You've made a big difference to a lot of people during those two years. Thank you for the gift of your time and your honesty.

Sent by Laura | 7:42 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Soon to be Two Years and MORE!

Sent by Claire | 7:45 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Glad you're still here Leroy! Glad I'm here too! Enjoy the day. Peace and love Becca

Sent by Rebecca Hawkins | 7:49 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Thank God!!!!

Hugs,

Lori

Sent by Lori | 7:50 AM ET | 12-07-2007

OOOPS...I missed yesterday's post due to an onco appointment.

HOORAY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sent by Lori | 7:52 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Once again Good Morning Leroy! You sound like you may have had a good night's sleep, finally. We cannot possibly predict what will be coming our way, nor should we, but at least we DO know that we are together, talking, and caring about each other. We get tempered like steel throughout our trials and troubles and seem to come out hardened and much wiser. It is SO great to have you here and optimistic once again. You are a Great Communicater and I will miss you the next two days. Have a wonderful weekend with your loved ones. What happy holidays these will be!

Sent by J C R | 8:03 AM ET | 12-07-2007

My husband had a job lined up in Romania, we were looking forward to the change. It was July 1 and we were flying to Scotland that afternoon for vacation but first he had to get an MRI. The cause of the pain he had been feeling for a few weeks was immediately disclosed. Left the testing facility, back to the neuorologist and then admitted to the hospital. That afternoon after all the breast cancer patients had left the radiation center the machine was left on for him and he received his first radiation treatment, dots and lines and X???s in place.

He got perspective quickly, equating the actions of his medical team to those of any organization???s management, referring to their staff meetings, preferring the young doctor???s who worked their butts off over those who had arrived, greeted all the nurses with the same love he received from them, as though that might add some to their wages.

The torture lasted fourteen months and one week and then it was finished. One time they said remission, and everybody ought to hear that word at least once but it wasn???t really so. What the hell happened to us? Many days, even now, I am awed by his attitude and actions, the grace with which he conducted himself, he and the others we came to know.
Nothing will be the same.

Sent by Irene | 8:18 AM ET | 12-07-2007

THANK YOU LORD!

Sent by Connie Hartle | 8:19 AM ET | 12-07-2007

That's right, Leroy - you're still here! That, in itself, is a triumph. And, all those factors you mentioned, along with some Lady Luck, made a difference.

So much for prognoses! They should be banned.

Sent by Marilyn | 8:27 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Ditto to what Laura said.

Sent by Nichole | 8:28 AM ET | 12-07-2007

The first thing I do in the morning, since I found you, is read your blog. I have a liposarcoma and my life in the past 7 years has been a little bit like yours, reading your blog helps me more than you can imagine. Suddenly I do not feel so alone. Thank you, Leroy, for being here.

Sent by Elsa dias | 8:37 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Dear Leroy,
You???re still here indeed. I???ve been thinking about that lately because of the season. I remember reading your blog last holiday season and thinking ???It must be strange taking down your last Christmas tree???. I was a realist. At the end of my Dad???s illness they told us 2 weeks and darn if he didn???t leave us at that exact timing. If they were giving you three months... Well there you go. But you???re still here! How hopeful that has made SO many people. It means the doctors can be wrong, better treatment do become available, it can be done. I???m sure it???s not easy, but you have makes such a difference is so many ways. They good work you do is more powerful than the cancer! You are still here and we are all grateful. Take care.

Sent by Susan | 8:41 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Leroy - funny how those anniversaries haunt you. I find myself wondering if I will always remember September 21 (my dx date) or if it will lose significance as the years (hopefully) pass. I sure hope so - I'd like to think that the year will come when I don't think about it at all.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 8:41 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Good morning Leroy,

You are very right about the difference that 2 years can make. Two years ago, my sister was diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer, trached, g-tube, life was Hxxx, and would only get worse at least for a while. Now there is a calm, and almost normalcy for us. Dad visits her 3 times a week. I get her "nourishment" once a month and check on her a couple of times/week vs three, four or more times day, the baby monitor is stored away. My sister can get to most of her appointments without me, offers to help me out when she can. She has a homemaker two times a week for small things that take time.

Thanks for sticking around Leroy, you have made life for so many many people much more livable.

Here's to more time and life!

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:55 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Hi Leroy and all:

Congratulations Leroy and keep on keeping on L. and all. The struggle is worthwhile and the learning and sharting opportunties are amazing, even if all of us would have very much preferred to bypass them - especially those who have lived less than I or others in the (nearly) over-the-hill gang.It ain't always fun, but as long as we can struggle and en-courage ourselves and others (whatever the source of ther own battles) there is something very worthwhile to do. Loery, you continue to be an example to us all. Thanks, also NPR for making this forum possible.

Vaya con Dios

John Shippee
Atlanta, Georgia

Sent by John Shippee | 8:55 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Yes, you are. And we're all really happy about that.

Have a good weekend.

Sent by Karole Ives | 9:21 AM ET | 12-07-2007

carpe diem Leroy! And many more.

Sent by Kathy Bauer | 9:23 AM ET | 12-07-2007

here's to life - how beautiful!

Sent by ejd | 9:38 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Thank you for sharing "you" with us. You are an inspiration to us all.

Sent by Carrie Gerhard | 9:39 AM ET | 12-07-2007

You are still here for many reasons....all the lives you touch with each post! It is so great to know that you are free of ppumps and drains. Rest and enjoy the freedom.

Sondra Scott

Sent by Sondra Scott | 9:40 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Always remember that individuals are far more amazing than statistics. Thanks for sharing our experiences with us.

Sent by Sarah | 9:41 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Hi Leroy,

I'm still here too, 4 years after being given 2 1/2 to 3 years. And I'm NED! Nobody knows, especially the Drs., when it's your turn. That, I believe, is up to my higher power.

Who knew that we'd be here to celebrate another holiday season, in 2007! If I still drank alcohol, I'd raise a toast to those of us who are still defying the odds, and in memory of those who didn't.

Hang in there -- you're doing great!

Sue

Sent by Sue Mersic | 9:53 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Forty two months later, and I am Still Here, too, living with Multiple Myeloma. Please, everyone with cancer, watch the movie Papillion - it is the best "never-give-up" story I know, and it is based on a true story. Prayers for all who live with cancer. We are the champions!!

Sent by Marguerite | 9:58 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Hi Leroy, I've heard that some people refer to their dx date as their second birthdays. In that case, warmest wishes for a happy second second birthday are in order.

To Sue Chap, It is so encouraging to see how well your sister has progressed. I remember how overwhelmed you were when you first began to post. Your father and sister are indeed lucky to have such a wonderful caregiver. There are some who might not have stuck by through those intensely demanding times. And we in the blog are fortunate to have you share your journey with us.

Sent by Sheara | 10:05 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Oh yeah...that's a darned good feeling, isn't it?! I had some hideously low chance of surviving two years, and yet here I am 5+ years later (almost six, really!), and I'm pleasantly surprised by that every day.

Word to the wise, Leroy: don't feel obligated to do anything more than simply be, and enjoy being. When you're ready to be superman again, go right ahead. In the meantime, though, you take your time and use your energies and resources all for you and the people closest to you. Few people get the chance to truly appreciate life, and if there's one benefit of this crummy disease, it's that eye-opening effect.

I'm really, really happy for you. Have Laurie give you a (very gentle) hug for me...and you give her one, too!

Peace
jj

Sent by Joan Jones | 10:06 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Isn't there a song with lyrics that include..."I'm still Standin'"?

YOU are "still standing'" and making it!

And, we are all delighted!

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 10:06 AM ET | 12-07-2007

"There are more things on heaven and earth..." just goes to show there is so much the "experts" don't know, and it is shrinking day by day as new techniques and medicines crop up. Living with cancer is just that...*living* one day at a time, being alive, knowing that one day, something will get me and you. You just have the poor fortune of knowing which thing is likely to be the one.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 10:15 AM ET | 12-07-2007

that's right leroy, you're still here. and thank God for that. you have become our voice. you speak for all of us. you're ability to put into words what the rest of us can only think is spectacular. i know that i speak for everyone on this blog. thank you for still being here, you need to stay here to help the rest of us stay here. does that sound corny? i believe that the overwhelming majority of cancer fighters would say no.

Sent by Gerald Carroll | 10:24 AM ET | 12-07-2007

2 yrs. and counting.....Only God knows our appointed time......Congrats on your good news from yesterday. Hang in there Leroy, one day at a time. Have a good weekend.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 10:25 AM ET | 12-07-2007

You are the man Leroy. A post like today's fires me up to have a great day.

Sent by Jamie (Lincoln) | 10:26 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Leroy --

I am glad you are here and that I am able to share in your journey (and so many others through your work).

"being" is more important than "why."

Kindest regards,

Elaine

Sent by Elaine Barnes | 10:27 AM ET | 12-07-2007

One day at a time, and slowly they add up to weeks/months/ and even years! Congratulations on beating the odds so far. You've got a great attitude & that counts for A LOT! Medicine & doctors are important, but the right attitude does make a difference! Keep hanging in there! You've given a lot of yourself to all of us & we are all very thankful & appreciative of everything. Merry Christmas!

Sent by Tom May | 10:35 AM ET | 12-07-2007

You're still here and I'm just one of the hundreds of people in your army who reaps the benefit of that! Thank you for your courage, your spirit and your wisdom. Fondly, Anita

Sent by Anita Solomon | 10:46 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Dear Leroy,

I'm grateful that you are still here.

Jane

Sent by Jane | 10:50 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Dear Leroy, These time frame comments are so traumatizing. I was talking to my oncologist about it last night. I still remember the shock of the "less than 2 years and you'll be dead" comment from one of my second opinion docs. Not that I was denying the severity of my situation--I knew I was on death row but I wasn't quite ready for an execution date. I'm now approaching the 2 year mark (Feb. 14th), have been on continuous chemo, continue to have elevating marker numbers, but by all other indices (2nd look surgery, CT, PET, MRI) am disease-free. I am a realist; I know I have microscopic disease--but I'm not nearly dead. However, that prediction has haunted me, compromised in a small way the quality of my life. And the truth is that noone knows with absolute certainty the progression this disease, in all its complexity, will take. As human beings I think we all require a certain amount of illusion to live our lives optimistically and hopefully and if our medical compatriots can grasp that and sustain it, albeit within a context of honesty, however many days we have will be just that much brighter. Good cheer and congratulations on still being here! Salee

Sent by salee | 10:51 AM ET | 12-07-2007

Leroy,

You are here and you will be here for a long, long time.

Sent by Tatiana | 11:09 AM ET | 12-07-2007

You are also here with me. Thank you for that. Blessings, Peace, fluffy aura and all....

Sent by Shannon | 11:09 AM ET | 12-07-2007

It is interesting to reflect back to one year ago. I knew something was wrong but chalked it up to peri-menopause. Knew I'd get the lump checked out after the holidays. Interesting what a difference a year makes. I'm glad to hear you are string free. Enjoy the holiday season.

Sent by Lisa | 12:28 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Until Hallmark comes out with a "Congratulations on your Cancerversary" card, I want to wish you many, many more.

Sent by Ann | 12:28 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Leroy,
I can't tell you how happy I am to know that you are indeed "still here". Having lost my husband to cancer when he was only 29 years old, I KNOW that you still being here is all that matters. I am so delighted for you, for all of your loved ones, and for all of us who support you in this journey. I have come to care very deeply for your well-being. It is with much feeling that I wish you that old Vulcon salute, "Live Long and Prosper, My Friend!"

Sent by Sandra Mann | 12:29 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Hello LeRoy!

I have never posted before, but wanted you to know how much your blog has helped me. I have a dear friend who is battling cancer. He may win tha battle, he may not, but he has chosen not to talk about it much. Your open, honest, comments have helped me gain insights into what he may be thinking and feeling, and I thank you very much.

Sent by Suzanne | 12:34 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Good Afternoon Leroy, Laurie and All,

Leroy, Keep defying those expectations and hang on to that stubborn streak! Do whatever it takes to keep going, we want you here with us! Isn't it wonderful to be free of those attachments and all on your own again?

Laurie, I know you are thrilled to have Leroy back and ever closer to "Normal". I know he will keep up the fight with you by his side.

To All, As we all fight our own battles it is so good to have the strength and comfort we find here to help each other through the next step, hour and day. When we know that we are not alone, it is so much easier to go on. I had my appointment for the results of my scans on Wednesday and it was good news. I haven't reached NED yet, but the nodes/nodules that remain do not appear to be growing now, so its watchful waiting and scans again in March. So "stable" is good! And the adventure continues and this year has brought many new things to experience. Not only have we experienced a drought of historic signifance in Charlotte, but this morning we had a minor earthquake--no damage, Thank Heavens! But it does make me wonder, what will tomorrow bring? Hopefully, it will be good news of some kind!! God Bless!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte, NC

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 12:41 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Leroy,

I have had some trouble getting posted today. Try #3.

So much for expectations! I'm so glad you are still here. The world is a better place because you are.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 1:01 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Leroy - I can certainly relate to your words today. On December 21 st. it will be 2 years since my surgery for Pancreatic cancer. The road has been hard dealing with chemo and the tiredness, the CT scans and then the worry. I should not be here but I am. I am even taking a chance this month by not continuing my chemo for a month. I desperately needed a break. Who knows what my scans will show next month - all's I know for now is I took a chance and took over my life for a little while. I have told family and friends there will be no talk of cancer this month. I guess I broke my own rule by writing today - but I had to say "way to go to you" and isn't live wonderful?

Sent by Cathy | 1:14 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Dear Leroy.
You're still here and thank goodness. My husband isn't a blogger but I forward your posts to him so that your victories will give him a lift. He will be marking his year anniversary of Stage IV lung cancer and if my prayers have anything to do with it, you'll both be celebrating next year too.

Sent by Elaine | 1:16 PM ET | 12-07-2007

I think what is so great about your story is that there really is life after cancer diagnosis. Too often we are caught up in the end game to realize that even with cancer there are still more laughs, still more adventures, still more tears, still more everything. Cancer is like that pebble caught in your shoe. Sure its annoying, but it is important for you not to let it dictate the rest of your life, however long that may be.

Sent by jen barad | 1:18 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Leroy,
I started stopping by here about a year ago when a friend's mom died of lung cancer. I enjoyed the sense of community and finding out about "cancer world." Then on Sept 26 I was dx with breast cancer. Now this is the first place I come in the morning. Celebrate your second year. And thank you for being Leroy.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 1:30 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Your still here because you have so much left to offer~~there's a reason for everything I believe.

Have a sparkling weekend Leroy
Warm hugs your way.

Sent by Robin T | 1:55 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Leroy- a very big congratulations!! You are an amazing person. Let us all enjoy the peace and love of this season.

Sent by linda h. | 2:21 PM ET | 12-07-2007

A former employer of mine has an "I'm still alive" party every year on the anniversary of the day he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. You sound justifiably upbeat today. If you think you're up to it, why not throw yourself a party, you've earned it.

Sent by Teddy | 2:35 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Leroy:
After reading your post, couldn't help thinking of some of the words of the Sondheim song "I'm Still Here"....

"I???ve run the gamut,
A to Z.
Three cheers and dammit,
C???est La Vie.
I got through all of last year,
And I???m here.
Lord knows, at least I???ve been there,
And I???m here!
Look who???s here!
I???m still here!

Who says life doesn't imitate art?
Fondly, Myra

Sent by Myra Weinberg | 3:07 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Dear Leroy,

God Bless you and Laurie. Yes you're still here and I am so very glad. I will continue to keep you and everyone here in my prayers.

Have a wonderful "unplugged" weekend. Love and comfort sent to all.

Sent by Connie E. | 3:10 PM ET | 12-07-2007

so happy that you are still here... i hope you are enjoying this hoilday season... hugs from rainy california--krupali

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 3:17 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Dear friend:
I join everyone in celebrating your reaching another Christmas and the removal of the drains. I remember reading last December's posts and being so moved by your situation and your writings.
I too am celebrating now. I just got word that my 3rd blood test in 4 weeks finally had normal liver enzyme levels. I had a scare, the first one since my breast cancer diagnosis in Oct '03.
The elevated enzymes now seem to have been related to Cholesterol lowering medication, which can sometimes happen. My oncologist told me to stop the medication after the first abnormal reading; the 2nd test 2 weeks later was better but not yet normal; yesterday it was normal. Whew! I did learn that I have gotten much better at locking worry in a box in my brain and only going there infrequently. I counsel my dearest friend who has stage 4 lung cancer to just focus on today; that it's all we truly have, and I did a pretty good job of following my own advice. I will share with you all though, that it was especially hard because my daughter's 55 year old colleague started suddenly missing work less than 3 weeks ago because of doctors visits and tests. A week ago last Wednesday she confided that something was seriously wrong after a cat scan showed growths in her liver, and that she would need more tests, which she never lived to get. By the following Sunday night she was hospitalized and in intensive care. She died Wednesday afternoon.
How does one process this? I don't know that we can. We are all grateful that if she was destined to die and nothing could save her, that it did occur quickly. No one can explain why each of our destinies is different. Living in the moment, doing all we can to stay healthy, developing the best coping skills and attitudes....I guess that is the list we all need to keep checking.
Reading your postings Leroy, and the wonderful people who respond to you daily, this has made a difference in how I live my life. I wish to thank you for empowering me to be more positive, and more acepting if that is what is necesary. We do these things not only for ourselves, but for those who love us.
As always, I end with love, gratitude and respect. You are an exquisitely unique human being.

Sent by Harriet | 3:21 PM ET | 12-07-2007

And there are many, many people that are GLAD, YOU ARE HERE !!!!
Prayers and good thoughts for you daily.

Sent by Vickie | 3:48 PM ET | 12-07-2007

I wish there was a formula for success in fighting cancer...is it attitude, is it one's spirit, is it prayer, is it doctors, drugs, sugery, radiation, it it nutrition and diet, is it meditation and visualization, is it a support system, is it just meant to be... well it is probably a combination of some if not all of these factors!! Unfortunately, there really is no formula but there is always Hope. Even Hope is often not enough as we all know.

What I do believe is that if we continue to fight for as hard as we can for as long as we can, we always still have a chance. We are the ones to decide when is "Enough" and then let God's Will Be Done.

It is instructive to reflect upon where we were versus where we are, for good or bad. It would have been easy for you,Leroy, to "fold the tent" upon your initial diagnosis. It was a grim one and not very hopeful. But look at where you are today! You've been through much trauma, many highs and lows but you are still here for a reason. That reason is obvious to all who come here daily for your words of wisdom. There is a plan for you and you are fulfilling that plan! May God continue to bless you and keep you.

Sent by Al Cato | 3:51 PM ET | 12-07-2007

And we all say praise God to that....

Keep looking up, Leroy.

Sent by Amy | 4:07 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Hooray for you, Leroy. And hooray for everyone who is still here, cancer or not. Virginia Tech shootings, Omaha Mall shootings, accidents of all sorts, aneurisms...no one know how long they will be here. So let's all rejoice every day we wake up!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:27 PM ET | 12-07-2007

What wonderful news. Congratulations.
It feels so good, doesn't it? I had the tubes removed in August, and every day is a wonderful gift. I am starting to think about what I can do to give back. Any suggestions?
Your blog has been so helpful, I have really appreciated your taking the time to do it. Thank you.

Sent by Andrea Maga | 4:28 PM ET | 12-07-2007

I'm still here, too and feeling very lucky. Thanks for inspiring us to stay present and deal with one day at a time- even the very bad ones.

Sent by NancyGM | 4:54 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Happy Anniversary!

Feels weird to say that, marking a lousy event, but being around to mark the anniversary is a real good thing, so I'm glad you get to mark the 2nd anniversary of staying ahead of the cancer.

My prayers contniue for you.

Sent by Geoff | 5:08 PM ET | 12-07-2007

You're still here, and I'm glad.

Sent by M Wms | 5:27 PM ET | 12-07-2007

YEAH! I am so glad you are still here. I have much to learn and you are a great teacher.

Love, Holly

Sent by Holly Anderson | 6:14 PM ET | 12-07-2007

I'm also a cancer survivor, although basal cell, which is no where near as serious as yours. However, I did got through many surgeries over a 5-year period which ultimately resulted in removal of half my nose and reconstruction in 1998. So, in a small way, I feel like been there, done that and can somewhat relate. I lost my best friend to breast cancer 3 years ago, and what I admired about her is her determination to enjoy every moment of life to the fullest. I hear that same determination in you. Wishing you all the best in the future----

Sent by Cindy | 6:47 PM ET | 12-07-2007

I'm so hooked on your everyday comments...You've shown us all that material things (Money & Toys) really mean nothing....We take for granted our health, get frustrated/stressed over money, work, kids and marriage. You've enlightened us all more than you can imagine!!!!So glad you've lost those damn plugs...I can hear/read it in today's message that you feel free again.

Sent by Ruth from Montreal | 7:02 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Leroy, if it is possible, enjoy and celebrate your new freedom this weekend. NOW go see the Christmas lights with Laurie and try to just be "normal". Try not to allow your lives to be dominated by cancer YOU are still in control of your lives and can enjoy some special times together. Make memories. My Mom used to tell me that all life was about was "making Memories" We cannot hold on to each fleeting moment, but we sure can have memories stored inside us to bring out, dust off, and review, whenever we choose. I will miss you Leroy this weekend and will hope that you will be making beautiful memories to store and maybe even tell us about next Monday.

Sent by J C R | 7:24 PM ET | 12-07-2007

Amen, Leroy, and Allelulia too!

Sent by Joyce | 11:13 PM ET | 12-07-2007

And we're so glad you're here! I read your column regularly. Love and prayers, Leroy.

Connie Brown

Sent by Constance Brown | 12:01 AM ET | 12-08-2007

congrats leroy!

i'm coming up on my one year anniversary jan 26th.

we're still here!

Sent by Jenn | 4:49 AM ET | 12-08-2007

Hi Leroy - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY - and on to the next one - and what so many of us can learn from you - about strength and survival and caring and sharing.

We lost a dear friend last fall - he did what he could for himself and tried - but it was fairly short and swift - during his illness I heard about an interview that Ted Koppel was doing with you - I missed that - could not find it when I thought it was - but discovered your blog - thought I would read it and it is so much more than I expected. It is hope and going forth and some self pity - but very much at a minimum - and what a learning device for living period.
G-d bless you and I do hope that you feel better each day.
Love, Janice

Sent by janice goldberg white | 7:48 AM ET | 12-08-2007

congratulations on being still here and , through your blog, still serving so many others who are fighting this disease .

N.R.

Sent by N.R. | 7:59 AM ET | 12-08-2007

We got the scary news 5 months ago that my father had stage IV lung cancer. There are so many difficult things about fighting cancer- and not the least of which is knowing how to help support your loved one. Somehow- reading your blogs seems to help me understand a little more what my dad is going through and maybe feelings that he is having that he is not good about articulating. In that- I feel somehow that I am sharing his burden and that I am actually doing something. I hope you know that what you are doing really matters and your blogs and honest communication is making a difference for me. Thankyou for your courage and strength of spirit.

Sent by Kim Troup | 10:08 AM ET | 12-08-2007

Leroy, congratulations on being 'unplugged' and for reaching your two year 'anniversary'. Your courage and determination are an inspiration to all of us. You are still here for an important reason and i am grateful for it.
This Christmas season, for me, will mean something more. My tests came back clean after 6 months of chemo for colon cancer. I am back at my job, but I still have one foot in 'cancer world'. We have a common bond, due to our trials, that others cannot share. Your blog is a vital part our connectivity and I am constantly amazed at your ability to echo our innermost feelings, even in the midst of your struggles.
May God bless you this holiday season as he blessed us with your presence these past months and years.
Enjoy !

Sent by Lou Loggi | 10:52 AM ET | 12-08-2007

Leroy:

Add me to the list of those who are glad you are still here. I just wish so many others were too.

It was just one year ago about this time that Burge started down hill. He used to tell me, "I'm not gone, yet." but I think we knew it was only a matter of time.

Today, I feel pretty lost. The end of the year books are behind, the farming money drain has already begun, and as things settle back into "normal" I'm beginning to realize that just because we had our big loss, we aren't immune to any problems or future losses.

The Wall Street Journal had an article recently about a man who spent weeks in the hospital because of a steph infection only to learn that he had run out of insurance. He now owes over a million dollars to doctors and hospitals. I remember how much we owed and still regret selling property to pay a bill I think could have been lower had I "known the ropes."

Sorry for the down turn in tone but today is a tough one and I can't help but feel a little envious. I AM glad to have you here...More than you know and hope things keep moving upward.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 2:40 PM ET | 12-08-2007

Leroy, I had just finished building our "Dream Home" actually building it, not paying someone to build it for me. I was in pretty good shape at the end of the project, and then I noticed some shortness of breath and maybe a little fatique. My docs started checking and many tests later, my renal cancer was back. They said 60 days and here I am, just a little shy of 1 year. I thank all of my doctors without whom many of us would not be here to comtemplate Christmas. I am so glad for you, your family, and friends. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 4:49 PM ET | 12-08-2007

Dear Leroy,

A little late in posting due to one of my grandchildren getting ill. I'm glad to see the drains are out and you are making progress. Continue the fight...........never give up!

As always, prayers to you and Laurie.

Sent by Sasha | 8:50 PM ET | 12-08-2007

You have such a way with words!

Sent by Sleepless in Seattle | 9:43 AM ET | 12-09-2007

Leroy, I have been following your journey since "Living with Cancr" aired. My husband and I watched together as he had just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He shed a few tears as you told your story for these were the same feeling he had. Diagnosed in January I lost my dear husband in May. I receive your blogs on my email each day. I would take the to the hospital and read to him each night. He felt the same things you did.I watch as you fight the fight. When I lost Keith, I resented you. You were the lucky one, you were still here. The blogs read as blah, blah, blah to me. Nothing mattered anymore. As time passed I still read you blogs each day. Then you got real sick, having to deal with so much pain. I started to be very very sad that I would lose you too. Crazy isn't it. I don't even know you but I care so much. Thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts. I know your words will help others fighting this awful disease. I know they gave Keith hope. Thank you for all you do.

Sent by Barbara Stokley | 11:57 AM ET | 12-09-2007

Thank God!

Sent by Linda | 10:36 AM ET | 12-11-2007

You are my hero.

Sent by Dana | 3:21 PM ET | 12-17-2007