I'm glad those tubes are coming out. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers today. Becca

Sent by Rebecca Hawkins | 8:01 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Good-Luck today.
I pray for walks to be short, elevators to show up when you reach them, kind staff and that the drains remove easily without too much "pressure".

Sent by joyce | 8:04 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy,
Have a safe journey today and rest well tonight without the drains, plugs and stops. Good thoughts and prayers coming at you today.

Sent by Paula S | 8:10 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Though it may sound like you're giving in, you're not. You're enabling yourself to get stronger at your own pace. What am I talking about? A Temp Handicap placard for your vehicle. Use it when you need it, and don't when it's not! Simply ask one of your docs for the paperwork, and have someone stop at the DMV Office for you and pick it up. It was a life-saver for me last year during the holiday season when I couldn't get from the car into the grocery store without having to sit down and catch my breath before I could pick up milk! It's a tool, like a walker or an IV pump. Try it - you might find it's a good one.

Sent by Dr. Lynn | 8:14 AM ET | 11-13-2007

I pray all goes well with the drains. We patients seem such at different stages of our illness. Dealing with the brain and spine are particularly tricky. Best wishes

Sent by Robert | 8:16 AM ET | 11-13-2007

h Leroy~ what a learning experience this all has been for you. There must be a reason for you to hsve to go through all this in both your mind and body.
Hope this day passes swiftly and you can truly begin healing after this. You must feel awful but I am sure that you still look like the same, "patient" Leroy that we all love.
Looking forward to your next message.

Sent by J C R | 8:28 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Glad you are getting the drains out...hoping you have a better night's sleep tonite!

Sent by Faun | 8:32 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Good luck, Leroy. Hope the removal of the drains is not painful.

Sent by Jen | 8:37 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Good luck with getting your drains removed Leroy; I know you've been waiting for this day. I hope everything goes well with minimal discomfort(we can hope anyway, right?) My thoughts and prayers will be with you today.

Sent by Cindy | 8:37 AM ET | 11-13-2007

wishing you success with the drain removal today, Leroy! I truly hope there are no road blocks and everything goes smoothly. You'll be back home resting in no time.

Sent by Jenn | 8:51 AM ET | 11-13-2007

When my husband's disease advanced, he was unmistakable as a cancer patient. He was thin, jaundiced, and barely able to walk. More than once, people assumed he was my father. Six months earlier he had been strong, agile, and a very young-looking 50. I know that it must have been tempting to hide. There were mirrors in the house and he was used to being a very handsome man. Yet he chose to keep going. I saw the looks of pity/fear/amazement/admiration on the people that we passed. I'm sure he did too. But even when he had to walk slowly with a cane in one hand and leaning on me with the other, he wanted to go out to the market and over to visit friends, especially if he could take them something or find some way to help them. He had always had trouble sitting still and just simply loved life. Vanity had to fall away. I was incredibly impressed to see his physical strength morph into spiritual strength. His example changed lives, especially mine. You're changing lives too, with your insight and sharing. Many thanks.

Sent by Laura | 8:54 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy,
Congratulations on your progress. I know you will be glad when the drains are removed. While I agree with you that you are a patient, more importantly, you are a survivor - one who gives hope to all those battling cancer. My guess is your step will be a little lighter when you leave the hospital today! We are all smiling with you with your progress.

Sent by Nancy Owen | 8:58 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Being a patient can ellicit some sympathy which can be nice. When you walk out though you will certainly look LESS of a patient. I don't like looking like a patient (bald) but sometimes it can be helpful. SO glad to see you making such fine and quick progress. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS as we do for you also.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 9:01 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Dear Leroy,

Thinking of you and Laurie today with only the warmest thoughts. I hope everything goes well, you get all your excess baggage removed, and come home a little more free and feeling more like yourself. Bless you both, and everyone here. Peace, healing and comfort to all.

Sent by Connie E. | 9:29 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy -
Sounds like a drag man... what can I say. I feel for you... Let's hope and pray for the best. What else can you do?

Sent by Tim | 9:31 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Hi Leroy,
This is a big day and I hope all goes well. You will be in my thoughts. One step closer to "normal"....Happy Drain-Pulling!

Sent by Laura | 9:32 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Best wishes today.

Sent by Paul | 9:34 AM ET | 11-13-2007

You should have fun with it. Act like a celebrity. Get giant Elvis "TCB" sunglasses and keep shouting "No PICTURES!"
Or wear a cape. Capes are always good for a few strange looks.
Seriously, keep moving forward Leroy. A balance will return.
Good Luck.

Sent by Brit | 9:42 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Good luck Leroy. I remember the relief I felt when I got my drains removed! Hooray!!! I began to feel like everybody else again.

Sent by Kathleen | 9:46 AM ET | 11-13-2007

You will look like an inspiration to those of us who don't "look sick". We are proud of you and the way you are fighting.

Sent by Carole from Houston | 9:53 AM ET | 11-13-2007

You probably look more like a man on the mend!

Don't forget the lidocaine.

jj

Sent by Joan Jones | 9:55 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy

You are exactly right, how many steps from the parking to the door. How many steps after you go through the door. How many stairs, even one is too much. All this thinking for things that used to just occur. What if we are going to a new medical establishment we have never been too. What if I drive and the parking lot is too far away. Make trips back and forth to the car to get the stuff. Please don???t fall, please don???t drop anything. What do I do if this, what do I do if that. Wheelchair in the trunk, wheelchair out of the trunk, patient in the chair, patient out of the chair. And God, I can???t help him if my back goes out. And somehow or another most of the time it worked. I remember once my husband was in a cab in the hospital and the cab driver lost his cab in a huge parking lot. Not a big deal but when your purpose is to ensure someone in a wheel chair gets from point A to point B it can be embarrassing.

Every second, even the panicky ones was an honor.

Sent by Caregiver | 9:59 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy, so this is the big day. My husband can only stand and walk for about 20 seconds before he has to sit down so everytime we go to Dr's we too have a lot of juggling from the drop off at door to Dr's. office. Thank goodness they have a wheel chair at door so we can just use it instead of trying to use sit down walker as after getting up and down about 3 times all energy has been used up. Is quite a distance from parking garage into our Dr's office. But we have mastered the plan.

Soon you will have those drains out. That will be such a relief. You are makeing progress. We are proud of you.

Sasha and Stephanie, my thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your families.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 10:01 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Maybe instead of thinking you look like a patient, think of yourself as a brave man trying live the best way he knows how and is able. It's another turn on the roller coaster.

God bless you Leroy.

Judy

Sent by Judy Voller | 10:04 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Good Morning Leroy,
I hope this finds you getting your drains removed and "not feeling it". Hang in there because it will all be worth it in the long run. Just think about getting to come home without them and the healing starting where they were. God Bless you and Laurie and I hope this day turns out to be a good one for you both.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 10:04 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy, Thinking of you this morning and sending support to get through everything at the hospital today.

Sent by NancyGM | 10:11 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy,

I hope by now the drains a thing of the past and that removal of them was not as bad as you anticipated.

Sometimes we all have to plan our trips for ease of completion and as a patient, family, or significant other we must adapt and make suitable accommodations.

So, people see you with a walker, a pump, drains, there are several things to be learned....

1. you are a patient hopefully the visible side will be eventually be invisible again
2. you are out and about living your life
3. you are alive and doing what has to be done to take care of business and yourself
4. you are not letting a walker, drains, or pump stand in your way.

Go for it Leroy!

Sent by Sue Chap | 10:11 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy - you'll feel sooooooooo much better once those darn drains are out - I remember after 14 days of mine being in - I felt like a new human being - and the "pressure" "pain" when they came out was well worth it for the complete relief and freedom to have them gone.......
Every day and every minute you move back to more "normal" and mobility...hang in there - you're doing great!

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 10:21 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Wishing you all the very best today, Leroy. Lord know, you deserve it.

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

Argh - all the accessories and practical problems of being a patient. You didn't even mention the one that baffled me when I had my drains - what to wear! What could I possibly put on that adequately covered all the tubes and bulbs? I made it harder than it needed to be because I so badly wanted to look as "normal" as possible - NOT like a patient. I think your attitude makes more sense; sometimes we just have to accept the situation for what it is, and wait for it to get better. After those drains come out today, you will take a big step towards better.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 10:29 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Gosh Leroy...I have an image of a nekked man walking around with drains hanging and draining out his back, a pump pumping on his arm, and bruises and contusions visable as he shuffles up to the hospital. Such a man could be arrested for that...even in Ballimer.

It is a chilly, raw day here in the mid-Atlantic states...puleeze put on some clothes (they will also hide the pump and drains.

All hospitals have wheelchairs and they really will let you use one... Whoever is helping you get to the hospital can drop you off and facilitate the use of a chair so you can get as comfortable as possible.

This day will soon pass and your healing will continue.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy Miles | 10:37 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy: The only thing that is obvious about you is that you are a courageous warrior-a powerful inspiration-a survivor.You keep fighting,we'll keep praying.GO FIGHT WIN!!
Pat

Sent by Pat Cleeland | 10:37 AM ET | 11-13-2007

HI Leroy,

I know u will feel soooo much better when u get home today - no more tubes !!!! Progress is made in baby steps, everyday will get better. Thinking of you today,

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 10:52 AM ET | 11-13-2007

On "Looking like a patient"...I heard on CNN News that in Laurel Maryland there is an escaped prisoner running around without shoes and wearing a hospital gown!!! I know it's a serious situation because he has a gun, but I couldn't help but laugh. Do you think anyone will notice him????

Hope this made you smile.

Sent by Cindy in Virginia | 10:52 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy,
I pray for good things for you today that will take you one step closer to looking like a "civilian". When I came home from the hospital last year my son-in-law told me I looked like someone had "pounded" me down. It is almost a year and a half since the surgery and I think I am beginning to look like my chubby old self (well except for the PIC line in my arm). I keep telling myself that too will be gone one day.
Hang in there and be very kind to yourself.
Charlotte in Temecula

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

Dear Leroy,
I want to express my feelings today, but all the words and phrases I can come up with, don't come close to expressing what my heart feels. As a spouse/caretaker I feel very connected to you and Laurie. You have had to endure more than your fair share. My wish for you is to return home with little pain and go into a long remission. Stay strong dear friend.

Sent by sasha | 11:12 AM ET | 11-13-2007

One of the reasons I read your blog almost everyday is because it reminds me of the journey my husband and I took with his incurable cancer. It helps me to remember the good and the bad.
When I first took my husband to the cancer center at Chapel Hill for experimental treatments, there was no doubt that he was the patient. Not only was he sick from chemo and the fact that he was getting worse by the hour, he had rosacea (a skin condition brought on by stress). He wore a ball cap low on his head to detract from his inflamed face. I told him he looked like a deranged criminal with cancer. One day he looked so bad that the hospital parking attendant tried to open the van door before I had completely stopped. She was going to get to this sick man pronto!
Within 6 months, my husband no longer looked "sick." And we found ourselves scanning faces of the people we passed in the halls trying to see if they were survivors, patients or visitors. Our compassion grew with each trip to that wonderful hospital.
Now when I am in a doctor's office or a hospital, I still scan faces. I want to tell everyone. Never give up hope.
Take it one day, one step at a time. You may never be the "normal" Leroy but what is normal anyway. AND if you wanted to be "normal" you would never have gone in to TV journalism...
Be strong and thank you for sharing your life and journey.

Sent by Deborah of Asheville | 11:17 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Hey,Leroy. I like the image of you going in looking all 'hospital-ly' and leaving all normal-ish...sort of a clark kent thing. Hang tough.

Sent by glenda | 11:23 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy,

I wonder why it is that if we are sick, we want to keep it a secret? Like there is shame attached, or "please pardon me for being in the world of the healthy," or something akin to that. Sick or well, you're still Leroy and loved by many.Good luck today. Hope you are doped up in case it is rough.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:34 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy,
I hope its a beautiful sunny day there and you can enjoy getting out. I bet there will be at least one person who will see you and think, if he can do it so can I. Good luck!

Sent by cv | 11:46 AM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy I'm so proud of you, you're hanging in there. I know today won't be pain-free, but it is a victory and symbolic of the healing process. Good job and congratulations, your will is tremendous. You're in my thoughts and heart.

Sent by liz | 12:03 PM ET | 11-13-2007

So what if you look like a patient. You are going to the hospital. It's really OK to look like or even be a patient at the hospital. Get the drains out and you will feel better.

I always look like a patient. I have no hair and wear a scarf tied around my head with a hat on top of that. There can be no doubt in anyone's mind -- there goes cancer lady.

I have even developed a chemo therapy outfit. The top part consists of a cardigan sweater and a camisole top. It makes it easy for the "port nurse" to insert the line into my port and for me to cover it up when I travel between the cancer clinic on the second floor and the chemo suite on the first floor. I have little pride left in my looks. I just try to be comfortable and practical.

Focus on getting better and not what you look like. You are entitled to be less than perfect.

Sent by Carol M | 12:06 PM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy, When you are well the hospital doesn't seem so large, but when you are sick it is completely different. I hope all goes smoothly for you today. It will be such a relief to have no drains. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 12:34 PM ET | 11-13-2007

HURRAY! You need to do something special to celebrate Tube Removal Day. Thank the Lord that you have Laurie with you, it helps so much to have the one you love with you.

Sent by Ruth White | 1:05 PM ET | 11-13-2007

Just think, maybe "looking like a patient" will bring you a little extra consideration....and maybe even a random act of kindness, or two.

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 1:29 PM ET | 11-13-2007

Progress! I'm so glad to hear the drains are coming out. That's one step forward.
I can relate to the planning, and I hope all goes smoothly.
Scarlett

Sent by Scarlett | 1:43 PM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy, Special prayers and hugs for you today. I went through this last year but believe me there is light at the end of this tunnel.

Sent by Aisha | 1:43 PM ET | 11-13-2007

You will be soooo relieved to be free of those drains. Every bit helps. My thoughts will be with you as you continue your recovery. Hang in there big guy!

Sent by Cathy Quon | 2:01 PM ET | 11-13-2007

It's 3:05pm right now and I have been thinking of you. Hopefully they are out by now and you are doing fine. Boy, you will be so tired after your "coming out party" today that I imagine you will enjoy a good night's sleep with those darn things out of your back!
You will be negotiating those steps soon with no problem. Rest and heal.
Your friend ~

Sent by J C R | 3:16 PM ET | 11-13-2007

The drains are out, you are starting to reclaim your body, and only today are you a patient. You are only a patient when you go to a doctor or are in the hospital. The rest of the time you are a person working on surviving this disease called cancer. Glad to hear you are making progress, even if it seems like baby steps. It is a giant step. All my best.

Sent by Rita | 5:09 PM ET | 11-13-2007

Hi, Leroy,

I hope the relief of having the drains removed will offset the wear and tear the day has entailed. I hope your travels took you through more fall beauty, and that you will sleep a well-deserved and deeply nourishing sleep tonight. Well done, Leroy! Hugs to you and to Laurie too!

Sent by Sarah | 6:10 PM ET | 11-13-2007

Dear Leroy,

I'm happy for you, reaching this milestone. Wishing you peace and ease.

Sent by Cheryl | 6:33 PM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy,
I don't usually get a chance to comment until late in the evening. I sure hope that by the time you may see this that the pain of the tube removal is a fading memory. Congratulations for getting through this chapter, no small thing.

Sent by Beth S. | 8:46 PM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy,
I was wondering about how your "removal" went today as I was taking my husband to the doctor and to hospital for x-ray because he now has pneumonia...not good to get while in chemo. His slow gait and ashen face made him look every bit the patient today but his hospital friends still took the time to smile, converse and wish him well and that made him feel a little better I think. I hope your hospital friends made you feel better today in every way. I know you are enjoying your new found freedom this evening. Treasure the moment.

Sent by Kathie | 9:27 PM ET | 11-13-2007

Dear Leroy,
I have gained so much from your recent blogs. I remember the feelings and recognize the characters. I hope this will be a book one day. You are making life as a survivor more understandable and less a mystery. It's always "just a little pressure"...yeah! let's see who doesn't mind that 'pressure'!
Be well and know thousands of us read and wait for your musings every day.

Sent by Jo-Ellen C | 10:31 PM ET | 11-13-2007

Leroy,

You are a trooper and a stand up comedian, and in my thoughts every day. May the angels carry your pain away on their wings.

Sending you light and love at every step of your journey.

Sent by Trish McGowan | 11:06 PM ET | 11-13-2007

Blessings to you, your family and to your support group! You ARE a brave individual and bless your soul for sharing your journey.

Sent by Chris from Maryland | 9:33 PM ET | 11-27-2007