I'm so sorry that things are so hard right now. I know you're putting a lot of energy toward believing things will improve. I believe they will too. For now things really suck. You are in my prayers every day...Keep doing your best and trying to get some enjoyment from every day in even the smallest way. Best wishes for healing.

Sent by Jennifer A | 7:46 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Good morning Leroy,

Hmmm, that could make typing a tad slow and cumbersome, given the location of the keys most commonly used. Ok, so you have a PIC line. Saves having to be stuck constantly and yes an inconvenience, however, I suggest, a dance with your IV pole, to make those nasty "bugs" go away! And a squeezy ball to keep your forearm and hand from becoming weak.

Forward steps, small as they may be.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:05 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Normal is the carrot on the stick for all of us, I think. Sick or not, significant emotional and physical events leave us with that desire for the ever-elusive place called normal we can never return to, for we (that is, our perceptions and interpretations of life) are part of what's normal, and normal must constantly change, as we (that is, our perceptions and interpretations of life)do. Since we all have a lifespan of limited duration on this earth, isn't it best to spend it appreciating each moment, however difficult, rather than chasing that non-existent thing we call the future? For, as we all know, when the future does appear, it is no longer the future; it is now.

Please don't squander the priceless present longing for the idyllic past or the assumed future.

Sent by Leonard | 8:19 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Hi Leroy,

Last July I left the hosital for the third time in three months, with numerous trips to the hospital in between. When I got home in July I cried. Getting home was my first step back to normal. I thought maybe that would not happen this time. The last three plus months have been a wonderful. At this point I'm as normal as I have been on this Lung cancer journey. There is very little I don't appreciate. I guess I just want you to know that it's worth the struggle. I also want you to know that you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Peace and Love Becca

Sent by Rebecca Hawkins | 8:27 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy,

Glad to read you are doing better. Stay positive! Still sending you healing vibes,
Shirl Dolitz

Sent by S. Dolitz | 8:32 AM ET | 10-26-2007

I hope it's less than 8 weeks. It sounds pretty inconvenient not to be able to use your left hand at all (htough I bet you adapt to it more quickly than you'd think). The main thing (I hope) is that you are not having the pain that drove you to have this surgery in the first place--though you may still have some pain of recovery! Bad trade-offs here, but what can you do when that's all you're given? Mainly I hope for you that you can go home soon from the hospital and recover at home. Just that alone should have you feeling better about things I'd imagine.

Sent by N.R. | 8:37 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Hang in there, Mr. Sievers! You're on our prayer list at church each week which, I'm sure you'd agree, couldn't hurt.

V/R
Bill

Sent by bill combs | 8:38 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Glad you are thinking about "getting back to normal". Sounds as though you are on the road, albeit an uneven one. Often the normal that we will achieve is different than the one we have in our mind's eye. This may cause us to adapt to our new situation but it is a much better place than from whence we came!

You hang in there for now and let the healing continue. We'll do our part by sending you and Laurie our good thoughts and prayers each day. Nourish that little spark of HOPE in your heart 'cause it will push back the darkness.

Sent by Al Cato | 8:39 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Dear Leroy,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of activity in your left hand. It seems as if every day there are new surprises.

You have never failed in any of your endeavors and your goal is to get back to normal.........I'm sure you will succeed! As always, prayers for you, Laurie and this wonderful blog family.

Sent by sasha | 8:42 AM ET | 10-26-2007

$#@*!

I feel like cursing. I bet you feel like it too. I read a report that cursing is good for you. Do it. LOL.

I'm praying...praying...praying.

Hugs,

Lori

Sent by Lori Levin | 8:47 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy,
I'm so impressed that you're writing again so soon. Thanks. It's great to hear your voice in your words.
It must seem like forever since things were "normal" and longer than forever until you get back there. I don't need to tell you that everyday creates a NEW normal, when you live in cancer world.
Hang in there!

Sent by Deb | 8:50 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Mornin' Leroy! Hopefully you are right-handed, aren't you?
You sure must feel that even "normal" is an illusive ofjective. But at least you have "been there" and the path is well worn. It should not be too hard to find your way back. Your brain has never stopped being "normal" and so, it just must lead the rest of your poor, abused body back to it's proper place. It will. With the help of Laurie, Maeve, and all of us -- hey, you must keep reaching out(with your right hand) & grabbing hold, and we shall ALL pull together. There is nothing abnormal about your spirit Leroy.

Sent by J C R | 8:55 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Just an acknowledgment, Leroy, of how much you've been going through. At times cancer seems to demand endless adaptation, and I like your determination to outwit, outlast, and outplay! There's even a book out there on typing with one hand, called (surprise!), "Type with One Hand" which apparently "teaches effective keyboarding techniques to the person keying with one hand." Now, I'm just a book geek (read them, write them) so I look up everything in book form. But you're no doubt resourceful enough on your own!

Good luck with this difficult post-surgical period and I hope this weekend brings you some periods of painfree engagement with whatever makes you happiest. In a post-surgical period of my own for a detached retina I surrounded myself with books on tape....

Sent by Barbara K. | 9:04 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Hi Leroy, Hi Laurie,

Just sending a gentle hug. Sad, isn't it? Having to redefine "normal." Life does that along the way, right now for you and Laurie, it's this cancer, infection, 8 weeks (hopefully less) of having an IV in your left arm, YUCK. (And I'm pretty certain, there are lots of things you've not mentioned.) After all, there's only so much space to use. What would you say, if you could say everything you wanted/needed to say .... and not have to edit it, for this blog?

Take care, and remember there are always thoughts and prayers coming your way.

Peace and heartlight,

Kim Blankenship

Sent by Kim Blankenship | 9:20 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Wow! After reading these comments it is obvious how cared for you are ... how wonderful. It must lift your spirits to read this every day! Enjoy the moments. Peace and healing to you ...

Sent by mcf | 9:20 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Good morning Leroy and Laurie!
You are right handed, huh? I broke my left hand (2nd metacarpal bone) in a car accident in 1992. You'll be surprised at the number of things you need both hands to accomplish. For me the hardest was putting in my contact lenses and pulling on panty hose. At least you don't have to worry about that one. (Laughing)

Sent by Dianne in DC | 9:29 AM ET | 10-26-2007

I am confident you will keep getting better, a little bit every day. Your blog has become part of my day. Rest and grow strong(er).

Sent by MT | 9:35 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Hi Leroy,
I can only imagine how overwhelming this must be, but what choice do u have but to go forward, little by little, everyday hopefully new improvements. Here's hoping that very soon you will be home, recovering each day, regaining more function, less pain. All my prayers and thoughts to you and Laurie.

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 9:39 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Normal is over-rated.

Here's an idea... hold a pencil in your left hand, or a pen, it doesn't matter... and talk like Bob Dole for the entire day. Heck, talk like Bob Dole for a week. That'll keep people on their toes.

Bob Dole likes it. Bob Dole needs another blanket. Bob Dole wants Pizza.

Good luck Leroy.... I mean Bob.

Sent by Brit | 9:39 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Well, Leroy, I am one-handed for a while too which certainly changes my typing skills as I know it does yours. In a galaxy far, far away, let's have a party anyway. You want to be Luke or Darth Vader? Hang tough, big guy.

Sent by glenda | 9:42 AM ET | 10-26-2007

WHAT'S NORMAL??????????
Have a good weekend Leroy and Laurie.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 9:50 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Dear Leroy,
There's so much love and wisdom flowing toward you in this circle that you've created. It's karma, big guy. Take it in, let it nourish you and make you well (along with the antibiotics, of course.)
Love and light,
Anita

Sent by Anita Solomon | 9:56 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy, Normal? what's that? 5am, 15 days after my colon cancer surgery the staph infection broke open the incision and poured out. I threatened my dog before I realized it was me. But believe it or not, "this to shall pass" Just keep being Leroy and it will be over before you know it. Prayers and positive thoughts are here for you.

Sent by Kris | 9:58 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy, I just want to take a minute and thank you for everything you've done for so many people. I read your blog faithfully, every day, and I have been amazed at your good spirit, feel your pain when you're down physically or mentally, and continue to be amazed at how articulate you are in your way with words. But you say things exactly like they are, and do so in such a wonderful fashion. Hang in there, guy, we're all pulling for you, praying for you. I'm a two-time colon cancer survivor and a kidney cancer survivor. Just reading your blog has helped me tremendously, and I thank you. I'm sure there are millions more thank-you's from others. God bless you.

Sent by Brenda Needham, Monroe, MI | 10:10 AM ET | 10-26-2007

It can be so tough when you are in pain and uncomfortable and not where you want to be.

I just hope you can find a few things to laugh at each day, a few people to laugh with, and a few reasons to be grateful for these moments in time.

Laughter and gratitude can help you find the patience to get through this new difficult process.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 10:12 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Spent yesterday in vigil for a family member undergoing prostate cancer surgery. The family room was jam packed and later, in recovery, a Persian clan descended on an Irish-NYer with Hebrew blessings of health and gratitude for his donation of a kidney to their loved one.
I have spent several years in the cancer world, beginning with the diagnosis, battle and loss of my big brother to male breast cancer; friends fighting, beating, living with cancer; my own relatively innocuous bout with thyroid cancer; and now my husband???s healing has begun.

Thank you Leroy for this forum and for the opportunity to express our humanity in the face of adversity.
I wish you strength, peace and a speedy return to ???normal??? good health

Love,

Sent by J Ron | 10:19 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Dear Leroy!,
Many, Many prayers and good thoughts to you !! Thank you for keeping us in the loop. xox dee

Sent by dee | 10:21 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Your courage & tenacity blow me away. A hero isn't someone who can leap tall buildings, save a child from a burning building, etc. A true hero faces what life throws at them each day with crouage, honesty, and determination. Leroy you are a hero.

Sent by TE | 10:32 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Thank you so much for the update. Just know that we are praying for you to get back to normal.

Take care of yourself!

Sent by Heather | 10:40 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Hello Leroy,
I am glad you are making progress even if it is slow. Sorry about your Halloween Party. I hope you get some "treats" soon.
Charlotte in Temecula, CA where it is still smokey from the fires

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 11:13 AM ET | 10-26-2007

I have an idea, why don;t we all dress up as we read your blog, its kind of like a Halloween party. You make normal happen when its not there. Today is better than yesterday, even if some steps seem backwards, you still are moving forward...and we are all right there with you. Take care

Sent by ellie wingerson | 11:14 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Hi Leroy,
I find myself asking "what is normal?". Sometimes I wish so hard that my life would go back to "normal", but other times I realize that "normal" is whatever the day brings. I have learned to adapt to things that would have seemed unimaginable prior to cancer. Today I am in a celebratory mood, I am not sick to my stomach for the first time in 9 days! It's days like this that make me beleive that maybe, just maybe, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I have one more round of chemo before we do a PET/CT scan. We will then decide if we continue with the chemo. I have never been in remisssion, I have outlived 2 prognosis, I am feeling like it's my time for some good news. Stay strong my friend, redefine normal if it helps, and know that you are surrounded by the hopes and prayers of so many.
Peace, Martie

Sent by Martie | 11:18 AM ET | 10-26-2007

You will decide whether or not it is useful to redefine "normal" for the interim, Leroy. Maybe just making the category of "normal" a wider bandwidth would allow you to feel at least in the zone for now. I am thankful for the treatments you are receiving, and hoping you can manage alot of what you want to do with your right hand for now. Wish we could be of more concrete support, but will continue beaming you vibrant energy and celebration and encouragement. They make one-handed keyboards, and other great assistive technology if that would make things easier....

Sent by Sarah | 11:27 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Hi Leroy,

As you take one step at a time, you are showing us all what a healthy mindset you have. I really hope that your med team can give you something to do to keep up your left arm and shoulder strength/range of motion. About 2 1/2 years ago (before my cancer) I had a thumb reconstruction surgery, which required total arm and shoulder immobilization, along with laying prone or standing (no sitting)for the following 3+ weeks. As a result, the shoulder and arm muscles really went downhill, and needed gradual retraining through PT (It's pretty desparate when a woman can't even pick up her purse ;-).

Hope that you and Laurie have a restful and uneventful weekend.

Sent by Sheara | 11:30 AM ET | 10-26-2007

The waiting game can't be easy for you, but at least you're here to play it. It amazes me how adaptable people can be. My thoughts are with you.

Sent by Linda K | 11:47 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy
Sorry to hear of about all the complications, but things will get better!! You honesty & sense of humor will carry you through these times of ups and downs. I think of you everyday and hope you continue on the course of recovery. Also you will do much better once you get home in familuar surrounding. Joyce

Sent by joyce burby | 11:54 AM ET | 10-26-2007

Well, looks like an excellent time to practice living in the moment. I know that's easier said than done. But Leroy, you're ALIVE, you're going home soon (I think?), you still have all your mental faculties, and sooo many people who love, respect and support you. Forget about the past and the future - swallow all those painkillers and treasure the NOW! By the way -- I hope you're right handed?

Sent by Doris | 12:05 PM ET | 10-26-2007

We're all here for you, no matter how long it takes. I hope the pain you were having is gone, or at least less intense. I'm wishing you back to "normal" as fast as possible!

Sent by Laura | 12:38 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy,

Something to ponder. What is normal? It seems to me that normal changes. What was normal 25 years ago isn't normal today. I am different in every way. Do you mean not sick? That I can get my mind around. I hope for you to be not sick!

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:40 PM ET | 10-26-2007

maybe its a new normal, this too shall pass.

Sent by cv | 12:42 PM ET | 10-26-2007

EGADS! You had me VERY scared that something had gone terribly wrong and that your hand was permanently impacted.

I am delighted that the immobility is temporary and due to a positive thing...medication to get you back to two fisted action.

Continue to rest and recoup; be a patient patient and let time and good care restore you.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy Miles | 12:42 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy, have you ever seen the bumper sticker that says "Why be normal?" It could be that "normal" is overrated and that when you're through with this particular round of events, you'll be better than ever. You're in my prayers, Dude!

Sent by Joyce | 12:54 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy: Burge always missed "normal". Told me once if the cancer would go away, he would get up and just run and never stop.

Hope he is doing a "Forest Gump Run" in heaven. Hope you are pumping iron in a few short weeks.

All my love,

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 12:55 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy:

This is just another mountain to climb before seeing some beautiful scenery--or that is what i'm telling myself as I read your post.

Hang in there...I'm glad the surgery went well and that you're on the normal floors again....

Hmm..maybe you can incorporate your no 'left hand movement' into a halloween costume of some sort...you're the creative one... i'm sure you'll figure out something to bring some cheer for your floor and loved ones.

Thinking and sending good thoughts your way.

Krupali

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 1:11 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy~ I'll be happy to come and trick or treat in your hospital room! But I don't live nearby. As far as getting back to "normal", sometimes our normal must change to a new normal. Like mama always said, nothing ever stays the same forever. Life changes and as long as you get to a point of not being in pain, then that is a good goal. Have a good weekend and put one foot in front of the other.

Sent by DiAnn | 1:18 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Normal, that is a strange term. When asaked what's new. I tell people I will take nothing new. I remember the day when I wanted new things to happen every day. I have included you in my prayers asking for a speedy recover to your latest hospital stay.

Sent by Anthony Sorce | 1:26 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy, I read your blog every day, but have only written in 1 time before. You've been an inspiration to me and please know how grateful I am. I hope you are back to normal soon too...Whatever normal is, in this crazy world. You're a gem. All the best to you.

Sent by Jen | 1:55 PM ET | 10-26-2007

If there is one thing that cancer has taught me, it's that NORMAL is what you make it. So my prayer for you today, Leroy, is that you find your new (and hopefully temporary) normal. You are one strong dude!!

Sent by Nancy Nelson | 2:08 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy, I can't even count the times I've said or thought that all I want is for things to be back to that elusive "normal." Knowing that it will never be so doesn't seem to stop me from wishing it anyway. I hope that your return to some form of normal is sooner than expected - waiting is hard.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 2:11 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Since you weren't a "leftie" in the first place and there had to be one arm or the other, we can call it 'sort' of a blessing! Normal is what IS, and for sure you are normal, Leroy! May God remain with you as all of us try to suround you with love.

Sent by Lucy Groh | 2:17 PM ET | 10-26-2007

I'm sorry about your left arm, Leroy. (On the bright side, "Star Wars" and "Spartacus" are both great films. ;) ) Prayers are ongoing for you.

Sent by Lisa Lindstrom | 2:52 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Dear Leroy,

I have no pearls of wisdom - I'm in a very weepy mood and just trying to function myself, but I just want to tell you that you are family and so is everyone on this blog. I pray for all of you every day when I pray for my own biological family. My heart and soul are with each of you as you face the challenges and victories of each day. God Bless.

Sent by Connie E. | 3:02 PM ET | 10-26-2007

That is the constant goal isn't it...back to normal. I've realized that I have a new normal but still don't know what it is.

Sent by Lisa | 3:12 PM ET | 10-26-2007

I'm sorry for what your new normal will look like for the next several weeks. I think of Gilda Radner and that Roseanne Roseannadanna character of hers saying, "If it's not one thing, it's another, but it's ALWAYS SOMETHING!", and I smile at how true it is when dealing with the ways life changes in the face of a big problem.

I say take your mind off it all with some well-chosen Netflix choices. I highly recommend "Empire Falls" and I'm waiting for the snow to fall so I can tuck into PBS's "Upstairs, Downstairs", which I never saw back in the day.

Here's to you and the grace with which you are handling what comes your way.

Sent by Celeste | 3:22 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy and Laurie:

Wow....normal.....what is that? We always said that we were abnormally nomal and that was pretty weird.

Seriously, we know what you are thinking and feeling. One more thing that causes you to be less able than you were before... at least they don't have you tied down into the bed, that seems to be a torture of days long gone by, now that the protocol is to have everyone up and moving as much as possible.

Hang in there! You certainly have thus far and though it is tough going right now, you have each other and the two of you have all of us to help give you an extra push or "hug" when you need it.

Keep right on climbing to the top of that mountain -

The road ahead sounds like it may be a long one - recovery wise - not a bright road to contemplate, but a road worth traveling, nonetheless.

You are both in our prayers, for though Laurie is not the patient, it is as hard or harder on her to watch you go through all that you have and will.

Look forward to that day when they release you from the hospital and you can go home and really get some rest. Your recovery will seem much faster and easier when you are there. I am sure.

It is great to hear from you each day - even if you have to ask someone else to do your typing.

Sent by Cindy Sivula | 3:24 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy,

Don't worry, Christmas is coming. And we'll all be here in the meantime , helping you pass the time.

By the by; I got a 98 on my physics exam :o)

Sent by Teri Thomas | 3:26 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Here's best wishes and support not only to you, Leroy, but to your support people / close friends / partner... may you all be surrounded with care and nurturing.

Sent by Ruth | 3:39 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Isn't "normal" constantly redefined based on our life experiences? I know for sure my "normal" is way more different now than it was 2.2 years ago. I heard one of our more colorful citizens here in New Orleans exclaim "Normal? NORMAL??? Hell, we're just fightin to get back to ABnormal!" Keep fightin.

Sent by Jen in NOLA | 3:43 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Dear Leroy,

You are in my prayers. I have been keeping up with your blog since the beginning, but never written. I really care and hope that you are able to feel better soon.

Krista

Sent by Krista | 4:40 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy, after reading how cerebral palsied people need to "burn" new neural pathways to compensate for those that were destroyed in order to achieve small tasks like tying their own shoes...I once spent a half hour teaching myself to move only my small toe. It worked. You can burn new pathways in your brain that will compensate for the ones that are not functioning fully. If they never come back it will be a moot point. You will be able to do what you need to do. Biofeedback is a powerful thing. You of all people have the determination. And oh, the halloween party. Damn. You could come as a hospital patient, but I doubt many would see the humor. Unless they'd had cancer.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 5:14 PM ET | 10-26-2007

When that proverbial brick wall appears and blocks your progress again and again, all you can do is continue looking for different ways to get around it, or over it, or through it. You'll find your way to Normal with one arm tied behind your back Leroy, the left one. I want to thank the person who wrote in a few days ago to recommend the online video of Randy Pausch's Last Lecture. He is truly inspiring and full of Joy. Here is the link in case someone else would like to experience this brilliant 47 year old Carnegie Mellon professor who has inoperable pancreatic cancer.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5700431505846055184 The video runs almost 2 hours, but the time is very well-spent. (He also appeared on Oprah this passed Monday.)

Enjoy. Be well.

Sent by Sandy Fisher | 6:10 PM ET | 10-26-2007

The absolute finest people in this world contribute to this blog. You are all wonderful, funny survivors. You are as much an inspiration to me as Leroy is. What a thing you have created here Leroy. And Leroy, you are doing just fine. Every post I hear more strength in your writing. So much has been added to your journey to spice it up along the way but like everyone else you just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Day by day....

Sent by JMoyer | 7:23 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Have a really good weekend Leroy. I, for one shall miss your messages until hopefully, you will be back on Monday if you feel like "talking".
Meanwhile - heal, take a few steps, and think great, happy thoughts. You are loved by us all!

Sent by J C R | 7:46 PM ET | 10-26-2007

So sorry that you have had so many curves thrown at you after your surgery. That really stinks. Hope each day brings both improvement and joy to you. You and your family are in our prayers.

Sent by Jen | 8:25 PM ET | 10-26-2007

I know this is a bit off the subject, but I have a cat who lost his left eye to disease. It took him a while, but he does extremely well now. I also took in a blind kitty who adapted well, also. And my mom's dog developed paralysis in the hind quarters. She had to drag her useless legs behind her (she didn't like the wheeled cart we bought for her).

I've heard it said that animals are not nostolgic for the 'good old days' of good health, and they function as best they can with what they have left.

All of my animals were happy and just continued to live full, happy lives in spite of their handicaps.

Let's hope you get back to full normalcy, but if you don't, maybe the 'broken' animals I have lived with could be a small inspiration.

Sent by Scott S. | 8:27 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Having things "Normal" actually scares me now. My husband and I went into town this evening for some ice cream. It was the first time in, I don't know how long, that we've been out in the car together in the dark. I found it so strange, for a moment it seemed like maybe I was dreaming. Before long, it was evident that this trip was too much for him. That's when I started to feel "Normal" again.

Sent by Elaine | 8:53 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Leroy, you are a strong person. One night in the unit to back writing the blog in 3 days! It just goes to show the world that cancer makes us stronger. Positive energy for a quick recovery now that the infection is being taken care of.

Sent by Rita | 9:58 PM ET | 10-26-2007

Life WAS normal before the cancer diagnosis. There were ups and downs, even traumas, but there was the innocence of really believing I was immortal.
While my cancer has a 8% survival rate at 5 years, I am doing well with treatment right now. I have no room to complain-I still have my hair, my nausea is under control...Yet today I felt sorry for myself. I hate how the chemo pill makes me feel - tired and moody as hell. I usually stay pretty upbeat, but sometimes the whole big picture really sucks!!You have had such a rough go of it.
I send you warm wishes that each day will take you farther away from the surgery and infection, one darn day at a time.
We all really care about you and send you lots of support and hugs.

Sent by NancyGM | 12:22 AM ET | 10-27-2007

Dear Leroy,
I was heart broken when I read your blog today. I'm sorry for the pain you are enduring. I'm sorry for the limitations you are facing.
I thank you for this forum, for your honesty, and for sharing your experiences, pain and adversities with us.
Your sincere approach on dealing with your diagnosis and prognosis is a life lesson to all of us.
Blessings on you and Laurie.
Neide from Brazil

Sent by Neide Tichy | 1:35 AM ET | 10-27-2007

You have certainly been through a lot of high water! I lost my right arm to cancer 8 years ago and I have adapted pretty well to using one arm. I don't come close to what you've been through but i would say every day is a gift we don't deserve, but by the grace of God we are still here for a reason. I will pray for your healing and His hope. He is there in the midst of the storm.

Sent by Linda | 2:52 PM ET | 10-27-2007

Always Dear Leroy,
Whew!
I really know what you mean by the "normal thing". I'm only 47-operative word ONLY. .. but I have this new personal joke that my mind says "GO!" and my body says "What?" or sometimes when it is polite-Excuse me? It's a "new normal" as I have always thought that cancer is the real terrorist.-We can't feed it the fear it wants. Somehow I must be wanting to empathize with you. I got good news on a scan and proceeded to slipped down my rainy stairs and fracture my back and then after being determined after 5 days-walking a mile-catch a nasty fever virus green monster. Don't you sometimes just want to say -Okay- I'm over it!--the body stuff that is--not Life.. We're like the bible character Job?????? Anyway we ALL deserve to feel better and get back to NORMAL---Homeostasis-that's I new word I like. Blessings!

Sent by Linda | 3:22 PM ET | 10-27-2007

Leroy. I struggle each day to be as normal as I can. Cancer takes things from you, with some of us it is our very existence, for others it is an endless amount of small losses. But still we struggle to be normal. What is noraml? I really don't know anymore, I just try to be as normal as I can. This is the struggle you are in, seems like a long way off, but you will get there with time. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 4:41 PM ET | 10-27-2007

i hope this weekend does bring a sense of normalcy somewhere during the days. The hospital bed is back in my house and I am praying for a night with some sleep. Meanwhile, I am still praying for us all and sending healing vibes to each of us...God bless.

Sent by Kay | 5:53 PM ET | 10-27-2007

Last night I went to a Halloween party at my kids school (grades K-4). There were some 400 kids there with parents. I found it overwhelming - the noise, the energy, the kids running and screaming, the loud Hanna Montana music - and parents walked around with stressed expressions on their faces. (Every parent I spoke to agreed that next time we attend a K-4 party we need to bring flasks!).

Thank you for reminding me that I am lucky. There are so many others not able to celebrate Halloween this year.

I promise to eat extra candy in your honor. (And I also promise to think of you when I am working off the extra calories!).

Hang in there! You can always have a costume party, judging by this column, I am sure your friends will be happy to come to a belated gig. I know that if you have candy, my kids will trick or treat at your door in June, your neighbor kids will too!

Hang in there! Best wishes, Liz

Sent by Liz L. | 6:50 PM ET | 10-27-2007

At this point I am still trying to figure out WHAT IS NORMAL for me. Is it where I was before cancer diagnosis, playing golf, traveling, working? Is it where I was 6 months ago in the middle of chemo but still fully functioning playing golf and trsveling and working? Or is it where I was three months ago when I had to retire, rent a wheelchair for going any distance over 100 feet, and use auxiliary oxygen go do the first 100 feet. Oxygen and Wheelchair is NOT NORMAL in my mind yet. I am working hard at Physical Therapy to be able to walk distances (even with oxygen) so Leroy when you say get back to normal I hope your definition of NORMAL is a very pleasant state of being. We love you man......

Sent by John Zizelmann | 11:05 AM ET | 10-28-2007

Isn't it funny that time moves ponderously when we don't want it, or what it has to offer. We want events to speed up and we wish we were living in a time warp where... ZOOM !! Four weeks gone in a flash!

Other times we are harrassed at home and work by way Too Much To Do and we dream of the day when we will have TIME to sit down and just "be," or sit and read that tower of saved books. Or read the papers we never even have time to look at.

We humans have learned to manipulate so much to our advantage I wonder why we can't figure this one out?!

Good luck Leroy, I hope the time passes fast for you.

Sent by Nancy O | 4:41 PM ET | 10-28-2007

Hope the weekend has brought some goodness in your life. If you get bored, feel free to read my blog and let me know what you think!

http://iamobsessedwithlife.blogspot.com/

Sent by Rachel B | 6:39 PM ET | 10-28-2007

Leroy-
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on May 9th of 06. Our daughter was diagnosed with Lymphoma on May 9th of 07. She is now cancer free. I have been told that I never will be. I want you to know this because you have been such a source of strength and courage to both of us. Hang in there and know that you are not alone. We are sending you all the strenght we have!!

Sent by Jane | 2:03 PM ET | 10-29-2007

You are truly an inspiration. My husband has stage 4 melanoma and you give me insight into the thought process. I root (and pray) for you now as I do for him. You're both amazing.

Sent by Joan Kelly | 1:56 PM ET | 10-30-2007

Heyy Leroy! This is normal...every new day. We are here isn't it great!

Sent by Cherie Brown | 1:08 AM ET | 11-01-2007

dear Leroy,i lost my beautiful wife Bella aug. 07 to stage 4 breast cancer.49 years old. she loved having me read about your progress and you were in our prayers. Bella was an icu rn at Mayo till cancer returned. cancer affected her eyes also. she never gave up and over the past 2 years i loved her more and more,the courage and dignity and kindness she continued to show for others was an example for all. she truly is my hero, you too are an example and inspiration for all of us.thank you for giving hope to all the others and their caregivers. God Bless You Leroy and your loved ones.

Sent by kenny williams | 8:53 PM ET | 11-08-2007