Laurie, he is very fortunate to have you there for him!!!! Godspeed.

Sent by Sarah | 8:02 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie and Leroy,
Healing thoughts and prayers for both of you during this very tough time.
God bless,

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 8:05 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie

Don't forget to eat, and sleep, and take care of YOU during this time. I remember very well how easy it was to forget that kind of thing when Terry was still with me.

Sent by Bruce | 8:05 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie,
May God be with you as you wait and watch the person you love go through this. You guys are in our prayers stay strong I know that is hard but God will help you. God bless you and Leroy and watch over you.

Sent by Aurella | 8:09 AM ET | 10-23-2007

in my deepest thoughts and prayers. namaste
marianne dalton

Sent by marianne dalton | 8:10 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Leroy,

I am sorry you are going through all this. You are a tough bird and my prayers are with you to heal and get home soon.

Steve

Sent by Steve Faulkner | 8:14 AM ET | 10-23-2007

We will keep all the good thoughts, prayers and wishes for a quick recovery going - for both of you.

Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated. I thought of you both all day yesterday.

Sent by Melissa T | 8:19 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Thanks for the update Laurie (and Maeve), holding you and Leroy in my thoughts today....

Sent by Faun | 8:23 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Thank you.....thank you, Laurie - for thinking of this community while you are going thru such a diffcult time - I wish I was there to sit with you, or give you a big hug.......
Hope that you and Leroy can feel that you are wrapped in the warmest light of love and prayers from such a large part of the world, literally.....
As dynamic as you both are - I'm sure there are a lot of people for you there physically - but hopefully you feel some of the love and warmth coming from so many of us....
Hug Leroy from all of us - and blessings to you both.......

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 8:24 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Thanks Laurie and Maeve. Leroy is first on my mind and in my prayers. So many people are behind him...so much energy and good will. He will get through this one.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 8:29 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Good news Laurie. Hopefully they have the situation in hand now. Prayers continue for you both!!

Sent by betty obst | 8:29 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Leroy, Laurie,

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Remembering this saying often helps me "it came to pass it didn't come to stay" Your bravery helps me be brave. Peace and love Becca

Sent by Rebecca Hawkins | 8:39 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie and Leroy,
This is the time that you will live from moment to moment as you wait for the next bit of good news. Leroy is strong and is getting through this latest difficulty. It must be desperately hard for you, Laurie, especially in an ICU surrounded by beeping machines. Your presence is as important as all else going on around Leroy.

Sent by Claire | 8:46 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie & Leroy - in the face of personal disasters and illnesses, you've both shown us all the extreme power of positive thinking, and the triumph of the human spirit. I so appreciate being able to have that window into your circumstances - it gives me strength and power that I sometimes forget I have. May God bless you both.

Martha in FL

Sent by Martha in FL | 8:47 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie

Thank you for your update. I truly hope both you and Leroy and getting rest during this time of added stress.

My prayers for healing to both of you.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:47 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie,

Late yesterday afternoon my husband and I got the results from his CT scan and, as usual, the news was not good. The tumors are getting larger. But, since the onset of his ilness in March of 1996(Esophageal Cancer) we have never gotten any positive news. My husband was NED for only two months and then BAMM........the tumors managed to find a home in his lungs.

I know exactly how you are feeling at this moment; sad part is that there is not a thing we can do except hope and pray. Please give Leroy my best. I know this was asked many times in the past but I will ask again "Why do good people have to suffer"

Sent by sasha | 8:55 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie,
I'm sure this infection will be cleared with all the medicine they shot into his spine. Now finally, on that road to recovery. LET THE HEALING BEGIN!!!!!!!!!

Sent by Ruth from Montreal | 8:56 AM ET | 10-23-2007

"It's just not fair" came to mind as I read this morning's note from Laurie. But Leroy would say that none of this is about fairness. Yes, he is right. But that is HOW I FEEL when I read about his current situation. It's bad enough that he has cancer and all that goes with that. Now he is an infection that though treatable must be a royal pain in the you know what. My thoughts and prayers are with you Leroy as you get through another one of life's challenges. Helene Weingarten

Sent by Helene Weingarten | 8:58 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie,
This is my second post
My husband got ill in 2006 not 1996.........typo error........for what its worth.

Sent by sasha | 9:04 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your exhausting day to let us all know how things are. Whew! What a ride. Sending, as always, positive energy and thoughts to you both. Take care, both of you!

Sent by Sandy Lathe | 9:09 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie and Leroy,

The prayers of the people surround you- you are never alone. Peace on us!

Sent by Kathleen | 9:13 AM ET | 10-23-2007

let the drugs do the magic ... and heel this special man that has brought us all together!
Laurie: please eat, sleep ( or try to, take an Ambien, take a shower and do some yoga.. or whatever gives you energy)
will keep sending positive vibes,
ciao
francesca from Zurich, Switzerland

Sent by Francesca Gessmann | 9:15 AM ET | 10-23-2007

ALL my best to you and Leroy! I am thinking of you both and wishing nothing but a very quick recovery for Leory. Hopefully he is out of ICU SOON and then up to a "normal" floor and then FINALLY out the door to his fave place...HOME!

You take are and stay strong. Thanks for taking the time to write us and let us know how he is doing.

Love, Cristina

Sent by Cristina Gonzalez Tampa, FL | 9:16 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie & Leroy,

Godspeed! Keep positive, I'm sending healing vibes. :)

S.Dolitz

Sent by S. Dolitz | 9:17 AM ET | 10-23-2007

What keeps us alive, what allows us to endure?
I think it is the hope of loving, of being loved.
-Meister Eckhart

Thanks for sharing your journey. It is helping coutless people find inner strength. Peace & love to you both!

Sent by sara | 9:19 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie, Leroy, Maeve

Blessings and prayers to you, Laurie and Leroy for keeping us in the loop and for healing during these tough times and thanks again maeve, Elizabeth and NPR staff for what you are doing to maintain this community of care and concern along with everything else you do to keep us in touch with tge rest of the world. I never cease to be amazed at where community pops up and how it is maintained (often against all odds and in the face of great suffering) in an increasingly impersonal world.

Vaya con Dios

John Shippee
Atlanta, GA

Sent by John Shippee | 9:23 AM ET | 10-23-2007

sending healing thoughts and well wishes to you both, and to each of us as we journey along this road together...

Sent by Karen | 9:23 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie et al,
It is raining here, gloomy dark and dank. The weather and shortening days match my mood. I find it hard to feel cheerful and hopeful, especially when I read the reports of what Leroy is going through.

There seems to be so much suffering going on right now. Members of our blog community who have received bad and worse news -- Sasha, Nancy Clark, others. In the last two weeks our cancer support group has lost two members, wonderful optimistic women who fought hard and left no stone unturned in seeking wellness. I miss them. I find myself wanting to call them and ask them about things and I can't. And that makes me sad.

And I don't feel so good myself. I have lost almost 20 pounds on 5 months. At this rate, I will be a bag of bones by the time my oldest son gets married next August, if I am still here at all. I feel so helpless in the face of all of this, for all of us.

Show me a glimmer.

Sent by Stephanie Dornbrook | 9:26 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Thank you Maeve and Laurie for sharing the view from the front. Leroy, Man, you just keep amazing us all. You, Laurie, your friends and caregivers are all wrapped up in prayers, thoughts, visualizations, and a stream of renewing and healing energy. You are lifted up by the community who celebrates your fierce spirit and great heart.

Sent by Sarah | 9:28 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie and Leroy...

If the strongest metal indeed comes from the hottest fire,then the two of you are pure titanium.

Thanks for the updates; hope you, Laurie, are able to get some rest and staying close enough so you don't have to make the commute up to Hopkins every day.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy Miles | 9:29 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie and Leroy - Lots of prayers to you both. Hang in there.

Sent by Beth | 9:30 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie,
It must be so difficult for you to write about Leroy but we appreciate the time you took and the details also. Take care of YOU while we all pray for Leroy's recovery and your continued strength to support him.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 9:36 AM ET | 10-23-2007

I like that, Ruth.
LET THE HEALING BEGIN!!!!!
AND IT IS SO!!!!!

Sent by Anita Solomon | 9:38 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie and Leroy, I have been following, praying with this entire community for this process to be positive..which it is. And, knowing that Leroy is in Johns Hopkins...if he tunes into the C.A.R.E. Channel..which my husband and I produce, he will have beautiful nature and music to hold his hand...freeing him from terrible talk television and the noises around him. My love to you both...

Susan MAzer

Sent by Susan Mazer | 9:43 AM ET | 10-23-2007

All I can tell you, Leroy and Laurie, is to hold on...hold on to each other, hold on to hope and hold on to the future. You both are in my thoughts and prayers. With love!!!

Sent by Tess from KY | 9:44 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Prayers as always for Leroy, Laurie, Maeve and all of the bloggers who migrate here daily to Leroy's oasis of Hope and Support. While the ravages of cancer depletes our bodies and spirits, Leroy's oasis offers us a brief respite and a place for renewal so that we may face tomorrow with Hope. May God grant us mercy and grace and bring His healing power to be visited upon us all!

Sent by Al Cato | 9:51 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Leroy and Laurie,
Thinking of you everyday and sending you my very best wishes. Nancy

Sent by Nancy | 9:51 AM ET | 10-23-2007

hey leroy,
God speed my friend. You are in all of our thoughts and prayers.
stay safe, stay strong,
Lance

Sent by Lance Carlson | 9:52 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Those ICU doc's know what they are doing. Rest assured. My thoughts are with the two of you.

Sent by Lisa | 9:56 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Thank you, Laurie. Take care of yourself as well. Prayers are always with you both.

Sent by Ann | 9:57 AM ET | 10-23-2007

A host of angels - representing the many prayers of your friends here on this blog - share Leroy's room, too. They, along with his caring docs, the wonderful ICU nurses and those healing meds will bring Leroy back to you (and to us, too!).

Thank you for sharing this news, Laurie. May God give you strength as you battle along side your love.

Sent by Dianne in Nevada | 9:59 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Leroy and Laurie,

I am crying today, reading this latest development and the comments, especially of Stephanie. My heart is broken for you, Stephanie and your friends. My Mom is finished with her treatment and will have a CAT/PET scan in a couple of weeks. She is as weak as a kitten, and I am scared to death. I'm not feeling very brave today or very optimistic. Why must all these good people and the people who love them suffer so? Laurie, God Bless you too, and hugs to both you and poor Leroy. I wish there was more that I could do, but you are always in my prayers and I think of you constantly. You too, Stephanie. God Bless you All. Love, hugs, and prayers, always.

Sent by Connie E. | 10:00 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Best wishes for a smooth recovery and some good help from the seeded medication.

Sent by Celeste | 10:27 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie,

Stay strong and take care of yourself. You have been through a lot with Leroy.

Dear Leroy,

May you have a complete healing of body, mind and spirit. We are all praying for you.

Sent by Ronni | 10:28 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dearest Laurie, Leroy & Stephanie,

I am sending you my love, thoughts and prayers. Cancer is such a burden. Sometimes it is hard for me because it is so easy to feel overcome by it all!

We have to just keep praying.

Love to all,
Betty Lewis

Sent by Betty Lewis | 10:30 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Let us Pray. Dear Lord, Please make Leroy get through this and back on the road to recovery. Bless him and Laurie.

Sent by Ruth White | 10:30 AM ET | 10-23-2007

The work you and Leroy do, and sharing your personal journey with us all, is a pursuit of understanding and insight into human experiences, feelings, possibilities. Thank you for continuing. Now we're sending some of it back to you both, in these small 'stories', with the hope that it somehow fortifies you both for this ongoing challenge. Can caring and healing energy come over a broadband line? I'm hoping.

Sent by Laura Buckley | 10:31 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Thank you Laurie for your update. I keep coming back every day to check on Leroy. I think of him throughout my day. My prayers are with both of you.

Sent by Judy | 10:37 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Leroy and Laurie,

Having been in the ICU myself a little over a year ago following major salvage surgery for Head & Neck cancer, it is a scary place. I thought I was going to die. There were 7 tubes/IVs in me. They had taken me off the ventilator. I asked my wife to stay with me even through visitors weren't allowed after a certain time. They allowed her to stay. She didn't leave me for 48 hours. I was so fortunate to have someone there to help me through this experience.

This past Thursday I had my 7th cancer surgery in the past 3 years. It keeps coming back. It wasn't a major surgery, but it wasn't minor either. My body is at a tipping point when it comes to recovery. Between the past surgeries, the radiation, and the 8 cycles (dozens of rounds) of chemo, my body just can't recover like it used to. I too am a fighter.

I would like to take this opportunity to echo comments made two days ago by Barbara K. on 10/19. I'll paraphrase. She said it seemed that many comments submitted by this community made it seem that all one needed to do to beat cancer were to have a positive attitude and a will to fight. She said it very diplomatically. I'm less diplomatic. That may be why not all of my comments submitted get posted. Not all cancer survivors are fighters and not all fighters are survivors. If only it were so simple. Speaking for myself, I have so much to live for. I'm not sure how this story will turn out and cancer has not been a gift in any way to me. And, believe it or not, I'm an optimist.

I too wish and hope the best for Leroy. I hope he gets rid of his infection, addresses the pain, heals quickly, becomes cured, and goes on to live a long productive life. I really do. I hope the same for myself and everyone else with cancer. This cancer stuff is insidious and it has as many tricks up its sleeve as our doctors. When it has more, we perish. When we have more, we survive. I understand that many of the comments submitted are about the "hope" (but not necessarily the reality) in Leroy's well being. I like to believe that many of us are on the same page here.

Take care and stay well.

Respectfully,

Ed Steger
www.hncancer.blogspot.com

Sent by Ed Steger | 10:44 AM ET | 10-23-2007

I agree, take care of yourself. Even if you're not hungry, drink some good fruit or veggie shakes and green tea. Thank you for keeping us updated even while you are so busy yourself. Leroy is very luck! take care

Sent by Becky | 10:46 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie,
An open ear
A gentle touch
A warm embrace
Taking the time to listen, to be, and share a part of yourself.

The greatest gift one can give
may be the ability
to walk with a person
provide them with grace,
strength and courage
on their path to transition

Sent by Sharon | 10:51 AM ET | 10-23-2007

My prayers continue to be with you both.

Laurie, stay well and strong. Leroy, get well and strong. We need your help to keep going ourselves.

Sent by Carol M | 10:56 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie-
Thank you for the update. I haven't written lately, but pray for Leroy everyday. I've become very emotional recently. I broke my elbow after a fall. I'm more lightheaded on aromasin and I just lost it. Had surgery last week and am doing just fine, except for the stomach flu last night! The point is, I have been crying at the drop of a hat, which is just not my normal nature. I am known for holding it together with a smile on my face these last two years of battling two different kinds of cancer. Lately, I feel like I just can't take any more and then I read what Leroy is going through. SIGH...He is and will always be an inspiration. The strength that man has is beyond words.

Thank you,
Kathy Bero

Sent by Kathy Bero | 11:00 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Hold on to a positive outlook....it makes a big difference. Good thoughts are coming your way today. God Bless you Laurie and Leroy.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 11:02 AM ET | 10-23-2007

My heart goes out to you Leroy, Laurie, Stephanie D., Sasha and others. It's so hard to watch good people suffer. I keep praying and visualizing for Leroy and little Madeline Mcann and all the people suffering due to war. It is hard to understand why life has to be so hard sometimes. In the past year, I have felt truly helpless watching people I love suffer and have struggled with this quite a bit. I certainly dont have it all figured out but am sharing some thoughts in case it might help anyone at all. When I struggle with this - I always come back to this... suffering is part of the human condition. We all pass through seasons in life and suffer at different times. I focus on faith that we have always been and always will be loved, despite how difficult it may be to experience the hard times. During the happy seasons, I try to appreciate it fully and to make hay while the sun shines because life and health are truly precious.

I wish you all lots more hay and sunshine.

Sent by Nichole | 11:20 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie, as others have aleady said, thanks for the update and please remember to take care of yourself.

You and Leroy are in my prayers.

Sent by S. S. | 11:25 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie and Leroy,
I am sorry you two must deal with all of this- as if the first surgery wasn't enough??
I hope you can feel the love and support from all of us through the hospital walls, over the miles...YOU have given us a chance each day to acknowledge what we are facing.Knowing we are not alone in all of this helps us be able to deal and gives us more energy to help others. So we just want you to know, we all wish we could bring you some flowers and somehow, cheer up your difficult days!

Sent by NancyGM | 11:47 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie, it is so kind and generous of you to take the time to write updates on Leroy's condition, when you must have a million things to do! I know that the caregiver's lot is not an easy one, and I hope you are taking care of yourself as well.

Sasha, I'm sorry the news from your husband's scan wasn't good. Please know that I am hoping and praying with and for you and your husband.

Stephanie, it's so hard to stay positive or cheerful when everything seems to be going wrong, and sometimes you just can't. Here's hoping that tomorrow brings you sunshine in some form - I'll be wishing some your way.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 11:59 AM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie - I agree with Bruce (because I have been in his shoes), and will tell you the same. Please take good care of yourself and my prayers will be for both of you. The doctors and nurses will take care of Leroy, you take care of you.

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 12:05 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Dare I ask? Was all this latest surgery due to Cancer or something that could have been prevented by more care and cleanliness during the operation a few weeks ago? I realize that these questions will not be welcome, but isn't this also a learning experience for Surgeons and the Hospital?
How much can our poor Leroy take? Can all his suffering and misery be attributed to the cancer?
God Bless you all!

Sent by J C R | 12:10 PM ET | 10-23-2007

My prayers are with you all. I so need some good news.
Will you all please pray for the firefighters and the weather to change here in Southern California. My town is not threatened but we are surrounded by fires and many roads are closed. Many of my friends in North San Diego County have been evacuated.
Thnaks for taking time to give us an update!
Charlotte in Temecula

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 12:15 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Leroy and Laurie,
As a minor member of your cheerleading section, just wanted to say:
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
BEAT THE BUGS!
Love and healing best wishes,

Sent by Martha, a faithful fan | 12:18 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie and Leroy,
I returned home yesterday evening, after a long weekend away, to read Monday's post of mixed news. I'm so sorry that Leroy has had to undergo another surgery. The sadness is countered by the news that the infection was not MRSA, and the encouraging results posted today. As always, I'm trying to send positive, and healing thoughts and prayers your way.

Sasha, Stephanie Dornbrook and Ed Steger, You each continue to be so brave, in the face of this monster. I feel that you are sharing some of your deepest pain and sorrow with us. I only wish that knowing we are reading and understanding provides you with some small comfort and solace. And, as Ed wrote, I hold on to hopes that our sleeves can quickly build up a storehouse of more tricks than cancers' sleeves do.

Sent by Sheara | 12:23 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie, Thank you for updating us all on Leroy's condition. I check on him daily as I think most of us here do. I too am praying for you both. Leroy has done a wonderful thing with this blog, he has brought together this new community that never would have existed without his energy and words. Be sure to take care of yourself as you watch over your loved one. God Bless~

Sent by Valerie | 12:39 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Leroy,

I was relieved to read Laurie's post this am and to know you are "out of it." Best way to be when there is this much pain. When you get back to earth, we all will be glad to see you on our computer screens again. Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:50 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie and Leroy,
You've heard it hundreds if not thousands of times already but here's one more heartfelt wish for a strong and steady recovery for Leroy and a healthy dose of emotional healing for you both to help sustain you through this time. There are so many people every day who are thinking about you and sending you all our best.

Sent by Peggy | 12:50 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie, Healing thoughts and prayers to you both. Thank you for keeping us all in the loop, and take good care of yourself

Sent by Karen Q. | 1:26 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie,
Thank you so much for takeing the time to give us an update on Leroy. My thoughts and prayers are really with both of you. It is so hard to watch someone we love go through rough times like this. Thank you also for the strength you give to all of us. "One day at a time".

Sasha and Stephanie, my heart is with you both. I wish I could give you more strength. Keep believing, even when it is hard. There have been times I have been so low and your comments have helped to keep me looking upwards. Please know that you are all held in my prayers.

Leroy, hang in there!!

Dorothy in Portland, Ore.

Sent by dorothy | 1:34 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Praying and hoping with you. Praying and hoping for all of us.

Sent by Ronni Rhodes | 1:37 PM ET | 10-23-2007

I'm an atheist but am sending all the positive vibes in the world to you. My dad has stage 4 lung cancer so I know how cruel the disease can be. Be well, friend.

Sent by Sarah | 1:59 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Thank you Laurie for the update. God's blessings on both of you.
Neide from Brazil

Sent by Neide Tichy | 1:59 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie and Leroy,
Keep your head up..and yes we know it is not easy, but cancer is full of battles and Leroy is strong and will win this battle.
God Bless,
KIKI

Sent by KIKI | 2:32 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Damn, this must be annoying, to say the least!!! Leroy, I know that no low-life bacterium is any match for a man of your calibre; knock 'em dead! Hugs

Sent by Alycia Keating | 2:39 PM ET | 10-23-2007

I have a little note card on my desk. It says: Hang in there - God has everything under control.
Laurie, take care of yourself, you are fighting just as hard as Leroy. We wish you and Leroy continued healing and peace. You are both in our prayers!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 3:14 PM ET | 10-23-2007

As the world continually erupts around us with wars and other horrendous situations, your love, abiding care and thoughtfulness for each other - and for all of us - gives me true hope for people everywhere with whatever challenge they face. I keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Sent by Brin | 3:20 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie - Thank you for updating us while you're going through so much. You are in my prayers as well as Leroy, as always.

Sent by Lisa Lindstrom | 3:42 PM ET | 10-23-2007

You both are in my thougts and prayers - remember, you are not alone in this - we are all praying for you!

Sent by Kay | 3:52 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Leroy and Laurie,
You are both in my thoughts and prayers. I know that this horrible infection has now added a long recovery filled with very strong antibiotics in addition to recovery from the surgeries. I will continue to pray for strength and healing. Hang in there.

Karen

Sent by Karen | 4:01 PM ET | 10-23-2007

I moved the link for this blog from "News Sites" to "Family and Friend's Websites" today. I know none of you personally, but feel I know a little of all of you. This site is one of the first I come to each morning of Leroy and Laurie, and then again in the afternoon for news of all of you.

Hang in there everyone - especially Sasha and her DH, Stephanie, and Leroy and Laurie. Everyone in your extended blog family sends you their prayers and good thoughts.

Sent by Robin LeTourneau | 4:24 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Leroy,

I'm praying for you. Get well, get home and heal! That's an order!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:26 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Leroy, Laurie, Maeve and all --
Grace and peace to you! Seems like each time I leave home for a couple days, I'm missing discouraging news from the blog, but by the time I get back, things are already looking better. I pray the 'clean-out' got all the bad guys and your healing will be back on course!

Sent by Barbara | 4:30 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie, You and Leroy are in my thoughts--sending my strongest wishes for healing and Leroy being confortable suring the healing and for you (Laurie) to have the support and rest you need during this trying time.

Sent by N.R. | 4:53 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Sending compassionate thoughts to Leroy, Laurie, et al, during this difficult period. I am in Los Angeles, surrounded by burning fires. Can't help thinking of the devastation wrought by the uncontollable spread of multiple firestorms as an apt metaphor for this
disease.

Sent by E.H. | 4:53 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie,
Thanks for the update on Leroy. Just remember, where there is life, there is hope. That goes for Leroy and it goes for you too. Be good to yourself. You have my praise for having the strength to think about posting to this community.

Sent by Elaine | 4:58 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Sasha, Stephanie, Ed, L&L, I wish peace and grace to you all.

Sent by Jen in NOLA | 5:33 PM ET | 10-23-2007

For Stephanie, I was sorry to read your discouraging wordes. From what i know of you, you are a strong lifeforce and must be loved by your friends and family. How about having your son either get married sooner or have some sort of pre-wedding ceremony- I think your participation is important and I say why wait ?

Sent by linda h. | 5:34 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie: You and Leroy are in my thoughts and prayers.. hang in there... lots of hugs.

Krupali

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 5:47 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Leroy,

While I have not had the privilege of meeting you in person, you are part of my wider community of friends and family. I am a loyal blog reader and I have followed all your ups and a few downs faithfully. This is one of those "downs" Leroy, but you are strong, you have a will to not only survive but thrive . Please know that my thoughts are with you and I am thinking about you and your family every single day .

With all my very best and healing wishes

Moira in Canada

Sent by Moira Macdonald | 6:25 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie,
This is for you especially because at least Leroy has drugs on his side. I know you must feel that every time you suit up and agree to run another marathon, you bravely push through to the last mile, using up all your reserves, and the judges say, "Oh, well, actually we've found that we must move the finish line off another five miles. Please keep going!" It could get a bit discouraging, couldn't it? Sending both of you constant love and Tibetan prayers that you be protected and rest in the energy that we send to surround you.

Sent by Kathleen Hoffmann | 6:39 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Godspeed, Leroy.

Sent by Scott S. | 6:58 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Heal well, breathe deep, pray hard and think of what you'll say in your next blog :)) Love and prayers are with you (both) daily.

Sent by Lisa Burt | 7:12 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie:
I too thank you for the updates on our beloved friend. I too wish to send loving thoughts to Stephanie who has been another pillar in this community.
I started reading this blog shortly after its founding, and Stephanie was already a contributor. She was gracious enough to appear with Leroy on the Discovery Channel special and so she is also a face to many of us who are physically invisible to one other. The energy and love that emanate from this blog community certainly embrace her and our other members who need us now more than ever.
Know that we deeply care and would like to continue to hear how you are feeling.

Sent by Harriet | 7:13 PM ET | 10-23-2007

All peace and love for you guys. What a world!

Sent by Mike J | 7:18 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie, Please tell him we are all thinking of you both. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 7:48 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Leroy and Laurie...Lots more prayers for you both...Laurie...try as much as possible to get your rest and eat as well as you can...I know it is not easy for either of you...but as my friend, Charlie, says..."Better days are coming"...Fondly...Ann Pat...xoxoxo

Sent by Ann Patrice Sclafani-Forde | 7:52 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Sending love to you all...including the wonderful family and friends of all bloggers here. Special love to L & L...

Sent by liz zimmerman | 8:48 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie,
Thank you for taking the time to tell us what's going on with Leroy. My poor, hesitant, heartfelt agnostic prayers are with you both tonight. Hope you both get some much-needed sleep. He's very lucky to have you. But try to surround yourself with people who love and support you. Caregiving is tough.

Sent by Victoria Ferreira | 9:01 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie,
Thank you for taking the time for the update on Leroy. I'm sorry you all are having such a difficult time...I think many of us understand how you feel and it is difficult. As positive and optimistic as we must remain, it is not without great difficulty. Please take care of yourself because Leroy has lots of nurses helping him.

Sent by Kathie | 9:22 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie,
I have to say that when I was going through treatment I took my husband for granted. I did say thank you often, but I didn't really connect to the fear, hurt and exhaustion he experienced. The same was probably true of my Mom who went through chemo herself, and then returned to the same Dr. office to watch me go through chemo. I thanked her at that time, but I sure didn't process what pain and icky memories that must have created for her. Thank you to folks like you who go through a private hell in supporting those of us traveling the cancer road. Our prayers are with you and Leroy.

Sent by Beth S. | 10:14 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Just when you think you have had enough.

Sent by Sleepless in Seattle | 10:29 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Good evening Leroy, Laurie and All,

I am so relieved to hear that yet another surgery is over for Leroy. He has been through so much and now, hopefully a full recovery is underway!!

Certainly HOPE and PRAYERS will continue.

Thank you Laurie and all of your friends, who have kept us up to date on Leroy's progress. Your concern for Leroy and for all of us is so deeply appreciated.

To All, I know that everyone who for whatever reason, is a member of this blog family has had some kind of contact with Cancer. We each have to find our own way to deal with our journey through Cancer World. The support available here is a true blessing!! And as each one of us struggles to find our own path, I think we realize that we each do it on our terms and we do the very best that we can with the journey. We will fight with all the options that are available to us. But when we can no longer continue the fight we will transition to the next level of our existence and that is not a defeat but only a change. I know that we want to stay with our loved ones for as long as possible and we will continue to try to achieve that for as long as possible. As a unit together we are here to help each other along the way. You have been a tremendous help to me and I hope that in some small way that I have been a source of help, comfort and support to you as well. God Bless!!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte, NC.

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 11:19 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Laurie,
We do all we can from here...we pray. HE lives in God's Time now...it is a safe place to be.

Sent by Cherie Brown, Tucson | 11:19 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Dear Laurie,
My husband never had cancer, but I recall the stress and fatigue I felt during the days and nights after his heart attack. I hope you are getting enough rest, exercise, and healthy foods to keep yourself strong.
I'm glad to hear that Leroy came through this most recent surgery okay-- He has been through so much.
Best wishes,
Judith Newkirk

Sent by Judith Newkirk | 12:03 AM ET | 10-24-2007

hang in there big man we all love and pray for you.laurie take good care of your self.

Sent by yohannes | 5:51 AM ET | 10-24-2007

Laurie, thanks for taking time to share Leroy's condition. Cancer is bad enough, but this battle with infection seems particularly unfair! Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
For the other patients on this blog, thank you for sharing the good news and the bad. We are all connected and we need to hear both sides of the situation, to give us hope and help us be compassionate to others. For me, I am awaiting scans after completing my chemo treatment for colon cancer. It is hard to know how to behave now, as I am transitioning from the hospital every week to going back to work ! May the god of your choice give all of you peace and comfort.

Sent by Lou Loggi | 7:44 AM ET | 10-24-2007

Laurie, Thank you for the update. Take care of yourself and I have you both in my daily intentions. You are never alone.

Sent by Pat Zalewski | 7:51 AM ET | 10-24-2007