Leroy - I am sorry that your pain is persisting. I have only had one bout of pain so far through all my Cancer crap and it lastet about 8 weeks. It was all consuming. I made myself go to work hoping the distraction would help and gobbled pain pills that didn't do much, but finally it was over.
Here's hoping that you pain will end soon. As always good vibes coming your way.

Sent by Jill | 7:51 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Yep, no need to say more! We're still here with our thoughts and prayers for you and Laurie. Hope that this is enough for this day!

Sent by Al Cato | 8:07 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy... Guess life seems to have become a version of a good news/bad news joke: good news is you are here and able to communicate with us; the bad news is that it still hurts.

Those of us who look forward to your daily musings are hoping you have better pain control soon.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 8:12 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy- amen, you're still here......today that is the victory and is enough.
Continue to pray and send healing thoughts your way - especially for relief from the pain...just remember you're not alone - a whole lot of people are thinking of you and Laurie all the time!
Peace and rest.....

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 8:34 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Profound statements are not needed. Just being here is. Over the weekend, Chicago got hit with snow, It looks pretty and at the same time it is a Pain in the Axx or the knees (shoveling and remembering to use proper body mechanics.

Make a list and ask your Dr. about seeing an anesthesiologist who specializes in pain management. They may be able to help you.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:36 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Hi Leroy,Yep another day.Hope you have something good to eat and a lovely nap.We are with you. Elizabeth

Sent by Elizabeth | 8:50 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy,

I hear in your message the longing for something we in the non-pain world often take for granted: autonomic, blissful oblivion.

Sent by Leonard from Alabama | 8:51 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Dear Leroy~ I too, feel it best not to attempt to comment. Feelings go very deep and we hurt along with our friend and want SO to help. Take our "hands" and hang on tight. Allow us to lift you up and float on our love. We are all traveling the same path.

Sent by J C R | 8:59 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Taking things day by day sounds so clich??, but it is true, and honestly, it is the best we can do.
I felt great this past Saturday, I even walked almost a mile. Then Sunday came with it's cold and wet weather, and my pain flared up in a major way. So I didn't feel so good. It was a struggle to get through the day. But it was another day, and I made it.
It was sad to hear of the death of Dan Fogelberg. Cancer claimed another voice, one that was shared with the word through his music. Cancer still sucks, and on days like today I think we can all agree.

Sent by Brit | 9:04 AM ET | 12-17-2007

leroy have they put you on hte morfine patch that you change out every 3 days

Sent by carolyn | 9:08 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy-
I don't know who said it; I once heard it attributed to Woody Allen: "About 90% of life is just showing up." In your case, you're entitled to at least 99%. Just being here is all you have to do for now. Every thought you send out to us is a blessing. Godspeed the healing process. You're doing all that anyone can expect of you right now- and more.
Tim

Sent by Tim | 9:14 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy I have been doing a lot of reading and internal soul searching of late. I am trying to understand the meaning of life when things are not what we want. The Zen of it seems to be in the moment, living in the moment. Some of the current moments are not what I would call live-able but it is after all my personal moment. I hate painful moments and find that hard to accept. As the line from some movie goes, "Resistance is futile." I guess I will still take this moment rather than not.

Sent by Pat Z | 9:22 AM ET | 12-17-2007

You got that right, Leroy! I hope that it is a better day for you, and tomorrow even better.

Sent by Art Ritter | 9:25 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Bless your heart Leroy, we all have those kinds of days! We are here to love and support you in your fight no matter what kind of day you have! We are all in this together! You are in my prayers....

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 9:25 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Dear Leroy,

I have no words...............just prayers.

Sent by sasha | 9:29 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Peace and strength...
Sandra Yudilevich

Sent by Sandra Yudilevich | 9:29 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy,
Sending good thoughts your way. Take it a minute at a time today if need be. You are here!

Sent by Carolynn Dubicki | 9:31 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Hi Leroy, You are right, we are all here trying to do our best to get through each day. I've also had my bouts with post surgery and migraine pain. It gives new meaning to the phrase "living in the present." I'm sure that your impatience is a positive sign. I join all who send wishes for your relief. I wish that there was more I could do.

Sent by Sheara | 9:41 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Good morning to you Leroy and thank you for taking the time to be with us, day in and day out, no matter how challenging it may be for you, and thank you for always finding even the littlest silver linings. Joyce

Sent by Joyce | 9:46 AM ET | 12-17-2007

As my Dad used to always tell me......"put one foot ahead of the other, and keep walking young lady". I have done my best to always do that. Some days that has been almost impossible, but
it still is a day I have been given. You have it right Leroy.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 9:49 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy- have you discussed pain management with your doctor? Seems like they could do something for ya. Throw a temper tantrum and maybe they will listen.

Sent by DiAnn | 10:43 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Amen LeRoy, Amen. My prayers are with you daily.

Sent by Kathy B. | 10:53 AM ET | 12-17-2007

If I had one wish this Christmas, it would be that you could wake up pain free, Leroy.You touch so many lives, every day. You are "courage under fire" - a daily inspiration to us all.I hope and pray you will get relief soon.

Sent by Doris | 11:03 AM ET | 12-17-2007

I do not know what you are going through although I understand because seeing Ashton try to control her pain and then reading her journal after she passed the day after thanksgiving when she write daily I pray to God today that he will take away the pain and let me have a good day today. It brings tears just thinking about what you go through and what she went through. I am angry that more is not being researched for cancer, and I think why not try experimental drugs on people that have little chance. NO ONE IS CANCER FREE. I will continue to pray for your daily. Keep writing because the normal person can not conceive or understand unless someone who can intelligently explain what they are going through. I am afraid the doctors do not know their patients well enough to give sufficient assistance.GOD BLESS YOU.

Sent by Mavis Adams | 11:46 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Your attitude about facing another day is an inspiration. I like to read your blog to remind me not to get down on myself just because I have a myriad of health problems, non of which are fatal. You help me keep my perspective just when things get depressing for me. Thank you for this blog and for giving those of us out there who tend to pity ourselves a big kick in the pants.

Sent by Rebecca | 11:46 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Being in constant pain and the disruption to what you would normally be doing or what you would like to be doing right now sound extremely tough to live with. It's painful in a different way to watch someone you love suffer, or to lose someone and be left here trying to figure out how to find happiness without them. Pain is sometimes necessary for getting our attention and telling us that something is wrong and we need to make changes. When we know that something is wrong and we know what we need to do about it, wouldn't it be nice if we could just turn it off or re-boot like a computer and make the pain go away? I've struggled with the same thoughts as Pat Z. above - what is the true purpose for suffering? This is little consolation when we're in the middle of it but experiencing bad things has helped me to appreciate the good times in life even more. Even the smallest details can be felt deeply, like my son's laughter, a blossom, a sunset. There can be no learning or spiritual growth if there are no real choices to be made (no down sides or negative consequences to some of the choices we and others make). I do not imply that those suffering are responsible for their own fate - only that our lives and how we choose to handle the tough and how we appreciate the wonderful times can make an important difference to others in ways we cannot fully know or appreciate on this earth. I hold onto these thoughts and have to constantly remind myself to focus on the good in life to experience and create more happiness. I do not suggest that this is how everyone should handle difficulties, I am just sharing in case it helps even one person reading this to get through a difficult NOW.

Seasons...a time and purpose for each, they all do eventually pass and we suddenly realize we made it to the next one and we feel different. Come to think of it, in addition to a a "pain off" switch, a "next" or "fast forward" button might be helpful at times too.

Mr. Sievers and all others in pain, I am praying that the pain continues to shrink and that joy and appreciation of the beauty in life continues to grow in it's place.

Sent by Nichole in Sunny FL | 11:56 AM ET | 12-17-2007

We had to put my brother's chocolate lab to sleep yesterday. She was one of the reminders of his struggles with Multiple Sclerosis. He died in 2001 at age 40. So yes, Leroy, count everyday above ground as a good day.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 12:12 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Dear Mr Sievers, I've never written to you, or for that matter, any other blogger before. I just wanted to tell you that I have found your postings to be moving, happy, sad, hard, inspiring, funny, not so funny, but mainly very personal. I feel in some ways like I know you, even though of course we don't know each other in the typical use of the the phrase! I think of you often, I think you have been kind and courageous, and sometimes frustrated and sad, and sometimes optimistic and hard working. I'm wanting to say something to you after all this time...so, here it is. My name is Kate, I'm a, guess you'd call it, middle aged, midwestern state living, middle class, (lots of middle, in this discription)average citizen of the United States. I've read your postings. I wish you well, I wish you good, warm, pain free, loving surrounded, life filled holidays this year. And thanks for the sharing you did this last year even when you didnt' really want to, even when it was hard. I just wanted to say that.

Sent by Kate | 12:36 PM ET | 12-17-2007

I have 2 wonderful daughters who wrote me a poem and a letter about their feelings about cancer and the one says that she is grateful for the 32 years that she has had me for her mother. TOday I am grateful that I had fluid drained off my lung and I can breath better and my quality of life is better for today. AND SO IT GOES - some days are just better than others and I am thankful for that.

Sent by VIcki (FL) | 2:10 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Laurie, and all others who read this blog.

Sent by dorothy | 2:40 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy

Unrelenting pain is such a b****! I can't believe that there is no relief for you, but also know that you'd have found it by now if there were. When is the expected end to this? Meanwhile, we are here.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 2:48 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Dear Leroy and Laurie, your post today caused me to journey back to my father's more pain filled days. And dad's most remembered line was "God doesn't give you anything you can't handle." He passed from cancer shortly after... but, 22 years later I still hear the deep seated commitment in his tone as he reassured us, his three adult children. Now, every morning that I am vertical and breathing I say a thank you to my Poppo for giving me an anchor. I like your forthright style Leroy and I also send my prayers for healing and joy for you and Laurie every morning that I am vertical and breathing, as the alternative is worse.

Sent by Stitches | 3:45 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy, I can sense the Grinch in me. My days the last couple of weeks have not been very good. Not in so much pain as you, but very uncomfortable. It is difficult to be in the spirit with all this going on about me. I try to keep the Grinch at bay, but without much luck. Maybe tomorrow will be better! Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 3:57 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Praying for your pain to cease, and your healing to continue.

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:31 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Dear Leroy...I think considering all that you face every day those words are profound...penetrating beyond the obvious or superficial...thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and Laurie...Fondly...Ann Pat

Sent by Ann Patrice Sclafani-Forde | 5:05 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Yes we are here to see another day, or as my daughter says "we woke up on the right side of the grass." The days do get hard to deal with, but we keep fighting to have that next day, good or bad.

Sent by Steven Schneider | 5:35 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Hey Leroy,
I've been lurking and not commenting much lately, but I'm thinking of you every day. Have you already tried morphine? I was hospitalized for 1 night to have a lot of morphine to have a break from a week of labor pains, maybe it would work for you, too.
Best wishes to you and Laurie always. XOXO

Sent by Katie | 6:03 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy,

I notice that when you have not much to say, the number of posts dwindles. I KNOW it's because people just don't know what to say. Please believe that the many, many faithful are still there - just kinda wordless.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 6:41 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Have read so many of the comments to your blog - yesterday's memories of Christmas past (mine are Chanukah past) was wonderful and delightful and it was special that you could put aside how you feel and have fond memories. Today's blog hurt - and what is incredible to me is that so many people are ill and so so very positive. I pray for you all of the time and think that you are such a fabulous inspiration and those who know you are so very lucky. Take care and G-d bless you.
Janice Goldberg White -

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 7:47 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Oh Leroy, I just want to wish you a good night's sleep. May you awake pain-free. However, I shall wait and look for your words tomorrow, no matter how few, just to "hear" your voice and your outlook on the new day. Thank you for Hanging in Here!

Sent by J C R | 7:56 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy- I know your pain is not permanent- just think of all that has been done to your back. Your muscles and nerves are trying to heal- it takes a lot of time. Why can't you get medical marijuana- are yu afraid of becomming addicted or is it unavailable. You deserve some relief.Please know that we all think of you and are so happy to hear from you. And, you can complain all you want. If you don't, I will be concerned about your sanity.

Sent by linda h. | 7:57 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Hi Leroy
I am not sure if you read these but I think about you often. I had cancer as a young woman (14) I am now 47. I think about cancer often as well. Life changes with cancer - enough said about that.
As far as the pain - have you tried Acupuncture? It is so helpful for pain and many other symptoms. I wish I were close to you - I would come over and treat you often. To give back for all you have given.
I can find you a good one if you are interested. Let me know
Blessings
Julie

Sent by Julie Silver | 8:07 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Dear Leroy, I started a new treatment last week. Today brought a severe skin rash, mouth sores, nausea and faitigue. Tonight my wife and my 2 sons and I decorated the Christmas tree. Everyday seems to bring something. Good and bad. Get well everyone.

Sent by Ron | 8:12 PM ET | 12-17-2007

I know I can never be as eloquent as you, and I'm sure someone has already said what I'm going to say, but it's a biggie to me, and seems appropriate at this time. When I'm feeling particularly down, and wondering if this is as good as it gets (and I've never gone through what you're going through), I look back to a few days ago....a week ago....maybe a month ago, and gauge how much better I'm going now. There's usually something you can use as a benchmark that has improved. It makes me feel better, and gives me hope. It makes it a little bit easier to get through the day.
Thanks for everything you give to us, Leroy. Hang in there.

Sent by Juanita Helms | 11:21 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Leroy,
I can relate to you today. This evening, while sitting and watching tv (trying to watch tv) with my husband, he's talking away about car commercials etc. I'm thinking, WHAT DO I CARE ABOUT THOSE DARN CAR COMMERCIALS? I'M IN SO MUCH PAIN HERE AND YOU ACT LIKE YOU DON'T HEAR OR SEE ME! ...ok, now that's me, being "fluffy". That "me" doesn't show up very often but I just needed a hug and my feet rubbed. So, fellows and ladies out there, take my advice and see if that just might help that person you care about this week and every week. You don't have to say anything, just a touch will let that person know you care.
It's supposed to storm here this week.
Stare at those Christmas tree lights. Get lost in them, somewhere in your mind. Write down those Christmas past memories. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sent by Linda Sublett-Warner | 3:45 AM ET | 12-18-2007

"Here's to both of us, all of us in cyberland being pain free!"

Sent by Linda Sublett-Warner | 3:46 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Dear friend:
May each new day bring with it less pain.

Sent by Harriet | 6:45 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Dianne: Understand about your brother's dog. Perhaps they needed to be together again, but that doesn't help you much. It was good that the dog was there for your brother at a time she was needed.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 7:32 PM ET | 12-18-2007