I believe the christmases we spend away from home and doing something different are the ones we remember most of all. I like mixing up the traditions a bit. I'm going to London for the holidays. I'll miss my family but i'll also have fun doing something other than talking about my cancer year....i need a break!
Happy Holidays Leroy!

Sent by Jenn | 7:46 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Yes it was. Thanks for a bright start to my day. I'm smiling already.

Sent by Lisa | 7:46 AM ET | 12-14-2007

It is great to remember those sweet memories. At times, it is those memories that get us through the days. Every holiday will forever be special in our hearts; it takes away the cancer for a while.
Bless you for sharing.

Sent by anne lumberger | 7:53 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Nicely done Leroy,

Do you have pickle on your tree? The person that finds the pickle gets an extra present.... I do!

I think about Christmases past too. As a kid we opened our presents on Christmas Eve, neighbors came by, and Christmas day was family, an a couple more neighbors.

One year my sister burst the "fatman" bubble by telling me all of my Christmas presents. When I was older, I worked as a nurse's aide at a local hospital, and during Christmas season, we sang carols as we passed out the trays. Quiet ones in the morning, and more lively ones during the afternoon. I worked in surgery a couple of Christmas eves as a nurse.

Although my beau and I are dating, Christmas Eve has become his family and Christmas day is with mine. It's ok, it gets a little hectic when his family is all together, and now there are grandchildren, so it more hectic, yet fun. I get to be a kid again. Although this year, "our" grand-daughter will be visiting with her parents and at 15 months, she should be absolute joy to watch!

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:11 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Leroy,
Yes,way more fun than talking about being sick. I see your old self inching back every day and it's a good thing. I see some improvements in my husband as he recovers from various treatments over the summer and as he tolerates his chemo. Between the two of you I see rays of sunshine peeking through and it's a wonderful sight. God bless.

Sent by Kathie | 8:31 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Memories seem to become more endearing with each passing year. We remember and embelish every pleasant one and cast aside the annoying things.
Each day is making a new memory for our coming years. Maybe someday Science will figure out a way to "print them out", like on computer paper for all to read. Watched PBS this week about the plastic brain, memories, etc, and it does seem that they will soon be able to do scarey and wonderful things with our minds. Let's keep reaching back and pulling those memories out so they remain fresh and lovely for the future.
Have a wonderful. healing, weekend Leroy. Shall miss you the next two days.

Sent by J C R | 8:31 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Hi Leroy,

Your're right sometimes it gets really hard to think about all that cancer brings into my life. It is much more fun to think about Christmas past and working on making this Christmas memorable. I feel really blessed because I'm feeling much better this year than I was last year. Iwas dx. stage IIIB lung cancer in July 2004 was in remission until June 2005 when I had recurrence and was re-staged to stage IV. I've already beaten the odds big time. Last year I thought I wouldn't be here for this Christmas. Well here I am, filling my days with as much Christmas spirit as I can. Always reminding myself to keep walking towards my joy. Peace- Becca

Sent by Rebecca Hawkins | 8:34 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Thank you Leroy, we all need to think back to those special times and push reality aside for a few moments. You brought a smile to my day. Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.

Sent by Kris | 8:41 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Leroy,
Please talk about anything you want. We are hear to listen and support you. You seem to be feeling a little better, and may the new year bring you better times. Enjoy the holidays with your family and friends and all of us who are sharing your experience. We are very happy you are still with us. And it is ok to complain a little also. God bless you and Laurie this holiday season.

Sent by Nancy Owen | 8:46 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Hi Leroy, Thank you for the memory of Munich. Those "perfect moments" are something we all need to think about. They may be few and far between, but indeed they are something to call up at times like these, when cancer can be so all consuming.

Sent by Linda | 9:15 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Dear Leroy,

That was sweet. The memory of your little stuffed chimp with little white rubber shoes is precious, and also makes me want to cry. You have lived a "wonderful life", with so many adventures. I pray you have many more adventures, and many more special gifts. Hope your pain is lessening and you are sleeping better too. Have a good weekend. Hugs to you and Laurie.

Sent by Connie E. | 9:16 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Yes, This is one post I am smiling while reading. In all the sadness of my days right now, I am looking forward to spending the holidays with my family. I will cry and I will miss the love of my life, but there is joy in knowing there is no more pain or suffering. Because of this, I will move forward each day with great memories.
Merry Christmas!

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

You have put a smile on my face today. Thank you and happy Friday.

Sent by Sam | 9:19 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Yes, Leroy, I couldn't agree with you more. I'll be thinking those same thoughts this weekend - we're in for a big snow and I can't wait! We will toast you with cookies and hot chocolate, for your continued improvement.

Sent by Lesa in Kansas | 9:21 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Thank you for writing about Christmas. Every one is special in it's own way.
It's good to focus on that now and take our mind off the cancer. My sister is here and we plan to finish decorating and maybe get some shopping done. Tradition not the same but will make a new one this year. Happy day everyone.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 9:29 AM ET | 12-14-2007

You give proof to the adage about memories and educaton being things no one can take away from us. Isn't it great to be able to "go back" without stirring from a comfortable chair!

Enjoy those memories and look forward to creating new, pain free ones.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 9:41 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Give yourself a break......feel what you feel,no one expects anything else of someone recovering.You are not wallowing,whats happening is whats happening.Those memories are the best.It is a time and place where your body was as it should be a method of transport,nothing more-nothing less.Great choice on your part.....a place I often go when necessary.Take it easy.....no one who loves you expects anything more. Sue

Sent by Susan MacDonald | 9:42 AM ET | 12-14-2007

I had the same chimp!! He had a bannana in one hand. I called him Cheetah. I had forgotten about him till you brought that up. Thanks for the memory. We'll see ya Monday. Have a good weekend.

Sent by DiAnn | 9:47 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Leroy, I think I love you!! Anyone who can write such a lovely message after all you have been through is tops with me!

Sent by Sandra Mann | 9:53 AM ET | 12-14-2007

I've been trying to figure out how to change my take on the whole holiday thing, and I think you've got it. My family's big holiday is New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. That's when we celebrate Chanukah in a big way. We lit the candles and the parents gave the kids smaller presents during the Chanukah holiday, but it really is a pretty minor holiday in the scheme of Jewish holidays. So for me, New Year's and Passover bring the most memories; Yom Kippur and Rosh Hoshana are the high holy days. For years, ever since my parents got each of their kids one of those new gizmos, a video camera, I've taken a few minutes out of each New Year's Day celebration, when all the kids and grandkids hung out to have a wild and crazy lighting of the menorah and gift exchange followed by hours of playing and enjoying those gifts.

Since I've had cancer, I've changed my perspective some. If I want to give my kids a gift, I don't wait for a special occasion; I make it a special occasion. Same with things for my husband, my Mom, my brothers and sisters, and me. What that's done is sort of deflated the whole holiday spirit thing, since I'm working on having it all year round.

I don't think that's a bad thing, do you?

love,
Wendy

Sent by Wendy Murphey | 10:04 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Good Morning Leroy,
I truly enjoyed your writing this morning. I've noticed as I am getting older, looking back on memories of the past come more frequent. A lot of the people I spent time with during the holidays are no longer here but some of them still are. Each day is enjoyable now. Everyday I get up and feel good and have the ones I love, feels like a Christmas Day.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 10:04 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Sent by sasha | 10:30 AM ET | 12-14-2007

My strangest one ever was in 1992. I was living in Kainan, Japan, and it was my first Christmas away from home. My parents were coming to visit me, but they weren't arriving until the 28th. One of my students, a lovely man in his mid-30s, invited me to have dinner with his family: his equally charming wife and two sweet little kids (very forgiving of my inadequate Japanese skills). We went out for an excellent dinner of sushi...I remember a distinct lack of snow, and also random "X-mas" decorations strewn all over town, quite unlike my Christmases in Calgary. I'd worked very hard to overcome homesickness, and being included in this kind family's evening helped enormously. Nothing was familiar, and yet everything was appropriate and satisfying.

That's a bit how my life now is: nothing is as it was, and yet all seems remarkably well.

Peace
jj

Sent by Joan Jones | 10:37 AM ET | 12-14-2007

I'm with you Leroy, I'm not going to think cancer for two sold weeks. I'm currently cancer-free(I think,we never know for sure) and I get sick thinking about it, I'm back to work and will enjoy the holidays, thanks for giving me the best advice I've gotten in awhile.

Sent by Tom | 10:47 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Hi, I think one of my favorite Christmas memories if of getting up in the middle of the night with my newborn, Melissa, and listening to the Weather Channel's Christmas music. This year Melissa is going to be making her own memories. She is going to Germany to visit friends. It is our first Christmas that the family will not be together. It will be strange, but it will be OK, because she will be having fun.
Another Christmas memory: Making reindeer tracks in the snow with a broom handle and putting a present in the fireplace that Santa "dropped".
Thanks for sharing your Christmas memories!

Sent by Cathy S. | 10:48 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Dear Leroy,

My very first real memory is a Christmas memory. I had just turned two in October. We were at my grandparent's house in Terrell, TX. I had awaken at the crack of dawn and had made my way down to the kitchen from the upstairs dormer room where all the cousins were sleeping two or three to a bed. I opened the kitchen door and met my grandfather, busy making biscuits. I remember he sat me up on the counter and I watched him make biscuits. I still remember that wonderful smell and the warmth of that kitchen.

May the warmth of that long ago kitchen reach out to everyone this season, may it wrap around you and ease all pain and worry.

Best,
Mo

Sent by Mo Spikes | 10:58 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Wow, you are feeling better! What a precious gift for you and your family and friends. I realize that you are still recovering, but I feel the normal Leroy in your writing.
Happy Holidays to all!

Sent by Deborah of Asheville, NC | 11:02 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Christmas has been tinged with sadness for most of my childhood, as my mother's grandmother died on Christmas eve (1964). Today I am going for my radiology "markings" so Christmas has taken a back seat to dealing with my cancer. I am missing the office party, ugh. Maybe this weekend I can shake loose some seasonal cheer, and attend the holiday music service for my congregation.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 11:04 AM ET | 12-14-2007

I had not thought about MY 'monkey' in years!! Thanks, you brought back some great memories. I too had one of those stuffed monkeys with the white plastic tennis shoes. He was yellow on the top and black on the bottom and had a banana you could stuff in his mouth. I dragged that monkey EVERYWHERE.....too funny that you had one too. You know, you can sometimes find them on ebay!! Have a wonderful Xmas and I think of you everyday hoping to get the news that you are feeling more like yourself. Hang in, it will happen!!

Sent by Cindee | 11:20 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Leroy,

....and this Christmas too will be sweet and special. Thanks for helping me jog my memory of Christmases past and the dear people who made them special for me. Warmest wishes for a good holiday!

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:21 AM ET | 12-14-2007

A most definite yes. It can be a stretch to look outward when so much is going on inside. Glad to see you smile.

Sent by Kathleen | 11:24 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Good morning Leroy!
I'd posted a reply a couple subjects back and typed in "with out Bubs". I meant to type with OUR Bubs (my 2 mo old grandson).
Ha! Isn't is crazy how a mistype of one letter of the alphabet could make me stop in fear as I re-read it? Well, I'm correcting that. With OUR "Bubs", our family is smiling a lot this year.
Yesterday, two things happened to make my day! I made myself crawl out of bed, took my pain pills so I could walk and stand and went to my old workplace to join the choir in singing for the Christmas breakfast. It's put on by the Director of the DMV here in Sacramento, for the employees each year. Last year, I couldn't join them (chemo side effects). This year singing Christmas carols with them was a highlight of my Christmas season. In the middle of it, as one person was singing a solo, our choir director asked me to sing a solo "White Christmas". I said I would. I did and being in front of all those people, I asked them to join me in singing the song. Seeing their faces as they sang was such a joy! I could sense each one had a special memory of being somewhere that meant a lot to them. I made it through the whole song until the last word, then I began to cry. I think everyone in the room had tears in their eyes. They made me feel so loved and I was reminded how much music has played such a big part of my life. That was a good thing. Music and laughter! Those are memories of Christmas past for our family. A several years ago, our choir recorded a cd to raise money for the food closet and for the various charities we raised money for throughout the year at our workplace. We ordered several thousand cd's. I was told we have around 2000 cd's left. We called ourselves, "Sing Charity Sing", and they are giving to me some cd's to take to the cancer center for those going through treatment. I'm sure they will enjoy those cds. Then! On top of all that, my son brought "Bubs" to my house so I could watch him for a couple of hours. That was a big thing! He'd never been to my place as yet. Well, we had a great time! He layed on the floor, after being fed and changed, then entertained ME (and I thought I was entertaining him ha) I think he is training me well and I love it! Ha! Please email me your mailing address and I'll send you a cd. You can delete this last sentence if you want. Loved your post today! Hugs ...
Linda

Sent by Linda Sublett-Warner | 11:47 AM ET | 12-14-2007

I live in Montana and there is snow again this year, despite global warming. It is so beautiful...(even for a grinch like me!)

Sent by NancyGM | 11:48 AM ET | 12-14-2007

When I was growing up, I don't think we ever had a "pretty" tree. My mom was always concerned about the little scraggly trees on the lot, and was concerned that they wouldn't be chosen.
(She was a tad sentimental.) So our tree always looked like the one in the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. But it did what it was supposed to do:It wore its ornaments with just as much pride and dignity as the big regal ones; and it became just as special when the gifts were placed beneath it. There's a moral in here somewhere.....

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 11:50 AM ET | 12-14-2007

Yup -- sweet Christmas memories are a much better topic than cancer, any old day! My childhood tree decorating was a lot like yours. Icicles had to be hung one at a time! Anyone caught throwing them was shunned. Afterwards, we'd turn off all the lights except those on the tree and just sit and gaze at it in wonder. One year, we all danced by those lights. I was about 12, and my partner in the waltz was my dad.He was usually working hard to support our family of seven or exhausted, so that dance was really special.

Christmas 1968 I was living in Paris, working as an au pair. I remember being amazed to see actual "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" in metal containers on the streets, then sold in paper cones to passersby. We left our shoes under the tree Christmas Eve, and Santa put a gift in each of them,

Later, in 1974 and 1975, my husband and I spent Christmas in southern Iran where he was working as a geologist. Somehow, we got a scraggly pine tree and I made misshapen marzipan ornaments to hang on it and invited our Iranian neighbors over for a little party on Christmas Eve. I guess that was a big cultural faux pas -- they were all Muslim as far as I know -- but they seemed to realize how homesick I was, so they came and were very kind and we had a pleasant and memorable evening.

Sent by Doris | 12:02 PM ET | 12-14-2007

Thank you for reminding me of my first ever Christmas gift - a GIANT Winnie the Pooh from my grandfather just before I turned one year old. I still have him, although he isn't as bright gold as he used to bee, his eyebrows and vest are long gone, and he is on his third pom-pom nose.

Sent by Catherine | 12:10 PM ET | 12-14-2007

That's exactly how I was thinking when I (briefly) debated whether to spend many hours putting up decorations as I have in years past. I went ahead and did and am glad, because while I was struggling with hanging things from the ceiling and figuring out where to put the nutcrackers, I didn't think once about cancer. I did think about falling off the ladder, though. I may leave the decorations up longer after Christmas; they reassure me that there are constants in this life, and after I'm gone my kids will celebrate Christmas and they will carry on some of the same traditions, like the chocolate orange I always put in their stocking, or the opening of one present on Christmas Eve, and the necessary German traditions like lebkuchen and marzipan.
Herzliche Weinachten - Merry Christmas!

Sent by Marcia Greer | 12:30 PM ET | 12-14-2007

I always wanted one of those monkeys.

Gratitude for what's right (and what's been right) can get us through a lot.

Hang in there.

Sent by Gyla | 1:04 PM ET | 12-14-2007

I always wanted one of those monkeys.

Gratitude for what's right (and what's been right) can get us through a lot.

Hang in there.

Sent by Gyla | 1:05 PM ET | 12-14-2007

Thanks for sharing your memory of that magical moment. I had Christmas music on yesterday and was thinking about my own magic moments in Christmas' past. I think cancer has somehow made those kind of memories sweeter. I feel such deep gratitude for those unique pieces of my life that seemed somehow charmed- it makes me realize I am not just what I am right now, I am the person who holds these singular memories of times past. Nobody but me was blessed with these specific experiences. We can all say that about ourselves and about each other.-- makes you realize what a gift is is to be alive (even given the cancer).

Sent by N.R. | 1:20 PM ET | 12-14-2007

Thanks for telling us about your past Christmases. We were in Munich in wintertime many years ago when we lived in Saudi Arabia - so pretty.

May you have a painfree Christmas and joy to you because you bring caring, funny words and happiness to many people

Sent by Maureen | 1:44 PM ET | 12-14-2007

Merry Christmas to you all , especialy all fighting against this devastating desease, also to all the caregivers. God bless you all now and forever.

Sent by kenny williams | 3:52 PM ET | 12-14-2007

Sounds like you have mentally left "cancer world" for the Christmas season. Good for you! I left today also. Today was my last chemotherapy treatment before Christmas. Let's all enjoy this wonderful holiday season in the real world. Time enough to deal with "cancer world" after.

Leroy, have a wonderful Christmas and create more wonderful Christmas memories.

Sent by Carol M | 7:21 PM ET | 12-14-2007

Beautifully written "N R". Yes memories are so very special (no matter what our physical condition may be), and are so private. They live with us forever and we continue to make them.
I enjoyed reading your comment.

Sent by J C R | 8:20 PM ET | 12-14-2007

Sue Chap - I have a pickle on my tree and have had that tradition in my family for years now. My kids (adults now) go crazy looking for it. You would think they would be to old but they get so serious about finding it. I have had many decorations get broke because of the pickle finding.
Leroy, it does seem good to talk of other things. Thank you for taking another direction today.

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 8:33 PM ET | 12-14-2007

I remember the Christmas Eve when I unwrapped every single present with my name on it, and ever so carefully rewrapped them one at a time. Then next morning, I was probably eight or nine at the time, as I opened a gift I'd make a big production out of shaking it and sniffing it and turning it over and over in my hands. My parents were completely stunned when I accurately guessed what each gift was !!!

I also told my brother and sisters what they were getting for Christmas one year.......I'd read my mother's list.

It's a wonder they let me live.

Sent by Nancy O | 8:38 PM ET | 12-14-2007

Stuffed *ape* folks, not monkey!
Just kidding. It's my job to tell legions of people this incredibly key fact, that chimpanzees are apes. (I work with apes and teach primate behavior.)
More seriously, it's interesting what gifts we remember from the past, and even more interesting what special times we remember. Sometimes it's the big unique moments (like in Munich for Leroy or my unforgettable Christmas in a national park in Kenya with baboons). Sometimes it's the little moments, a shared quiet time with a loved one watching the snow or drinking hot chocolate. Best of the holidays to all, and wishing you all a lot of those little special moments.

Sent by Barbara K. | 9:54 PM ET | 12-14-2007

Thank you for sharing your Christmas memories. As usual, you paint clear and vivid pictures with your words.
Best wishes to all,
Judith

Sent by Judith Newkirk | 10:49 PM ET | 12-14-2007

Dear Leroy,
I found your blog recently and I have spent the last weeks reading it. Inspired by you I even started my blog about living with a sarcoma ( 7 years, 7 surgeries, 7 clinical trials of targeted drugs, 17 months of the chemo).
Today I thought of you during my chemo in Boston.
I kept thinking how does Leroy do it? How can you write about being sick from Monday to Friday without being tired of it? You can imagine my smile when I opened your blog a few minutes ago. A post that answered my question. I think I know how you feel.
I want to wish you the best. My last surgery was just a few days before your last one. My pain is gone and now I wish that you can point to the :) face at your next doctors appointemnt (or some time soon).

Take care.
your (new) friend

Sent by Elsa Dias | 12:17 AM ET | 12-15-2007

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!! GOD BLESS YOU!! MY HUSBAND CAN RELATE. HE HAS HAD CANCER OFF AND ON SINCE 2003. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR MESSAGES EVERY DAY. YOU ARE AN IMSPIRATION TO US ALL.

WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU LARRY

Sent by G.C | 12:46 AM ET | 12-15-2007

Thanks so much for your continuing discernment. I'm not a religious person, but I am praying for you each day. (Hope I'm not doing you harm, but I doubt it -- I say, the more, the merrier).

Small trees have their own loveliness -- you tend to hang only the ornaments that are very special.

Sent by Victoria Ferreira | 1:41 AM ET | 12-15-2007

Yes. You write so well and it is time to write about other things. I loved the description of the Munich moment. Aren't such moments wonderful?

Sent by townie | 8:33 AM ET | 12-15-2007

I love to remember Chirstmases past. I remember the year my brother got rocks for Chirstmas. My mom actually thought they would be a great gift. No joke! Then there was the year I broke an ornament at my great aunt's house and hid it under the bathroom mat. My mother covered for me the following year and blamed it on my other great aunt who she claimed was a "little loopy" that year. This year will be great too because my kids are really starting to understand what Chirstmas is all about. I am so thankful to have every day regardless of what my health may bring.

Sent by jen barad | 11:52 AM ET | 12-15-2007

About the pickle. When I was a little girl (jusy celebrated BD #70) my mother had a work colleague who was Jewish. He and his wife and two children celebrated Christmas Eve with us for a few years.."to see what it was like" and to support my Mom, a widow with four kids. Each year he brought a pickle to put on the tree and we did so with much gusto and enthusiasm. I am talking about 1940's- 50's. Such warm memories. How times have changed..not for the better sad to say. We loved Buddy and his family and saw them as different, only in a rich and rewarding way from we Christians.

Sent by Doris | 12:33 PM ET | 12-15-2007

I've found that the most memorable Christmases haven't been the ones with the biggest tree or the most perfect gift. Fresh from a stem cell transplant, I haven't been able to put much thought into either of those things, but this Christmas will be memorable in many other ways.

Sending love and lots of (pain-free) special memories to you and your family,
Susan

Sent by Susan Carrier | 1:18 PM ET | 12-15-2007

Leroy, I am sure we must have had real trees at some point, but what I remember, at about 11 or 12, was the Silver Christmas Tree with the revolving light. Wow, what a memory. So glad those things are gone.
This is far better than talking about being sick! See you Monday, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 6:11 PM ET | 12-15-2007

Hi Leroy,
I can remember my mother hanging what she called "angels hair" on the tree. It was so beautiful. This would be before we knew spun fiberglass wasn't the best thing to hang on a tree. I wish she were here so we could laugh about that again. Bless you and those you love, Leroy.

Sent by Sharon | 7:19 PM ET | 12-15-2007

I'm doing a whole month of no cancer talk. It is very uplifting and I feel free of worry.

Sent by Cathy | 8:04 PM ET | 12-16-2007

Dear Leroy,

I wanted to let you know how comforting it is to have you here, a constant light at the end of a very dark tunnel. I share the joy expressed in the writings of those who have read your blog today and want to thank you for continuing, in the face of your pain and adversity. My thoughts are with you and Laurie, your family and friends at this time of year, and with each new day that passes. We are privileged to have you with us.

Love, Briana

Sent by Briana | 9:06 PM ET | 12-16-2007

Leroy...1975 Xmas is when they delivered me to my mom in a Christmas Stocking :)... Happy Holidays to everyone.

Sent by Krupali Tejura | 5:26 PM ET | 12-17-2007

sometimes i wish i lived a spontaneous life wherei would spend christmas in munich. buti really like the routine too but want to see the world. people tell me i'm young and should go for it, but it still feels hard to have to say goodbye for a time to my friends, family and loved ones. i'm glad you spend that christmas in munich. i hope that i will be able to go with my heart and do what it is i really want to do...thanks for writing leroy.

Sent by dreaming in front of my dictation... | 7:13 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Remember that we liked to kid you about dropping out of that school back East to attend the one on the West coast?

Sent by Cathy Q. | 2:47 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy -
Ask your oncologist if any new targeted Chemos exist for your type of cancer. My wife is taking ERBITUX, a new targeted chemo that is supposed to have fewer side effects because it targets cancer cells. She has been taking it for colon cancer for the past month and only problem is she sleeps a lot. no hair loss, no nausea.

Good luck and keep up the fight.

Sent by Jack Otley | 10:08 AM ET | 12-28-2007