we all have a wonderous Fall. xo dee

Sent by dee | 10:09 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Good morning Leroy,
I think of how sad your life can be at times, all its uncertainties, never knowing, always wondering what is in store for you. Im sure it takes so much out of you in every aspect of your being. I've been reading your journal every day after seeing your documentary with Ted Koppel. Ive seen cancer, my sister is a survivor of a rare form. Im so thankful to have her here. I care for profoundly retarded patients in a 24 nursing facility for the state of CT. I thought to myself, how could these poor souls have so many health problems, both mentally and physically and then to lose them to cancer. I always told my kids that when you are having a bad day and youring feel sorry for yourself, take a look at what these poor angels were dealt. My Mother was my nursing supervisor for quite a few years and she always told me that no matter how bad things may seem, there is always someone out there worse off. I dont know what it feels to be in your shoes, I just cant. I feel pain in my heart when I read your journal, always hoping you are having a stress free day, always wanting to hear that you are cancer free. No more pain, no more worrying about how much time you have left or when the next treatment will be. I wish for you all that is great. I just hope you know how many people really do care.
My best to you Leroy, warm hugs and love your way.

Sent by Robin T | 10:15 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Leroy
Thanks for trying to keep your head and ours straight. The hardest part for me is staying in the monent but I try and I am getting better at it. Thanks again

Sent by Michael | 10:26 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Hi Leroy - I have been following your blog for quite awhile now and feel so happy that you will be enjoying another autumn. As a native New Yorker who has lived in SF for the past 16 years I still long for fall every year and try to go back to NY at that time to see family and friends. Enjoy the colors, smell the crisp air, listen to the leaves as they crunch under your shoes. It is a truly miraculous time and I'm glad you are here to enjoy it!

Sent by Susan (SF) | 10:40 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Hello Leroy,
I have always loved autumn, it is my favorite season. Here in Chicago we are treated to crisp clean air & bright blue skies. I feel like the season is a new beginning. I remember when I was diagnosed, I was so scared that I would not see autumn, but this is my 2nd since cancer invaded my life. I am about to start another round of chemo, the specialist I saw in Nashville last week has given me new hope. I may not be curable, but if this new treatment works there is a possibility that I may have years instead of months! So today I am filled with hope, oh and I'm so ready for Greys Anatomy to start up again!!!!
Peace, Martie

Sent by Martie | 10:43 AM ET | 09-04-2007

It is funny how different it feels. Last autumn I was cleaning out corners, preparing for my funeral. Now, I'm getting on with my life and letting death try to catch up with me. Who knows what tomorrow might bring, but that is best left to tomorrow. Today, I'm busy. Get out of my way.

Sent by Stephanie Dornbrook | 10:44 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Hi Leroy,

What a perfect weekend it was here in New England, also. For the first time in more than two years I felt well enough to do two traditional end of summer activities - help #3 son get his move back to college in order, and host a Labor Day Sunday cookout. Well, cancer treatment did get its pound of flesh as I spent yesterday exhausted in recovery mode.

I seem to remember that in "Living With Cancer" you were hoping to live to attend a friend's wedding this fall. Here you are! Have a blast!

It's also time to look forward to baseball post season play - and which team is ahead in the NL East? Those Amazing Mets!!! Oh wait, that was 1969. ;-)

Sent by Sheara | 10:51 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Fall has always been one of my favorite times of year, and living in the Northeast, in an area with lots of mature deciduous trees makes for some spectacular scenery. I'm still here, too, and happy to be. I've had a reprieve from an apparently incorrect diagnosis of liver metastisis, which makes the season that much more enjoyable. I wish everyone here has good news, and if errors are made, that they're in thier favor, as just happened to me!

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 11:01 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Hi Leroy,
Clearly you haven't gotten sucked up into "Lost"........... Although, I haven't seen hide nor hair of it yet!
Actually, I'd rather laugh and it seems that British sitcoms are the only ones that make me laugh. Or how about Mystery on PBS? (Solve a few mysteries before the sleuths do. The new Miss Marple is excellent.) Acutally, I got involved with reruns of The District which I never watched when it was prime time. Gosh, I sound like I watch a lot of TV and I really don't. My husband and I are now Netflix members and get what we want. We've been watching reruns of the Muppet Show............Oh my.............

Sent by Lyn Banghart | 11:03 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Dear Leroy,
I live in Southern California and have all of my 67 years. My grandkids started school today, the sun comes up later and goes down earlier so Fall is here, just more subtle. Summer is my favorite time of the year because the sun is up much longer. I look forward to the longest day of the year and regret when it has passed. We have had a lovely mild summer, except for the past couple of weeks. The weather man says the temperature will drop into the 80s by the end of this week.
My TV has been off more this summer than ever before. Since I live alone I usually keep it on for the noise, but even that has gotten annoying. The good news is I have read a lot of books. I have always been a avid reader but tend to do so in spurts now.
I am glad to hear that you are no longer looking a life through the prism of death. I have reached that point, too, and it makes life so much more enjoyable.
Thank you for your sharing your thoughts and words.
Charlotte in Temecula

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 11:07 AM ET | 09-04-2007

http://www.ric-masten.net/WordsOneliners.html

I thought you might enjoy today's One liner, from Ric with prostate cancer, feeling somewhat beat up.

As for TV, if you did not watch HBO Spike Lee When the Levees Broke, it is on HBO on demand now, in four parts. It is excellent and will make you angry and make you cry.

Sent by Dianne in DC | 11:19 AM ET | 09-04-2007

yes, i agree leroy, the t.v. selections have been awful. I only have basic cable so not a lot of choices to begin with.
I stay home a lot during treatment and wish i read more and did more hobbies, but the truth is is that when i was on chemo my eyes were blurry, so couldnt read and i wasnt always so with it anyway, so i felt i needed an escape from feeling bad, t.v. is there and its easy. I'm looking forward to the end of the month when most shows start up again.
I'm in my third week of radiation and am experiencing some side effects, fatigue being one of them. Hope you do well Vicki!
I'm so glad you have this blog leroy, thank you!
jenn from maine

Sent by Jenn | 11:27 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Fall is definitely my favorite season and the season I miss most living in Florida. Holidays - the family holidays - that bring us together is started with the changing of seasons. I am with you Leroy. I do not want to measure my fall through the thought of death, but of what it has always meant to me. Family time. There may be tough times, but I will capture my time through living.

Perhaps this is part of the learning process of cancer. Not to allow it to steal our lives through the threat of death. I agree with you, Vicki (FL) - it's our choice.

As always, thank you - allof you - for the inspiritation.

Sent by Kay | 11:33 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Good day Leroy,

I feel the same way. In December, after my third recurrence in 2 years for Head and Neck cancer, my doctors said it was doubtful I'd be alive within 6 months, certainly not by yearend 2007, and sent me off to the palliative care unit. I pushed for more treatment and have been on chemo almost continually since December 2006. I am currently in the no evidence of disease (NED) category, but scans which will be done in late September could change all that. I really don't know how much time I have, but I've become less focused on how much time and more focused on making the most of what time I do have. It hasn't been an easy 9 months, but for now it beats the alternative.

Take care, please keep writing (I???m hooked on reading you every morning), and keep fighting as long as it makes sense.

Regards,
Ed Steger
www.hncancer.blogspot.com

Sent by Ed Steger | 11:57 AM ET | 09-04-2007

Another fall to enjoy. How wonderful. I too didn't think I would see this fall. Last Thanksgiving saying good-bye to nearly 50 relatives at our Thanksgiving gathering, was so hard. I truly didn't think I would see them again. With stage IV kidney cancer I wasn't given much hope. But new medicine has given me both hope and time. Yes, I am looking forward to another Thanksgiving celebration with my wonderful relatives. Now the decision, do I make arrangements for a winter vacation? I am enjoying each day and thankful for the extra time and thankful for new medication for kidney cancer. We don't know "how long" but we can decide what we do today. I'm happy for you Leroy. You are an inspiration to us all.

Sent by Jackie | 12:07 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Thank you for sharing your life so completely. You are an inspiration to all of us. I am walking a marathon and a half for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in October in New York and have sent out to everyone in my address book, a link to your blog. You put life in such an important perspective. Thank you again, for all that you do.

Sent by Carrie G | 12:23 PM ET | 09-04-2007

How fun! Our Autumnal Blog was last Thursday. When I began reading yours, I thought for a moment I'd opened the wrong blog.

Perhaps because I've done little else but garden/yarden since our diagnosis, I've gotten a bit more sensitive to the changes of what we call 'Mother's Nature.'. Autumnal signs have been around here for a couple weeks, now.

Our hopes for better television shows have prompted us to ask our friends and family for their best book and music recommendations *shrugs*

My eyes tire a bit more easily of late, but I'll keep reading until I can't. And then, perhaps my care-giving spouse can start paying back some of the time I've put in reading to him while we were on some of those scenically less interesting roadtrips. *smiles*

The only 'urgency' I note of late is making sure my financial and paper ends are tied up so that it won't fall onto family and friends. Once that's cleared up, I'm sure I'll be able to just lay back, relax, enjoy, and cruise through the therapies and life... *heh*

Be well!

-dp (StageIVLung dx 3/07)

Sent by dp | 12:39 PM ET | 09-04-2007

I have always been a spring person, but this year fall looks pretty good. I, like you didn't know if I would be here to see it. I also have lost some of the urgency I felt. I don't think about my cancer or my death all the time like I did. It was taking up all of my time so I decided to try to enjoy my time left no matter how long or short it may be. I want my family to remember me happy and fun to be around not sad all the time. Some good TV would help. We do have college football starting that's good. God Bless you all.

Sent by David White | 1:21 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Thats what hardships do for us. We slow down and begin to not worry about our yesterdays, or for that matter, not much of our tommorrows. Today is what is important to us. Each day has its own joys and sorrows that it owns. May you all have peaceful moments today.

Sent by Leah | 1:31 PM ET | 09-04-2007

I have been having a really hard time with looking forward since they changed my treatment because the other stalled. It seems that the tears just can't stop falling. I like what one person said about "get out of my way". that made me smile. I need to order a wig, but I've been so busy with work I haven't gotten around to it. I started feeling bad about it, but then I read that and thought,"Hey, I do have a business to run and a family to raise. I don't have time to let this cancer get me." Well, I know that crying is cathartic too. Oh well, just not a great day. Leroy I am SO happy you are still here. I aspire to that. THanks.

Sent by Becky | 1:44 PM ET | 09-04-2007

hey leroy,
I hope you had a great Labor Day weekend. I now look at every and any season as a good one, even winter, though here in Michigan that can be a hard sell.
I know what you mean about the tv thing. I waited to get a dish, and now I think I might cancel. I get more stuff done. I'll have plenty of time to lay down and do nothing in about 50 years or so. You too!
Stay safe, stay strong,
Lance

Sent by Lance Carlson | 2:19 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Leroy,

I sounds like your anxiety is down. When I'm not anxious, I am better able to read books - which is what I have been doing this summer. MUCH better than tv!

Sent by Diana Kitch | 2:19 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Leroy,
I find my attitude toward my health and TV are quite similar. I try to keep my expectations low and hope for a pleasant surprise.

The TV problem is completely out of our hands. We are outside the demographic that TV executives find interesting. We are over 50 in age and IQ. No advertiser gives a rat's patoot whether we watch TV or not. I think we can expect a new batch of videos showing people getting hit in the groin. Yes, that is an embarrassment to all America.

It is not quite as bad an embarrassment as the sorry state of our health system although I see both indicate a serious lack of empathy in our culture. Who could turn away someone suffering from cancer because they are poor? Are these the same people who laugh at the groin hits?

On the other hand, the medical system is not really helping me even though I have insurance. I keep philosophical about it. An average treatment response requires some to be above average and some below average unless you live in Lake Woebegone where everyone is above average.

Don't forget to travel the Skyline Drive this October. That is always above average and always in high definition.

Gary

Sent by Gary Miller | 2:19 PM ET | 09-04-2007

After reading all the posts, I relized that this fall is almost spring-like for many of us. A rebirth, as it were, finishing chemo and moving ahead into a life that is similar to the life we had PRE-C but vastly different than that life. We are all philosophers now, musing about the meaning of life ...and death...and football.
GO ! OLE MISS REBELS!!!!!!!!!

Sent by Liz Zimmerman | 3:32 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Like Southern California, South Central Texas does not have fall so when we moved to southern Pennsylvania last year, we joyfully anticipated the fall colors and those much talked about crisp days. Two weeks after we moved here, I was diagnosed with cancer. While I could still drive, on most days when the panic made it too hard to breathe, I drove the countryside listening to Johnny Cash CDs. Everyday when my husband got home and asked me how my day went, I answered, "Jesus, Johnny and I drove the back roads today and the scenery is comforting." Now it's a year later and I listen to light jazz and the scenery is still comforting. Good TV. Is that an oxymoron?

Sent by Glenda | 3:44 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Hello Leroy - not sure if you are watching AMC's original series 'Mad Men'. They just ran a marathon of it over the weekend and it is worth getting into. I know when I was a caregiver for my mom while she had cancer, TV was a very big part of her life and of our conversations - so yes, a good TV series can be an excellent distraction! I also love '30 Rock' on NBC and am looking forward to its return.

Sent by Shannon | 3:55 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Second time today....

Stephanie Dornbrook, How wonderful to see your feisty spirit come through!!

Nancy K. Clark, What a great bit of news about your "recurrance" !!

Tim, Of course Sox AND Pats rule this month and the next!

Sent by Sheara | 3:55 PM ET | 09-04-2007

For me, one of the most stressful things about being the wife of someone with Stage IV Lung cancer has been living with uncertainty every day. I have always been a planner and have looked for closure in life's trials and up until now, that method has worked well for me. For the last nine months however, since the Dx, I have been trying this well-worn refrain of "Taking it day by day". So far, I'm still having trouble with it but thanks to Leroy and the people who write in to this Blog, I am slowly learning what it means to slow down and appreciate the moment. I haven't gotten there yet but I'm working at it.

Sent by Elaine | 4:15 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Yeah for you Martie! You made me smile today. Just wanted you to know that. Love your enthusiasm!

Sent by Judy | 4:27 PM ET | 09-04-2007

The change of season bring us the possibility of renewal and hope. The fall colors are dazzling... the reds, yellows and burnt orange. Let us enjoy them and renew our spirits before the winds of winter cause them to wither and fall to the ground. As we all know according to the cycle, this will happen. If we look closely at the branches from which they fell, we'll see tiny beginnings on each one. They represent the hope for the next season.

As our spirits rise and fall on our respective journeys, may we take heart and hope from the changing of the seasons. We must be persistent because who knows what the next season may bring us. For now, let's enjoy colors of the fall.

Blessings and prayers as always.

Sent by Al Cato | 4:31 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Hi Leroy and all the bloggers...Hip Hip Hooray for Fall...my favorite time of the year....the smell of leaves burning in the air, the crunch and crackle of walking on the leaves, the beautiful colors of swirling leaves all around and crisp cool mornings watching the sun dry the dew from the grass......and last but certainly not least it's FOOTBALL time. Oh yeah, let's not forget the carmel apples and hot cocoa. May God bless us all this wonderful time of year. Hugs to all.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 4:52 PM ET | 09-04-2007

So much of our time is spent agonizing over possibilities. Figuring things out. Whether the chemo will work this time, whether we can do the surgery or not, whether the CT scan will look good or not, etc. So to step back abit and be able to think: "Either I'll be here next year at this time or I won't" is so refreshingly comfortable a way to think. Not that we always get to choose how we think, there are times, for all of us I'm sure, when we are overwhelmed with feelings of sadness or fear or even ... joy ! But when we let go abit it feels great.

Autumn for me is a great time to make a list and go to the library. More indoor time. You can't beat hot tea and a great book !

Nancy

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 5:38 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Thanks for the kind words Judy! My friends laugh that I don't have cancer, cancer has Martie!!!! I'm not going down without a fight!
Have a great day!

Sent by Martie | 6:18 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Hi All,

Before the new TV season, the paper gives you a grid,what will be on where, and then the new shows, they give you are review.. Interestingly, most got a BLAH! Ok, so perhaps this will be the fall I actually stop procrastinating and really clean out my second bedroom, or not.

I love fall, the colors, the crisp, clear air. Maybe this year because for the first time since we started to date my wonderful beau will not have to work one Saturday every 4th we will actually plan to go somewhere.

Keep dreaming and living.

Sent by Susan Chap | 6:50 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Add me to the list of those who thought fall 2006 would be my last. When I began chemo in May 2006, my doctor gave me three to six months. I wondered if I would see my 74th birthday and here I am heading toward 75 in October. I still go to the gym and do a rigorous workout, some days with a trainer, and all the other things I have ever done. If this cancer takes me out, it will know it has had a battle.

Sent by Bettie Wolverton | 7:21 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Happy Beginning of Fall! Happy This Moment. :)

Sent by Lori | 7:45 PM ET | 09-04-2007

One of only two shows I watched --Gilmore Girls, solely because I watched with daughter --is now defunct. And daughter is off to college. Appropriate endings and beginnings, as are the seasons, which are welcomed more keenly since diagnosis, treatment, and clean bills of health.
May I suggest library rentals of Books On Tape/CDs. and video rentals? Though I am looking forward to Grey's body parts sans daughter.

Sent by J. Ron | 7:47 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Yuk Yuk...a little cancer humor. I hated it in the chemo room when visitors would change the channel on the TV, sometimes you should get to play the cancer card.

Sent by Ellie Wingerson | 8:19 PM ET | 09-04-2007

I remember fall, it used to be my favorite season. In the San Francisco Bay Area it is hot and dusty (no rain to speak of since April) and we won't get enough rain to wash things off until November. The rains, however, will bring one of our peculiar seasons, spring because plants start growing and the hills turn green, yet we are heading toward the solstice and days grow shorter.

I had eye problems when I was having chemo, and I'm highly frustrated when I can't read. Books on tape (or CD) are wonderful, usually narrated very skillfully, sometimes by the author. They do require focus. If that's not possible, your public library is full of picture books: photography, travel, painting. Sometimes eye candy is perfect. And don't forget the delights on radio, especially NPR.

Best to all, especially to Leroy for keeping this blog going.

Sent by Joan Strand | 8:46 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Leroy, I love the fall and winter. I, like you, was not supposed to be here. I will enjoy it more than ever! I spent some time in the Mid-West, now they know how to do winter! But being from SoCal I had never truly experienced weather until the Mid-West. Violent Storms, colors in the clouds you can't imagine. Snow so deep, my 5Ft. wife could get lost in it. Enjoy your Fall and Winter, buy some new fall clothing, have some fun. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 9:57 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Oh how lucky those of you who had even bad TV to watch. I thought if I saw one more "Cops" or Judge...whoever, I was going to scream. In July, sick or not, I made Burge give ME a break and we changed to CSI: Miami. Thought I had seen them all, but Labor Day, discovered there were still some I hadn't. Watching reruns on A&E, that and the Saprano's.

I still think of Burge with every show. I now have time to start all those projects we put off for three years, but as I work, I can hear his answer when I would say "I'm certainly not accomplishing anything today!" to which he would say, "we spent time together and to me, that was the greatest accomplishments". Sarah, spend as much time with Bruce as you can today and let tomorrow take care of it's self.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 11:51 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Leroy, How great! So glad you made it to this point in time and in mind. Continue on and enjoy each day!

Sent by Marilyn | 6:56 AM ET | 09-05-2007

Leroy,
I'm still reading your blog and it has been a while since I've written. Best TV show on Network TV (since I don't have cable or satellite, and refuse to spend money on something I'm never home to watch anyway)...BOSTON LEGAL.
It's funny, fast paced, gets you involved in the funny secondary story line that goes throughout the season, and thought provoking in some episodes. It was also Melody's favorite show. We watched it every week.

I hope to still be reading your blog next year as well!
Keep up the good fight!

Sent by Michael (Caregiver Survivor) | 9:04 AM ET | 09-05-2007

Leroy, your blog left me laughing. My tv day highlight is right back where I started about 20 years ago, watching Days of Our Lives. Ha! You speak of "fall", another of my favorite times of year. My cousin came by on Sunday and reminded me of the great time she had going to "Apple Hill" (Placerville, CA area) last year. We girls headed up there, me bald as can be, taking pictures and laughing and being silly. It was just as if I didn't have cancer. She reminded me I need to have more days like that. Spending time worrying surely won't give me those good times or let me even enjoy good times. I think I've heard somewhere that 90 percent of what we spend our time worrying about never happens anyway. Ha! So, I think I'll choose just to worry my 10 percent worth today. I challenge all on here to do that. We'll lighten the load a bit also for our families today.

I'm anxiously awaiting the birth of my grandson (1st grandchild). I've been asked to help coach delivery. Isn't that a "privilege"? I've coached 7 young ladies through 8 deliveries but never a relative of my own. I think watching life come into this world will be a big pick-me-up. Today I'm excited about "life"! You make me laugh sometimes and even that makes me feel "alive". Ha! I hope you have a wonderful day.

A gift I've been giving to my loved ones for years now are "chimes". I put in a note that says, "each time you hear these chimes ringing, know that I love you". I sit on my patio in the fall and listen to my collection of chimes ring and think that I couldn't possibly have too many ..ever. Ha! I love them. Even my neighbors look forward to them ringing in the fall. Have a wonderful day Leroy!

Sent by LindaW | 12:07 PM ET | 09-05-2007

Leroy, I too enjoy fall, and spring and love summer... just not this summer. Too hot. I dread winter and the dead tree look. Although, not wanting it anytime soon, when I die I hope it's not in the spring summer or fall. And I don't want the dead tree look to be the last thing I experience. I just that leaves a very short 'acceptable' time to go. If only we truly got to choose!!!

Sent by Lori Monroe | 12:21 PM ET | 09-05-2007

How come no one talks about the person living with the cancer patient? We hurt too!

Sent by Sadie | 12:50 PM ET | 09-17-2007