Leroy,

You sound up for the battle, whih is good for a soldier to be when he's being attacked. Go for it!

Sent by Diana Kitch | 7:32 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Good Second Morning of this spanking, new, year Leroy! Love the way you liken your Battle to sports movies you've seen.
Me, I liken this "game of Life" to movies like "the Last Hurrah" or Jack Lemmon and Willy Lohman's lives. All Jack Lemon wanted was "one more Season".
You can easily tell which one of us is the "cock-eyed optimist" can't you? Good for you Leroy! Me, I expect to lose this fight but it does look like both of us want to go down fighting like H--l! Here's to small gains.

Sent by J C R | 7:52 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Dear Briana:
Deepest sympathies. May the new year bring you healing in all the places it is needed.

Sent by Harriet | 7:57 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Happy New Year Leroy,

Fighting, interesting topic for the first post of the year, yet not our of context. It is hard to fight what you can't see, although you know it is there. Get a Wii, and play the boxing game. Why you ask? Because you can put a face on the opponent and keep hitting, hitting, and hitting until you knock him out and win the decision. Great for taking the frustration out too.

Tomorrow is the first appointment of the new year for my sister. Fingers crossed as we start the second year since end of treatment....

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:03 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Yes-fight it however you can as hard as you can. Don't let it take more than it must. Your courage to continue that battle is inspiring.

Sent by N.R. | 8:04 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Does anyone worry about knowing when to stop fighting? I have come to grips with the fact that may not be in my DNA but is there a time and how do we know it when it is time to stop fighting? I've been thinking about that a great deal lately. I have these surgeons lined up to do some work but at what point will they tell me "no" and what will I do then. I wish I could say I would bravely recognize the time and peacefully accept things but I don't think I will. If I don't what will I miss? There seems to be some benefit to folks who accept their fate and gracefully march towards death. I hate to miss anything but this may be one phase I'm willing to forgo.

Sent by Dona | 8:19 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Smack the stuffing out of it. Do whatever it takes. This needs to be whipped and whipped good. Sending you all the best for the new year.
With care, Anne

Sent by anne lumberger | 8:25 AM ET | 01-02-2008

it ia a pleasure to hear from you leroy,especially with a fighter sprit you go get them we will cheer on.

Sent by yohannes&arsema | 8:31 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Ah SLAP SHOT, "back in the day" I actually knew a "player" in the movie, a guy, from Stratford, CT. Never knew if he was hired for his skating skills or missing teeth and mashed nose!

Fight on!

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 8:41 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Dear Leroy and Laurie,
The fight anology is a good one! I hope that I can do as well as you and my wife did. In my youth, I always seemed to lead with my face... I hope that in my old age I will do better as I confront my own battle with a recently discovered Melanoma, my own merry Christmas present. Today I go down to the University of Colorado Clinic to plot out my battle plan.
I have been a reader of your blog for close to a year now. After I lost my wife to Brain Cancer in Dec. 2005, I had trouble reading your stuff. However, when you did a peice on caregivers in May of 2007 I submitted a few lines. I was able to vent a bit, pat myself on the back, and reflect on some of the very real accomplishments that we both were able to make happen as we confronted this terrible challenge. I felt pretty good about things and then I began read other comments from those who are battling and supporting loved ones. I must say that your blog is quite a forum for all who have to deal with this challenge. Thanks for the oppertunity to let others share.
Laurie, I have been on your side of the fence and I know what it's like. Be strong and know that you have the support of a whole legion of people. Now Leroy, it is my turn to find out what it is like to be on your side of the fence. Given the courage that both you and my wife have shown I have alot to live up too!
I hate role models...
Remember, Laugh Therapy!

Your friend and admirer,
John "J.T." Thorup
Steamboat, Co.

Sent by John Thorup | 8:45 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Dear Leroy,
Here's to a real dirty fight! Keep on punching!
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 8:46 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Happy New Year Leroy and loved ones. Let's make this the year of slaying the dragon.

Linda

Sent by Linda | 9:08 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Sic them, Leroy!
Happy New Year
Sandra Yudilevich
Athens, Georgia

Sent by Sandra Yudilevich | 9:31 AM ET | 01-02-2008

I've got another way to fight -- not sure if it's fighting dirty or not, but it makes me feel like I'm pulling something over on this ugly disease.

Instead of just feeling sorry for myself (which I seem to have developed into a kind of art...), I'm finding myself reaching out more to others with cancer, especially those that are newly diagnosed.

A woman I know in town (who I know to say hi to, but has never been a really close friend), was recently diagnosed with cancer. I'm driven to help her in any way I can, even though our cancer types are totally different.

I've become quite close with a neighbor, even though she's nearly 25 years older than me. Seemingly we have very little in common, but now that we've both been fighting cancer, we have so much to talk about.

Then, when I was at the oncologist's office on the 31st (getting some very encouraging news, I'm so glad to report), I saw a family sitting in the waiting area -- a husband and wife, along with her parents. They all looked so incredibly stressed out, nervous, on edge -- and it took me back to those days, which weren't so very long ago.

The wife was clearly starting treatment, and it sounded like she was undergoing the same treatment I had undergone. Yes, I was eavesdropping. And then I was driven, utterly driven, to approach them. Kind of a strange thing to do, under the circumstances. I told then my good news in order to give them some hope -- the look of hope on their faces was such a gift to me. Then I gave them my name and phone number in case they ever wanted to talk. When I started my treatment, which is somewhat experimental, all I wanted was to talk to somebody who'd already been there.

Back to the sports analogy: Perhaps these are our teammates, both fighting the same very-tough opponent. Just as it is here on your blog, Leroy. Teammates. And it's all about fighting.

Sent by jordis | 10:04 AM ET | 01-02-2008

The Art of Perseverance

Being strong means taking one more step toward the top of the hill no matter how weary you may be. It means letting the tears flow through the grief. It means to keep looking for the answer, though the darkness of despair is all around you. Being strong means to cling to hope for one more heartbeat, one more sunrise. Each step, no matter how difficult, is one more step closer to the top of the hill. To keep hope alive for one more heartbeat at a time leads to the light of the next sunrise and the promise of a new day.

Joseph M. Marshall III, Lakota Author

Keep fighting Leroy.............I'm righ there with you. Tomorrow my husband starts a new cycle of chemo and a new battle begins.

Sent by sasha | 10:21 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Leroy and all, First of all, Happy New Year! Briana, I am so sorry for your loss...we are never prepared.
Leroy, keep fighting, I love your spirit, zap it, fry it, etc...don't give up. My fiance chose to not use chemo, only radiation and his spread so quickly. I wonder now if he had chosen to use the chemo again, would I be here alone now? No regrets, I feel his presence always....so, don't give up. The way is not an easy one, but the fight can be won...
You are never alone!
Laurie

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 10:41 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Kick it's butt, Leroy! Kick it's butt!
Happy New Year. I hope that you will return to full health in 2008.

Sent by Art Ritter | 10:45 AM ET | 01-02-2008

I'm right with you! I have donned my armor and amd ready for one last treatment then the strategy session with my three docs. They continue to say they don't want to "hurt" me with certain treatment, however, I am tolerating it well and I say, "Bring it on!!!!!!!!!!" Glad to hear you are psyched up, Leroy. Let's go!!!!!!!!!

Sent by Becky | 10:46 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Don't forget to wrap your fists with the foil!!

Our family's thoughts and prayers continue with you in this!

V/R
BC

Sent by bill combs | 10:57 AM ET | 01-02-2008

This may be naive to even ask, but if you are not interested in chemo again and the dr's dont present any other good conventional options, what do you think about about checking into wheatgrass and other alternative approaches?

Sent by Nichole in FL | 11:35 AM ET | 01-02-2008

Hey Leroy, Given the tone of your 2008 declarations, it may be a good thing that your old fave 24 (TV show) is due to start up this month. You'll have much rock 'em sock 'em inspiration and company there! Hope you ate your black-eyed peas yesterday!

Sent by Sarah | 11:50 AM ET | 01-02-2008

So far, so good for 2008. I'm really excited to live this year to the fullest!

Sent by Lisa | 12:01 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Way to come out fighting! You GO, Leroy! We're all with you.

Sent by Doris | 12:06 PM ET | 01-02-2008

This is going to sound extermely cheesy Leroy, but i'm a die hard USC Trojan alumni...and our motto is 'Fight On'...and of course we played a fabulous Rose Bowl Game yesterday :)...

Fight fight fight.
Glad you got to watch some football..and hopefully you watched "MY" team win :).

Hoping this year brings a lot of peace, joy, love, and wisdom to us all.

Krupali

Sent by Krupali Tejura | 12:32 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Leroy....I wish you the strength to keep at it for as long as it serves you to do that, the best possible outcomes of all of your treatments, and the energy to do what you love to do in this new year. Consider yourself hugged.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 12:34 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Happy New Year!! Go for it!!! :)

Sent by cv | 12:47 PM ET | 01-02-2008

We're all in your corner, Leroy!

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 1:08 PM ET | 01-02-2008

This is for Dona: Dona, I had a friend who was in end-stage breast cancer and I asked her if she had any hope. She said she had no hope, but she had peace and that was what was carrying her thru. It had come to her as "gift", she felt. IT seems we'll know (I've asked the same question you have) because our bodies will say "enough". The message will come, if we listen to that whisper within. Our bodies have that wisdom when we get our mind to settle down and be quiet for a moment. No easy trick, I know. Just listen. Hope this helps.

Katie

Sent by Kate Fuehrer | 1:25 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Dear Leroy and Friends,

First to Briana. So sorry for your loss. I know how painful it is when "family" let you down. You kind of expect a kick in the teeth every now and then from the world at large, but your own sister - that really hurts. May your brother rest in God's Arms.

And Leroy.... you did my heart good today. Reading your post gave me goose bumps! I've been really down myself lately, and I needed that kick in the butt. I'm not really into sports, but I hear you when you say fight dirty with cancer. Squash it and then spit there!!!

Prayers for strength, guidance, and endurance.

Sent by Connie | 3:04 PM ET | 01-02-2008

The lion is showing his "COURAGE" and wanting to FIGHT!!! Good luck with your fight and happpy new New Year Leroy. Whatever you wish for yourself so do we. Today I had my lungs drained again and I wish for the coughing to stop so I can feel better so I guess I'm still fighting too.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 3:55 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Leroy,

Amen to fighting dirty! You and my mom are fighting an ugly beastie that will not just slink away into the night. It seems my mom's battle is starting to go the wrong way and I just hope she can hang on until my baby is born due date is 2/02. It has been her goal... so let's both put up our dukes, throw a little sand in the beastie's eyes and any other low down dirty trick we can think of. We win a little with every jab we give it. Happy New Year and let's give that beastie the worst year of it's existence!

Melanie Hunkapiller, Atlanta, GA

Sent by Melanie Hunkapiller | 4:03 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Go for it, Leroy!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:36 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Leroy, Vicki (FL) and so many others: You are indomitable spirits and I learn so much from you. The "beast" can never really win.

Sent by Cathy | 6:42 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Leroy, I am proud of you. You have such a way of pulling us back up into a fighting mode. Sometimes it is much easier to just sit back and take what comes. But, we need to be pulled up, shaken off and get back in that mode of fighting for our lives. With the determination that you have rubbing off on all others how can we give up.

To Briana, I am so sorry that you have lost your brother. I also am so sorry for other family issues that are causeing you hurt. Try to take the high road and put your energys into your health. I will keep you in my prayers.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 7:11 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Fight the good fight, Leroy, as best as you can and for as long as you can. Most of Life is worth fghting for.

Best Wishes and Good Luck in the new year!

Sent by Marilyn | 8:53 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Leroy,
My wife Donna is also battling the "beast" and has been for about ten months. She's the athlete in our family and has gotten a few bumps and scrapes over the years playing various sports. Donna applies the drive and fighting spirit from athletics in her battle with cancer. I'm so proud of the way she handles herself. She's a courageous lady. We're expecting a tough year however; we're ready to take things head on. Take care and keep up the good fight.

Sent by Michael Perry | 12:20 AM ET | 01-03-2008

Hi Leroy,
It's funny how close I feel to you. You have no idea who I am, but following your blog has given me this wierd sense of friendship with you. Of course, all of us in this fight are kin of a sort, united against the beast. So I want to wish you, my brother, my friend, courage, peace and improved health in 2008 and beyond. God bless.

Sent by Kirsten Mygil | 7:35 AM ET | 01-03-2008

You go....LeRoy!! Into the New Year with fight, determination and purpose!! You're right.....fight dirty, sneak attacks....whatever it takes to knock it down!! We're all with you!

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 8:48 AM ET | 01-03-2008

Leroy, I've read you for ages now. My mother did as well. She passed October 1, 2007 from Ovarian Cancer at age 62 after a 5 1/2 year fight. I recently found this in an email she sent to a friend: "There is an excellent program on tonight, Life with Cancer. Leroy Sievers, the journalist who has been doing the cancer blog for NPR will be on. I watched it last night-Sievers amazes me with his eloquence and understanding of the disease. When I read his work or listen to him, I feel as though he is right in this with me, a friend I've never met but would like immediately." I hope the words of this little fighter inspire you today as they do me.

Sent by Robin Taylor | 7:01 PM ET | 01-03-2008

thinking bout you and praying. i hope procedure will bring you less pain. and more positive days.
my best friend learned the friday b4 christmas that melanoma he has is spreading. he went out to mayo eastertime. at that time found "spot" on liver. that is where it is growing, spreading. he will go on temodar as soo as he can get it. 2500 bucks, no one pays for it. he is 80, but i want him to live 80 more years. you are soooo right, we just want more and more and more. it is never the right time. i am trying to find a support group to help me, as it has me really down and sad.

Sent by bernie cape cod | 9:31 AM ET | 01-08-2008