Leroy:
As I listen to your fight to keep standing, as I read of your background in covering wars all over the world, I can only think of the following quotation as applying so much to you:

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of

arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to

skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly

proclaiming- WOW what a ride!"

Love, Don

Sent by Don Winslow | 7:36 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Great analogy, Leroy. Super inspiring in a spitfire kind of way (which is often what battling cancer calls for). I hope/pray for the pain to lessen for you and also for your cancer-fighting comrades on this blog. I am humbled by the courage, fortitude and honesty that I see here.

Sent by Karen Laven | 7:51 AM ET | 12-18-2007

truly facing aand knowing despair eventually leads to gratitude....and we never get on our collective knees!!!

Sent by barbara | 7:52 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Thinking of you and hoping that better days are on the way soon.

Sent by jen | 8:00 AM ET | 12-18-2007

What an amazing visual! Thank you for that today, Leroy!

Sent by Jenn | 8:01 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy,
Just stay strong. You have what it takes to beat this. It is ok to go down, but know that you can and will rise again! God Bless You.

Sent by Ann Adams | 8:10 AM ET | 12-18-2007

The strength to carry on is a bit of a mystery. It comes from our gut, our human connections, our faith, our will to live and our hope.

I'm so happy to hear your declaration to remain unbowed. Your determination adds to each of ours and we all become stronger.

Thanks again for all you do for us.

Sent by Sara (MD) | 8:15 AM ET | 12-18-2007

I agree, Leroy. Stubbornness is good. Fight every day. I watched my husband fight pancreatic cancer for 18 months. He didn't let the disease take him one day too soon.

Hang in there!

Sent by Marilyn | 8:19 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Amen, Leroy, Amen! Your stubbornness looks great on you! You wear it well. :-)

Sent by Joyce | 8:21 AM ET | 12-18-2007

I believe that our "fight or resolve" comes from deep within our soul. That spirit fuels our desire to continue even when things look bleak. Often we are overwhelmed with despair and it seems that we cannot continue. It is too painful, too difficult and so hopeless as it seems. Then, there is that little flicker of light called HOPE that re-fuels our spirit to try again even if it is only for a short while. The human spirit is awesome and at its best in the face of overwhelming odds!

In a war torn country and not knowing who is friend or foe, it is best, as you say, to not get on your knees! In our war against our cancer getting on our knees to ask for God's grace, mercy and healing power is a perfectly apppropriate position as we continue our journey. It is not life threatening but rather is life and soul healing.

Blessings and prayers.

Sent by Al Cato | 8:21 AM ET | 12-18-2007

I just came from an annual checkup and had to check in on the blog, Leroy. All I can say is, "Wow--how right you are!" Hang in there my friend, we are standing beside you.

Betsey

Sent by betsey kuzia | 8:30 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Yes, there is a difference between dispair and giving up. Thank you for pointing that out as sometimes I feel I'm not trying hard enough to push through but the truth is I never do kneel.

Thanks Leroy.

Hugs,

Lori

Sent by Lori | 8:52 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Thank you for that Leroy. Thinking of you, Praying for you and Wishing you many more YEARS to STAND. Being stubborn is not a bad thing. Hang in there, my friend.

Sent by Julie | 9:04 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Resolve, and fortitude --- two essential qualities for working through this mess that we find ourselves in. Leroy, it almost seems as if all of your pre-cancer life experiences were a training ground for this. Who would have thought it? You will (underline, italics) get through this.

Sent by Sheara | 9:11 AM ET | 12-18-2007

We cancer people think alike

Sent by BW | 9:16 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Keep standing!
Peace...

Sent by Sandra Yudilevich | 9:26 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Your very presence on this blog every single day when you are feeling so terrible is a strong testament to what you said today. You truly are a fighter, sharing your talents every day despite the obstacles and the despair you are feeling. You are an extraordinary person.

I'm so sorry that you, that anyone, has to go through this. I visualize powerful healing light to fill and surround you and Laurie and work it's magic.

Sent by Nichole in FL | 9:32 AM ET | 12-18-2007

'Morning Leroy,

Persistence and stubbornness can bring success. My vote is for both. It takes tenacity to keep going. I am all for that.

Lean on us if you need to. That's what we are here for.

Sent by Sue Chap | 9:33 AM ET | 12-18-2007

How profound your words are today Leroy. Your strength and power lie in the words that you write - it gives others of us strength to continue on.

My father had a heart procedure on Thursday and I shared with him and my mother several of your columns' themes with them before, during, and after the procedure. We started out laughing about the Christmas Eve tree, had a knowing glance during the "how much pain do you feel" moments, and just being there when the times got really rough and he went back in for an emergency procedure.

Yes, we may not be in Cancer World, but you and all of the fellow bloggers were there with us in the family consultation room as we passed the hours wondering if we would be going home as an intact family or if plans needed to be made.

We draw our strength from each other.

As for the holidays, I got my gift on Thursday afternoon - more time on this earth with my father. It ceased being material goods years ago, it's friendship, companionship, and understanding that we seek and share now.

Even when you don't feel strong, you still give us strength for our trials.

Leroy and Laurie, take care of yourselves and enjoy this season of wonder. Here's to many more!

Sent by Marie | 9:34 AM ET | 12-18-2007

I like it - "never get on your knees" (except to praise GOD) will be my new mantra. As I am doubled over with a coughing fit I will think of this. THank you for your wonderful and insightful writing as usual.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 9:35 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Thank you for inspiring me as I have been going through a very rough time in my fight against cancer. It helps to have good examples.

Sent by Bettie Wolverton | 9:36 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Sometimes when we are battling cancer the pain is not bad but as you are expierencing now the pain is unbearable and that you can not imagine that life can get any worse. I want to tell you that your pain will pass soon and you will feel better in a bit, but I would be lying. The pain both physical and mental can get worse.....but that inner will to survive kicks in and we battle on. Your family and friends can not imagine the extent of the pain you are going through, but those of us in this cancer club do understand. Be still and breath when the pain gets bad....imagine yourself in the most beautiful place that you have traveled to. Try to distract your mind from the pain. As hard as it seems to do when you are in a bad pain place....the only thing we can do is find solace that you are not alone and you will get through this. Just Breathe.

Sent by Miriam | 9:43 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Wow. Great timing on this one, Leroy. I had a rotten day yesterday, and felt oh! so ready to stop fighting so damned hard to stay on my feet this morning. Thank you for the reminder, and helping me tap back into my own font of stubbornness.

Sent by Max Beck | 9:47 AM ET | 12-18-2007

My faith is a liberal one; nevertheless I think what you are describing is what some call "God"

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 9:47 AM ET | 12-18-2007

What a powerful statement; something which I need right now as I face testing to check the status of my leukemia. The word "ever" at the end really hit me. One of my slogans is "Never Ever give up." Leroy, I am soglad to see that you still fighting.

Best wishes, Mary Lou

Sent by Mary Lou | 9:49 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Your immense strength despite the pain and uncertainty is amazing. May moments of hope, peace, love, and clarity bless you!

Sent by Karen | 9:50 AM ET | 12-18-2007

You hit it right on center again this morning, Leroy. Yesterday I was starting to get tired of the fight. Fighting the cancer, fighting the pain, and now fighting my insurance company for my much needed cyberknife treatment.

Even though I sometimes get worn down and right to the edge of feeling beaten, I will never give up hope. I know that amazing things happen. Sudden remissions, new treatments, and even occasionally "miracles."

I'm ready for one of those. I'm ready right this minute.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 9:59 AM ET | 12-18-2007

That is so true. I refuse to let it take me lower than it can. I do not want to lay down for too long for fear of not getting up. Just keep moving.

Sent by Lisa | 10:05 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy -- On days you can't stand on your feet, you can stand with your whole soul. In fact, you are.

Sending Reiki your way for strength.

Kind regards,

Elaine

Sent by Elaine Barnes | 10:05 AM ET | 12-18-2007

I was just commenting to my husband last night before I went to bed, how I didn't know how "you did it" and now I know! I loved the analogy.

Sent by Cathy Q. | 10:05 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Still standing...bloody but unbowed.

You inspire.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 10:18 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy, you have probably had more than your share of nurses write you and suggest better pain management. The medical community cannot always get rid of all the pain but many times we can get the pain in a more acceptable range.
"we" are working with my husband now and guess what, he slept through the night last night for the first time in a long time.

Sent by chris | 10:29 AM ET | 12-18-2007

My current struggles are definitely less than yours but I draw from your strength. Thanks for writing.

Sent by Tricia | 10:33 AM ET | 12-18-2007

hello my friend, it has been a while since i have written a message, but i have been right here. i think that you have what we all have .the desire to live.....it is as simple as that.

Sent by marianne dalton | 10:42 AM ET | 12-18-2007

My mother died from cancer. When she was first diagnosed she was given less than a year. She made it more than 5 years. Her doctor sent me a condolence card after her death, he had written a note that said she was too stubborn to die, and that he'd never had a patient live as long as she did with all that she had. Stubborn can be a VERY good thing.

Sent by Diane | 10:46 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy and all

At the end of yet another 5 round of oral chemo Temodar, I can relate, though you've had it tougher. Sometimes all we can do is keep on keeping on and remind ourselves (I'm preaching to myself here) that others are toughing out things that are as bad or worse than we are. Thanks for keeping up the blog despte what you are going through. It's an example to all of us.

Vaya con Dios
John Shippee
Atlanta GA.

Sent by John Shippee | 10:51 AM ET | 12-18-2007

You may be the strongest person I know, Leroy. And knowing you is an honor.

Thinking about the mystery of why some people persevere rather than giving in to despair reminds me of some very old folks I have known. Even when their health got very bad, all their friends and loved ones had died, they were no longer able to do the activities that gave them pleasure -- still, they didn't just give up and throw in the towel. What struck me about them wasn't just their strength, courage, and resolve. It was their curiosity and engagement with life! Right now, I have a 98 year old friend who is like that.Yesterday when I phoned her, she was very eager to hear all about my new boss and told me about an article she had just read in the paper about chemotherapy's effects, wondering how that news might affect me. So -- that conversation not only showed her curiosity, but that she still has the capacity to feel empathy toward others. Maybe people like her are just lucky enough to have good genes -- in other words, they didn't inherit the tendency toward depression but instead, one toward positive outlook?

Hang on. I'm glad you are not on your knees, but whatever your position, you have our support.

Sent by Doris | 10:56 AM ET | 12-18-2007

OK, Leroy, every day I have followed your journey for at least the past year or so. Each day I find inspiration in your words and your deeds. If I ever admit I have a hero, I have two; one is you and the other Brian Hill (from the Oral Cancer Foundation). You both have found a way to make a difference during truly one of life's worst circumstances...dealing with cancer.

Anyway, today I want to offer one thing to you. Never be afraid to get on your knees. I know past connotations have developed that stance into a symbol of execution or weakness. However, I want you to know that many days I have been on my knees...praying for you! I consider that position one of calling for strength and perserverance; asking for Him to remain by my (and your) side through it all. In fact, that is what I consider His true promise. We have no guarentees that life will be free from all pain and suffering but we do have that promise that when the load feels the heaviest, He will carry the yoke and distrubute the load to His side for us.

May your Christmas be all that you want it to be!

Ed

Sent by Ed Brown | 11:00 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Dear Leroy,
Your indomitable spirit has brought me countless blessings during the day. Most of all the appreciation of 'being here' while gathering our collective strengths to see anew. Thank you for your generosity in letting so many of us care about you, pray for you and hold you closely in our hearts.

Sent by jenethen | 11:03 AM ET | 12-18-2007

There are times in your life when you need to "get on your knees" and pray! During my husband's battle with a brain tumor ... we're on our knees!

And we will not give up either! No one, nothing will ever take away our HOPE!

Sent by C. McNeill | 11:11 AM ET | 12-18-2007

I'll get on MY knees for you today,, and pray.

Sent by DiAnn | 11:16 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Your message today was just what I needed to hear -- Another friend told me a quotation today that I will share: Life is not measured in how many breaths we take... but by the momemts that take our breath away. I hope you have many breath taking moments during the holiday season.
Hang in there and thanks for your contribution to my life.

Sent by Ann Erdenberger | 11:24 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Thank you, Leroy

I need this today. Well said

Sent by Tatiana | 11:28 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Yes, the human being is remarkably resilient. From a distance - looking ahead to some ordeal we must undergo - we fear we won't have what it takes. But, when faced with the immediacy of it, we find we somehow do manage to get through it.

It's a minor, almost trivial-sounding example in light of what you're going through, but I remember in my halcyon, pre-cancer days, going for a blood test and worrying about how much the needle stick might hurt. Now, I just roll up my sleeve and keep on talking to the phlebotomist about the weather or what was in the newspaper that day, without giving it a second thought.

For some of us, we would say we discover strength that comes from beyond ourselves. For those who operate from a Christian perspective, the words of Paul may ring true: "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies." (2 Corinthians 4:8-10)

Someone once said courage consists not so much in not falling, as getting up again when we do fall.

Carl
"A Pastor's Cancer Diary"
http://www.cewilton.blogspot.com

Sent by Carl Wilton | 11:41 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Hi Leroy,

So good to hear from you each day. Just keep on keeping on!! You will finally conquer this pain.

Love to all,
Betty Lewis

Sent by Betty K. Lewis | 11:43 AM ET | 12-18-2007

I respect your finding the right way through challenges, for we each have innate wisdom and self-knowledge of what fits our own values. At the same time, I offer the question: how much energy are you expending on the defiance and fighting approach? Is it giving you at least that much value? Is it worth wondering or experimenting to see if trying another conceptual framework might cost less energy daily and give you more energy for other things? I am not suggesting you give up your approach. Just wondering if you've played with it to see if it is the one that gives you the best balance and reserves. Ignore this if it does not feel like considering. I am in no way trying to tell you what to do. You are so in tune with your needs, and I am sad --but not surprised --to hear despair's come knocking. Please do be merciful with yourself. Above all, that. Make reasonable demands on yourself, and not superheroic ones. Just taking the next breath is an accomplishment in times of pain and despair. Just shifting your thoughts to something nourishing is a gain. Just resting in the love and care of your friends and family is a respite. Let us know how we can support you now.

Sent by Sarah | 12:08 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy,

You have ALWAYS stood tall and strong!!

Sent by Pat Doyle | 12:58 PM ET | 12-18-2007

SO INSPIRING!

Sent by Anna | 1:10 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy,

I think strength comes from our will to live. Yours is alive and well, thank God. Acceptance of death can't be there until it's time and we are ready. You aren't. I'm glad.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 1:52 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy, havent written before, but wanted to
write today and say that your blog is the first item I read at work each morning. I am fighting Kidney Cancer which has spread to my spine. I am amased at how often your comments mirror my own feelings and thoughts. Having just read most of the comments from other readers, it is obvious you are a real inspiration to many. Keep up the good fight.....none of us dealing with this disease are going to go down without a fight. God bless you and all others in our faternity. Best always.

Sent by Michael Ortega | 1:56 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy,

Don't give up. You have no idea what an inspiration you are to me. Every morning i'm anxious to read your blog and i pray for your healing in my meditation daily. i'm sure you are a courageous spirit to many people besides myself.

Sent by helen miao | 2:05 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy - thanks for being weak and strong. thanks for just being.

Claire

Sent by claire | 2:20 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Dear Leroy,

So good to hear the strength and fight in your voice. I admire your resolve to "never get on your knees". I feel that way too. I'd make "someone" shoot me in the face before I'd get on my knees before them. However, I gladly and gratefully get on my knees at church before an altar, and at night in front of my daughter's bed, as we pray.... for you and everyone here, and others. I gratefully get on my knees before God. And I always feel inadequate there, like I deserve no mercy, and none of my blessings but I thank him and ask for that mercy and guidance anyway.

He loves you too, Leroy, as we all do.

Sent by Connie E. | 2:21 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Dear friend:
The first time I wrote back to you, in the early days of this blog, I remember saying that, if confronted with cancer again, I would be privileged to use your words to help me find my own when dealing with family and friends.
I am still cancer-free, to the best of my and my doctors knowledge. However,
today I sent your entry to my dear friend who is in stage 4 of lung cancer. He could have written it.......because these past several weeks for him have been especially difficult and filled with pain also. I know your words, your realistic view of what you're going through, and your insistence that you will not kneel down, will give him comfort. I am sure he will also nod his head up and down in recognition of what you are experiencing.
I am carrying loving thoughts in my heart for both of you.

Sent by Harriet | 2:36 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Good Afternoon Leroy, Laurie and All,

Leroy, I just wanted to add my voice to the chorus singing the praises of being stubborn and remaining unbowed by Cancer. No matter what it has to throw at us. As you demonstrate your determination it serves as an inspiration for us to keep moving forward. And we will move forward, with a bow to our Creator, but never to Cancer!

Laurie, I know that you and Tom and Sasha and all the caregivers are on this path along with us. And we are so thankful that you are here! It is not a path that any of you would have chosen
but you are here, bound by love and determination to help with the journey.

To All, We are all in this together: stubborn, unbowed and determined to continue on no matter what the odds.
God Bless!!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte, NC.

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 2:46 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Wow Leroy,

That was powerful! I have tears in my eyes and visualize the Phoenix rising from the ashes. I think that Phoenix is you.

Hugs to you and Laurie during this time of rebirth.

Sent by Kathy B | 2:52 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Bless your heart Leroy. Keep fighting. Strength comes from knowing what the options are, we may be absolutely miserable but at least we are alive! This too shall pass, like you said before, Find Peace When You Need It Most. We love you Leroy.

Sent by Ruth White | 2:58 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Am late in reading your post today Leroy. I had to go to the doctor this morning who now has scheduled me for some tests, mamogram, and asked me to get my old x-rays from NJ where I lived five yrs ago, for comparison. So anyway, point Guess IT never really goes away, does it? After 25 yrs we are still looking for IT to raise it's ugly head again.
Leroy I completely agree with the wisdom of remaining standing and face what comes, no matter what and how unbearable. What I wonder about is- in your case, what is causing the excrutiating pain that you are going through? Is it Cancer or the spinal surgery? Thought the Surgeons tried to cut out the tumors. Have they returned so quickly and with a vengence? Or is the extreme pain from the back surgery and the infections you experienced? Would the cancerous tumors give you such pain had they been left alone? Were they growing so rapidly? Have the nerves in your spine healed properly? This has come upon you so swiftly since the surgery. You never spoke of pain like this before.
However, yes do keep upright with head held high. You make us all proud, but oh so helpless to help - -

Sent by J C R | 3:42 PM ET | 12-18-2007

DAMN Straight!!!!

Rock on Leroy, you inspire more than you can imagine

Sent by Steve | 4:10 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I choose to believe that the inexplicable strength comes from a higher power. There have been times when I KNOW it was not coming from me. Remember the song, "Lean on Me?"

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 4:15 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy, It seems all we have left to do is fight. Never get on your knees!!!
Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 4:26 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy,
I was already to get on my soapbox and say, "Wait a minute, my husband fought the good fight. He didn't kneel down to his cancer but he died anyway." But then I read what Diana Kitch had to say, "Acceptance of death can't be there until it's time and we are ready. You aren't."

When all is said and done, and nothing more can be done, acceptance of death with a grace and peace that we didn't think we possessed is a beautiful thing to behold. I'm very proud that my husband had the courage to say 'enough' when it was time.

Thank God you're very far away from that day. Prayers.

Kathy Barney

Sent by Kathy Barney | 5:07 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Good for you!

I have been fighting my first serious illness since my treatment a year ago, and it has been very draining. I've just been so miserable, I have trouble sleeping because of the pain and the uncomfortableness of it all.

I, too, wonder about going on, and I can see both sides. However, I do have value to those around me. They need me, so I do go on.

Sent by Scott S. | 5:26 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I just discovered your blog a few days ago when a friend of mine told me about it. I've been pouring over your archived data and am truly greatful for your skill and courage in keeping this blog going with all that you have gone through. Even if the blog ends today, it has enriched the lives of untold numbers of those who are waging their own cancer battles. I started 7 months ago with my diagnosis of 6 months to live and I thank you so much for putting all that I've experienced into words. Thank you very very much. Please take encouragement that you've blessed many many people.

Sent by Richard Wisehart | 5:37 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Great post today Leroy...and what timing. I just found out yesterday that my 8 y/o son's brain tumor recurred after 2 yrs out. I printed out today's blog and will look to it for strength in the difficult times ahead.

Sent by Jeff B | 5:44 PM ET | 12-18-2007

You have inspired us all.

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 6:12 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I enjoy and inspired by the blog - my husband has stage III colorectal cancer. We are on our knees daily as we walk down this cancer path - try it! God cares as do we. Your in our prayers

Sent by Marie Holm | 7:08 PM ET | 12-18-2007

To Diana Kitch,
Thank you son much for writing in, Diana. My husband has been undergoing Chemo for a year now for Stage IV Lung Cancer. We said all along that we would never give up the fight but now are considering a Chemo break of indeterminate length. We found a new oncologist quite by accident and it was he told us that there are many who believe that quality of life takes precedence over quantity. This is an individual decision based on a lot of variables but after a year of suffering, we both feel ready to try a new approach. Carpe Diem is our new mantra.

Sent by Elaine | 7:12 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy, the depth of suffering that you've experienced, especially since the bone metastasis in your back became such a major issue, is unknowable to those who haven't gone through something like that. You have been generous to an impressive degree in sharing your innermost thoughts and experiences with others here, and by doing so, allowing others to grow in their compassion and understanding. I pray that in the days to come, the pain and despair that you've written about recede, and you find relief. You are so deserving of that. I send blessings you you and Laurie, and wish for you the best possible outcome, and the knowledge that you are truly never alone...even in the dark times in the middle of the night when you're in pain, and the world sleeps.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 7:44 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy: Sometimes giving in is not giving up. Surely there has to be something the doctors can give you for the pain even if it is an "off label" smoke! It actually does help or so I was told by someone near and dear who would never had done it before the pain.

Kathy: There are days I agree with how you felt at first. No matter how hard my husband, Burge, fought, he died anyway. When it was time, however, he simply turned to me and quietly said, "I'm done, I want to go home."

With the exception of one moment, things were peaceful from that moment on. I guess he found acceptance. I thought I had too, but with Christmas coming I'm not so sure. Right now, I want to cry "foul".

Kneeling to a worthy adversary is one thing, but being beaten by Cancer is another entirely and I am still angry about the whole thing.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 7:59 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy, Just read your piece and all of the comments. I had the image of all of these people standing tall, with you and for themselves. Powerful.

Sent by Linda | 8:12 PM ET | 12-18-2007

You are an inspiration.

Sent by Gregg | 8:52 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Leroy,
What an inspiring commentary today!! I watch my husband struggle through most days and I sometimes don't know how he does it. I know he fights for himself and the family he loves but what amazing strength ya'll have. God Bless.

Sent by Kathie | 9:22 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I am late in responding.
I wish this was easier for you.
We will all "stand by you" as you record your thoughts and feelings for us.

Sent by joyce | 11:15 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Well said!

Sent by sarah | 8:13 AM ET | 12-19-2007

Jeff B - I don't know you but my heart is breaking for you. I will keep your dear boy in my prayers that a miracle comes your way.

Sent by Nichole | 10:55 AM ET | 12-19-2007

I'm a bit late in posting but I've been trying to find the words to express my feelings about today's blog, especially since I don't post too often, though I am a loyal reader. I think that not only does it take strength to keep fighting the *beast*, but it also takes an enormous amount of strength to do something along the lines of stopping treatments. My Mom fought every day during her two year battle against breast cancer and when she told me she was ready to stop treatments I never thought she was giving up, in fact I still don't know where she found the courage to make that kind of decision.

Sent by nittany | 5:29 PM ET | 12-19-2007

I'm a bit late in responding to this post but have been trying to figure out how to put my thoughts into words. I don't post too often but I am a loyal follower. Fighting cancer definitely does take strength, although a great deal of strength is also required when making the decision to stop treatment. My mom fought every single day in her 2 year fight against breast cancer, but when she decided to stop treatments I never thought that she was giving up. In fact I still wonder to this day 9 years later how she found the strength to make that type of decision and to be at peace with it.

Sent by nittany | 5:33 PM ET | 12-19-2007

Sorry for the double comments, I didn't think my 1st one went through so I rewrote it. Guess they both made it to the blog.
Glad you are feeling a little less pain today Leroy : )

Sent by nittany | 6:47 PM ET | 12-19-2007