Leroy, YOU are jumping higher than ever! What you do is BEAUTIFUL! It's a wonderful thing to go out and do the things you do. You motivate yourself and you never, ever let the "monster" succeed. It is amazing to me how this illness doesn't get it when the entire community of cancer patients fight day in and day out as hard as they do. Maybe one day this "beast" will get it and....LEAVE US ALL ALONE!!!!!

Keep your head up and continue fighting as hard as you do...you are doing great.

My dad used to say he was our "fighter"...and HE WAS!!! He fought this ugly beast long and hard until the end, BUT he NEVER EVER stopped being our "fighter".

My thoughts and prayers are with you, as always.

KEEP JUMPING!

Say hello to Laurie.

Cristina

Sent by Cristina Gonzalez, Tampa, Florida | 7:38 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Oh yes, independence will come, for sure. I am glad that determination was what was engendered in you rather than any other emotion that could have been born. You sound so much more like you. Keep walking. Be naughty. Try to make it to the cafeteria for some real food. That's a worthy goal, when in a hospital :-)

Sent by Alycia Keating | 7:42 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy, You're making progress! We can't go back no matter how hard we wish or try. As much independence as possible is a good goal going forward. But, we all have to lean on each other along the way.

Best Wishes. Have a great day!

Sent by Marilyn | 7:42 AM ET | 02-25-2008

What a great blog! You nailed it! We can all endure as much as we have to; surgeries, chemo, radiation, etc. BUT the real life-changer is to lose our independence (meaning the ability to take care of ourselves in doing most if not all of the daily living activities). Some of these activities are often done on a temporary basis by our caregivers BUT to lose our independence permanently is HUGE.

Continue your rehab diligently. Home is no longer a fleeting memory but a reality.

Prayers as always.

Sent by Al Cato | 7:53 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Well said, Leroy. You will get your independence too, with that kind of attitude...and we know that independence can come at many different levels. Does one seek independence from a hospital, or from a certain tube, or from a wheelchair, etc,etc. You WILL make it.

Sent by Susan | 8:00 AM ET | 02-25-2008

It's Monday and you're back Leroy! I am so happy to hear that you are playing ANY type of games, considering what you have been through such a short time ago. Rename it, "Balloon Balony", whatever, as long as it gets you moving. Loved the remark by G Carlin. How true for all of us, Wheelchairs or not.
I believe Independence is about how we feel about life and ourselves. Like me, you were probably Independent from the day you let out your first scream! We still have to scream in order to be heard above the din.
Leroy, you sound wonderful to me and your progress is phenominal! (excuse spelling please) Scream!

Sent by J C R | 8:11 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Yes Leroy!

The optimism and dream... that is what counts. You are awesome.... Keep up that PMA (positive mental attitude).

We are behind you all the way!

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:13 AM ET | 02-25-2008

I had my arm broken playing volleyball in high school PE. The football star next to me on the court didn't think I could get that ball heading straight towards me, I guess. I think it is too late to sue him now, especially since he is a lawyer.

Take care, Leroy. Enjoy playing what games you can. We will see you walking again.

http://ruthsmusings.blogspot.com

Sent by Ruth from Virginia | 8:32 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Somehow things are distilled as we maneuver through life's worst difficulties, be it cancer or any one of the myriad tragedies life may throw at us. What was once so important simply slips away as we focus on the essence of our being.

Bless you, Leroy...

Sent by Brenda | 8:33 AM ET | 02-25-2008

YEAH!!!!!!!!

Sent by Sheara | 8:52 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy,
I hope you had fun batting those balloons around and that activity is part of your work/play to get back to your new "normal". Bless you as you move ahead.
Thoughts and prayers for you and Laurie.
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 9:17 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy, the best of everything for your recovery. I know that you'll give rehab your all, and trust that it'll pay off soon for you. Consider yourself hugged.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 9:33 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Dear Leroy and Laurie,

Prayers and wishes for healing are always sent your way.

Sent by Connie | 9:34 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy,

First of all, GOOD FOR YOU!

Second of all, your independence is what hospice is all about. I hope when you go home, you will call on them. They are amazing people an will definitely enhance the quality of your life.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 9:41 AM ET | 02-25-2008

How I am touched by your post today...I don't even have words. Just know we are with you in your path towards independence. Love from Sherri in Texas

Sent by Sherri Eggleston | 9:41 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Go, Leroy!!
Your post was funny to me today. This weekend, I took my four-year old to the racquet club in town to hit the tennis ball around on the racquetball court. I used to play tournament racquetball and have a cache of trophies in the attic to prove it.

We were hitting the tennnis ball around and I felt, "hey, I can do this again. I can hit the ball!"

When we left the court, I peeked in on the men playing on another court. Whoa! I forgot the power in racquetball. I realized, I was just not strong enough to go there again (most likely). But, I felt good that I could hit the ball around with my daughter. She thought I was the "bees knees!"

Stay strong!
Kathy Bero

Sent by Kathy Bero | 10:15 AM ET | 02-25-2008

I think you have the perserverence to reach your goal. Needing help has got to be really difficult to have to suddenly face. My brother in law kept waiting to feel better to start physical therapy and never did start it.

Your blog made me think of Extreme Home Makeover this week. There was a very talented college age young man who has been blind and unable to walk for his entire life. Before the show set him up he had to wait for help from his parents to take a shower every day of his entire life. I'm sure he's faced his share of frustration, and that it's a little different when you've grown up with a condition Vs being suddently thrust into it but the most amazing thing about him was that he is such a happy, kind, greatful person.

It seems like it's your nature to keep trying your best and not to give up. That is part of what makes you so amazing and inspiring. I believe you can achieve this. Along the way remember to keep focus on what you do have. There is always someone out there who has it worse to help us remember to count our blessings. There is a perfect part of you that this disease cannot ever touch. We are blessed to have a small window to it every time you post.

Thanks again for doing what you do and I'll keep praying for you to reach your goal!

Sent by Nichole in FL | 10:16 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy, I've been wheelchair bound now for almost 3 months because of my cancer. We learn to come to terms with how the cancer changes our mobility. Looking at the bright side of things. I can now park in the handicap parking spots. I've noticed how helpful people are in this world looking up from a wheelchair..

Sent by Kris Worrall | 10:27 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Dear Leroy/All,
I'm happy to hear that you are getting stronger each day. I think the strength of this community has sustained us all.

For my part, I am working hard on staying positive...........however, letting go is a tough one for me! Prayers to all.

Sent by Sasha | 10:28 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy

Hope you met some interesting folks among the other nine who were playing alongside you. Sometimes sharing with others going through similar trials is very rewarding, and even fun. I am sure they all enjoyed you, with your fabulous sense of humor.

Nice going - good to hear you are moving again.

Sent by wendy | 10:30 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Just checking in. Glad you are progressing.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 10:32 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Our independence back. We must make that a focus, push it past a dream.
While that is never an easy thing to do, knowing that we "need" and "want" to do it, is half the battle.
Prayers, Love and May the Grace of God be With You.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 10:37 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Keep swinging at the balloons. Good luck with getting better and stronger.

Sent by marilyn tanaka | 10:38 AM ET | 02-25-2008

It's great news and somewhat stunning to me that you are already "up and around" enough to be playing games with others in wheelchairs -- even if it's only with balloons. As for independence -- well, that depends on your perspective. I used to work with disabled students at a local university. Two of the guys were quadraplegics. They could only use one finger enough to operate the control of a motorized wheelchair. Certainly they required help to perform their daily living activities. But I would say that at some level, they were independent. They made their own decisions, did their own reading assignments, reached their own conclusions, wrote their own papers (with the help of a voice-activated computer). They interacted with others, formed new friendships, were supportive and kind to others.It seemed to me that they lived rich lives. Of course, they didn't want to be wheelchair-bound. It was tragic. But they managed to live in the moment. Their lives had meaning.

Sorry -- didn't mean to lecture. Knowing you, Leroy, you will progress rapidly and I hope get back to the level you were at before all this back surgery/infection, etc.Sending healing thoughts your way today and always.

Sent by Doris | 11:20 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Your strength gives me strength.
Thank you.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 11:21 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy,
Your spirit alone shows bundles of independence. You are fighting hard to win yourself back, and that is a great thing. Keep that determination, we all count on it.

Sent by Kathleen, NJ | 11:52 AM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy - your stamina and outlook are amazing! There is no way this monster is going to get the best of you! I love that you are so willing to do anything that is asked of you. Laurie - you are so obviously a rock by his side. Keep on fighting on - we're with you all the way!!

Sent by Sue Sheehan | 12:09 PM ET | 02-25-2008

I certainly understand that! I wish I could have had my mom do that, but she was far sicker than you.

Good wishes to you, Leroy.

Sent by Scott S. | 12:39 PM ET | 02-25-2008

I hope you feel some independence real soon. You are such a fighter - it amazes me. A sad day here - our son, Andrew, is feeling dizzy and will see doctors tomorrow. My husband has to drive down to take him there. He sure doesn't like to ask for help but what can he do. He is so sick. His last treatment failed.

Sent by Maureen | 12:56 PM ET | 02-25-2008

Wishing you the very best toward your goal. We are all with you.

Sent by NancyGM | 12:57 PM ET | 02-25-2008

Good Afternoon Leroy, Laurie and All,

Leroy, Wonderful news in your post today! Your continued determination is a thing of true beauty! And AMEN to the statement about loss of independence being the most difficult thing to deal with.

Laurie, The next thing you know Leroy will want to go horse back riding. It may be time to dust off your cowgirl hat!

To All, Leroy's continued progress is amazing and his determination continues to show us the way. I know that someday we will banish Cancer from our lives forever. God Bless!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte, NC

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 1:16 PM ET | 02-25-2008

Oh Leroy, I'm right with you. I am a stage 4 colon cancer survivor with mets to the lungs and liver. I was diagnosed in 2005. I am doing okay as we speak. I will undergo surgery in about 3 weeks for a lung biopsy. The docs want to do Molecular Profiling on my cancer. Find out what makes it "tick". I look at this as a step towards my healing journey.

I wrote you back in 2005 when I was first diagnosed and have written you periodically since then. Remember:

"Hope is believing in spite of the evidence and watching the evidence change".

Bingo....that's me and you. Keep up the faith and good work. You are such an inspiration to me.

Faithfully,

Lisa Majors

Sent by Lisa Majors | 1:17 PM ET | 02-25-2008

yes.

Sent by mary | 2:06 PM ET | 02-25-2008

Balloon volleyball - either playing with small children or adults - has always seemed to bring out the giggles in me. Hope your opponents and you got to indulge. Good PT for the abdominals and wonderful PT for the soul.

Sent by Robin L., Fairfax VA | 2:10 PM ET | 02-25-2008

TO Sasha~ Yes, isn't it wonderful hearing that Leroy is getting strong enough for "therapy games" and taking it all in his stride with humor! Now Sasha, what is it you are trying to "let go" of? Listen to Leroy about staying positive and above all- Independent, as much as you can right now. It is worth it to stay positive. We must do the best with what you have. Depression is a terrible companion. Hang on tight to us!

Sent by J C R | 2:20 PM ET | 02-25-2008

Good for you for hanging in there! I know it's not what you imagined for yourself, but you are handling it all with grace, dignity and determination. You are inspiring so many everywhere with your true character, which shines clearly through all. Now, may I make another suggestion? Ask friends and family to start bringing in some very funny movies and cds so you can get some real belly laughs. It is physiologically beneficial and healing to your spirit. May I suggest 'Two Drink Mike' and " My Secret Public Journal" both by Mike Berbiglia - they're painfully funny and you need to keep up whatever humor you can find in your situation and in your heart - God bless, CaroleD

Sent by CHDuckett | 3:24 PM ET | 02-25-2008

You go Leroy,
LIVESTRONG!

Sent by cv | 3:32 PM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy, you are sounding right on today. I admire your strength. We all want as much independance as possible. What a great and realistic goal. I just know that everyday will bring new strengths for you, and with those new and more independance.

Laurie, we miss hearing from you and so appreciate your haveing kept us up todate while Leroy was unable to. You both are very wonderful strong people.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 3:35 PM ET | 02-25-2008

Hooray for Leroy! I hope your team won!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:31 PM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy, I'm so glad to see you posting again. Yay!

Sent by Lisa Lindstrom | 5:05 PM ET | 02-25-2008

your blogs is very moving, I'm try hard to spread the word here at http://cancerlinks.blogspot.com/

I hope it will be usefull to others

Sent by gary | 5:07 PM ET | 02-25-2008

Go, Leroy! Keep fighting for all of us...

Sasha, You know what I have decided?--I just won't let go at all--Leon is right here with me. Yes, It is different but am I going to let him go? ...no way!
Maureen, my heart is with you. If there could be anything worse than losing Leon, it would be for one of our boys to be fighting the "Monster".

Jane

Sent by Jane from AR | 5:34 PM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy,
Keep on keeping on. Remember a trip of a thousand miles begins with one step. Sounds really positive to me. Hi Laurie, you take care of yourself also.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 6:23 PM ET | 02-25-2008

I hear you, Leroy. Yet I keep thinking about Laurie's comment about friends doing the heavy lifting. Perhaps (just perhaps) right now it's time for interdependence? I don't know why those other folks were in wheelchairs, but I'll bet at least a few of them appreciated you being there to bat that balloon to them. And all those folks who helped Laurie with the heavy lifting? They're likely there because they know that, were they in your spot, you'd be there to do the heavy lifting for them. Reciprocity? Maybe. Humanity? Definitely. Prayers your way, fella.

Sent by Victoria Ferreira | 6:54 PM ET | 02-25-2008

Leroy,
I was so happy to see you back today. I had forgotten that this is a week day blog. It puts a smile on my face to know you are playing volleyball. Your spirit and will are impressive and your attitude is an inspiration.

Sent by Jennifer in CA | 11:41 PM ET | 02-25-2008

maureen - just knowing that you, his parents, are there for him is a source of strength for your son. We are all there in spirit!

Leroy! I thought of you today. I was teaching an after school mini-course to a bunch of 1st and 2nd grade boys (I am now sure that 1st and 2nd grade teachers are saints!!!!!). We were teaching them about using the force. That each of us has a power within us and we can chose to use it for the good of all people. (Then we had them try to use the force, a la Luke Skywalker in the Empire Strikes Back - we had them stand on their heads and try to move a desk with their force-power... nothing moved but there were a lot of giggles!). You, Leroy are like a jedi. No matter what powers you have you seem to know how to use "the light side of the force".

Today volleyball. Tomorrow skiing???

Sent by Liz L. | 12:00 AM ET | 02-26-2008

Leroy - I've never written before but have been reading since early on. Your writings helped me through my Dad's chemo and radiation treatments. They helped him too. I just wanted to tell you that I tell everyone who is experiencing cancer treatment, or any difficult obstacle in life to read your writings. You are an inspiration. Keep on fighting, dreaming and living life. Many of us are living right with you.

Sent by Cathy in Alaska | 12:58 AM ET | 02-26-2008

So glad that you are hanging in there and going forward....so many of us are praying and rooting for you ! Keep up the great inspiring work! Lori

Sent by Lori | 1:46 AM ET | 02-26-2008