NPR: Upstairs, Downstairs

My Cancer

Upstairs, Downstairs

There are probably hundreds of cliches about "the first step." But sometimes in life you really do come face to face with that first step ... like this afternoon.

I had a good day on the walker and the parallel bars, so my therapists wanted me to try the stairs. Five of them.

Going up, you plant your good leg first. I actually made it up pretty easily.

Then I had to come down, weak leg first. That was a little scarier. My arms were locked on the rails, and then I was down.

I did it again a little while later.

Piece of cake.

After all, I'd already taken the first step.

Leroy Sievers

7:58 AM ET | 02-26-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Great news Leroy! You know we are all thrilled with each step of progress.

Sent by Dona | 8:02 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Wonderful progress!!!! I see that independence moving closer to you!

Sent by Susie R. from Col, OH | 8:03 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Lifting, lifting, lifting, Leroy! you up in prayer and so inspired by your attitude!! Every minute, every day, every step you will get better - and one step closer to home.......

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 8:04 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Yea! One step at a time, Leroy, that is the way. Could cartwheels be too far behind? Seriously, this is probably the hardest part and you are succeeding. You are in my prayers and thoughts daily,

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 8:05 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Good for you!!!!

Sent by sarah | 8:08 AM ET | 02-26-2008

That piece of cake is great. Have more. With prayers and a big yahooo!
Anne

Sent by anne lumberger | 8:10 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Hi Leroy, I haven't written in awhile, but I have been checking on you everyday. I'm having my own issues, so I feel your frustration. Sounds like things are moving in a positive direction for you now. Keep it up...I'm pulling for you even though I don't tell you everyday.

Sent by Jill | 8:20 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Leroy, you are doing fantastic. Keep up the good work. I know it can't be easy, but you really do make it sound like a "piece of cake". Determination. Have a fantastic day.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 8:22 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Good Morning Leroy!

Congratulations on the stairs! Another major hurtle. Your determination is phenomenal. Keep it up!

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:30 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Leroy,
We're taking each step along with you.
One step at a time, getting better every day! Keep on working at it.
Yahoo for you!
We are all doing our best work along with you. Yesterday was the last of the "33" radiation treatments for us. Long daily drives over, some side effects to handle still, but ... Yahoo for us too!

Sent by Deb | 8:36 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Go Leroy, Go Leroy! We're rooting for you!

Sent by Lisa D. | 8:38 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Eyes on the prize...you know it and are doing a great job. You are "hot" baby!

Love to you and Laurie.

Sent by Lori | 8:41 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Wonderful, you are on your way! More that a "first step" - stairs yet! Oh, was there much pain with the walking? That back of yours must be doing well for you. What a job those doctors must have done. These reports of yours are surely a "profile in Courage" and an inspiration for us all.

Sent by J C R | 8:41 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Leroy,

For whatever its worth, I'm just glad to see that you are up on your feet!

One step at a time, my friend....

Sent by Faun | 8:45 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Tackling stair steps already? I am impressed. At this rate you will be independent again in no time.
What a beautiful day to be alive.

Sent by Theresa Lovin | 8:49 AM ET | 02-26-2008

This is excellent news, Leroy. Keep it up! Love to hear your stories of moving forward, but understand the backward steps at times.

Hoping for your continued healing.

Sent by JJG | 8:52 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Baby Steps... :)

Sent by Cristina Gonzalez, Tampa, Florida | 9:12 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Hi Leroy,
There's a song in the old "Santa Claus is Coming to Town sung by Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle. The first phrases are:

Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you'll be walkin' 'cross the flo-o-or
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you'll be walkin' out the door.

You never will get where you're goin'
If you never get up on your feet
Come on! There's a good tail wind blowin'
A fast walkin' man is hard to beat!

Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you'll be walkin 'cross the flo-o-or
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you'll be walkin' out the door.

If you want to change your direction
If you're time of life is at hand
Well don't be the rule -- be the exception
A good way to start is to stand.

Anywho, I thought it "fit" this week.
Take care and do something special on "Leap Year Day".
Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 9:15 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Woo hoo!

Sent by Judy in N.Va. | 9:19 AM ET | 02-26-2008

You made me smile this morning. God bless you and keep getting stronger every day. Thank you for being our strength.

Linda

Sent by Linda | 9:28 AM ET | 02-26-2008

What great news. Keep on going. You're right-- it's the first step that's the hardest. Good luck!

Sent by mt | 9:30 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Your stairway to heaven??? Wonderful progress on your part. So happy for you.
Prayers, Love and May the Grace of God be With You.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 9:35 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Hello Leroy,
Congratulations. My best friend has had both knees replaced. She has always said that coming down stairs is much harder than going up.
Wishing you more accomplishments in the days ahead.
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 9:37 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Wow! You're doing it! Both my mom and dad had to re-learn steps amd thought it was kind of funny to be "learning to walk" at their ages. The human spirit is a wonderful thing and you are such a spirited man! We're ALL pulling for you.

Sent by Beth | 10:07 AM ET | 02-26-2008

You brought tears to my eyes this morning. Congrats on your progress!

Sent by Judith | 10:18 AM ET | 02-26-2008

So, Leroy and Laurie, is it time for a cupcake?

Sent by glenda | 10:23 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Baby steps dear friend..........that's all we can do for now. Prayers to all.

Sent by Sasha | 10:40 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Leroy, Everyday will bring another goal and possibly another failure or success. How do we measure progress?? How many steps, how wobbly, did I remember the process, all that, or something else? I think it is the effort alone by which our progress is made. It takes fortitude to just stand up and then take a few halting steps. It takes guts to stare this beast down everyday. Here is to all of us with the fortitude to face the demon and just try to move on. Independence Day is coming!! Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 10:46 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Go Team Leroy!!
Not only are we rooting for you but your success is ours as well. HORRAY!!

Sent by Anita Solomon | 10:51 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Dear Leroy,

I don't write you every day, but I read your blog every single day. It is an important part of my daily routine. None of know what is next in this scary cancer life. You are an inspiration to me. We all know there will more than likely be battles ahead for most of us, not to mention anxiety!! I pray you will continue to make progress!!

Love to all,
Betty Lewis

Sent by Betty K. Lewis | 10:59 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Yep...he's back! Awaiting reports from Laurie of Leroy going down the halls humming the ditty Peggy sent today! Lou Ann

Sent by Lou Ann Caywood | 11:06 AM ET | 02-26-2008

MAZOL TOV !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FANTASTIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WONDERFUL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU CAN'T GET A GOOD MAN DOWN !!!!!!!!!!!!

Sent by dee | 11:07 AM ET | 02-26-2008

I'm so happy for you, Leroy.

Thanks to you I won't crawl back in bed this morning. If you can keep dancing, so can I.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 11:10 AM ET | 02-26-2008

I read you every day but rarely respond as others have said it batter than I can say it. However, yesterday a comment was made that struck me forcibly. The loss of independence! That is a huge loss for me I have always prized my independence and now I must depend on hospice personnel to meet my physical needs. My current goal is to be able to take a shower by myself. My second goal is to walk without the aid of a walker. I hope to achieve the same determination that you have shown throughout this ordeal. And yes, may the force be with me!

Brenda

Sent by brenda lynch - Everett, WA | 11:17 AM ET | 02-26-2008

My MIL just got her hip replaced, and she learned right away that it is "Up with the good and down with the bad." Kind of a theological approach, but one that's firmly implanted in her 82-year-old brain.

May I please ask for all your prayers, good energy vibes and juju -- we got some devastating news yesterday. Our stomachs are in our throats as we fly from the top to the bottom of this rollercoaster. Thank you, each and every one.

Sent by Jordis | 11:18 AM ET | 02-26-2008

piece of cake! Hooray!!!! In no time at all....

Sent by Alycia Keating | 11:22 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Leroy, I read your blog daily and cheer your every success!!! I wish you well, I wish you strength and most of all I wish you peace. You are in my prayers-Robin Solomon

Sent by Robin Solomon | 11:31 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Hehehe, you absolutely ROCK! and whenever I think of your efforts/energy I think of Paul Horn singing I'd Rather Be The Hammer Than The Nail .... you GO Leroy! with smiles and prayers to you and Laurie.

Sent by Stitches | 11:33 AM ET | 02-26-2008

wonderful news....take it slow and steady, friend!

Sent by Karen | 11:49 AM ET | 02-26-2008

You are the "MAN" Leroy....Those steps are just the first of many. I have a little saying I try to live by, "When the going gets tuff, the tuff gets going". You have proved that over and over again. God Bless my friend.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 11:52 AM ET | 02-26-2008

To Leroy and to Peggy,

Thanks for posting that jingle, ("Put one foot in front of the other..") I sang it a few times, enlarged it to 14
pt, and printed it out.

It's a great theme song and motivates me to 'MOVE IT'.

Anyone remember, "The Stroll"...now there's a slo-mo many of us can move to!

(grin)
Cathi (PNW)

Sent by Cathi | 12:15 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Wow. That's for excitement and amazement that you have to learn to walk all over again.

Sent by Lisa | 12:17 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Hi Leroy!

I am all ready to send you skis...

Fingers crossed, tomorrow is a whole flight!

Sent by Liz L. | 12:20 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Leroy, so delighted you are taking those steps in your rehab!

Sent by Dorothy - Los Angeles | 12:30 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Hey Leroy, keep up the good work. Deb, congrats on your "33"! I finished mine on Feb 11 and am still getting blue Sharpie off my skin, clothes, and towels.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 12:31 PM ET | 02-26-2008

congrats leroy!

Sent by Jenn | 2:28 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Dear Leroy..........hurrah.........especially the getting down without falling on your face. We are out here applaluding.

Sent by Mage Bailey | 2:29 PM ET | 02-26-2008

You go, Leroy!

Jordis - sorry for your devestating news. My prayers are with you.

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:20 PM ET | 02-26-2008

you are so so incredible and inspirational - know taht you will be getting stronger and more independent. i remember the fear of walking and steps and whatever - and it all came back (this was nothing - it was from hip surgery!) but you are so incredible and positive - do take care

Sent by janice goldberg white | 6:51 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Yeah Leroy! A friend of mine who always prided herself on being in great shape and went to the gym several times a week had two brain surgeries two years ago. She, too, had to learn to walk again and deal with balance issues. And she, too, said the hardest part was learning to walk down the stairs.

Given everything you've been through, your progress is indeed amazing. May you keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Jordis--I'm so sorry to hear about your bad news. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

Joy

Sent by Joy | 9:17 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Leroy is back! Hooray!

Sent by Judith Newkirk | 9:18 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Yeah, Leroy! Beat that nasty cancer! I did my own battle the last two years with breast cancer, and I now have a much more sensitive awareness of how many people battle with the disease. I just went skiing up in Mammoth Mountain, CA, and on the lift poles of chair 14, someone had stuck two bumper stickers in a black and white Gothic font with this message: F#@$ Cancer!
I had to smile, and I would like to send this along to you.

Sent by Catherynne | 10:13 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Woohooo!!! Yay for you! Celebrate this great achievement. You did it!!!!!

Sent by NancyGM | 10:42 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Leroy,

WOW!

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:29 PM ET | 02-26-2008

HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY! Keep going Leroy! I love to read your progress.....many prayers and blessings to you each and every minute! Lori

Sent by Lori | 11:57 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Keep fighting the battle... you can't win if you quit.

Sent by jack | 1:30 AM ET | 02-27-2008

Your daily progress keeps me focused on what is important. Thank you for sharing yourself every day.

Sent by Carrie | 10:36 AM ET | 02-27-2008

Send a Comment

Comments are reviewed and edited by NPR prior to display. All comments will be read, but not all will be posted.

NPR reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its Web site or in any medium now known or unknown the e-mails and letters that we receive. We may edit them for clarity or brevity and identify authors by name and location. For additional information, please consult our Terms of Use.

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:	» List of local stations (PDF)
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
May we contact you with information about NPR programming and services? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

Leroy Sievers

Blogger

Leroy Sievers in the Ted Koppel Documentary

Leroy Sievers speaks with Dr. Christos Georgiades. Credit: Tyrone Turner

A Ted Koppel documentary focuses on his friend Leroy Sievers' "My Cancer" blog and the response it evokes.

About 'My Cancer'

My Cancer will be updated Monday through Friday with posts and commentaries from Leroy Sievers. A journalist for more than 25 years, Leroy has worked at CBS News and ABC News, where he was the executive producer at Nightline. You can follow his story through this blog, his weekly podcast and his monthly series on Morning Edition.