A betterday overall, wasn't it? Sounds like you and your body are moving in the right direction, Leroy. Thanks for always taking the time to keep us posted!
Take heart & enjoy the day. Best from LSF in CT

Sent by LSF | 7:28 AM ET | 11-14-2007

So happy to hear that you made such progress yesterday! Guess your Doc does not want to take chances by removing all your drains at once. Wonder how much longer you will have to put up with the remainder? Any xrays planned?They must be so pleased with you Leroy!Hopefully you slept better last night.
Welcome home, Leroy!

Sent by J C R` | 7:31 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Getting closer! So glad there wasn't too much pain. I'll keep praying for the others to be removed soon.

Hugs,

Lori

Sent by Lori | 7:39 AM ET | 11-14-2007

That's the attitude we all need, Leroy. The glass IS half full (drains are half gone) and your wallet's attempt to slip away was nipped in the cuff by Laurie. It was a good day...and next time you visit the hospital the wallet will stay put where it belongs and all the drains will be gone (without the need for bribery ;-).

Sent by Karen Laven | 7:41 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Dear Leroy,

I can sense that you're not too happy about the drain situation. You were promised more and given less. Even for someone with your patience and tolerance it's upsetting. I think that the doctors should have informed you that this could be a possibility and you would have been a little less disappointed.

On the brighter side, I'm glad Laurie found your wallet..........I think she should be entitled to its contents. You can bribe the doctor on your next trip!

Be well.....

Sent by sasha | 7:42 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Thank you Laurie for saving the day! Having to go home and spend the day canceling credit cards and worrying about identity theft would NOT have made your day....

Leroy, non of what you're going through is funny in the least...never the less, I couldn't help but chuckle when I saw your wit peeping through.

Hoping some of the fog of misery is finally lifting...

Sent by Faun | 7:49 AM ET | 11-14-2007

One step closer Leroy. Just keep your spirits up and hang in there.
Ann Adams

Sent by Ann Adams | 8:44 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Cute! Everything is relative, isn't it???? Half is better than none and then to find the wallet.... Relief in a different sense.

Take good care,

Betsey

Sent by betsey kuzia | 8:55 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Losing a wallet can be scary, with all of the cards we tend to carry in them these days - credit, medical, etc. Glad it what a short-lived fear for you. On the lighter side, maybe that was a sign that yesterday wasn't meant to be a day for bribes. Maybe this is one of those times when a bit of extra precaution is needed to get those little beasties.

I've got some good news of my own of a sort. Yesterday was my first day beginning work after 20 months on medical leave and disability. I'm only returning part time so far; and yesterday's schedule was only for 4 hours. But, boy do those neurons in my brain need to get rewired! I'm off to try another 4 hours today.

To Stephanie Dornbrook, I didn't think your post the other day sounded like you were depressed at all. All along you've been a realistic, strong and pragmatic woman. I see you as focusing your energy on taking one day at a time, just as you have done in the past, and keeping your head in the place that works best for you. You are an example of dignity for us all.

Sent by Sheara | 9:01 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Hope the ones they removed were the ones causing you the most discomfort so that you can rest easier at least.

And how wonderful the process was pretty benign. A good, although not great day (since you still have some drains left). I hope "a little while" is just that...

I wish you a good night's sleep!

Sent by Robin LeTourneau | 9:07 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Leroy,

I know this sounds weird but maybe being preoccupied with the "loss" of your wallet was a good thing. If you are anything like me, the thought of having lost the checkbook, wallet, etc. takes over the brain so I can't focus at what's at hand.

So glad to see that it didn't hurt and you are halfway through the drain removal. You're in a much better spot than you were the day before.

Keep your chin up and plan a nice dinner out for when the last ones are removed. Oh, and keep an eye on that wallet :) (Maybe Laurie should get you one of the those "trucker's" chains....)

Sent by Marie | 9:12 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Hope you slept better last night even though only half drains out. Think how much better when ALL drains out. As for the wallet I can imagine the panic - I thought I lost my cell phone and just about fell apart. When we are dealing with pain or illnesss everything else seems magnified. Glad things worked out. Thanks for sharing a smile with your blog partners. Keep on smiling and getting better. God Bless.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 9:14 AM ET | 11-14-2007

You continue to be a lifeline for us. Even in your misery you inspire many people to move forward with courage. It is not always what we want, concurring with the doctors decision, but most of the time it turns out to be the best decision. Maybe you will be twice a comfortable as you were before, you will be able to sleep twice as much as you did before, and your will heal twice as fast with half the drains out.

Sent by Judy Van Lishout | 9:19 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Hey, no pain and a "lost" wallet got found -- and fewer drains, on top of that! Sounds like a good day to me. You're even cracking jokes.

Stephanie, I second Sheara's comments. Your strength and honesty in facing whatever comes and dealing with it realistically are an inspiration to me.

Sent by Doris | 10:03 AM ET | 11-14-2007

God bless ya, Leroy. Hang in there. And thank you for reminding me to count my blessings. Every single one of them, and there are a lot to be counted. You're teaching me to really think twice before I complain about something, and also to reassess things when I'm not feeling so good. You have given me a different perspective on being ill.

I hope you feel good enough to eat a giant Thanksgiving dinner, and then have a long, restful, turkey-induced nap.

Sent by Louise | 10:04 AM ET | 11-14-2007

This is just another example of how we need to take life one small step at a time. Half the drains are out. Yeah! And Laurie found your wallet.

The weekend before last I lost my debit card. I was so overloaded with all the other issues in my life (my cancer related hip pain, my husbands upcoming hip surgery, his rising blood pressure, his eye issues, work problems, and on and on), that I didn't panic about the card. In fact, I didn't even realize it was lost until Monday. Thank God no one had used it.

We just don't need hassles like that added on to the pile of our really important problems. The only way I get through it all is by breaking them down and dealing with one chunk at a time.

I hope today is good for you, Leroy and Laurie. You deserve a good day. We all do.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 10:05 AM ET | 11-14-2007

So, you have to schedule another trip to the hospital, and, with gas over $3. a gallon now, finding the wallet was the most crucial part of yesterday!

Progress, however slow, is still forward movement.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy Miles | 10:15 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Nice spin you have there this AM.... Bribery and the cup being half full. I like your way of thinking. You are right, some is better than none, the fact that you didn't feel them being removed is EXCELLENT. Of course, you could have done with out the stress of thinking you had lost your wallet.

Keep moving forward, Leroy.

Sent by Sue Chap | 10:21 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Hello Leroy,

Sorry all the drains did not come out, but glad it did not hurt.

Too bad about losing your wallet...that kind of thing always freaks me out. However, how wonderful that you found it before you cancelled all your credit cards!!
Have a restful day. I am hoping the other drains come out soon.
Charlotte in Temecula

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 10:38 AM ET | 11-14-2007

fantastic sense of humor, Leroy. i've thought more than once about bribery and hospitals - especially when it came to the FOOD! glad you are getting there - hang in and take one day at a time. you are doing great.

Sent by ejd | 10:42 AM ET | 11-14-2007

"I'm better off than when the day started." -- words we can all use to get through the challenges we all face. Keep on keeping on. Thank you.

Sent by Joel Widder | 10:46 AM ET | 11-14-2007

I'm happy to hear they took some drains out. I hope the rest of them get taken out soon. Maybe you'll be able to sleep a little better now. Take care.

Sent by Gyla | 10:54 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Leroy,

As they say, half full glass. Glad you are making progress and hope all the drains are gone soon. "I'll take what I got" is perfect.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 10:59 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Dear Leroy,

Getting drains removed sort of feels like a zipper being unzipped inside of you. I know you are disappointed about not getting all of them removed, but it's better to leave them in if the doc thinks you need to. I was able to coerce my doctor in taking the drain from my back out and then I ended up having to have fluid accumulation aspirated several times. Trust me, the drains are better!
Otherwise, it sounds as if you are healing and that is very good news.

Best,
Mo

Sent by Mo Spikes | 11:01 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Dear Leroy !!
Another HOORAY !!May all your days and nights be better than the ones before!!
xox dee

Sent by dee | 11:03 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Leroy, Well something is better than nothing, and you found your wallet too. Overall a good day. Hope having half the drains out has improved the way you are feeling. Remember, baby steps, are far better than no steps. All the Best! Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 11:32 AM ET | 11-14-2007

The trend looks good. Sometimes that's all we can ask for.

Sent by Lisa | 11:43 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Hey, the drain removal did not hurt as anticipated and Laurey found your wallet -- a good day. Now put crazy stickers on those remaining drains to let them know that they are NOT permanent and take some money from your wallet and treat yourself and Laurey.
It might only be a cup of coffee or one scoop of ice cream, and you might take it to go, but treat yourselves in little ways each trip to the doctor/hospital. Helps emotionally. My husband and I ate lunch at Bruegger's Bagel's or went to Diary Queen or treated ourselves to an antique bookstore on our longer medical trips. It was a time just for us in the midst of worry and pain. A sort of cancer time-out.
Hope you are more comfortable today! My hope & strength go out to you and all readers.

Sent by Deborah of Asheville | 11:46 AM ET | 11-14-2007

Good to hear. Progress!

Sent by Scott S. | 12:27 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Isn't losing your wallet (aside from needing cash to bribe a doctor or pull out proof of insurance)the most normal thing you have done all week? Doesn't it feel like every day life? I hope it gave you a feeling of normalcy. Despite the horrid stress. And also reminds you about the "behind every successful man..." - gender aside it is always great to have someone help you look.

Losing your wallet gives you "normal" troubles. I'm sure that everyone who reads this column has at some point misplaced at least one thing this week.

On Saturday I lost my wallet (found under a sweater) while at a sporting event. Yesterday I lost an earring I inherited from my Mom - still lost.

Sleep better tonight!

Sent by Liz L. | 12:54 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Its those little steps of progress! Keep moving one at a time!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 1:18 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Step by step - day by day - hope it just keeps getting better - and whew on the wallet.....sometimes it helps to just have "normal" stuff to worry about doesn't it....
Lately I've been whining about my chemo curly hair and how unmanageable it is - but then think I should kick myself in the butt for complaining about anything so trite - and then think oh well, I'm worrying about something "normal" - a lot better than worrying about cancer!!!
Guess we have to find our victories and our normalcy when and how we can.......
I'm praying those last two drains resolve quickly - you'll feel like a new human being to get those out - I know they are necessary and probably a very big part of successful healing, etc.....but those are the worse thing I remember from my mastectomies......yuck!!! Have always appreciated a nice long soaking showers ever since without drains.....
You're getting there my friend - just keep hanging in there and smiling when you can!
Hugs and much healing energy to you!

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 1:20 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Little things are great gifts...keep on keeping on....I read you everyday as I battle my B Cell Non Hodgkins lymphoma and prepare for a stem cell transplant. You are such an inspiration and most of all a trusted friend who tell it like it is...

Sent by Ruth Frank | 1:46 PM ET | 11-14-2007

hurrah, hurrah! vertical, breathing, optimistic, humorous! I know the planet needs examples like you and how wonderful that you continue to find the energy and compassion to share with us, thank you. We are sending you, Laurie and the gang our prayers of strength and healing.

Sent by Stitches | 1:55 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Leroy, that was funny! : ) Just a word of advice, never bribe a dr. they give out enemas for punishment ya know? : )
Sounds like your day went well especially finding your wallet. Im glad some of the drains were removed. I remember having mine out and just about jumped off the bed~~Im happy to hear your's went much better.

Hope your sleeping a bit better at night,
Take care Leroy,
Warm wishes and prayers your way,
Robin T
CT

Sent by Robin T | 2:09 PM ET | 11-14-2007

A glass more than half full and the rest to come soon!

Sent by Sarah | 2:09 PM ET | 11-14-2007

I've been stuck in meetings all day and kept thinking, "I wonder if Leroy got his drains out?" Just had a chance to check and well, some being removed is better than none. I would like to know how you felt to be "out and about". Were you exhausted? Let me know.

Sent by Dona | 2:26 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Yahoo Leroy... a hard hit into left field, he takes a double. The next batter gets two strikes (..you worry) and he slams a base hit sending you easily onto third. You can see the home plate is in your reach! (...you worry) Don't worry your team won't leave you there! You'll cruise into home next batter up!

Sent by Deb | 3:03 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Sorry to say I've had to play catch up with your blog. My difficultes seem very small in comparison to yours Leroy. One thing you mentioned made me smile. A few blogs ago you said that the Dr's say "you'll feel a little pressure" then it hurts like Hell. I was reminded to a time a few years ago when I underwent a Gyn procedure. The Dr. stated that it would feel like mild cramps. When all was completed I asked him where the baby was!! Of course the Doc was a man, so how could he know what mild cramps would feel like anyway? Life is strange sometimes isn't it? You truly feel like one of my brothers to me now. So, for what it's worth, I'm thinking of you alot.
My best to you and all those you love, Leah

Sent by Leah Wellman | 3:45 PM ET | 11-14-2007

G-d bless you and the strength and courage and positive attitude you have. What a wonderful teacher and role model you are for all. And there you were wishing that you could go back to your "normal life" and forget all of this! Take care and G-d bless you.

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 7:07 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Well Leroy, you have this day over with. I am waiting to hear your comments about how it feels now. Any noticeable relief? Feeling any more like "yourself"? We know what a journey you are on and want to experience it all with you. You are making medical history and we feel like we are part of it with you.
Will you sleep well tonight? Hope so. I have not slept well for the past two nights. Hope you are getting stronger every day.

Sent by J C R | 7:14 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Hi Leroy, These kinds of days are so tough, but they become part of the building blocks of putting your life back together again. I returned to work on Monday, my first day back after a big surgery. Boy was it hard. But today was a little better. Hang in there.

Sent by Linda | 7:19 PM ET | 11-14-2007

thanks for update leroy you are fighting a good fight.we are praying for a better days ahead.you and laurie are in our thought each day.

Sent by yohannes&arsema | 7:45 PM ET | 11-14-2007

I think everybody's day was made with today's entry.
You really seem to be back on really good track.
Shinkansen not Amtrak.
Peace to you Leroy and Lauri too!

Sent by William Atsumi | 8:05 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Leroy:

Bet you are so very tired tonight. I can imagine from yesterday's post that standing at the door of the hospital and looking where you have to go is like looking backwards through a spy glass.

I had a big disappointment today when I read all the stuff about Dombledore from Harry Potter being gay. (Yes, I'm a month behind on news and now know why I don't watch it on TV).

Why do we have to bring sex into everything? OK, that's not a cancer issue, but it hit me wrong tonight especially when I'm dealing with a bullying problem at school which is more appropriate for a son to discuss with a father than telling "his Mom". Thank goodness my oldest is here to give a "guys view" of the world.

It's not that the "bullies" are bad kids, but OH! what sheltered lives they live outside the cancer world! Even those who attended Burge's funeral, teachers included, seem to have forgotten it as been less than four months since we were taking turns, the boys included, turning their ill father and maybe our feelings are just a little raw.

Unfortunately, I'm not alone and I realize how many of you out there have children of all ages dealing with a loved one's Cancer. For those kids, I say a prayer tonight that they may find peace if only for a little while and that tomorrow brings sunshine, love and understanding.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 8:59 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Leroy, Bravo on finding the wallet! I hope you will be more comfortable with fewer drains. You sure have earned a day where you get everything you want instead of this give-and-take thing.

Sent by Lisa D. | 9:19 PM ET | 11-14-2007

Leroy, One thought (of finding the wallet) not wasted on cancer. Keep up the good work.

Sent by Kathie | 12:04 AM ET | 11-15-2007

Hi Leroy,

Happy to hear that you are half way there. what a relief to know that the drain removal did not hurt. I had drains removed 4 1/2 years ago and I can't even remember what it felt like, so life goes on. Thankfully... What a panicky feeling to loose your wallet but I guess it keeps us mindful that there are other things in life besides cancer that can get our attention quickly.

Glad to hear that your life is headed towards Normal.

love and peace,

susan california

Sent by susan | 12:10 AM ET | 11-15-2007

This is my 2nd post, Leroy. I have been following your life/blog for about 4 weeks now. You are physically no closer to me than my computer monitor, yet you are in my life/heart/mind everyday. Thank you for sharing. Fondly, Theresa Murphy
Granite Bay, CA

Sent by Theresa Murphy | 12:16 AM ET | 11-15-2007

Super glad that there was no pain. Super glad that wallet was found. Even though a pain to keep a couple of the drains in, at least you now know that they won't hurt coming out...that's a small favor. Keep going Leroy!

Sent by Cathy Q. | 2:34 AM ET | 11-15-2007

I wanted to say goodbye to my friend, Charlie. He passed away early Nov.14 from cancer that had spread to his brain. Him and I used to read this blog together and many of the things told about he was experiencing for himself. He loved reading this and he posted a few times. I will continue to read because I originally started reading due to the death of my husband from lung cancer. I am totally addicted to this site and Leroy - thank you for your words. I just wanted you to know that you touched Charlie in many ways and helped him thru his fight. I will miss him so much. I was blessed to have known him.

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 5:47 AM ET | 11-15-2007

you are so incredible - my prayers and love go out to you - you do not complain and you say the truth and are so positive in the long run - take care and g-d bless you
jan

Sent by janice goldberg white | 7:22 PM ET | 11-28-2007