Dear Leroy,
So sorry to hear that you are in pain but whinning is good. It makes you feel like you're in charge. As far as pain scales, they are "THE" most ridiculous measurement tools every conceived. Who sets the standards for these? Certainly not the doctors. As a long time migraine sufferer and now spouse/caretaker, i have learned over many years to compartmentalize my pain. I act as though the pain belongs to someone else. It's not fun but it's living.

Sent by Elaine | 7:27 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Oh Lord Leroy ~ Glad that you have opened up about the pain you are suffering. From my husband's experience with back pain after surgery, we can well understand what you must be going through with your extensive, rebuilding, surgery. Don't know how you can stand it and even chose to keep writing this article every day. However, hopefully it comforts you to know how very much you are loved and thought of constantly!
I have severe Stenosis and all they can offer me by way of relief is an operation to either go in and remove some vertebra, or go in with a needle and kill off a few nerves supposedly causing the pain. I choose to stand the pain. What you have had done, is much more horrific!
We hope that the pain, after the numbness, is a sign that the nerves are healing and coming back to life and will eventually settle down. Have faith and lean on those close to you and your loyal, friends here who listen and pray for the "normalacy" you so desire. Pain means that you are still here and healing!! BIG, SMILEY, HAPPY FACE here Leroy.

Sent by J C R | 7:38 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Consider learning hypnosis. You might be someone who really finds relief from it. No the pain isn't gone, but you remove yourself from the pain. I'm feeling for you and hope you can get help.

Sent by Susan | 7:56 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy,
You will get to the happy face but remember you have to pass the others on the way. God speed to #1.
Kathie

Sent by Kathie | 7:57 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Hi Leroy,

I am so sad that you have to go through this. I know that everyone who cares about you would love to take all the pain away. Pain definitely distracts us from the rest of our lives and it is hard not to focus on it. Your's is a sign of healing and eventually it will resolve. Here's a prayer and happy vibes sent your way that it will be sooner than later,

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 8:15 AM ET | 12-10-2007

So sorry to hear that one drug negates the beneficial effect of the other. You might try a different type of pain med to see if it makes a difference. Many major medical centers also have a pain management department. You might investigate to see if this is avalable to you. On another level...I'm sure you are NOT interested in managing your pain, like managing an unruly child, BUT you want the pain gone!!

When the nerves are constantly barking, it is impossible to get the rest you need in order for healing to occur! I remain hopeful that you can get some relief.

Accupuncture works for me but I'm sure that your level of pain and perhaps it being widespread may not make this a good choice but keep it in mind.

Blessings and prayers as always.

Sent by Al Cato | 8:26 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Dear Leroy,
Whine!!!???, I don't think so. Pain, while invisible to the rest of us, is very powerful in its ability to debilitate, block everything else out. It can sap your physical and emotional strength and energy. I assume your docs know that the meds are not working as they should. I hope you are pointing to the truly pissed-off frowny-face. In this day and age, you deserve, in fact, need, to have your pain managed.
You are one amazing guy, Leroy, and you are entitled to "whine" as much as you want.
Love,
Mary

Sent by Mary Sullivan | 8:28 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy: I agree pain alters everything. I have to get up most nights because of pain. Try to move my body. Pain does not help my mood at all. Pain meds do help for an hour or so. Hope it is not time for the big stuff. Hard to believe we can be so sick. What happened to our lives. Loved your post about begining depressed. Made me feel alittle normal. It is hard to keep your guard up all of the time. Oh how I hate drawing attention to myself. Keep posting your blogs help soooo much.

Sent by diana maloy | 8:32 AM ET | 12-10-2007

'Morning Leroy,

Constant pain is not good, nor acceptable. They should be able to come up with some means for getting some relief. Your body needs a rest and pain in not making that possible. I am sure you are not whining either.

Keep after them until they have at least get you some relief.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:34 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy, I hope your pain goes away very soon. There is NOTHING more physically and emotionally exhausting than severe chronic pain.
Wishing you the best. You have been an incredible inspiration to me this past year as I have been learning to live in "C" world.
Merry Christmas from Palestine, WV

Sent by C. Bruce "Buck" Martin | 8:38 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Last year I had bone mets to my spine. It was pretty painful. I just can't imagine how much pain you are going through, but I'm praying that it will soon pass. I can relate to what you said about the pain filling your mind and I remember a day when I was asked the "on the scale of 1 to 10" question when I just broke down and cried. I was exhausted and sooooo tired of being in pain. I guess I just wanted you to know you are not alone and that it will pass. Take care, Becca

Sent by Rebecca Hawkins | 8:39 AM ET | 12-10-2007

This is great advice I am about to give (and I am sure countless others are going to give as well... of course I do not take this advice myself because I am too stubborn)
Seek pain management from a specialist. It really does help. I had done it in the past, and should go again, but it can make a huge difference.
Good luck and think happy thoughts.

Sent by Brit | 8:52 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Oh, dear Leroy...I empathize with you! The pain is far more debilitating than most medicos seem to realize, especially when it is there at a constant level.

Have you asked or considered if you are a candidate for the pain manangement team at either Fairfax Hospital or another nearby? The specialists there are really outstanding in helping folks with intractable pain.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 9:19 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy, even though I have never met you, you are still one of my heroes. I think of you often and follow your progress.
I am praying for your relief and the grace to make it through another day.

Sent by Megan | 9:27 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Dear Leroy,

I'm so sorry to hear that you are still in pain. You certainly have had your fair share. I don't mean to be redundant, but I will ask again "Why do good people have to suffer?" It causes me great pain to see my husband suffer each day, trying to fight this horrible disease. The doctors gave him a four week break from chemo and he was starting to feel fairly normal. But, unfortunately he has to go back on the chemo this Thursday; I am starting to believe that the chemo is what has been keeping him alive for the past 20 months; without it he will surly die. I pray for both you and Laurie. She too is suffering with you. Be well dear friend and I hope that the pain starts to subside and you can enjoy this holiday season.

Sent by Sasha | 9:30 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Dear Leroy,
You should not have to suffer pain, please ask your doctors for something else that you could try to help the pain. Even if you have to have narcotic patch and sleep a lot then try it. Sleep is what heals and there are a lot of mediciines that could help. It's your job and your doctor also to find what can help you. Sorry for the lecture (it's the nurse in me) but it's also from personal experience. I'm not in pain so much as I am in misery with the cough that I have. I wish you the best and a pain free or at best tolerable day. GOD BLESS.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 9:30 AM ET | 12-10-2007

You whine when you need to whine, Leroy. Unfortunately, we can't share your pain, or physically experience it with you in any way, so if vocalizing your experience diminshes it in any way for you, we are the fortunate ones who are allowed to share your suffering.

Sent by Leonard from Alabama | 9:31 AM ET | 12-10-2007

I discovered when I was in the hospital that my answer to this constant question varied on what they considered pain versus what I considered pain. I came to learn that I actually have a pretty good tolerance for actual physical pain but I have a low tolerance for nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. I will take the actual pain any day over that unholy threesome! I also suffer from unipolar depression so consider the emotional aspects of cancer more dangerous for me personally than the actual, physical pain. I think the answer to this will vary considerably from person to person and what they define when they think when they hear the word pain. I believe medical people only think of actual, physical pain and don't factor in these other allied aspects of it.

Sent by carol irvin | 9:40 AM ET | 12-10-2007

You will, Leroy, you'll get to the happy face. Hang on to the knowledge that you're going the right way: out of the pain, not into it.

No more platitiudes...just hang in there. It's a bitch, I know, to have all this "extra" time and to have it taken up by surgeries, infection, pain, etc.

And don't ever underplay/underestimate the pain! If it hurts, tell them!! This is one time you most certainly shouldn't be tough. Don't just "skate it off" this time...

Peace
jj

Sent by Joan Jones | 9:56 AM ET | 12-10-2007

You're in my prayers.

Sent by Gyla | 10:04 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Pain does cloud my whole day when it's bad. I hope yours goes away soon Leroy.

Sent by Lisa | 10:06 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Whine away. Actually, I don't think you are whining at all. I think you are stating mere fact. You are in wicked awful pain and it is too damn much. I pray it lightens up and gives you a much needed break.

I hope you get to point to a happy face very very soon.

Hugs,

Lori

Sent by Lori | 10:13 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Dear Leroy,
I wish you many "happy faces" very soon! Constant pain is really wears you down.
My computer is going to Pennsylvania today so I will have a lot of catching up to do when I finally get back on line. I will miss you daily!
Charlotte in Temecula

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 10:28 AM ET | 12-10-2007

'morning Leroy, the battle sites just keep changing, don't they? I cannot imagine how you are feeling right now, though if you draw 1/5th as well as you write I am envisioning a whole new set of emoticons for the pain chart.... 1 through 100, not 10... I am visualizing those nasty little components of pain as well as the ecstatic smilies of complete comfort.... maybe drawing those for your next doctor/nurse query could help distract you from the pain. And, as with every fresh day dawning, we send you and Laurie prayers of strength and comfort.

Sent by Stitches | 10:32 AM ET | 12-10-2007

The word whining has negative connotations, and should be banned from any medical discussions. It is simply not appropriate. Anyway, I second those who urge you to get to a pain management center - and speak up LOUDLY about what you are suffering. Only when my mother broke down and sobbed in the nursing home did they take her pain seriously - and then she got some relief. I wish each of us could suffer a bit of your pain so you could be relieved, Leroy. We all feel for you.

Sent by Wendy | 10:36 AM ET | 12-10-2007

This will sound really dumb, but I've often wondered if the super-heroes had to withstand pain during their metamorphosis? And if so, what was their secret? Must be watching too much Seinfeld. Hang in there as we all feel your pain at some level. When you emerge, you will be better than ever.

Sent by Kathy B. | 10:37 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Dearest Leroy,

It is o.k. to whine!! We all do when something hurts!! To try and conceal your true issues only makes you in even more pain. Go ahead and tell us. Complain all you want to!! You are exactly right, hard to even think!! Most of us in this cancer family have been there at some level - pain, miserable or just not feeling very
well at all. Hopefully, the healing process is taking place. Thinking of you always and praying for all of us.

Love,
Betty Lewis

Sent by Betty Lewis | 11:08 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Pain is so distracting, mood crushing and unratable. I'm sorry you have to go through it, Leroy. Hopefully once they get you off the antibiotics you can get the pain under control.

So much has happened since Thanksgiving that I haven't had a chance to write lately although I have been reading your posts.

In short, my laptop crashed and was down for 2 weeks. For about a day I was so depressed I couldn't function. It felt like another symbol of my life fading away before my eyes. Luckily everything was recovered and I have a new faster hard drive now.

My husbands car was broken into at the airport at about the same time, and his computer, clothes, c-pap machine, work papers and everything else were stolen. Then, last Tuesday he went in to the hospital for hip revision surgery. It went very well and he is walking around with a cane already. I have gone from being the patient to being the nurse. It's good for me.

I had a PET/CT scan 10 days ago and found out that my lung cancer, which had already spread to both hips, has now spread to the 2nd thoracic vertebrae in my upper spine. I have not had much pain in that area yet and hopefully they can get rid of the tumor before I do.

Since I have already been radiated in that area they cannot use standard radiation again. Within about two weeks I will be having CyberKnife radiosurgery treatment. It is very expensive and I'm told that even though we have good insurance they will fight paying for it. That would be a bummer. But a woman's got to do what a woman's got to do.

Talk about whining. Actually, I'm in good spirits now and so happy to still be alive. It's nice to be back with you all. Thanks for being here.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 11:18 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy,
I'm so sorry that you have to seal with pain. I wish that there was a way to temper that pain and allow you to remain conscious! Please know that we wish you well soon.

Sent by Deb | 11:25 AM ET | 12-10-2007

When I started chemo I made an appointment with an anesthesiologist who specialized in medical hypnosis. In three sessions she taught me all the skills I needed, and I've since used them to help with pain, sleep, or any other symptoms that have become troublesome. In addition, the deep relaxation helps my body restore itself. I got some noise-reducing headphones and listen to ambient sound recordings, like ocean waves or rain falling, and it seems to help too.

I have also found acupuncture to be very good for pain. I promise it doesn't hurt, but it may very well be a solution for you.

I've had fibromyalgia for decades, and I know pain. I empathize with you, and admire your strength and conviction. Be well.

Sent by Michele | 11:41 AM ET | 12-10-2007

I'm so sorry you are having to endure such pain, Leroy. That combined with sleeplessness must be the worst torture of all. I do hope you are speaking up LOUDLY (no, I won't call it whining) because sometimes even very good doctors don't take such things as seriously as they should if you are smiling and trying to act normal.Be difficult! Insist on getting some kind of relief -- or at least insist on seeing a pain specialist, please.

You and Laurie will be in my thoughts and prayers today.

Sent by Doris | 11:51 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy - that really sounds painful, I am sorry. hang in there and may many happy faces come your way in the near future. sending love your way.

Sent by liz h | 11:58 AM ET | 12-10-2007

Dear Bloggers, its been a whirlwind two weeks. My fiance passed away on Dec 1 after a long 11 month battle with stage 4 lung cancer. He fought till the very end and I was able to hold his hand the whole way. I want to thank you for being with us during his battle. It was all of you that kept me smiling and thankful for each day we spent together. I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
Leroy, my fiance and I would do breathing exercises together. Breath in through the nose and exhale through the mouth. It helps to calm the body and relax the nerves. He would ask me to help him and that is what we would do. During his last week in the hospital, we were witness to much love and compassion by many and touched by many "angels of God". It was an amazing journey and I am so blessed to have been able to share it with the one I love. Cancer is cruel and ugly, but I managed to find beauty in the love we shared.
Gods peace to all of you! Laurie

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 12:04 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy,
I am amazed that anyone in severe pain can be anything but nasty. I too am hoping that you'll be pointing to the happy face soon. (Or, at the very least, the face that looks slightly constipated.)

Sent by Susan Carrier | 12:23 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Dear Leroy,

I have been following your blog for months - for me it is the most profound experience of sharing in what is beautiful and strong and real about the human spirit. I have stayed in the background because I am healthy at the moment and so many are suffering. I had to write today, though, for the first time, to share with you what gave me relief during the worst of my herniated disc pain two years ago. And that was to submerse myself in my hot tub with the massage jets on full blast, singing at the top of my lungs until the warm heat and massage began to help me relax and ease the pain. Ten in the morning, midnight, four am, when the pain became unbearable I hied myself off to the tub and never failed to find some relief - sometimes it took longer than other times. So if you have not tried that I suggest it in the hope you might find some relief yourself. And I am not taling about the gentle bubbles of an in-home tub, but the roaring hard jets from a massage hot tub.

Bless you - I keep you in my prayers.
Michael

Sent by Michael Case | 12:32 PM ET | 12-10-2007

You need to whine to your doctors. Can't they come up with some solutions? I'd rather be sedated all day than feel pain. I'd rather have a baby than be in constant pain. Whine real loud Leroy!

Sent by DiAnn | 12:38 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Pain is a cloud over the whole body changing you and making you a different person...Live in the cloud and know it will pass and the sun will be there when you come out...you are in my prayers...

Sent by ruth frank | 1:23 PM ET | 12-10-2007

That really stinks that you are in so much pain. We really appreciate your taking the time to update us when you feel so bad. I hope you will get some relief soon and that you will be able to sleep.

Sent by Jen | 1:27 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy,

You're entitled to kvetch already! We all are here to listen and care.

Have you considered seeing a pain specialist? I hear weed is helpful as well.

Hope you can point to the smiley face very soon.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 1:54 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Hi Leroy,

When my mom had her first surgery for ovarian cancer, the pain management specialists (new internists) brought out that smiley face chart and asked Mom which best described her pain. She just about clobbered them upside the head -- and, I hope, ultimately changed the way they looked at their jobs! I wrote about it here: http://northwestladybug.blogspot.com/2007/10/how-to-manage-pain-management.html

Carol

Sent by Carol | 1:55 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Dear Larry,
I, too, have a hard time describing pain. I found this website which may be helpful. (Might not, either.) I think about you daily with empathy, and so appreciate your ability to blog so honestly through the pain of cancer. (I'm struggling with words for bone cancer pain.)
Jane

1 flickering
quivering
Pulsing
throbbing
beating
pounding

2 jumping
flashing
shooting

3 pricking
boring
drilling
stabbing
lancinating

4 sharp
cutting
lacerating

5 pinching
pressing
growing
cramping
crushing

6 tugging
pulling
wrenching

7 hot
burning
scalding
searing

8 tingling
itchy
smarting
stinging

9 dull
sore
hurting
aching
heavy

10 tender
taut
rasping
splitting

11 tiring
exhausting

12 sickening
suffocating

13 fearful
frightful
terrifying

14 punishing
grueling
cruel
vicious
killing

15 wretched
blinding

16 annoying
troublesome
miserable
intense
unbearable

17 spreadilng
radiating
penetrating
piercing

18 tight
numb
drawing
squeezing
tearing

19 cool
cold
freezing

20 nagging
nauseating
aganozing
dreadful
torturing

http://www.bhawd.org/sitefiles/painwrds.html

Sent by Jane VanDeBogart | 2:05 PM ET | 12-10-2007

I am so sorry that you are having so much pain. Chronic pain takes such a huge mental toll in addition to the physical.
I think that being stoic and keeping all that inside is unhealthy--whining was an important part of my recovery!

Sent by maggie | 2:13 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy, I am not trying to be your doc but do you think a little whiskey would help. I cannot imagine what you are going through. All I have had is kidney stones and they have to completely knock me out. Best wishes and NO I do NOT think you are whining. I think you are doing everything you can to survive and make your life better.

Sent by Jean Hughes | 2:24 PM ET | 12-10-2007

I agree with you Leroy. I'd like the happy/sad face measurement for level of pain too. People see me these days and say, "Oh, you're looking so good, how's the cancer coming along?". Well, just because my hair has grown back and I can function better, have a smile on my face and yes all that makes one feel better, it doesn't mean you've been with me in the morning or at night. Ha! The one thing I can think about it that perhaps seeing me when I'm smiling and in a better frame of mind helps them (should they ever have such a disease), then that's a good thing. I pray your pain level subsides fast! It just gets so tiring doesn't it? Hard to carry on a conversation too for it's hard to concentrate on anything but pain. I know we all want to send you a big hug.
A gentle one, ha! Have a GOOD day Leroy!

Sent by Linda Sublett-Warner | 2:43 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy:

I am not only a survivor but a pain resource nurse at a major cancer center. There is no reason for you to be in pain. Ask for a consult with a pain specialist. These are typically anesthesiologists who receive specialized training. Ask your oncologist for a referral immediately. There are many things that can be done for this postop pain and there is no reason for you to suffer. Feel free to contact me via email if you have any questions.

I enjoy reading your column. I've often thought of writing a column about living with cancer. I am a 27 year survivor of three different primary cancers, the later two having been caused by the treatment I received in 1980. I have been an oncology nurse for 16 years and have been a patient advocate in various arenas for more than 20 years. I would consider it an honor to help you in any way that I can.

Debra Thaler-DeMers, RN, OCN, PRN-C

Sent by Debra Thaler-DeMers | 3:39 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Dear Leroy,
Go right ahead and whine all you want. You have more than paid the dues and earned the right. This ain't fun! Cancer Suck! Pain Sucks! And Doris is right; it isn't really whining. It is speaking up. And as Vicki said, yes, there should be something they can give you for it. Something! Pain interferes with healing.

Sent by Stephanie Dornbrook | 3:53 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Oh Leroy- with all you've been through to now have this horrible pain- just when yu think you can't bear it you discover you can. Be proud of yourself and whine, make faces, complain all you want.

Sent by linda h. | 5:31 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Going thru chemo and surgery I used to joke "it's a good thing I love to complain." B---- away, Leroy, sometimes a bit of sympathy can help, for real. Back pain is the absolute pits. Compounded with your infection and the antibio's, you have earned the invisible badge of "I get to complain until your ears fall off." I could list a bunch of things but I'll bet when I go back and read through the list of responses I'll see 'em all. (I don't know if whiskey would help but it may make you not-care.) Walking with you,
Alycia

Sent by Alycia Keating | 5:47 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy, It is the old saying, "one day at a time", but it really doesn't help when your pain level is off the chart. All you can do, persevere. I am so sorry you are in this much pain, but having had 2 back surgeries myself, I knew what it would feel like. I hope soon, it starts to decline. At the present level it is hard to concentrate on anything but the pain. Stick to it, it will be better. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 6:29 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy,

Gripe, bitch, kvetch, whatever. Tell somebody! You do not need to be in this pain! You have told us, now, please, tell your doctors, and don't shut up until you feel some relief!

Sent by Ruth | 7:31 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy, I hope someone can guide you to a good pain specialist or center. I've come to realize that specialists really do mainly know about their specialty and not about other areas. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this.
When I had a thoracotomy, I was given an epidural when I got out of surgery. I told friends who came to visit, "If I had known that epidurals felt this good, I never would have had natural childbirth!"
I am hoping , for you, that the right combination and dosage is figured out soon so you can have some relief.

Sent by NancyGM | 7:46 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Dear Leroy,
I am sitting here in pain and want to tell you that it will go away. Your pain was caused by the surgery so I am wishing you that it will end soon. I am in constant pain. I have NHL stage IV and SLE Lupus so pain is a constant in my life. After a while the pain pills stop working and they move me some other type, but it never goes away.
It wakes me at night as a reminder that my body is hurting. I really hope you feel better soon....but know what you are going through

Sent by Miriam | 7:49 PM ET | 12-10-2007

To Laurie Hirth,
I am so sorry for your loss. As a wife to a Stage IV lung cancer fighter, I applaud your strength and your compassion. Your ability at this difficult time to think of others is quite admirable and you serve as a teacher to us all. My prayers are with you.

Sent by Elaine | 9:07 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Dear Leroy's doctors: This level of pain is NOT acceptable. If you can't help Leroy, please help him find someone who can. Today. Thank you.

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

Leroy, I just returned from a trip to Ames, Iowa, to attend an Iowa State University wrestling letterman reunion. A feature was a roast for a team mate from 1960 who has terminal bladder cancer. I participated in the roast/toast and marvelled at how good he looked and acted. He said to me "We just have to keep moving". I agreed. He basked in the recognition and praise. He will die a happy man some day but not tomorrow.
I continue to admire your courage and persistence. I have been following your blog for two years.
Regards, John McCrillis

Sent by John McCrillis | 11:25 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy, get a pain management specialist or better palliative care specialist to manage your pain. You deserve better. Nobody is worse at managing pain than oncologists (self admitted in a study) and orthopods aren't much better. You need a SPECIALIST for your symptom management otherwise you might as well go to a gynecologist to get your next bunion removed....best of luck

Sent by alice | 11:36 PM ET | 12-10-2007

I hate that pain scale and usually end up irritating the asking doctor. I spread the irritation whether it be my oncologist, neurologist, rheumatologist or whatever. Just two of my personal favorites, "is there an 11?" or "4 to 10". Then there is the one that really bugs them, as well as me, when I can't decide between 9 and 10 during chemotherapy. No one ever said pain was fun in any form.

Hopefully the pain will lessen as your tortured muscle, nerve, and any other tissues finally knit themself together. I also imagine there will be some type of rehab in your future.

As always, Mr. Sievers, you are in my (and this group's) prayers.

Wishing peace and blessings to all,
Bobbie in Odessa, Texas

Sent by Bobbie Hollis | 11:38 PM ET | 12-10-2007

Leroy-

You are an amazing human being. I admire your courage and honesty. My mom has recently been diagnosed with Stage IV PC and I would do anything to take her place. May God bless you and bring you a miracle this holiday season. I will pray fervently that he relieves your pain and comforts your soul.

Sent by Lissett | 12:25 AM ET | 12-11-2007

Dreadful -- the position you're in and the state it must put you in -- full of dread. I'm sorry. The only thing besides a stiff scotch that got me through pain that I think most likely pales to what you're going through was acupuncture. You may not be open to more needles, and you'd need to have your docs on board given all you've been through, but it might help. Either way, I send you my best thoughts for first, less pain and then the Everest of NO MORE PAIN! As all the posts make clear, you're talking to the wrong audience if you label being up front about the pain you're living with "whining."

Sent by Marcia | 2:31 AM ET | 12-11-2007

Dear Leroy,
Being in severe pain like that is exhausting and so dis-heartening. Please, please, please........be aggressive with your docs about pain control. I believe with all my heart that your pain can be better controlled. Your oncologist really must be an expert at pain management(many of them are!).
Your friendly Oncology nurse :-)

Sent by Terry Gremel | 7:57 AM ET | 12-11-2007

Praying for God to touch your body and bring you comfort and peace. We continue to pray for you Leroy.
Love to you my friend

Sent by bethann | 9:07 AM ET | 12-11-2007

Dear Leroy, It has been a long time since we talked. It's late, but I want to say thank you for the help you offered me years ago. I am sorry for all the pain you're going through. I read your blog and keep up with your news. I just want you to know that I wish you the best.

Sent by Paul Archer | 7:08 PM ET | 12-11-2007

that's
great

Sent by jill | 3:54 AM ET | 12-12-2007

I have watched a number of my older family members retire because of this illness. A very sad time for me and a scary one as well. I decided to try and do something to help people with this illness but the best i thought that i could do was pass on the benefits of a product that does help some and may help others. Natures Products

Sent by Jeff | 5:37 PM ET | 12-20-2007