Leroy, Your comments are sooo inspiring. Please do not give up the good fight. Your words and the grace you show in this battle keep many going through many a day. Remember hundreds are praying for your recovery.

Sent by sharon blount | 7:40 AM ET | 01-08-2008

It's 6 1/2 years since my Mother died and I still want to call her every single day. She also outlived her original prognosis by more than 3 years (she battled lung cancer for 5 years). To me, she is never dead. To me she lives on in the eyes of my daughter and in my own traits that I have inherited from her.

Your lost friends live on in you.

Since Iowa I have been wondering who my Mom would have voted for in the upcoming primary in her state.

Proof that she lives on - her answer would be:

Think for yourself!

See! Mothers never die.

Sent by Liz L. | 7:56 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy,
I subscribe to your blog and read it daily. I find it very compelling but I'm not exactly sure why. I've never posted a comment because I don't feel I have anything to add and the other comments say it all. But yesterday, when your post with the subject 'sad news' popped into my inbox, it gave me a real jolt. It's one of the scariest subject lines and usually heralds the death of a friend. And it made me think about why I find your daily blog compelling. Your clarity, honesty and bravery have made your experiences very real to us. I learn every day from your dignity and your insights. You are having a big impact on a lot of people. Thank you.

Sent by Anna | 7:57 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Oh Leroy,
Every year at Christmas I remember someone that was close to my own age that died 38 years ago. He was the first person close to my age that died. I feel like it is unfinished business that I need to say goodbye, I didn't have the opportunity. So, I have quest ahead of me. This one I must take alone, leaving my beau behind, it is however a quest. To say goodbye to this person after so many years and bring closure.

Good luck today! We are pulling for you.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:01 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Good luck today, Leroy. I know you don't know me, but I am thinking of you and your family. Hope the procedure is a complete success. There is nothing that makes sense in the death of people who haven't lived a full life. You never stop missing them and have to learn to live with a hole in your heart. Your friends would want you to live happily and fully.

Sent by Jen | 8:08 AM ET | 01-08-2008

I am so sad for our loss of Stephanie. But as a fellow Baha'i, we're taught to view death in perhaps a different way. Just as, in your mother's womb, you developed your arms and legs for use in this world, in this world we develop our spiritual "arms and legs" for the next. My prayers go out to Stephanie's family for their loss of a wonderful daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, and for all of us here as we mourn. And for the progress of Stephanie's soul as she moves on to her new life.

Sent by jordis | 8:26 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy, You'll be in my thoughts today as you go through this procedure, I am especially praying it relieves your pain. And I'm so sorry for your recent losses. You're right--when we love someone they leave a hole when they go no matter how they go.

Sent by N.R. | 8:49 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Well said, Leroy. Soon it will be 20 years since I lost my beloved grandmother to breast cancer. She was young--only 68. I still miss her, some days very much. So I will choose to celebrate her life, to give thanks for what she meant to me and added to my life, and I will renew my vow to emulate her goodness. Thank you Leroy, for the blog.

Sent by Lisa D. | 8:53 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Praying that the procedure works and that the fluid is removed and the pain is lessened or goes away completely.

The pain of the loss of a friend or family never seems to go away. It just seems to be less acute over time. The memories often cause the pain to return. I choose to take the pain rather than sacrifice the memories. The memories are precious and for me, are life sustaining. I keep them close so that when I need a boost, I can recall them. My recollections, even though tinged with sadness, bring me joy because I reflect upon the many good times we had together.

Keep the memories close to your heart Leroy! They will warm your soul when you need it most.

Prayers and blessings as always.

Sent by Al Cato | 9:07 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy,
I hope your procedure goes well today and you get some relief from the pain. My husband gets such relief from the extra drugs he gets with chemo that he actually looks forward to it each week just to have those 2 or 3 days of energy. It's the little things in life that get us through each day.

Sent by Kathie | 9:10 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy, I may not comment every day but I read everything you write, and find myself often thinking of you as a friend I've come to know. My heart goes out to you and to the family and friends of your friend. Life is short, and so sweet even with the pain. It's always later than I think. Love and a hug

Sent by Alycia Keating | 9:27 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Good Luck and God Speed Leroy. Know that you are loved by many and Him.

Sent by sarah | 9:37 AM ET | 01-08-2008

When would be a good time to die? I can't think of an answer either.

I just want to take this time to send out good thoughts to my cousin who has entered this world. She's in surgery right now and hopefully comes out with great news. Keep you fingers crossed. I'm thinking of you Cathy.

Sent by Lisa | 9:38 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Hello Leroy,
As always, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being you and for the inspiration you inpart to so many of us. Good luck today.
Eileen
Stage IIIB CC (11/04)

Sent by Eileen Peacock | 9:47 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Well said Leroy.

As we live our own grief and wonder how we will get through the next day, others come to mind that are experiencing the same if not worse losses than us. My mind always turns to mothers whose children are at war. Voluntarily. They are the ones whose hands are truly tied to be able to protect their children and not to be able to see them for long periods of time to see their face to know they are okay.

I truly believe God puts us in these dire circumstances to remind us we need to turn to Him, to lean on Him and have faith in Him that it is He who knows how our lives will play out. It is in His hands.

Since we have lost our son to cancer I have heard many times lately how God knows exactly how we feel as He gave His only Son to die on the cross to save us from our sins. He definately feels our pain.

Once again, sorry for the rambling. I think so much about what the lesson is that my husband and I are supposed to learn from the loss of a 26 year old young man with his whole life ahead of him. And that is my conclusion. As nothing else seems to make sense.

Take care Leroy and thank you so much for being there. You truly have great compassion.

Sincerely,

Judy

Sent by Judy Voller | 9:50 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy,

Wishing great relief with this procedure and sincerest condolences for the loss of dear Stephanie.

Peace,

Lori

Sent by Lori | 9:52 AM ET | 01-08-2008

I feel so fortunate to have discovered this blog. It gives me hope, support and feeling I am not alone.
Thanks everyone.
Carolyn

Sent by Carolyn | 9:59 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Never, Never a "good" time. My dad left us in 1991, stupid, worthless cancer, and I still "talk" to him every day. I hope your procedure gives you some pain relief, so hard to keep on keeping on when you hurt all the time. Thanks for your thoughts, they express so well what I feel but often can't put into words. AHMMMMMMM, feel the healing going your way!

Sent by Jenene K. | 10:00 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy the part about picking up the phone really struck home. It is odd how you never forget someone's voice, their speech patterns, accents, etc. When I miss someone, I recreate a past conversation I had with them. It is a way of staying connected.

Sent by Pat Z | 10:01 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Dear Leroy, I too have been viewing this blog site since I saw you on the TV special. I have never written as I am not particularly articulate, but I cannot count the times that I have wanted to express my thanks and tell you how inspiring your comments are to me. Part of my morning ritual is to read your comments and I have benefited so much. I am a mother of 4 children and I am a one year survivor of breast cancer. You will be in my thoughts today and I wish you much success from your procedure. Thank you so very much for your blog.

Sent by Susie R. | 10:06 AM ET | 01-08-2008

In my self evolved view, as long as a person is thought of by the living, they live on.

All positive thoughts for a great outcome for you today Leroy.

Sent by Peggy | 10:07 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Dear Leroy,

I will be thinking of you today, and praying for success with this procedure. Also, the Dornbrooks. Bless you all with love, comfort, and healing.

Sent by Connie | 10:12 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy - the loss of friends or family, whether it be suddnely or over a stretch of time, may diminish over time, but will never go away. I lost a dear, dear friend suddenly last year due to a heart attack - she was only 50 years old. This past year has been really hard - I do not think that we realize just how much someone means to us unless we have experienced loss. Dealing with this death has opened my eyes to living each day to it's fullest. And to see miracles in everyday life - no matter how small. I know you are in pain and that the future is uncertain, but know that there are many people that are thinking of you and praying for you. You are loved, and those that you have lost are with you also. Sending you BIG cyber hugs for a quick, painless proceedure that WORKS,

Dannielle

a part of me she was, until she was gone. What realize now is that she is a part of me and always will be, everytime I see or hear something that reminds me of her. Don't give up Leroy - today is a new day. The proceedure will work; if i

Sent by Dannielle Higgins | 10:19 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy - take a deep breath and then pray as the procuder is being done. I has to give you some relief. Any relief is better than none. If not I hope they have a plan B because no one should be in pain.

Sent by Cathy | 10:22 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Praying that your procedure will take away your pain.

Sent by Ruth White | 10:27 AM ET | 01-08-2008

I sympathize with you and the discomfort you feel in your lung. As a lung cancer patient I have had to deal with fluid and pleurisy and it's not funny. I pray the procedure will help. Also, Liz's comment about her mother's battle with lung cancer spoke to me today because it told me that we can keep fighting and disprove the doctor's initial prognosis.

Sent by Bettie Wolverton | 10:30 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy,
I pray that your procedure gives you relief from the pain.
May you memories of your friend, Stephanie, bring you comfort. I pray for healing and comfort for her family.
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 10:58 AM ET | 01-08-2008

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Good wishes to you and yours...
Sandra

Sent by Sandra Yudilevich | 11:03 AM ET | 01-08-2008

Dear Leroy,
Goodluck with your procedure today. The challenges you have encountered these past two years are unquestionable proof that you are making a positive difference. I only wish that in the very near future our blog will get easier to read. I would like to hear more stories about remission and NED. It seems that for the past couple of months there has been nothing but sad news.......pain, suffering and death. I know that this is part of the reality of it all.............I just have to pray that God gives me the courage to accept what is.

Be well dear friend.

Sent by sasha | 11:54 AM ET | 01-08-2008

In the last couple of years I've lost most of my immediate family; it doesn't get easier, I can assure you. But when you feel really badly about losing people dear to you, remember what they would have wanted for you. They would want you to be happy, and for you to meet the challenges ahead of you filled with the affection and support they felt for you in life.

Sent by Jane | 12:32 PM ET | 01-08-2008

You asked for some good news, Sasha. I am 15 months post diagnosis for Stage III melanoma and one year post treatment. My November scans showed NED. I am a daily reader of this blog but hesitated to post; I felt bad posting good news in view of the difficulties so many others are facing.

But if my news briefly brightens some other's day, I'm pleased to share. Lord knows so many of you have helped me.

Bob A.

Sent by Bob Augello | 1:11 PM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy, good luck on your procedure. You fight and that is the key to winning the battle. I will continue to keep you in my prayers!
After losing Neil last month, I often wonder when the tears will stop, when the pain will subside, my phone does not ring anymore, our dogs miss his presence, but his life lives on in our memories and I hold on to that dearly! I miss him terribly...But I thank you all for your continued fight, courage, hope, bravery and outpouring of love! It helps me and I believe all of us, daily. Laurie

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 1:43 PM ET | 01-08-2008

Before I read today's blog,by coincidence, my lunch buddies and I were discussing what happens when you lose someone dear. We talked about how one of the saddest and most frustrating is to see something...hear something...find something funny...or just in general, experience something that you wish you could share with the one who has departed. I see gifts in catalogs that would be perfect for one who is no longer here to receive a gift. It really is frustrating. But I guess we have to look at it from how lucky we are(were) to have had those priceless moments with someone we loved; and be thankful for the memories imprinted on our minds.

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 1:50 PM ET | 01-08-2008

It has been a tough few months. It ebbs and flows doesn't it. Find strength in the sad and stay in the moment in the happinees. Man, what a balancing act us cancer folk have to do! Leroy, you are doing the right thing and I'll continue to check on you and pray for you.

Sent by Becky | 2:08 PM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy, I hope your procedure today is a great success. Living with the pain grows unbearable.

The Dornbrooks are a class family. So happy we have all helped some with this loss. Losing Friends and Family is most difficult. Never really gets any easier, whether expected or not.

You are all in my thoughts! Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 2:40 PM ET | 01-08-2008

Good Luck today, Leroy.

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:35 PM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy, thinking of you today and hopeing by this time the procedure is over and you are able to say, now, that was not so bad. My thoughts and prayers go with you today and everyday. You are very important to all of us.

As Stan said of the Dornbrooks, they are a class family. She did well. Her goodby-forgive allare very powerfull words for all to remember.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 5:05 PM ET | 01-08-2008

I hope your procedure gives you relief. It is a struggle enough to deal w cancer and all the changes & worse so if dealing w pain too. In my prayers..today as always.

Sent by Cherie Brown | 5:42 PM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy -- good luck to you. Hopefully as I write this your procedure is over and you are comfortable and have relief. I continue to pray for you and all your fellow bloggers. You are such an inspiration and have much to teach you are a great leader--take comfort and get strength from the fact that there are "ALOT"t of people wishing you good thoughts, good healing, good days, good everything. For you and your family! Take care!

Sent by Cori Swanson | 6:29 PM ET | 01-08-2008

With you Leroy.
Bob..your news is like cool water on my heart...and gives me hope for my husband. Thanks for speaking up...we need more good news!
Comfort & peace to the Dornbrook family...Stephanie gave to all of us.

Sent by bethann | 8:13 PM ET | 01-08-2008

You are right, there's never a right time...too many deaths from this, too many new diagnoses, too many recurrences.

On a more individual note, I hope that your procedure today went smoothly, and that the pain has been put behind you.

Sent by Sheara | 10:17 PM ET | 01-08-2008

Leroy, I haven't been on the computer much lately. I wish you much success in your "baby adventure" tomorrow. It'll be my 62nd birthday so I figure you'll get the best present of all. You'll be able to breath better! That's my wish. Hugs to you dear. Stay inside when you can and stay warm. I pray also for all the families without electricity and heat during these awful storms. Amen!

Sent by Linda | 10:40 PM ET | 01-08-2008

Dear Leroy, I hope your procedure went well today and that the pain you've been feeling is gone.

Your post was incredibly timely. While still very much "in the weeds" about Stephanie's passing, I learned today that a woman i have seen every week for the past 6 years, with whom i sing in a symphony chorus, was killed yesterday in an auto accident - - a drunk driver who ran a red light and slammed into her car in the middle of the afternoon. She was a "healthy" young woman who was on her way home after taking her dogs to the vet. I was supposed to see her tonight at rehearsal. And all of a sudden she is gone.

You're right. This makes absolutely no sense. None of it.

Sent by Suzanne in Houston | 1:39 AM ET | 01-09-2008