I read your blog first thing every morning, have only posted a few times as I want to say something in response to your posts and all of the amazing folks who respond. I simply do not have time!
Right now, all of my thoughts are with you, and I hope for a positive outcome. My mother would have been 75 yesterday, died 4 years ago - ovarian cancer. In the 6 years since she was diagnosed, we are still in virtually the same place when it comes to screening, diagnosis and treatment, a few baby steps here and there, but too slow for me.
Leroy, you are one amazing guy who has enriched many lives. Hope all our good thoughts help you today.
Much love,
Mary

Sent by Mary A. Sullivan | 7:47 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy...I hope by the time you are able to read this, your surgery will have been successfully completed, your pain will be greatly diminished or gone and you will be well on your way to recovery. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your surgicial team, all who care for you there and with Laurie. I know that God will protect you and give you the strength to do what you need to do to get well again. Until then, rest, try to keep your spirits up and don't worry about us or the blog....we'll be here waiting for you when you are ready!! Be safe, my friend.

Sent by betty obst | 7:53 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Tumors be gone!!! Wishing you smooth sailing today during and after your surgery. Sweet dreams and, hopefully, they will retyrn your feet once they successfully store them during surgery! Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Sent by Karen | 8:04 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy - You are such an inspiration to all of us. I pray that all goes well and I look forward to your future posts. I will be thinking of you throughout the day.

Sent by Brian Dowd | 8:11 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Just let them get the Beast! It's number's up and they are coming for it.......

Take care big guy and be easy on yourself.
JJ

Sent by JJ | 8:12 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Rest well Leroy. Let the docs and nurses do all of the heavy lifting! I know that hundreds of prayers and best wishes have been sent your way. God will answer the prayers and bring you safely through and back to us in His good time.

Sent by Al Cato | 8:13 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Hi Leroy,

Ditto to the other comments, I hope you have a successful surgery with a swift recovery and that the pain you have been experiencing will be gone. May God shelter you in his arms and hold u close,

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 8:20 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Dear Leroy,

As an OR nurse, we have ways to accommodate tall patients so their feet do not hang off.

I trust your surgeons and surgical team are on their toes, sharp, and prepared for your procedures. You are in my prayers... Dream of Hawaii while you are under anesthesia or at least go to sleep with pleasant thoughts. (don't think we dream while under anesthesia).

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:29 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Dear Leroy, Sending all of my healing thoughts and prayers. Be well my friend. Sincerely, Tanya

Sent by Tanya | 8:30 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Sending good happy thoughts your way, Leroy! Wishing you all the best in your recovery...and take your time...we'll be here waiting! With love!!!

Sent by Tess from KY | 8:33 AM ET | 10-01-2007

You may have no idea how many are pulling for you, how many you have touched or helped hear their own feelings expressed. Success to your medical team, and to all the professionals who help us all.

Sent by Jack Burrington | 8:34 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Lets go prayer warriors. Start them now and keep them coming. It's our turn to give back to Leroy in a big way!

Sent by jmoyer | 8:42 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Dear Leroy, As always you are amazing to take the time to write today. I pray your surgery goes well and that we will hear from you soon. God be with you and pain go away.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 8:55 AM ET | 10-01-2007

leroy, i will be praying for you and your doctors. good luck.

neal griffin

Sent by neal griffin | 8:58 AM ET | 10-01-2007

You've been in my thoughts and prayers, Leroy. I wish for you a speedy recovery, no complications, and good drugs to take care of any pain and discomfort, especially for when they start making you move around...:->

You go, Guy!

Sent by Erica | 9:12 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Wishing you all the very best results from today's surgery, Leroy!

Sent by Sarah Bunnell | 9:18 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy...I am sending my best wishes. You are a brave man and I look forward to your next blog. Best regards...

Sent by Donna | 9:19 AM ET | 10-01-2007

I just said a prayer for you, Leroy. Be a good patient, and things will go well with your recovery. But, you knew that.

Sent by Ruth from Virginia | 9:22 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sent by Ronni | 9:23 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Let it BE.

Sent by Sleepless in Seattle | 9:24 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy,

Congrats on getting to the hosp. at 5:30 a.m., espc. since you're not a "morning person." That's all the better, since, maybe you'll be too sleepy to worry much. Although from your blogs, you don't come across as much of a "worrier."

Here's to your entire surgery team: a big shout out for the great job they are all doing right about now, 9:16 a.m., and I'm betting they ARE "morning people." Go Surgery Team!

If it's an 8 hr. surgery, you are almost halfway through it; and to Laurie, hang in there, thoughts and prayers are going out for you too. Waiting is tougher in many ways than the surgery. At least Leroy is asleep!! :-)

Looking forward to hearing how great everything goes today. Take your time in posting. No rush. Wait until you feel well enough.

Love ya,

Kim

Sent by Kim Blankenship | 9:27 AM ET | 10-01-2007

I hope your surgery goes well and you recover quickly and fully. I read your blog often and wonder how you are doing. Good luck.

Sent by MT | 9:28 AM ET | 10-01-2007

You are doing a good service to your fellow human beings by making your journey one we can understand and appreciate. Thank you.

Sent by townie | 9:29 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy,

As you noted, we are all reading this as you are in surgery. I'm sure I speak for so many of us when I say that we are all thinking of you and wishing you the best possible outcome and the least possible discomfort. I know just what you mean about the hospital bed, room, halls, ward, etc. being your whole world for a certain amount of time...but we all look forward to when your world can expand again, and hopefully soon you will cross over to less pain than when you went in. Meanwhile, know we are thinking of you.

Best,

Leslie Tsui

Sent by Leslie | 9:31 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy - I hope you (and your feet!) will have a very successful surgery. Will keep you, Laurie and your surgeons in my prayers today. God bless and keep you.

Sent by Dianne in NV | 9:33 AM ET | 10-01-2007

God bless, Leroy, we're all thinking of you every minute today.

Amy

Sent by Amy Wojnarowski | 9:56 AM ET | 10-01-2007

My prayers and thoughts are with you...

Sent by Jennifer | 10:02 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy,
We are all with you every minute, sending our intentions for the best possible outcome for you. May you rest in the cradle of our loving energy. Om.

Sent by Kathleen Hoffmann | 10:15 AM ET | 10-01-2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you dear friend.

Sent by sasha | 10:15 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Sending warmest wishes your way, Leroy.

Sent by Judith Morgan | 10:16 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy, I sense a healthy dose of optimism in the way you've writen your post for today. By the time you read this, you will know that so many have checked in, even during the period that you said you weren't going to write. It's because we've come to love you as a dear friend, and want the best possible outcome for you in today's surgery.

Sent by Sheara | 10:20 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Dear Leroy,
Today you are in my thoughts and prayers. My hope for you is to be cancer free.

Remember, lots of chicken soup.

Warm hugs and love your way
Robin

Sent by Robin T | 10:24 AM ET | 10-01-2007

From Berkeley California
We are all rooting for you.
Get Well, Be Well

Sent by Robert | 10:25 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Good luck Leroy. Get back to work.

Sent by Brit | 10:47 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Dear Leroy~ Hope you are in the middle of some lovely dreams right now. You mentioned that your "world" will be the bed for a few days after surgery. I couldn't help but think of Robert Louis Stevenson, my favorite Poet as a child. Remember how his imagination took him all over "his countrpane" as he endured a life of sickness and being bed bound? What an imagination HE had, also.
Hope yours will transport you to magical places and ideas as you recuperate.
Can't believe how many thoughts and how much love is with you right now, and will continue as you recover. You have such a loyal, loving, following and we await your messages!
May the days go by swiftly as you get better & the pain subsides.

Sent by JCR | 10:48 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Could be that so many people are pulling for you that it might interfere with the earth's rotation!!!
Go Leroy Go! We love you!

Sent by bethann | 10:50 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Dear Leroy,

We are all there with you, holding your hand and praying to steady the hands of your surgeons.

Much love,
Mo Spikes

Sent by Mo Spikes | 10:55 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy,

I hate that you are having to go through all this. But, so much good has come from it for the rest of us -- insights into the feelings of those we love, knowledge that we are not on our journey alone. I'm sure you are in the prayers and good wishes of far more people than you could ever imagine. For each person who posts comments regularly, there are probably dozens who, like me, only read and empathize. But, posters or readers, please know that we are all pulling for you.

Trish

Sent by Trish | 11:02 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Hi Leroy,
I woke up thinking about you and said a prayer. We are all praying and know that you are not only in the expert hands of your doctors but better yet, in God's hands. Heal well and Keep Breathing.

Sent by Beth | 11:03 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy,
I am praying for success for you and your medical team. Pain and tumor be gone!!
Charlotte in Temecula

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 11:25 AM ET | 10-01-2007

good luck, i wish you the best surgery possible and a speedy recovery

Sent by albert | 11:52 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Peaceful thoughts and prayers for healing coming your way today and everyday.

Sent by Rochelle | 11:58 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy,

We're thinking about you today.

Wishing you the best,

Anne

Sent by Anne | 11:59 AM ET | 10-01-2007

Good luck, Leroy, and have a speedy and pain free recovery! We're looking forward to hearing how it all went.

Sent by Nina Gregory | 12:01 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy,

My healing thoughts and energy are flowing your way today and every day. May the surgeons be precise and your pain be well managed. I wait in anticipation to hear good news from you and yours.

hugs, Terri

Sent by Terri (Seattle) | 12:02 PM ET | 10-01-2007

thinking of you today leroy and sending good vibes...
rachel martin

Sent by Rachel | 12:05 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Dear Leroy:
If, as some studies indicate, communal good wishes and prayers really do aid in recovery, you will be up and about in no time. We are all pulling for you.

All best,

karen

Sent by karen b | 12:07 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy,

Blessings

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:43 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Dear Leroy ...
I too have come to your blog for the first time. As you move from the too-small table to bed to the corridor to the streets and home, know that there are many many people pulling for you and wishing you more magic and a heaven sent recovery. Thank you for thoughts and blog ... Julie McCarthy

Sent by Julie McCarthy | 12:49 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy,
Just read your posting (12:49 p.m.) and I am praying your surgery goes well and your recovery is uneventful but fast. My son is entering NIH today for one whole month. They will wipe out his immune system, then give him back reconstituted T-cells to fight his spreading melanoma. He said he is going as a ghost for Halloween. Enjoyed your description of a stay in the hospital. Thanks for your humor, thoughts and everything!

Sent by Maureen P | 12:56 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Dear Leroy,

Prayed for you last night, and am still praying today. God Bless you and Laurie, and your family.

Connie E.

Sent by Connie E. | 12:57 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy,

Thinking of you. A lot. And praying. Don't worry about blogging until you're ready.

Sent by Jay Kernis | 12:59 PM ET | 10-01-2007

SENDING TO YOU MUCH GOOD-LUCK TODAY AS YOU GO IN-TO SURGERY !!
SINCERE-LY,
MARK "PEACE-WALKER" CREEK-WATER
TEXAS [NEAR AUSTIN] - USA - TODAY

Sent by MARK "PEACE-WALKER" CREEK-WATER | 1:03 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy, today's the day and all of us - hundreds, pehaps thousands, are with you in spirit and prayer. Let the next post be nothing less than the miracle hs happened!

Sent by Pat Doyle | 1:08 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Sending good thoughts your way, Leroy! Here's to a speedy recovery...

Sent by Melody Kokoszka | 1:23 PM ET | 10-01-2007

GOD BE WITH YOU, DEAR LARRY

Sent by Maxine | 1:34 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Know that there will probably be more than just me, an avid reader of your BLOG, who will be sending good energy your way on Monday.

Sent by Tina Price | 2:03 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy - it's nearly lunch time out here on the west coast - maybe you're out of surgery and in recovery by now. We've been thinking about you all morning and hope that you have a brand-spanking new vertebrae installed and will be up and around to test it out soon. Write and let us know how it works when you can.
-bob (Kent, WA)

Sent by Bob Maimone | 2:38 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Thinking of you today, Leroy (maybe around now you are coming out from under and I hope you're comfortable and your loved ones are close). It really is magic what well-done surgery can fix and I hope the magic was 100% successful.

Sent by N.R. | 2:54 PM ET | 10-01-2007

I trust you know the impact you have had on so many lives. We all look forward to your daily messages.
Our good thoughts are with you and we wish you a speedy and uneventful recovery.

Sent by dara | 2:54 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy and Laurie, You hang tough! It will be successful and pain will be gone. You will pay a price in the short run, but it will be worth it. Will be thinking of you today. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 3:19 PM ET | 10-01-2007

You are a brave warrior, my friend. I will keep you and your surgeon in my prayers, and wish you a speedy recovery.
Elaine Murphy
Brooklyn, NY

Sent by Elaine Murphy | 4:45 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Please know my thoughts and prayers will be with you on Monday and the days to follow - they have been for many past months even though I haven't
contacted you before. May you have peace in your heart through these weekend preparations - I know the outcome is going to be good - you are
such an inspiration to me. Thank you for your "gonna lick this" attitude!
Most sincerely,
Barbara O'Neill
Ft. Myers, FL

Sent by Barbara O'Neill | 6:20 PM ET | 10-01-2007

I certainly will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure your blog is an inspiration to so many people fighting their battle with this disease. Keep up the good fight.

Sent by Patricia A. Corcoran | 6:25 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Dear Leroy,

My thoughts are with you for a full recovery from the surgery. I know that you, like many of us will be happy to just feel well enough to just go back to a near normal life. Use all the energy you can muster to get through this next phase. Your blog has been a support to many people, but now concentrate on yourself.

My best to you and to your family. Good Luck.

Sent by MS | 7:40 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Good luck, Leroy, though by now you must be in recovery. I hope someone posts tomorrow to let us know how you came through, and that you're doing A-OK. Mornings just won't be the same until you're back in action.

Sent by Teri | 7:49 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Dearest Leroy....hope all is well with you tonight....more hugs and kisses and prayers for a speedy recovery...

Sent by Faun | 8:16 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Well, the hard part is over. Just kick back, relax, and think of all the frozen concoctions awaiting your return :o)

I put a little umbrella in my cappucchino today! Most everyone thinks I should be committed.....

Sent by Teri Thomas | 8:56 PM ET | 10-01-2007

My first thought upon waking today was that you would be having surgery this morning. I hope and pray it wildly surpasses everyone's expectations for success, and that once you speedily recover, you will find complete relief from pain.

This is my first post, but I've been reading and rooting for you ever since the Living With Cancer show first aired.

Sent by Michele DeCrow | 9:01 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Dreams after surgery can be powerful: hope yours give you strength and healing. Along with many other people, I am holding you in the light.

Sent by Joan | 9:35 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy - good to get your post this morning - thanks, I wasn't expecting anything but it was nice of you to sneak one in- by now you should be over with surgery and on the mend. Thought of you today -I hope it went well - as did my mamogram! Rest, and know we are all sending you prayers, and good wishes.

Sent by Beth | 9:47 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Leroy,

Good luck with your surgery. I'll be praying for you! =)

Sent by Katy Vo | 10:20 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Thinking of you, Leroy and wishing you a speedy recovery. Thanks for all you do.

Sent by Connie Venn | 10:25 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Dear Leroy,

I read your post every day and you have been in my earnest prayers. You are an inspiration.
Eileen
Stage IIIB Colon Cancer

Sent by Eileen Peacock | 11:10 PM ET | 10-01-2007

Peace,
By now you are past the Post anesthesia phase and are probably back in your room. Please God, all went well. You wil not be in any condition to physiclly write your blog ; although I imagine you could dictate it. I hope to see something good from you before the end of the week. Our prayers are with you.

Sent by Robert G Oehl | 12:58 AM ET | 10-02-2007

You are in my thoughts. Let go and rest...

Sent by LSF | 5:49 AM ET | 10-02-2007

I am thinking of you. I was fretting over my burning pain associated with radiation therapy that I am currently taking. After reading your comments, my pain disappeared. I pray all is well with you and you are posting your comments, once again,soon. Thanks for your inspiration.

Sent by Jerry Borror | 6:10 AM ET | 10-02-2007

Good Morning Leroy~ Hopefully the worst is over and the dreaded "Monday" has come and gone.
So many good thoughts and love are with you today aa you begin the healing process once again. Oh, that the worst pain is gone!

Sent by J C R | 7:30 AM ET | 10-02-2007

Dear Leroy,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It's funny, you've become a part of my daily routine - I always check in to see how you are doing. In some ways, I feel as though I know you and so, dear friend, I wish you a full and speedy recovery. You have accomplished what most of us hope we will one day do - that is to make a difference in the lives of others. You have done that Leroy by sharing your story. Please take good care of you and rest.

Sent by Joanne | 8:25 AM ET | 10-02-2007

God bless your recovery from the surgery, and give you strength to fight the good fight.

Sent by Kathy | 9:08 AM ET | 10-02-2007

We're all thinking about you. I hope to see you wandering our halls again soon, bionic man.

Sent by Joe M., NPR | 9:24 AM ET | 10-02-2007

It's Tuesday...the surgery is over and hopefully you are recovering well. Anxious to hear from you again...I read your blogs everyday and admire your attitude. Rest and take care!!

Sent by Rudy | 9:30 AM ET | 10-02-2007

Lit a candle for you yesterday, Leroy, and I'll do the same each day til we hear that you're safely recovered and at home. Hope all went according to plan, right down to the cocktail umbrellas : )

Love,
Jess

Sent by Jess Neiweem | 9:51 AM ET | 10-02-2007

Let them work their magic and enjoy the adventure of the hallway walks. Sending the best thoughts to you .
You need to rest and give that tumor a knock punch.
With care, Anne

Sent by anne lumberger | 10:02 AM ET | 10-02-2007

Leroy, Well, here it is, the day after surgery, and we, your supporters, can continue here to encourage you and send good thoughts. We are family! We will be thinking of you when they get you up and moving. When you sit on the side of the bed(?) or take your first step or even just turn over, we will be thinking of you. We hope you are as comfortable as possible, and that when any pain hits, you remember we are all pulling (gently but firmly) for you. Best wishes.

Sent by Wendy | 10:30 AM ET | 10-02-2007

Hope all went well; now it's time for you and Laurie to rest and recup. God Bless

Sent by Karen | 12:13 PM ET | 10-02-2007

Godspeed.

Peace be with you.

Sent by Dave U. | 12:25 PM ET | 10-02-2007

MAY THE FORCE (God and his love) BE WITH YOU.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 12:40 PM ET | 10-02-2007

I'm thinking of you. I hope everything goes very well.
Big hug!

Sent by isabel costa | 1:38 PM ET | 10-02-2007

Good Afternoon Leroy amd All,

Leroy, May you rest in the strength of all the prayers being sent your way. By tomorrow the work of recovery will begin. The nurses will come to get you out of bed. Don't bite them, nurses don't taste like chicken! I'm an old nurse- so I know this. (Just trying to bring a smile your way.) We are all here cheering you on, so get to that corridor Leroy and back down the path that brings you back to us.

Laurie, We know that you are exhausted but we hope that your heart is lighter now that the surgery is over. You are in our prayers as well.

To All, Prayers are with you always and hopefully with a smile to lighten the load that we all share as we walk the road through Cancer World together.

God Bless

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 4:54 PM ET | 10-02-2007

Leroy,
I begin everyday of work looking you up on NPR. Your insights are often food for thought of my day. I pray for your speedy recovery and know you and your loved ones are in my thoughts everyday.

Sent by Dianna | 7:53 AM ET | 10-03-2007

Lots of prayers for you, Leroy - from Marymount, China, UVA, Sewanee and Georgetown. Love, La Monica's

Sent by Teri La Moncia | 8:00 AM ET | 10-03-2007

Hang in there -- know that your readers & listeners are sending loving thoughts, good wishes, and a couple of our own angels to accompany you through your recovery from this surgery.

Sent by SuzieB | 10:15 AM ET | 10-03-2007

Leroy,
It's not enough to say you are an inspiration. Your reflections, iron will and courage encapsulate all that is good on this earth, and reflect the struggle that all of us, whether ill or in good health, should embark on -- that is to learn how to expand our hearts when life seems to squeezes us the most.
May your strength and wind come back to your sails soon, and don't get discouraged - even the wind needs to take a breath sometimes.

Sent by Eleni | 10:21 AM ET | 10-27-2007