Editor's Note: Leroy had his surgery Monday. He's very tired and we're not expecting him to post to the blog this week. We will update you as soon as we can. We will continue to post your comments in the meantime. So please feel free to send Leroy your messages.
2:54 PM ET | 10- 2-2007 | permalink
let us all pray for Leroy. I miss his blog already. Hurry back and hang in there. neal griffin
Dear Leroy, Sending healing thoughts and prayers.
Sent with lots of love,
Tanya
You are certainly missed, Leroy, but all any of us would like is for you to have all the time you need and want for recuperation and rest. Not too long ago, at a family gathering, I was feeling a little puny so I excused myself to rest a little. Soon I heard my granddaughters' voices outside my bedroom door asking if they could come in. "Of course," I said. "Rest with me on the bed." In a few minutes my oldest granddaughter revealed a book she had hidden under her shirt and suggested that she could read to me. "That would be nice," I said. Shortly, my middle granddaughter said, "Meo reads better than you do, Meghan, so let Meo read to us, " which I did. We may be waiting anxiously in spirit outside your bedroom door, Leroy, but I promise you will not have to read to us anytime soon!
All the very best to you Leroy. It was odd having you on my mind yesterday - someone I don't know but feel that I do, just a little bit, and I hoped so much that things were going well. Rest up and be kind to yourself and we'll all look forward to your next blog.
Hang in there, Leroy. Glad that the surgery is over; non the hard part begins. We know you can do it!! Prayers continue!
Hang in there, Leroy! The hard part is over!
Never turn down pain meds. Doctors will wean you off when you are ready, meanwhile keep the pain at bay. Recovery thoughts and healing prayers are happening for you from the 4 corners of the earth.
Shirley from SC
you are in my thoughts and prayers and hurry back soon. yopu will be missed. sarah from kc
Leroy,
I just want to add my name to the list of people who are thinking about and praying for you and your loved ones. You have given us such a gift with your blog. I would like to do my part in returning your gift with prayers.
Leroy, I'm glad for you that the surgery is done, and I hope it went as well as you expected it to. Like many blog contributors, I found myself thinking about you at different times yesterday, hoping that all was well. Thanks to the NPR folks for posting an update - it means a lot to those of us in Leroy's Army.
Please take care and be patient in your recovery. We'll wait for you.
Imagine an enormous group hug -- you are in the minds and hearts of a great community of supporters, survivors, and angels. The blog is not really silent and never will be. The words will echo on and on and on.... Yes, do hang in there!
Leroy,
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Deborah Leinbach
Sending thoughts and prayers your way!
Just glad for the update that you surgery went okay. Please rest up and blog when you can. You are a part of my life now.
Thinking of you and wishing you lots of rest and not too bad of pain!!
Thanks for the update, Ms. McGoran. It was good hearing that Leroy got through the procedure; even though he's exhausted. Holy cow: who wouldn't be? All my best to you, Leroy, for the speediest of recoveries, and to all of you who are so valiantly facing down such a vicious disease, thank you. Every single one of you have inspired me. God bless.
How nice of you Maeve, to message us all. Yes, we have all grown to love Leroy, a man we have yet to meet. He has touched a very special nerve in each of us and I believe something very mysterious has joined us all together.
Please do, keep us posted as he recovers.
Thank you to NPR for the update.
And to Leroy, my prayers are with you
Maeve, thanks for the update.
Leroy, miss your voice. Looking forward to having you back, and thinking good thoughts as you recover.
Thank you so much for posting the news about Leroy, Maeve.Funny - he was on my mind much of the day yesterday. Some people looked at me oddly when I explained that my preoccupation and anxiety were due to the surgery of someone I've never met. This morning I just had to get up before dawn to check the blog, in case a message had been posted (I'm on the West Coast).Now I'm sending healing thoughts...
Sending you lots of healing energy leroy!!
jenn
Glad your surgery is over. Prayers for you and your loved ones.
Thank you NPR for posting.
WHEW! Thanks to Maeve, your "blog" keeper, for letting us know he is recovering ok. Being a little tired is to be expected. After all he "slept for 8 or more hours yesterday.
Keep on the mend.. and watch those feet. :)
Dear Leroy;
What can I say toyou that hasn't already been said by so many, like myself, who have been so greatly inpacted by your journalism and experience with life and cancer who may never have the opportunity to meet you IRL (in real life). You have and are continuing to offer an invaluable service in your journalism, unprecedented that I am aware of and worthy of accolades...we will sorely miss reading your blog but we will be checking daily anyways...We hope and pray that you are feeling stronger and recuperating more each day. We hope that our thoughts and prayers are encouraging to you as your sharing your life and experiences with us has been to us. May God bless you, heal you and hold you in the palm of His hand while we hold you in our hearts and prayers...
I look forward to hearing from you every Monday on WKSU in Ohio...
Denise
Best wishes for a speedy recovery from surgery. I recently began reading your blog (from the beginning) and it has helped me gain perspective on what a friend who has recently been diagnosed with cancer is dealing with. Thanks for being so open.
Dear friend:
I want you to know how important you are to me. My husband and I are on a cruise ship sailing along the west coast of the U.S on the way to the Panama Canal and up to NY. Buying internet time was especially important this trip, so I could check on your progress. Like the rest of your blog family, you are so special in my life and I wish you the best and speediest recovery.
With love, respect and gratitude.
Read your blog regularly..today I was diagnosed with recurrent cancer and go in for CT biopsy to determine if is breast or lung this time.. The mass is in the middle of my chest and has nodes involved around it. YOur column has been an inspiration and you are fighting the good fight! Life IS worth living.... God bless and speedy recovery.
Hi Leroy.Don't rush to blog just yet. Take some time to recuperate. We will be waiting for you. Just want you to know we are thinking about you.
Leroy, I read your column first thing Monday, when you said "By the time you read this..." Even when you were under the anesthesia, you were here with us. Thank you for loving us and telling the little tale about your feet. Your fans in Spokane WA
Leroy, we love you man! You're certainly on our minds, especially this week. I hope your hospital diet will permit a little bit of chocolate (assuming you're in the mood for it). May each day bring you a little farther along in your recovery. I went to my oncologist appt. today and noticed the waiting room wasn't very filled as it usually is. That is a good thing and a hopeful sign (and also my white blood count showed a good bump upward).
Thanks NPR.
Leroy - Just rest...and take all the time you need for you and when it is hard and when you are tired just imagine us all sending you our prayers . We are with you.
Leroy,
Thinking of you and sending you good wishes and healing vibes!
Peace,
Betsey
Thank you NPR for updating the blog on Leroy's condition. We don't expect you to do anything except rest and recover from your surgery, Leroy. All our prayers are with you. Look forward to future blogs when you are able.
God bless you, Leroy.
Thanks so much for the update. I've been checking periodically and it was a relief to see.
Leroy my thoughts are with you throughout each day. Rest and heal. We will wait for your return.
Dear Leroy,
Like everyone else, I am missing you and wishing you the best. :-) Joyce
Thank you Maeve for the update...I think I've checked the blog at lease a dozen times! I'm relieved that surgery is over....lots of prayers for a speedy recovery...
Maeve, thank you for your update. I had been away and realized I had not received an E Mail Blog in a week. I went on NPR today, learened about Leroy's surgery and read many of the comments from the last week. Leroy you are an inspiration to so many people. We are all praying for you, Laurie and your dear ones. Thank you for your wisdom, humor and positive attitude. God Bless. Carol
Leroy I have been thinking of you these past two days and I wish you a speedy recovery. You and your blog are an important part of many peoples lives. You have given so much to your readers. Now it is your time for you to rest and recuperate.
Hello Leroy,
Glad to hear that your surgery is over. It's amazing to feel such a connection to someone I've never met ! But we have traveled down the same path along with most of the kind people who write to you. We miss you, Heal well...
love and peace,
susan
Dear Leroy,
You are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong. You are not alone. We are all here for you!!!
Dear Leroy, you are so much a part of our day, we wake-up in the morning thinking of you, first thing I do is print your blog for the day, it lays on the kitchen table for Fred to read when he gets up, along with the paper, guess which one he reads first!!!!! I pray for a speedy recovery for you and, that the beast has finally thrown in the towel and, knows it has lost it's battle!!!Thanks to your friend for the update and we look forward to hearing more good news from you in the future. Our prayers are with you.
Leroy,
you & your medical team are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the surgery went as planned.
Dear Leroy
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your strength, candid comments and sense of humor have been a source of inspiration for my family and me as we face adversity.
We look to hearing from you when you are able!
You will continue to be in my thoughts. KOKO!!
Leroy,
Please keep your spirits up. The worse part of this fight is that every thing we do to combat this disease is the side effects of the treatment. There is nothing which My doctors and I have done which did not have its downside.
Yet we keep fighting. I pray for us all. May you have a speedy recovery.
Peace and all good.
May God bless and keep you and look over you.
Thinking of you - hope the healing is quick and the pain is fading.
Dear Leroy, My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you have a speedy recovery!!! Roxi
Love, lots of love, Leroy..........you can hopefully feel it.........
All Shall Be Well!! We miss you, but take all the time you need to get well and rest.........
hey superman,
we'll wait patiently.....
you are in my prayers each night.
we'll expect you real soon.
You are in my daily thoughts and prayers, Leroy and Laurie. Hang in, and hang tough.
Leroy, thank you for giving us the gift of your blog. You and your family are in my prayers. Please just rest up, recoup, and know that lots of positive energy is being sent your way.
Leroy and Laurie - now's the time to care of yourselves and each other. Your rest and recovery is most important right now.
We'll be here when you get back - take the time you need.
A heart-felt thanks to NPR for sharing the update.
Hello Leroy,
I am sending you healing prayers for a quick and successful recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife and look forward to hearing from you first thing every morning when you are home and feeling better. Take good care of yourself.
In Peace,
Lynda
I hope the surgery went well. You, and all the others, are in my prayers.
Dear Leroy, I am thinking of you hour by hour. I've been where you are -- though I am annoyed when people say that to ME. I'll just leave it at this: sending you love and strength and HELP in healing, all through these hours. XXOO Kathy
"Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder.
Help someone's soul heal.
Walk out of your house like a shepherd."
~ Jalaluddin Rumi,
poet and mystic (1207-1273)
Thank you, Leroy, for sharing, for being a shepherd & helping all of our souls heal through your blog. I am praying for you & your family. Take good, tender care of yourself.
Leroy -- I have been thinking about you since Monday morning and sending peaceful healing thoughts your way. Wishing you a speedy recovery from this necessary surgery knowing that your quality of life will improve once the pain in your back is gone.
Leroy
Your blog has given so much comfort and strength to so many. Back at you.
Leroy and Laurie,
Both of you are being held in prayer and loving thoughts, beams of light, out here in cyberspace, and right here in my living room where I'm reading your blog and typing this message. With me are 6 dogs and 4 cats, who want to send their best also: "Meow! Woof!" (Cat and Dog speak for "we send you our best healing energy too!") They keep me company and read your blog every morning.
Both of you, take as much time as you need to heal. No pressure to get back to writing here until you feel really ready. Right this minute, I'm able to be a very patient person. :-)
Thanks Maeve McGoran for the update. It's definitely appreciated.
ciao, meow, woof,
Kim Blankenship
Glad the surgery is over and you are now on your way to recovery. Positive energy and thoughts coming your way as always. We are all here for you. Take your time. All the best! Sandy Lathe
So glad the surgery part is over! Although we know the healing part is the real challenge. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope everyone on the blog is doing okay. I will miss hearing updates. Peace,
Leroy,
I pray your pain and nausea will be well controlled. Rest and heal.
I hope NPR,in this case, means "New Patient Report" on our favorite cancer fighter. Anxious for updates and good news.
Peggy
Monday & Tuesday I checked for an update numerous times. Glad to hear the surgery is over. Rest and the healing will take care of itself. You are truly an outstanding man of strength and spirit. Hang in there...take your time. That chapter in your life is over now..on to positive things....Maybe back to HAWAII soon.
Dear Leroy,
Keep healing. You're in my thoughts and prayers for continued recovery and minimal discomfort. I look forward to your return to blogging when you are up to it. In the meantime, just rest and know we are all with you in spirit.
Erica
Thinking of you, big guy! Get well. I hope and pray that this one does it for you.
Leroy...we're checking in like anxious family (which, come to think of it, we are) for news of your recovery. I'm hopeful that you and Laurie are aware of the prayers and healing intentions from us all for you both.
As a nurse, let me add....take regular deep breaths, cough, move your feet, and get up as soon as you're allowed to.
We'll wait here until you're better and can come back, even if just for a visit.
Leroy -
Thinking of you today and praying for you each day.
Hope you are on the road to healing.
Thanks so much for keeping us updated. He is an important part of our lives.
Leroy,
You've been in my thoughts and prayers, and you'll stay there.
Wendy
god blessyou leroy with oll my hearth, we will waiting for you.
isabel collazo from long branch nj.
10/3 ~ Good Morning Leroy! How is your "Counterpane" and your physical pain? Third day can be one of the worst as I remember my surgeries.
Every passing day brings you closer to being back with us all!
Thank u for giving us an up-date on Leroy, I was thinking of him all day yesterday and am glad surgery went well. Hang in there Leroy, healing thoughts and prayers go out to you and your loved ones. We await your return and in the meantime my wish for a swift recovery for you,
Lianne Friedman
Leroy, I miss your messages, but we need you to rest so you can return as strong as ever. We are thinking of you.
Dear Leroy,
Have thought of you constantly this week, and have been waiting on an update. Glad to see this one, but how about one on how it went? I'm a little impatient, and anxious. Can't help it - you're family now. Praying that all went well, you got the scum out successfully, and you are healing with as little pain as possible. I know that's a pipe dream, but take drugs, many drugs. Rest and recuperate. Love and Blessings sent your way.
Connie E.
Leroy & Laurie - you continue to be held in my prayers. Remember, you are not alone in this battle.
Thank you for the update, Maeve. We miss Leroy's wit & wisdom, but right now he needs to concentrate on healing. Don't let him come back to the blog too soon. We'll await his glorious return when the time is right for him.
Thinking of you and your family, my friend. God Bless.
Rest and recover, Leroy. Many prayers and much healing energy is being sent your way. You are in my thoughts daily.
It's not the same without your blog on here daily, Leroy! I hope you're pain control is better, that your surgery was a success. Time sometimes seems to slow down so much when you're going through what it takes to just stay alive. You're hanging in there and we're all proud of you. Stay positive, we are, for you! Hey! I surely have lived to be a grandma! Ronan James Sublett was born yesterday. Six months ago, I was so scared I'd not make it this long. I did and am so grateful to God for all his blessings. I'm also grateful you've come through your surgery and looking forward to getting those blogs from you. Big hugs! Linda
leroy: You are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope you will be much better after your recovery.
It is good to hear that your surgery is over with. Hope your recovery progresses smoothly. I really miss my mornings not having your blogs to digest and chew over. Rest well!
You are in my thoughts, Leroy. Your strong will, courage, and positive attitude are admirable by us all.
I'm so glad to hear something today. I've checked everyday for an update. Please, someone keep us posted.
Leroy,
I'm so glad the surgery is over and that you're on the road to recovery. We miss you and hope to hear from you as soon as you're up to it. Blessings and wishes for a peaceful and painless rest while you heal. I will continue to keep you in my daily thoughts and prayers.
Take care!
Leroy,
Prayers and gentle (((((HUGS))))) to you for a fast recovery. I miss your blog already.
DrMom
God bless you Leroy. May you be resting as peaceful as possible and experiencing a relief from your pain. Just know many are praying and thinking about you.
Judy
Thanks, NPR, for the update on Leroy. Leroy, I hope you are comfortable, getting lots of rest, and surrounded by your loved ones. Eagerly awaiting updates.
Remember better living through chemistry! Hang tough.
Leroy, our prayers are with you for a speedy recovery.
Thank-You for the update,
I pray for no pain or at least good medicine to cover surgery pain and recovery faster that your wildest dreams could imagine.
Prayers abound for you!
I'm thinking about you daily Leroy.
Sending you my best wishes for A speedy recovery.
Leroy,
I've been thinking about you a lot these past few days. Even though I don't know you, I feel like I do, at least a little bit. So it was hard to wait and wonder how you were doing. Very nice of your management to post something this morning. I'm so glad the surgery is over, but I imagine you are now working hard at recovering from it -- and that is often harder, both mentally and physically. Although we miss hearing from you, we do not want to rush you and impact your recovery. Please take the time you need to recover, and try to be kind to yourself. Your body has been through a lot, so it is not starting at "full strength" as it works to recover. But it does have many, many extra supporters, and we are sending you our very best.
Warmly,
Leslie Tsui
What a relief for you that your surgery is over; now it is time to rest and heal. Don't worry about us or writing blog until you're ready, stay strong. Love and blessings to you from Sherri in Texas, BC dx 4-06
LEROY, I READ YOUR BLOG EVERYDAY. YOU ARE WHAT GETS ME THROUGH THE DAY. I AM A STAGE IV MET CANCER. JUST REST AND RELAX. SENDING YOU A BIG HUG! I KNOW HOW THOSE FEEL ON DAYS THAT WE ARE IN PAIN THAT KNOW ONE KNOWS ABOUT. CAN'T WAIT TO READ YOUR BOLGS AGAIN AND I TOO LIKE EVERYONE ELSE WILL BE CHECKING ON A DAILY BASIS JUST TO GET NEWS ABOUT YOU.
KAREN, LAFAYETTE, LA.
Leroy, I know you know you are not alone. I think and pray for you and all on this site.
Leroy:
Thinking of you, with empathy and affection...
Your Canadian e-friend,
Nancy
Hi Leroy,
I hope this email finds you on the mend and in great spirits.
My best to you and your family,
Lynne
Dear Leroy-
I think of you many times throughout the day. I remember the post surgical fog. I picture you getting that little thirst quenching sip of water that you hope is fresh and hasn't been sitting there all morning. I remember the pain creeping in and the advice of my docs to take the pain meds and "stay ahead of the pain." I remember trying to smile when visitors came so I wouldn't look so pathetically weak. I remember the relief when they would leave. I have so many more memories. I've had way to many surgeries to forget.
Mostly, I wish you a speedy, minimal pain recovery and hope you will stay ahead of the pain now and your body will have a chance to take itself back from those pesky and persistent cancer cells.
Remember you are and will forever be "The Boulder." It works for that movie actor "The Rock" Johnson from Hawaii. (I'm not a big movie person, but just saw in the news he and his wife donated $1 million to renovate the Miami football stadium.) "The Boulder" sounds so much more formidable.
Heavy sigh and rest.
kathy bero
I cannot add anything to all the good wishes above other than you are constantly in my thoughts and I offer my prayer for you and want you to know how awesome and brave you are!!
It's Leah, here in Missouri Leroy. If good wishes and kind thoughts were roses, consider me sending you the largest bunch you have ever seen. I hope all your nurses are kind and gentle, as well.
you hear the kind words
in the voices of your friends
a prayer rises to heaven
Leroy,
Wishing you rest and comfort on this tough part of your journey. You are in my prayers.
Just adding the same thoughts and prayers as all of the above. I have been thinking about you since Monday and am very greatful for the update. Heal quickly and with as little pain as possible. You are an amazing person. Thanks for all you have given us.
Pat Doyle
Leroy,
I'm glad I looked - wasn't expecting news so soon. SO glad the surgery is over and join with everyone to hope it did what it was supposed to do!
Thank you so much for letting us know Leroy's status. You have been in my thoughts since Sunday evening Leroy when I prayed that the doctors and staff members would all get a good night's sleep and not be distracted by their own private lives. You remain in my prayers as I join all your family and friends in waiting for you to take the time you need to heal and regroup. We'll all be waiting.
Dear Leroy,
I read your blog from afar each day,but keep you close to my thoughts and prayers. Look forward to hearing from you soon.Rest up and stay strong. Peace, Susan H
ohm shanti, shanti, shanti --Peace, shalom salom. Rest, recover, then soar again with loved ones, upon the light & colors of autumn.
Leroy, I think about your new vertabrae. The phrase "having a backbone" or the question, "Does he have any backbone?" something like that. Well, you are redefining the authenticity of the inquiry. After all, maybe who we are is not about our back bone as much as it is about our willingness and fortitude to tend to it, to acknowledge how we are neither our backbone or anything that may replace it. So, here is to you new backbone...let it thrive living with the consciousness of Leroy...and let us all thrive together telling many stories that will continually remind us of who we are.
I am not a cancer survivor. I have never had cancer. I have lost many friends, colleagues, parents, relatives...to cancer. However, I read your words because each day when I wake up, I want to really be awake. You wake me up. And, I am so grateful...
warmly,
Susan
Leroy,
Early this morning I was out on my deck looking up at the clear, dark, star-filled sky. The moon is a brilliant sliver in the dark but twinkling blanket. Such beauty to drink in and I have so much to be thankful for. I'm thinking of you and praying for you...take each day and live it! This part will be over soon and you'll be star-gazing in no time!
May God hold you in the palm of His Hand.
Glad to get NPR's post. Lesa's note expressed my thoughts for you beautifully. I miss hearing from you but hope you are resting. Tomorrow we go to NIH to be with our son, Andrew, who starts his chemo today. My thoughts and prayers are with you, him and all the cancer patients who endure so much.
Leroy and Laurie:
You both are in my prayers! Leroy, your strength has been an inspiration since I first heard you on public radio. Keep fighting! And yes the surgeons DO work magic!
BEN (Lymphoma dx 1997)
Leroy Sievers, you seem to have more life force than 10 men..May that formidable quality see you through this challenge...Cheering you on with all the life force I can manage. Anne C
Listeners and readers of Leroy's words about his cancer are hoping for his rest and recovery following his recent surgery. Leroy's straightforwardness in describing his battle with cancer helps us all- cancer patients and supporters of cancer patients.
Stay strong, Leroy!
God bless you, you are my inspiration
Dear Leroy,
I'm missing to hear your voice in the podcast. Hope you feel better soon.
Neide from California
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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.
Download Leroy Sievers' radio commentaries and exclusive audio segments in the My Cancer podcast.
If you'd like to write Leroy and the My Cancer staff privately, please use our e-mail form.
