I've moved out of the ICU into a regular room. Another sign that I'm getting through this crisis.
I'm beginning to understand how serious it was. But my readings are getting better. And I'm starting to feel a little more human.
Funny, this has been one of the toughest fights so far. And I don't think I've used the word "cancer" in days.
7:11 AM ET | 10-18-2007 | permalink
Leroy - Sorry you are going through this - good that you are a tough fighter, I guess, but who needs it? Hang in there - lots of folks pulling with you out here.
Somewhere I missed the fact you were in ICU. I am glad you out of there, hopefully your new room is a tad more quieter.
Today, is "relook" day for my sister. That means a day at the hospital, and biding my time while there. Interestingly, every time we have been there for this procedure, it has rained or stormed and today and the outcome has been good. Today it is raining and predicted to storm here in Chicago.
Ok Leroy, get the body working against those "bugs," and mend! That's an order!
Good to hear you're feeling better and out of ICU. Infections are tough, but you're tougher.
As everyone else my thoughts are with you. Regardless of whether this is truly "cancer" related it is a frightening side effect and just as life threatening. Hang in there and hopefully just being moved out the ICU will make you feel like things are moving forward. Peace
Leroy, so glad you are feeling more human again. Staph infections are extremely dangerous. Good thing Laurie got you to the hospital in a hurry. Timing if critical when the infection sets in. Just yesterday in the NY Times an article appeared showing how serious the new strain of Staph is. Everyone sick or not should take precautions so they don't get infected. Keep getting better and I am sure you will be home very shortly.
Warmest best wishes.
Karen
Leroy, Moving out of the ICU is a step in the right direction! So is getting the staples out. Remember, Leroy, recovery moves in a zig-zag motion. Try to get some rest and stay positve. You'll be home again soon.
Oh Leroy- every morning lately as I log onto my computer and click on my favorites 'Npr blog', I hold my breath. Today I let out a sigh of relief that nothing more 'bad' has happened to you. I only want 'my' Leroy to get well, get home and resume his life. You are such a part of all of us. You have quite the fan club.
You sound good Leroy! Think that this latest may have been a real awakening for you, do you think? Something new and thought provoking to be pondered. A new, different, episode in your life to tackle? Interesting.
How very strong your constitution must be to be able to "take a licking and keep on ticking". There is no "sell by date" on this Timex!
Keep recuperating and maybe, once again, you can come home to the long suffering loved ones!
Leroy my continued thoughts and prayers are yours during this recovery time. I am glad that you have moved out of the ICU. Your spirits sound pretty upbeat.
Thanks for your efforts to keep us informed of your progress.
Glad to hear your news! Staph infections are nasty, but you're tough. I hope you will return home very soon so you can continue recovery in a warm and cozy environment.
i'm glad you're out of ICU, that IS good news!
:)
jenn
Congratulations on the move, Leroy. . . you sure have been through the mill. Now, though, I feel it in my arthritic bones that you are well on your way back to us. We love you and look forward to your postings. It was nice of Laurie and Maeve to keep us posted, but to hear from YOU means the world to us.
~ Margo Gerber
Part of me can't believe that you're continuing to write this blog right now, and part of me completely understands why. There is nothing like the little islands of normalcy in cancer/hospital world - makes you feel like you still have some control. Glad you're out of the ICU - maybe they'll let you out of the hospital before the weekend.
Good to hear you're coming through another hurdle. My husband was very, very ill for a long time - and then died of something completely different. Seriously, he'd be the first one to laugh at the irony - but I'm glad you're not doing that little trick to your partner. Hope you make it home soon.
Leroy,
Glad to hear you're feeling better!
Keep fighting!
(I'll keep sending positive healing vibes!) Carpe' Diem. Shirl Dolitz
Dear Leroy,
I am thinking of you everyday and praying for you.
Carolynn
Leroy - it's so great to hear your "voice" and it sounds strong....so sorry you've had this issue thrown in your path, but thank god you're improving and getting better.......
Since everything that doesn't kill us, makes us stronger - you must be scaring the devil out of the cancer right now - knowing how much stronger you're becoming.......
prayers, love and peace to you.....
That is the problem isn't it? It is rarely the "cancer" that does us in, it is the infections and complications that come from the treatment. It is really not far.
But at least now that your out of ICU you can take medication by mouth, and well...that is always a plus.
Glad to hear you are progressing and yes this is one of the toughest fights so far. I didn't want to scare you but staph infection can be a killer of the mighty and strong. We will keep praying and soon you will be home to recover at your leisure. Thanks for keeping us updated - you are so very special to all of us.
Not sure if my comment went through just now, so I'll rewrite. It's because you are not duking it out with the cancer for once and that's kind of a good thing in a wierd way. You KNOW you'll beat the wee beasties down, Leroy....I know you will.
Great news this morning, Leroy. It's always good to be moved out of ICU - and means you're one step closer to home. I've always felt that my husband's battle with sepsis & c-diff helped to bring him to remission. He had to stop his chemo treatments because he wasn't strong enough to continue, and then these severe infections dropped in. In the midst of fighting them off, he shocked his docs by going into remission. It sure wasn't easy - the infections nearly did him in and he spent many weeks in the hospital - but it was worth that prize at the end! Hope this battle wound of yours produces the same results. Never give up!
Good morning, Leroy...glad to hear you're improving...hang in there kiddo...
You are so lucky to be mending. We are dealing with a relative who very nearly succumbed to MRSA that developed after a life-saving operation. It cost her 10 months in the hospital and a lot of her health. We are still dealing with the fallout 2 years later.
I can't tell you how happy I am that you have dodged this bullet.
It's so good that you are getting better. Keep fighting. We are all here for you and smiling at your improvement.
Hi, Leroy.
You are a total beacon to follow as I prepare to undergo my third liver RFA tomorrow morning (pesky metastases!). Keep healing and thanks for keeping my spirits up and focused on what is important.
My best to you and Laurie always.
Erica
Hang in ther Leroy. Glad to see you are out of the ICU. They certainly wouldn't move you unless they had a handle on this.
I'm really greatful that things are improving for you and you're out of ICU. Mr. Sievers - I will continue every day to pray and visualize you completely healing, being healthy and cancer free and hope this tough time passes quickly for you and Laurie.
What you're going through now brings to the surface bad memories of some of the tough times that my amazing brother in law experienced. My stomach churns and I too hold my breath when I click on the link to this site each morning lately. I'm sure a lot of people reading this can relate to what you're going through in a way they wish they couldn't - both those with cancer and those who love someone with cancer. We're all pulling for you and keeping you close to our hearts and minds.
Good Job Leroy, just keep on fighting. We are all pulling for you. It is amazeing the strength that a person can pull up when we need to. Good to hear from you. Laurie, take care of yourself also.
Our language seems inadequate when people are enduring such trauma. Sorry's & TY's
don't seem to cut it, but it's all we have.
Hugs are where its at.
Leroy -- I fought that battle (the one with a systemic staph infection) when I was 17. I'm now 41. I'll never forget that experience as I came back from the brink of death. I'm so glad to read you are out of ICU and getting back to fighting strength. You'll continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Elaine
That bug doesn't stand a chance against you. Keep up the good fight.
So glad you are out of ICU. I thought that my prayers for you were not being heard, so I prayed louder and faster.
I am thrilled you still have the fight within you! Our continued prayers are with you and Laurie! Stay strong Leroy!
Leroy,
Ever feel a bit like a punching bag? Glad you are AGAIN on the mend.
Leroy-I am glad you are out of ICU. I found nurses in the ICU to be very attentive since they are caring for 2, rather than 6 or 7 patients. I hope you had the same experience. Staph is frightening and I hope you are doing much better when they release you to go home. We all think of you and Laurie and send our hugs.
Leroy, Very happy that you are out of ICU, I know this fight is tough, but your are stronger than you believe and braver than you have ever imagined! Stay positive and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and Lauri.
Our prayers are being answered!! Probably not as fast nor as comprehensive in your total healing as we would like BUT God does listen and does answer. Our prayers will continue and your healing will progress as well.
Good Morning Leroy, Laurie and All,
Leroy, you have made it a VERY GOOD MORNING!! I'm so happy to hear that you are out of ICU. That calls for a Fried Ice Cream Party!! Keep up the fight to get completely well and we will keep the Prayer Line open.
Laurie, I'm sure you are ready to CRASH! I know you are exhausted beyond words, so lean on us, we are there for you.
Erica, Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you undergo your procedure tomorrow. Down with those "pesky metastases!"
To All, thank you for your support. I finally had my long awaited scan report and I only have some boarderline nodes, no new masses! I will have scans again the end of November. But for now, things are fine!! My prayer is for a celebration of healing for one and all as sunshine lights our path through Cancer World! God Bless!!
Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte, NC.
Good to hear you're feeling better. Thank God. And all the good doctors.
Dear Leroy,
Just how many hurdles can one man face? I hope you get the best of this terrible infection soon! People don't realize how dangerous these staph infections can be. And infection is just one of the many complications of cancer. Most people outside of "cancer world" think of this disease as simply bald heads and chemo, but we know that it is also strokes, pain, low blood counts, fractured bones, surgery after surgery, the list goes on and on!
That is why I am so grateful to you Leroy, for this blog! The brave souls here know all about the full range of complications of cancer, complications that can, at times, cause us to put cancer on the back burner. They are that serious! So for now Leroy, as you are doing, put cancer on the back burner and concentrate on fighting this infection. We are all behind you!
Dearest Leroy, How like you to continue to deliver the news from the front! But Dear One, please use your energy for yourself now. We will keep while you heal. You stay in the fore of out thoughts and prayers and celebrations for your daily progress!
Leroy, only god knows how many folks are with you in this fight. Keeping us posted
is good for us and I know it's good for you. Thank You.
Glad things are looking better today Leroy...but this is really for Laurie. Laurie, you have been through the mill the last few weeks, and certainly the last few years. Now is the time for you to take a deep breath and regroup. AS FOR HELP!! Your friends are their and they need you to let them help you; they can run errands, cook meals...make beds!! dust, rearrange furniture...or take you out for a pedicure and manicure or a good ol' massage....or just listen.
You love Leroy and that is good; but be sure you love yourself now to.
From one care giver to another....breath and ask for help....
Take care
Hi Leroy,
So pleased that you are out of ICU. Hope you get better with each passing day. Prayers, good healing thought are sent your way,
Lianne
An infection that gives you so much to worry about, you don't think about the cancer: one of the few things that could make you say, "Wow, I wish I had time to think about the cancer!"
We're rooting for you. Enjoy being out of the ICU, and let's hope you get to be in the comfort of your own home soon. And YAY to painless staple removal! Best of recovery to you, Leroy.
Truly great news. Hang tough. & keep those gargantuan ruby reds at your bedside, and in no time you'll be clicking your heels.
Leroy, I have been listening to NPR for a quite a while (no, I haven't become a member of my local NPR station yet... soon! :) ), and I was reminded of your blog. I wanted to come on here and check it out - you are dealing with quite a lot. Recently, my family had a dealing with cancer, and there are so many crazy things that happen - not just to the person that gets the cancer, but the family and all involved as well. You see sides of people that you had NEVER seen before! Sometimes almost shocking behaviors! But, I realize now that it is a result of a person dealing with their own feelings.
I just started reading your blog today, and I must say that it is really cool that people are getting the "inside scoop" as to what really happens to people that deal with cancer - the hospital visits, the drugs, the feelings. No one ever knows until they're there...
Thanks for this blog. I told my mother about this blog during the ordeal, and reminded her today of it. She will glean a lot - as I have been! - from considering this site. Thanks again, and keep that positive attitude!!!!!
Gene.
Your post brought a smile to my face this morning as I know it did to many others. Glad you made the leap out of ICU and hope that you are back home before you know it. Continued prayers and good wishes surrounding you.
Hi Leroy,
I am a "lurker: I think that is what they are called. Someone who reads the posts but never writes in...well I am changing that today. I have been keping up with this site since my then 26 year old son was diagnosed with Hodgkins last February. He just received his second all clear report so we are so grateful. You have been in my thoughts and prayers I admire your strength and willingness to share your experience.
Thank you for that. You have made me laugh outloud and cry too.
I wish you all the best!!
Sincerely,
Kathy from Sacramento
I'M A 34 YEAR OLD HEALTHY MAN, AND RECENTLY IVE BEEN QUESTIONING IF THERE IS A HIGHER POWER. WHEN YOU ARE AT THE POINT YOU ARE, HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THAT? HAVE YOU EMBRACED IT MORE?OR DOES IT ANGER YOU THAT A GOD CAN ALLOW SUCH PAIN AND SUFFERING THROUGH THE WORLD? I'M PULLING FOR YOU! BRIAN BALT.MD
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=Leroy
I lit a candle for Leroy today who has touched so many of us with his blog. The link is here for you to light one also.
Your professionals may have already impressed this upon you, but: Please stay tuned in to those 'little' things. Feeling 'out of sorts' or 'not quite yourself' or 'knowing you're not going to sleep'. Remember what they feel like. Call the doc or go to urgent care or the ER immediately if you feel them again. I will spare you the tale of how I know the importance of this. Just trust me.
What great news! The next step is home!
I'm so glad you made it thought this rough period, and just know we were all praying for you.
Leroy it's good to hear you've fought off that nasty infection and that you're staple-free. Those infections get you too close to the Pearly Gates (I had 2 close calls with sepsis during chemo hospitaizations - scary stuff!).
Dear Leroy,
I'm one of those who "holds my breath" when I check this site to see what fresh hell has beset you. Thank God you are getting better. I thought of you all day yesterday throughout the news reports of all the serious staph infections that seem to be epidemic right now, and thought how ironic and tragic it would be if something like an infection took your life after all the cutting-edge medical procedures you have endured and overcome, and the brave fight you have waged against cancer. You continue to scare the snot out of us, Leroy! Poor Laurie. Bless her soul, she must be a basket case. I do hope she has family and friends helping HER out. I'm getting ready to take my daughter to a mega-hospital for some tests (nothing serious). I'm going to wrap her up like one of Michael Jackson's kids, mask and all! So sorry that you had to endure all this, but God has a plan. Take heart and keep the faith. God Bless you and Laurie.
Connie E.
Leroy, congratulations on the move out of ICU. We had a conversation in my journalism class recently about how the point of our writing is to capture a glimpse of the human condition. I was thinking as I walked home through manhattan last night how you truly embody what it means to be a journalist. what a gift you are contributing by allowing your audience to relate to the personal and honest accounts of your battle. i hope your spirits are postive today and send you my best wishes.
Oh, I can relate! I had a major infection in a surgical clip. Turned out it was some rare and hard to kill bug. I had to have more surgery and antibiotics for three months.
It was interesting how much like cancer infection can be. They try to cut it out to remove it and they give you systemic medication to kill it throughout your body. The antibiotics (three different kinds) were harder on me than the chemo. I was very nauseated and it was relentless as I had to take them twice a day. Ugh!
You are on the flip side now Leroy. You kicked the infection's butt and you now have your immune system primed for the fight.
Four months after I was off antibiotics, I was declared NED. Hope you follow the same path.
you are right leroy, staph infections , unless you have had the "experience" it is difficult to beleive just how sick you are with them.....so sorry for this "hurdle" in the road to recovery....in my thoughts and prayers as always!
marianne
Dear Leroy,
A little late in posting today, just returned from chemo. So glad to hear that you are out of ICU. Hang in there!
As always, prayers to you and Laurie.
Progress!
It is a huge step, as you know. Continued good news for you, Leroy
I'm glad to hear you're out of ICU, Leroy. Prayers are ongoing.
Go Leroy Go! I am elated to hear you are coming up on the other side of this nasty infection. Good bye ICU!!!You give me hope in my battle with lymphoma, thank you.
My husband & I send you our most positive energy and wish you and Laurie love and laughter.
Debra
Continued prayers and the positivest of vibes coming your way from Seattle.
Leroy-
Glad you're out of the ICU. It will be even better when you get home - minus the staples!
Keep strong. We're all pulling for you!
Leroy,
I've stood in those shoes and I know how dark it can seem. You're in my thoughts.
Sending love & light,
L Brabant
Dear Leroy,
if only the medical profession and moder medicine could harness the energy, good thoughts and wishes, from everyone you have invited into your very personal journey, i can tell by reading the posts here, that you would beat any odds, anywhere. Thank you so much, for you allowing us all here into your life and your struggle, you have, and will continue to help more people then you will ever imagine, including me....God bless You
Leroy, This is a tough thing to encounter on the way back from surgery. It is good you have not used the word cancer, but a fight is a fight none the less. Get Well, Stan
hi friend i am thinking about you everyday,and glad to hear you are out of icu.it might mean the worst is over wishing you a speedy recovery.
Dear Leroy, Im sending you mental pictures of a walk on the beach---soft ,warm , white sand between your toes; the tempid salty water sloching over your feet and giving you strength to go on. As you go a little further you spot some really amazing shells, alphabet olives,cats paws, conchs,Florida conchs, spiney conchs----they are all beautiful.Then you hear the screech of the osprey and you see the pelicans in formation---oh, my here they come ! Hope they don't ...oops they did!! Even that is funny---then you wash your face in the salty warm water. And on you go....Take care xo dee
It is so good to hear that you are out of the "Unit"! We're all pulling for you out here...hope you're rid of the infection and back home soon.
Sondra
Just one more person sending you healing thoughts. Hoping that tomorrow's posting will read that you got some rest and still haven't thought as much about cancer.
What a relief! I've been saying my prayers. I'm so glad you're on the mend!
I'm so glad to hear that you are getting better. This week has been another "roller coaster" for you and all your fans.
Just this week there was a piece on npr about staph infections, very timely.
Take care.
Judith
What a fighter you are, Leroy. In one of the previous blogs, it was mentioned you couldn't drive because of the partial loss of sight. When we lived in Saudi Arabia and Turkey I couldn't drive (not cancer but because I was a woman in Saudia Arabia and because I wasn't an aggressive driver in Turkey) and it was hard after being independent for a long time. Cancer just keeps hitting you in many ways. Our son lost his hair and the chemo treatment wasn't even for the cancer - just to knock out the immune system. We go today to see him at the hospital. Do hope you are home soon with Laurie. I look forward to your blog every day.
I missed your blog a few days. Was unaware of your staph infection. I had surgery (Mastectomy) on the 16th and came home the 17th. But got stung by a bee yesterday (the 18th) and in a few hours had developed yellow infected area. I'm back at work today but I am scheduled to get it checked on my lunch hour.
I don't want to turn into a Howard Hughes, but I think we all need to be careful of staph and err on the side of caution it is a possibility.
I am so glad you are up and walking even if it's a short distance. Celebrate at every chance!!
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A Ted Koppel documentary focuses on his friend Leroy Sievers' "My Cancer" blog and the response it evokes.
My Cancer will be updated Monday through Friday with posts and commentaries from Leroy Sievers. A journalist for more than 25 years, Leroy has worked at CBS News and ABC News, where he was the executive producer at Nightline. You can follow his story through this blog, his weekly podcast and his monthly series on Morning Edition.
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