You are amazing Laurie. I hope someone is there for your spirits as well.

Love and prayers to you both.

Sent by Lori | 8:59 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Sweet Laurie,
You clearly have given Leroy every ounce of support he has needed. Take a little rest and let your friends....all of us, help with that support.
I was checking and checking to see the blog of today...and this being Friday... again, such a blessing that while the road is hard for Leroy now....you both have God in your corner....and us here. Have a blessed weekend and take the time to re-charge. So much love is coming your way.
Prayers and love, and May the Grace of God be with you.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 9:01 AM ET | 02-15-2008

You say it so nicely Laurie. How wonderful friendship is and what a great support group you and Leroy have!
There is undoubtedly so much that you cannot possibly recount in the daily progress of "our Leroy", but you do such a wonderful job keeping us posted.
I will be thinking of him all this coming weekend and looking forward to yours, or Leroys, words next week. May he keep getting stronger.

Sent by J C R | 9:09 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Friends. Anyone that says they don't need them, don't know what they're missing. They're given to us for a reason.

Sent by Sue in snowy Rochester | 9:11 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Yes, Laurie, this is the time when friends help to lift the burden of love from your shoulders. It is nice to be reminded of how much caring there is in the world today. Thoughts and prayers are with you and Leroy again as always.

Sent by Dorothy | 9:11 AM ET | 02-15-2008

True friends are always there when you need them the most.

Sent by sarah | 9:11 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Friends and Family, God's gift to us. What an awesome gift, I am thrilled to hear you have an army of both surrounding you. We will continue to fight from this side! As always, my prayers and support are with you and this family!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 9:14 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Dear Laurie and Leroy,
You are an amazing couple - I just admire you both so much. You are fortunate to have one another and we are all fortunate to know you both in the small ways we do.

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 9:15 AM ET | 02-15-2008

As I always tell my patients, we are all in this together! Cancer is a team sport and I am so very pleased you and Leroy have such a huge booster club to lift both of your spirits and ease the burden. Much love to you both this cold Friday in upstate NY.

Sent by Karen | 9:21 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Well said Laurie. God bless you and Leroy.

Judy

Sent by Judy Voller | 9:24 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Hi Laurie and Leroy,

Friends often find it hard to deal or be around when a friend has cancer. It is good they are solid and capable of being there for Leroy and yes you as well. The thing about friends is, they are usually there, close or near when the chips are down.

Continue to take care of yourself, while the nurses and doctors are taking care of him. Thank you again for the updates on both of you.

Sent by Sue Chap | 9:24 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie...how eloquently you are able to express yourself.

The dynamic duo...you are both amazing.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 9:31 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Amen to that, Laurie. None of us know the limits of our own strength in times of crisis, and thanks to our friends and family, that limit need not be tested.

Sent by Sharon | 9:37 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Have a peaceful, restful weekend - and let all the friends lift you as well, Laurie! I'll be lifting you both up in prayer all weekend. Thanks so very much for continuing the updates!
Faith, Family, Friends.......cancer can't touch any of those!

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 9:38 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie-

Friends are a wonderful way to give you a break. I know how hard it is for loved ones to watch with very little to do but "support," which is huge!

Leroy is so fortunate to have you in his life. I continue to pray for his strength to carry him through.

Sent by Kathy Bero | 9:46 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie,
The blog takes a break over the weekend, but for both of you the fight continues 24/7. Fight the fight knowing you are not alone.

Sent by Linda | 9:58 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Take care of yourself, too. Caregivers need TLC, too. I hope things continue to improve day by day.

Sent by marilyn tanaka | 9:58 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Just last night I wept at the thought of all my friends and all they mean to us, especially now that we have gotten some bad oncology news and are preparing to fire the big guns again.

Love and prayers are a big help to all of us. You all hang in there!

Ruth
http://ruthsmusings.blogspot.com

Sent by Ruth from Virginia | 10:07 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Im glad you have a circle of true friends there to help with all ...We are you're circle of friends and are there for both of you in spirit and mind even if we are not there in person ...Keep strong and our prayers are there for you and Leroy...

Sent by Luisa | 10:07 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie,
How wonderful that Leroy has you and all of his friends. I am 67 years old and have known my best friend since first grade. I don't know how you get through life without friends. I am sure Leroy has all of these wonderful friends because he has been a terrific friend to them over the years.
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 10:07 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Cancer is a great teacher, not only about oneself but also about ones friends , lovers and family. Early in my illness I was tempted to divide people into those who really loved me and those who didn't based on their attentiveness. Now I've matured into something like 'all of my friends love me' but some can deal directly with cancer others cannot. I'm glad that Leroy and you are richly blessed with many of the former! Peace on us.

Sent by Kathleen | 10:16 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Oh yes Laurie there are many things that Cancer cannot touch, the love of family and friends is one...just know of the love and prayers surrounding all of you

Sent by Leslie | 10:21 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Family is great, however we have no choice in the matter. Friends are the family that we choose.

Sent by Jen in NOLA | 10:23 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Thank you Laurie for the update. It is good that Leroy now feels well enough to have friends visit to help further lift his spirits. Don't ever underestimate your value, your contributions or the strength and steadfastness that you bring to Leroy's healing process.

I always liked to have friends about during the difficult times but I never forgot who would be there for me regardless of my circumstances, my wife and caregiver.

In my opinion, caregivers rarely get the credit that is due. The patient is the focus as it should be BUT always take a moment to ask the caregiver "How are you doing" "Is there anything I can do to help you". Remember that the caregivers are on the front-line, all day, every day!

Leroy is blessed to have you by his side.

Prayers and blessings for you both.

Sent by Al Cato | 10:32 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Love to you both from a stranger in Houston.

Sent by Carole | 10:34 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Just encountered an old friend I hadn't heard from in a long time, reinforcing how uplifting friends can be. Keep up, and keep on. As a cancer battler and sports fan, I laugh about the committee circus on performance-enhancers and sports compared to what Leroy and many in this community have gone through.

There is something about the common experience that old friends share, and the bond shared by the citizens of 'Cancer World' that cuts through the noise of today's news that may not be so important in two weeks, or two years.

Hang in, and hug those friends.

Sent by Jack Burrington | 10:37 AM ET | 02-15-2008

You and Leroy are most welcome. It is our great pleasure to support, laugh and pray for and with you. We are only returning the favor!

Sent by Kim from Columbia | 10:38 AM ET | 02-15-2008

For me, having friends come by to visit the two time I was in the hospital (for a week each time) was a sanity saver. It is easy to get crazy spending day after day in a hospital bed, no matter how bad you are feeling and how much you're aware you need to be there. I don't know about Leroy, but I couldn't really read much of anything when I was on pain meds and what's on TV gets old really quick. Having a friend come by just to chat made my day--and helped give my family a needed break too.

I'm glad Leroy has lots of friends helping to make his day too.

Sent by N.R. | 10:42 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie - I love that you have taken helm of the blog as Leroy rests, as your writer's voice is so strong and it lets us all understand just how much strength Leroy derives from you. You are so right in reminding us that friendship and love are immune to cancer. What an empowering message. Have a wonderful, strong, day full of love and positivity and tell Leroy we are cheering his name!

Sent by liz h | 10:44 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Friends are a great help in times of need, I've found that the support I have has kept me sane, whilst fighting cancer.

I too created a blog to share my experiences and to say thanks to everyone thats helped along the way. www.pinkribbonandme.co.uk

Sent by Susan | 11:04 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie and Leroy,
I've heard that Friends are the Family you choose for yourself. FOL (Friends of Leroy) are pulling for you both.

Sent by Sandy Fisher | 11:12 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Leroy:
Namaste to you, to Laurie, and to all who care.
Love, Don

Sent by don winslow | 11:16 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie, thank you again for the update. It means so much to us to get them.

They say that it takes a village to raise a child, I would argue we all need the village to be there to support us in our time of need.

Hugs and love from all of us to the two of you.

Sent by Marie | 11:19 AM ET | 02-15-2008

We are rooting for Leroy each morning, each evening to get through this crisis--and be strong. Our global warming means we want to give Leroy more heat to fight that awful enemy. Our prayers to you, Lori, and Leroy. You are both the epitome of courage.

Sent by Judith A. Hoffberg | 11:21 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie,
I'm a cancer survivor, but my trials were nothing compared to those of my wife. In addition to caring for me she is in law school, we have two young boys, and all the stuff that happens in life. You are a trouper, Laurie, and I know that Leroy loves you and is grateful to you for all you do.

Sent by Harry Jones | 11:32 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie,

You write "I try to do what I can by being there". Laurie you can't begin to realize the importance of being there is to the person struggling with surgeries, etc. To have someone you love need you and comforting you means so much, even if we don't express it at the moment. Bless you, Laurie, for "being there". Of course, friends are wonderful support too. Leroy is so fortunate to have the support of so many that are dear to him. I'm so happy things look better for him. He is quite the fighter even when emotionally he is down. It gives us all hope and a challenge not to give up. Bless you both and thank you for keeping us informed.

Jackie

Sent by Jackie | 11:40 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Dear Leroy and Laurie,
I hope the two of you have a wonderful weekend. Spring is coming, rejuvenation. I see that you share Leroy's gift with words. You are both in my thoughts and prayers continually. Heave, ho.

Sent by Laura | 11:43 AM ET | 02-15-2008

this post brought a tear to my eye. you said it so well. love and prayers to you both. allison

Sent by allison | 11:54 AM ET | 02-15-2008

Amen Laurie!
Please count one more vertual hug from me, to you and Leroy to warm your spirit and heart. I look forward to hearing Leroy's vertual voice again soon.

Sent by Terri Dilts | 12:02 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Bless your heart Laurie. I know is difficult, but remember to take care of yourself.

Sent by grace | 12:59 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Dear, dear Laurie: You are one special gift from God, what a blessing you be. It is obvious to all that you have a warm love for Leroy, he is so blessed to have you as a friend. Dear lady, you need to take some time for yourself. Go off someplace, have a latte, snuggle up to a good book, and just relax. Let somebody else step in for a while. You are special.

Sent by Robert Sheehan | 1:35 PM ET | 02-15-2008

I didn't have use of a computer for two weeks, but Leroy was never far from my thoughts and always in my prayers. I'm thrilled beyond words that Leroy is doing better and he has you by his side.
Love & Hugs to both of you!

Ivette

Sent by Ivette Anzelone | 1:42 PM ET | 02-15-2008

You're so right, Laurie -- friends make all the difference. And it's ok to lean on them now -- they're there because they want to be, because they want to lift Leroy's spirits, and body, if need be. That's because of who you and Leroy are. You've been that kind of friend to them -- or you would have if they needed you. So cherish that love and care, but know that, "gosh darn it", you both deserve it!

Sent by Victoria Ferreira | 1:45 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie, It takes great effort to sit and watch. You are so important to him, so just having you there means so much. It takes much from you as well; these long stays in Hospital are no fun for anyone. Everything hurts, just lying there hurts! It hurts less because You and his Friends care so very much. I am so glad to be a small part of his fight. It gives me strength. Sorry you both had to spend your Valentine's Day like this. The next will be better. Thoughts and Prayers, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 2:08 PM ET | 02-15-2008

May the weekend bring peace and healing to all.

Thank you, Laurie for the continuing of the news. We all appreciate it.

Sent by Lucy Groh | 2:15 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Very true. When my mom was in the hospital, visits from friends and family made all the difference.

Having a good social network has been proven to important in recovery.

Sent by Scott S. | 2:28 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie, sometimes the simple gift of presence is the most meaningful gift you or anyone can give. You certainly have been a faithful and loving presence to Leroy, and now to the members of this blog. I hope now that local friends are able to rally around you both tht you will take some time to "care for the caregiver". Blessings on you both.

Sent by Janet from NC | 2:29 PM ET | 02-15-2008

I don't know Leroy, except what I saw on TV. I am Stage IV breast cancer & everyday the first thing I do is get my "lift" from Leroy's blog. I hope all of our thoughts and prayers give Leroy the lift he needs.
Get well my friend. Cathy

Sent by Cathy G | 2:30 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Sending prayers and healing thoughts your way! God Bless You Both!
Lori in California

Sent by Lori | 2:40 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Angels like you and Leroy's friend are given to us by God. It is no accident that you and others are in his life. I read each day and from afar pray for Leroy. One lady from Waxhaw, N C is here for you.

Sent by Donna Hearne | 2:48 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Friends and Family is one of life's greatest treasures. Hope you and Leroy and all the rest of the extended blog family have a wonderful and painfree weekend. Hugs to all of you.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 3:32 PM ET | 02-15-2008

My family and friends have just finished 6 long weeks of keeping me going after my 3rd lung cancer surgery.

After the 4th week I thought I should be able to handle things again. I fell and narrowly avoided major injury. My friend called our niece and she took over knowing I was still fragile in every sense. They took charge when I hesitated to ask for help. They are the very best! I'm miles ahead of where I was 2 weeks ago because they saw the need and reacted immediately.

God Bless all family and friends who give us their love and care to strengthen our bodies and our spirits.

My prayers continue for you, Leroy and Laurie and everyone else on this blog.

Sent by Sara (MD) | 3:51 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Here's hoping you have a good, restful weekend. I'm glad Leroy's friends are coming by. Good news all around!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:09 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Friends...one of my closest was buried today. She succumbed to her cancer Monday. I am a two-time cancer survivor and realize how important friends and "support" people are---she was for me, as I was for her. However, one person cannot provide all that is needed to fight the good fight. I am sad today, but also glad that she is now freed from all the earthly burdens, physically and mentally, caused by this disease. She had breast cancer, then brain cancer and the final blow spinal cord cancer which effected her nervous system. She wrote an email towards the end stating.."the disease can take my breast, my brain and any body part from me, but it can't take my soul -- THAT belongs to God". What a tower of strength she was as is Leroy. Rest easy Laurie, we all need to re-group from the "new normal" our lives have become. Like in the movie Ice Age .. what a strange herd we are, but we do get comfort just from hanging together on this webpage. Take care xxoo

Sent by Jo Ann Baswell | 4:13 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Prayers to you and Leroy.........God bless.

Sent by Sasha | 4:55 PM ET | 02-15-2008

You put it all so beautifully, Laurie. We, who have such friends, are truly blessed. May the weekend be a peaceful one, full of good stuff for you both.

Sent by Barbara Langan | 4:56 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Pondering 'My Cancer', while raking fallen redwoods, I celebrate the wise and loving voices in this artful communication. We have become, thanks to the plucky vision of Leroy and Laurie. 'My Cancer' is a positive use of technology, inviting us to write ourselves out of isolation. Namaste

Sent by Joan S. | 5:18 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Seems like friends like this are truly angels without wings. So glad to hear about their support for Leroy. Someone once said: "A true friend reaches for your hand and touches your heart". So true and thank you Laurie for the updates.

Sent by Rich | 5:20 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie, Leroy is so fortunate to have you. And you are so right, good friends can help so much and are very precious. As a care giver I know how long the days can become while sitting with a loved one in a hospital. I hope not only Leroy but you can draw some strength from them.

Today is a very beautiful sunny cool day here in Oregon. The sun shine seems like a friend on a day of bad scan results. I hope you have sun shine where you are at.

Laurie I am sending a big hug your way and give Leroy a big hug from all. Have a good weekend and thank you so much for the precious updates.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 5:50 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie,

"Just" being there is the greatest gift you can possibly give. Being present allows for the joy and wonder of being fully alive...and to share in each other's company. I'm glad you are surrounded by friends and even moreso that you share your journey with all of us. We are fortunate to have you in our lives.

Sent by Suzanne Lindley | 6:27 PM ET | 02-15-2008

I haven't checked here in a while. But immediately I find a new voice here, and realize that Leroy is fortunate to have you in his life.

Best wishes to you both!

Sent by Dave U. | 6:54 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Thanks again Laurie for taking the time to update us on Leroy. Sending warm wishes your way...

See you on Monday....

Sent by Faun | 7:14 PM ET | 02-15-2008

You are right. Cancer can't get to everything. Frequently, it makes other areas of our life even stronger.

Sent by Lisa | 7:25 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Each night I fall asleep saying my Hail Mary's for all my family and friends. Leroy and Laurie you are both among them. You have given us a gift, an insight to bravery and strength with a sprinkle of humor. Have a restful weekend. Love to you both. Antoinette Comprelli

Sent by Antoinette Comprelli | 7:58 PM ET | 02-15-2008

This says it all:
What Cancer cannot Do---

Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple Love
It cannot shatter Hope
It cannot corrode Faith
It cannot kill Friendship
It cannot suppress Memories
It cannot silence Courage
It cannot invade the Soul
It cannot steal eternal Life
It cannot conquer the Spirit

Author unknown

This seems to be written not only for my husband, but for Leroy also. Cancer was never able to steal Leon's Courage, his Spirit, or his Faith. Now it cannot touch my Memories of him and our 37 years of marriage.
Jane

Sent by Jane | 8:01 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Laurie, enjoy the comfort of friends near and far away...take a break and look back at this week with a smile at how far Leroy has come. Thank you for your eloquence and your caring messages for those who wish you the best from afar. God bless you and Leroy

Sent by Lou Loggi | 8:16 PM ET | 02-15-2008

You're so right, Laurie. Cancer can sometimes rule the body, but it can't touch love. So glad to hear that friends are near and helping.

Sent by Laura | 8:35 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Hi Laurie,

Thank you so much for keeping us posted on Leroy's condition. I am keeping you both in my prayers as always. I check the blog every evening before bed to see how Leroy is doing. I have been doing this ever since the Ted Koppel special. Leroy has been such an inspiration to so many and has become such an important part of so many lives of us folks that have not even met him. Thank you both for all that you have done. Stay strong, we will keep the prayers coming. God bless you both.

Karen

Sent by Karen | 11:58 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Oh Laurie, as others have already mentioned, you write beautifully!

Fear not Leroy, we still want to hear from you as soon as you are ready to hit the keyboard again.

I send you both a smile and am so glad you???re feeling better.

I hope your visitors will remember that short visits are sometimes the best -- and less likely to drain you of newfound energy.

Rhonda H

Sent by Rhonda H | 1:10 AM ET | 02-16-2008

Laurie,
It sounds like you are doing an amazing job "being there." I just wanted someone to sit or lay next to me when I was too tired and sick to move (from chemo). Take care of yourself and lean on your friends too. We all need our friends to lift us up. The one silver lining in cancer is that we get to see the best in friends, family and even neighbors. You will both be in my prayers. Wishing Leroy Healing and Peace.

Sent by Jennifer in CA | 1:52 AM ET | 02-16-2008

Laurie and especially Leroy as I sit here reading, it is snowing in southern New Mexico the desert state, amazing that such miracles occur, just as the snow is falling here, it is making many
people here very happy, just like all those friends that are now so embraced by SuperLeroy, feelings of joy just to know that he is up and slowly regaining his strength. I will continue to keep praying for you both, asking the good lord to watch over both of you. Have a good weekend and give SuperLeroy a hug (small) from me I am glad he is doing better. Lourdes

Sent by Lourdes MendezRodrguezRN | 1:54 AM ET | 02-16-2008

Time to check in from China where I have been following along daily along with the army of friends. We just finished Spring Festival, the odd name the Chinese give to the Lunar New Year; my year, the year of the rat. The rat and the year send you the wishes that flow to you both from love and support.

Sent by peter | 3:06 AM ET | 02-16-2008

I have now lived long enough and have watched and stood by as my friends have passed away leaving large empty spaces in my heart. I treasure the few who remain. We hang onto each other.
You can make new friends as you age but the ones you have shared so many memories with are the ones you cannot possibly duplicate. They are rare and getting rarer. I feel that it is nearing my time to leave 'cause I do not want to be left in this world without them. This is the difficult part. As was said in "Spoon River Anthology", Life is like a poker game, you must know when to pick up your chips, leave the table, and go home"
Laurie and Leroy, you are both young yet, and have been dealt a bad hand. Cling to each other and your friends, but do not leave the table!

Sent by J C R | 7:41 AM ET | 02-16-2008

Laurie, both you and Leroy are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sent by John Watson | 8:51 AM ET | 02-16-2008

Leroy and Laurie,
It is so true, friends are the people who hold you up when the walls feel like they are coming down. I'm glad you have such good folks surrounding you.
Have a nice weekend.

Sent by Kathleen, NJ | 9:39 AM ET | 02-16-2008

Friends are the best! My husband has friends at work that have been incredible to us and my friends are there also for financial and emotional suport. Thanks for your updateds Laurie you are quite the writer and Leroy must be very proud of you. THank you for all our friends on this blog also. Happpy weekend.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 9:48 AM ET | 02-16-2008

Though it is sometimes hard to accept the support of the friends, without that friendship network of love and support during my breast cancer battle I don't know how my family and I would have made it! God Bless the many friends - local and internet - who help us through the dark days.

Sent by Kerry , Glendale, AZ ... 2 year breast cancer survivor | 10:59 AM ET | 02-16-2008

Dear Laurie,

I hope you allowed yourself some time for laughter, relaxation, and renewal of spirit.

Leroy, we miss you, but are so pleased with your progress.

You are both in our hopes and prayers.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 11:37 AM ET | 02-16-2008

Whate a sweet thing to say Laurie~~Yes, I think we are Leroy's extended family~~It's wonderful that you are sharing his progress with us~~we love him and he is someone very special. I dont always say what I am thinking, sometimes silence is just as powerful. My thoughts today~~Leroy will beat this awful disease, I just know it. Please give him our love Laurie. Thank you,

Warm hugs
Robin
CT.

Sent by Robin Turman | 1:03 PM ET | 02-16-2008

Laurie, thank you so much for keeping us all updated regarding our hero, Leroy. I really believe that God cares for us through others. Friends are an absolute must as we travel along this path.

While this is about Leroy, and not about me, I want you to know what an inspiration he is. I too have bone mets in my spine. So far we have kept them in check with chemo and radiation. Leroy's situation gives me hope that there are more options when those quit working. I have three sons still at home, so every bit of time is precious.

You and Leroy continue in my thoughts and prayers.

Sent by Anne Hart | 1:08 PM ET | 02-16-2008

Hi Laurie,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to post to the log, so we can all stay connected with Leroy. It means a lot to those of us "from a distance". Of course our prayers are with you too, as well as with Leroy. Many of us know the strength it takes for the partners/care takers to get through each day. Leroy is lucky to have you, and so are we.

Shalom,
Jon

Sent by Jon Manchester | 8:49 AM ET | 02-17-2008