Dear Leroy,
Your positive attitude is wonderful and so is your honesty. Nothing is as bad, as someone saying....it is not that bad...when it involves horrible pain. Anyone who has had real pain, does not care for those who say it doesn't hurt when it clearly does. This low tolerance for pain??? Never did understand that one.
You are going to get through this pain, and make that step forward again today....see, we woke up this morning!
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 7:44 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Good morning Leroy,
The good news is you are trying something that in the long run will help. Before you know it, those hours will pass...but in the meantime, focus on what you want as the outcome: less pain. I know, easier said than done.
But you know what? It's February. A new month in a new year...and you're here to see it happen.
:-)

Sent by Kathleen, NJ | 7:51 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy, I am so proud of you for your continued energy in fighting the pain, the cancer and all the other "crap" that goes with it. You give us all such courage and hope and your words continue to inspire us. I will pray your days and nights continues to get better. Have a wonderful weekend!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 7:54 AM ET | 02-01-2008

To Pat A., Linda G, I am sorry to hear of your losses, you are in my prayers.
Stan W., keep fighting and know the prayers of many are with you!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 8:04 AM ET | 02-01-2008

YIKES! Upfront warning! 24-36 hours of pain. I had to have injections in my foot a couple of times for heel spurs. What they didn't tell me is 24 hours AFTER the injection it would hurt worse than it did before the injections. I know some times the treatment is worse than what brought you to get treatment. BUT JEEZ!

I hope by the mid point of the weekend, you pain has subsided.

I guess snowman building is NOT an option...

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:12 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy -

I saw on the news last night a new cancer treatment that has been developed called tomotherapy. Is this something that your doctors have tried?

Sent by Linnea | 8:13 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy,
We pray for the same.
Linda

Sent by Linda | 8:20 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Good Morning Leroy! You can certainly lie there and wait for the anticipated relief from the new pain to subside. It is a wonderful day for "just lying around". It is a dark grey,cold, icy, world out there! I had trouble sleeping last night and my mind began writing stories of the atrangest kinds. Sort of "Lights Out" type of stuff. Remember them? Well mine were really good and I cannot imagine where they came from, but they were from a different ME who sometimes comes to the front of my head when I am in a semi sleep stage. However as you probably know, if I do not get right up and write them down, they begin to fade upon rising and activity.
What I am trying to say is, try letting your mind just wander, consider and analyze this new type of therapy and it's pain. A new "division" in your imaginary Army attacking your enemies.
Are you doing much work on your computer lately? You probably can't sit for long, right? Anyway Leroy, I wish you relief and may your creative thoughts take over your being.

Sent by J C R | 8:30 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Praying for you and all others who are in pain.

Sent by bettye | 8:37 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy,
I'm hoping with you! I hope you are already feeling the pain begin to fade.

Sent by Laura | 8:44 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Well just the name-dry needle therapy-hurts just thinking about. I certainly hope that it gives you surcease of pain, Leroy. God knows you deserve it.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 9:01 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy,
My empathy on the pain. If I lived near you, I would come sit with you and knit. We could talk about anything or just sit quietly.
Ann

Sent by Ann Davis | 9:04 AM ET | 02-01-2008

I hope the short term pain has long term gain in terms of pain relief.

Sent by N.R. | 9:28 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Dear Leroy,
Some of us are quiet because we don't know what to say but in our hearts and souls, we are hoping and praying for you. You have shared so much with all of us. The world IS a better place because of you.
Keep Breathing and I hope pain free days are just around the corner.

Sent by Beth | 9:39 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Dear Leroy,

I really admire your ability to seperate how your body feels and the impact it has on your life from your mental state. It is hard to do and definetly shows the strength of character. Hang in there................

Sent by Sasha | 9:44 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy I hope you know what an inspiration you are to so many, my husband while not having cancer has severe heart problems, so each day is a challenge, it helps that we aren't the only ones dealing with the daily challenge of trying to hold our heads up and liveing each day to the fullest, no matter what...thank you for your bravery, know you are in manys prayers....Leslie

Sent by Leslie | 9:45 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy,

Fighters try everything reasonable. You are a fighter. Acupuncture is reasonable. Hope the pain leaves when it is supposed to.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 9:56 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy, that sounds extremely painful. Here is wishing you and all the rest on here a pain free weekend and a great big hug. God Bless

Sent by Teresa in WV | 10:02 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Aaarrrrgghhh, I am sorry, Leroy, to hear that it hurts yet again. Someday medicine will be totally noninvasive and nontoxic. Why does everything they do have to be nasty? Let's hope your doctor's honesty continues past the hours of pain into hours of relief. You are a good trooper, and I'm glad you complain. None of this stiff-upper-lip crap ;-) that makes the rest of us complainers look bad. Dry needle therapy, the name alone makes me wanna run.

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

We are all praying the pain will ease and your mind can divert to enjoy TV in time for the Super Bowl. Before then rent a good old fashioned clasic movie or two! God be with you.

Sent by Lucy | 10:12 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Ah, if we could only...just for a moment...be the ones wielding the needles! What sweet revenge!

I hope you can find something, anything, to distract you from the pain.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 10:32 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy,

There is a company called" The Relax Your Back Store" which has many products designed for people with back pain. Maybe you'd like to check them out. They use memory foam type products in their line of chairs, beds, pillows, etc. I have a lounge chair by them that I love.
I hope your acupuncture results will be a release from your ongoing pain this weekend. You are in our thoughts.
Barbara

Sent by Barbara Langan | 10:36 AM ET | 02-01-2008

I'll be interested to hear if it does indeed help in the long run. My wife is fighting cancer, and the joint and bone pain are the toughest challenges for her. That and trying to get a decent night's sleep.
Did your doctor indicate how long it should take to see results? Is it available at most cancer centers or specific to where you're at?
Of course, given my wife's aversion to needles in general, these are probably moot questions!
Stay strong - fight hard

Sent by TB in NC | 10:48 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy,
I usually don't respond but am strengthened by your writing. I too was strong and active when blindsided by cancer. I am in a battle also. I am moved to write because one of the things that has made my body more comfortable is a lift chair. I have learned that all lift chairs are not created equal. The one that I had made for me has two motors with infinite positions which allow me to change my position just a bit to get more comfortable when my body is tired . It also will allow me to lie completely flat so that I can stretch my back out after long periods of sitting. I needed a tall version and I put a pillow under my knees to ease the strain on my back.I sleep in this chair. It has brought me more comfort than anything except the pain medication. The cancer devastated my spine so having the lift when I stand puts less strain on my back and causes less pain. It took about ten days to make. Roslyn

Sent by Roslyn | 11:07 AM ET | 02-01-2008

LEROY, SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD DAY FOR NAPPING. HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND.

Sent by d | 11:08 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Pain to manage the pain....I'm sorry you are having to endure all of this. I hope this gives you some much needed relief and a respite from the pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sent by Suzanne Lindley | 11:38 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Wow, Leroy. Pain sucks. I have experienced the extreme version several times in my life.It's really the kind of thing one can not easily describe.
I admire you being bold in trying something new to come at the pain from a different angle.
I want to envision you falling into a deep sleep, towards the end of the waiting period, and waking up to the incredible shift of being without the pain.
If this method doesn't deliver a good response, I do believe something, somewhere, somehow, will deliver what is long overdue.
Sending you strong, heartfelt wishes of powerful relief!

Sent by NancyGM | 11:42 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy, I hope the pain passes quickly. Why bigger needles? Stan

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

Dear Leroy,
I hate so much that you are suffering. It is just NOT FAIR.You are so brave to keep trying whatever can be found, even knowing it will be painful, even after all the pain you've already endured.I hope and pray that the pain will be shorter than predicted, and that the procedure will work and give you a better quality of life.We're all rooting for you.

Sent by Doris | 11:56 AM ET | 02-01-2008

Dear Leroy,

Your trials and tribulations make me ashamed to ever complain about anything. You are always in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and healing. Love to you and Laurie.

Sent by Connie | 12:11 PM ET | 02-01-2008

May your pain ease soon.
May light shine and bring you strength and peace.
May your weekend bring you love and laughter.

We are together.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 12:45 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Dear Leroy,

Thinking of you always. Hopefully you will be better soon. Love to you and this great family. This blog is a very important part of my life each day as we all try to push along.

Love to all,
Betty Lewis

Sent by Betty K. Lewis | 1:17 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Laurie Hirth: So sorry that you are in the "lonelies" with the loss of Neil. Me too. Even good TV doesn't replace the time we miss with our loved ones. To make matters even worse, the dog I walked is also gone and walking, something Burge and I enjoyed so much is lonely too.

I'm lucky because I have my two boys and a farming business to take over so I'm not totally alone or lost as to what to do althought there are lots of things I don't know what to do about.

It sounds like you may have to completely change your source of income and I feel for you and others who find themselves in that position. It has to be a double whammy. Today, I had to arrange to have everything appraised...I've waited until the very last minute as I hated to let go and remove my husband, Burge"s, name from the titles but the IRS puts a big deadline on greiving when it comes to settling up business and taking their share.

I was somewhat spoiled over the past 20+ years because I knew I was being "taken care of" financially by another, although I worked away from home before and after my kids...but now I'm responsible for lots of others and it is scarey and lonely. Even little things like home repairs and car decisions are all mine and learning about roofs and the electrical problem in the car isn't my cup of tea, but, they have to be made anyway.

My thoughts also to Pat and Linda on their losses. No matter who, no matter when, it's hard.

I didn't forget you either, Leroy, it's just that needles, in any form aren't a pleasant things to think about. My prayers that they work.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 2:34 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy - my husband Paul who we lost in October had terrible back pain with his multiple myeloma. He had several nerve blocks done at the hospital, most of which worked 12 hours or so. Meanwhile, I had gone to an accupuncturist in our city - a woman who had gone to the same school that all the chinese doctors go to. I had gone to her to try to deal with chronic facial pain (10 sinus surgeries will damage facial nerves every time, I guess, and that's on top of breast cancer), and found that accupuncture (with the regulation sized needles) was very beneficial to me. Paul tried the accupuncture after my good results, and his results were way more amazing than mine. He never had another nerve block; he said that accupuncture offered him so much more relief. So, he went to see her as often as he could. His oncologist said that he had similar comments from other patients. So, I'm thinking that short term pain will be worth a lot of long term gain. I know they were for Paul, and I'm praying that you will experience the same. You and Laurie are in my prayers. You will never comprehend what it is like to read your blog and all of the posts. Before your TV show, I thought that there wasn't anybody that understood what I was living through everyday. I know that it has given me great comfort to know that there are plenty of people experiencing cancer and other issues also, and all we have to do is visit your site and know we are not alone. Thank you so much for a gift that you might not ever appreciate that you have given to us. Jeanette Carney

Sent by Jeanette Carney | 3:19 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Nikki, I know how scared you are. I just got laid off for the first time in my life. I am still in radiation therapy for breast cancer. I am stunned. Yesterday I imagined it was all a dream.

Leroy, I hope it works.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 3:21 PM ET | 02-01-2008

I am so thankful that you have the ability and the experience to write and tell about what has and is happening to you. It seems if you do not have cancer or it is not in your immediate family little thought is given to cancer. I really hate to say it but when people would say we are praying, I almost thought I hope so, but smiled and said thanks. The most upset I got and being unable to say anything was all the people that would say have you tried this, or that. Why do you not go to MD Anderson, Mayo and others. Did they not realize you sent your records everywhere. The oncologist probably hopes you do not ask again, where could we go, why not this or that. None of this will probably help you, and of course, Ashton is not here at 20, she suffered her five years and left us but maybe, what you have to say will benefit others. I wish there was money so that that all you write about your cancer could be published and mailed to every ongolist in the United States, and the Senate. It should be required reading for doctors and senators. Maybe more money would be spend on cancer. There needs to be something developed to stop cancer, not just treat it. Anyway, God Bless you!

Sent by mavis | 3:25 PM ET | 02-01-2008

And I'm hoping that in LESS than 24 to 36 hours you feel a significant diminishment of your pain!!! Hang tough and breathe.

Sent by Anita Solomon | 3:31 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Dear Leroy, I have remained silent though I too read your blog for your daily descriptions of what your are dealing with and to read the comments in response. I am the wife of a husband your age who is battling his second cancer and as all your readers know, it is a lonely place to be. You feel so isolated and alone. Thank you for bringing us all together so we do not feel so alone in this battle we all fight, like you every day. Look at how much so many have to say and you have given us a forum. With your daily blog, I am certain you have given the power to so many to find their inner strength to rise up and keep going. You are pure inspiration and what a wonderful gift you have given to so many. As the wife, it is so very hard to see my husband have to suffer, but together we are traveling on this tough journey.

Sent by Nancy Oliver | 3:46 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Hi Leroy, I've been reading your posts every day but have had a few skirmishes of my own so I haven't had time to respond. I was at a loss about what to say to you so I read all the other posts (usually don't have time). Two things struck me, Ann's comment about sitting quietly beside you--sometimes I think pain can actually break the connection between me and my physical self, and between me and others--the nonverbal implicit connection--so someone sitting nearby sounds very comforting. The other point I resonate with is the value of the relax the back products--lift chairs, zero gravity, etc.. And Leroy, despite your pain you provide an invaluable accessibility to the rest of us. Thank you.

Sent by sajenkins | 6:03 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Dear Leroy,

The time is lapsing.

When I am finally reading this you have managed many hours (12 since it was posted, and presumably you wrote this yesterday, so that's another 18-odd hours) my feeble math skills tell me that by the time you read this, probably tomorrow, your 36 hours are over and you are ready to enjoy a nice Sat night with Laurie and friends. Have a glass of wine, enjoy a pleasant evening, and a relaxing weekend.

Feel better!

Sent by Liz L. | 7:25 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy,
I hope you pain is lessening by the hour. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us.
Nikki, I SO relate to the "having to make decisions alone". Our two boys are grown so I am alone. Yesterday and today we had ice and snow--Leon was not here to go check the roads and tell me whether to go to work or not. The little things wives take for granted...
I am thankful for our 37 years, but to all who still have your husband by your side, give him an extra hug tonight.
Jane

Sent by Jane from AR | 7:44 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Hi leroy
I think of you often and learn so much about life and living from you and all on the board.
I am an acupuncturist. I personally have not heard of the dry needle technique. Acupuncture can be so helpful and it is not typically very painful. I work with many cancer patients and most find it VERY relaxing and also feel a reduction in symptoms. It sounds like the work you are getting done is by a physical therapist - not an acupuncturist? Correct?
If so - perhaps include acupuncture by a TCM practitioner.
Very best....
Julie

Sent by Julie Silver | 10:07 PM ET | 02-01-2008

Leroy..
After reading all the other comments...just want to say "God grant you comfort for the day and the joy in knowing so many people care".

Sent by Jo Ann Baswell | 11:13 AM ET | 02-02-2008

Dianne: It really isn't fair to be laid off in the middle of all your health problems. Did you get to keep any health insurance? Do you think it has to do with your health and do you have any recourse...although getting it can be just as expensive as finding a new job.

If you were at the end of the world in SW Kansas, I'd give you a job but it would mean spending hours and hours sitting in a tractor and that isn't a job most of us enjoy or can handle... Best left for young healthy people.

My only warning to people without insurance is not to let the hospitals push you into selling things to pay their bills. Negotiate for at least a 50% or more reduction since that's what they give your insurance company. Then borrow against your asset if possible. I sold 640 acres of land, got hit by Capital Gains Tax and still owed money. Had I not gotten scared, rushed to "pay my debt" and arranged a loan equal to the annual income from the property I would have been better off. Get professional advice, it's a good investment.

Go to food stamps before you sell something you need later. Yes, even those of us with pride have paid taxes for times like these and there is no shame in getting those taxes back in order to eat. We didn't have to do that, but I know people who have.

My prayers to all. Today I'm going to clean house and pretend none of this has happened for at least a few yours. I'm into boxes of keepsakes that have been put away for years and I'm sure there will still be tears.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 12:38 PM ET | 02-02-2008

Well Leroy, it is 8 pm on Saturday and the ice has all melted, the sun came out today and the lovely iced & frosted trees thawed out with little damage done to the world. Should be a lovely Sunday tomorrow. Sure hope that you have a comfortable weekend and I will look forward to hearing your thoughts on Monday. Hope your pain has subsided by Monday . We all care very much for you.

Sent by J C R | 8:02 PM ET | 02-02-2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours; and everyone else who is dealing with this. I just read about your blog in my local paper today. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. Christina Hinshaw

Sent by Christina Hinshaw | 10:06 PM ET | 02-02-2008

i am reading this on sunday morning - i pray to g-d that the pain is less by now - pain-free - that is a wonderful wish! you are so strong and so brave and so informative AND SO UNCOMPLAINING - you do not complain - you relate what is going on - AND I PRAY TO G-D THAT YOU WILL BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO PROVE THAT HOSPICE IS NOT CODE FOR SIX MONTHS!!!!! nobody could write and tell as you do and i always pray not suffer but survive. take care and i hope that you can watch and enjoy the super bowl if that is your thing. much love, jan

Sent by janice goldberg white | 10:57 AM ET | 02-03-2008

I have not responded in a long time. I do look forward to your mails each day for inspiration. I have completed 32 Rad. treatments and am recouping from them. Keep fightin buddy. We are in this thing together.

Sent by Edward j. Graf | 12:46 PM ET | 02-14-2008