YAY, LEROY- NICE WORK, ACING THE GOALS IN REHAB! WELCOME HOME-ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!
LSF IN CT

Sent by lsfisher | 7:40 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Wow-going home! What wonderful news! You have come such a long way so quickly considering all that you have had to endure over the past months. Your news has brought a ray of sunshine into this dreary winter day! Prayers continue.

Sent by Jen | 7:42 AM ET | 02-29-2008

The best news to start the day! That is so awesome! Enjoy your victory and have a GREAT weekend! My prayers are with you as always!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 7:44 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Leroy,
I've asked myself that question many times, especially lately, seeing my mother gravely ill. I've decided to stop asking "how" and focus on "now". Now is your time to go home, finally. Now, is your time to be in a place where there are no wake-up calls for blood pressure, and now is the time to be proud that you are strong enough to leave the hospital.
Fantastic News.

Sent by Kathleen, NJ | 7:46 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Cancer is a tough way to learn that getting through one day at a time may have to be done one step at a time.

You may not be ready for touch football, but those of us who follow your journey are delighted that you are heading out in a real car to a real home with no more pre-dawn wake-up blood draws.

Have a restful week-end.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 7:47 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Oh Oh Leroy - You are going home! There is no place like home. I know you will relax and just enjoy the day - and sleeping in tomorrow!!! Congratulations on your hard work. Keep it going!

Sent by Jmoyer | 7:47 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Homeward bound!!!!! YAY!!!!

Now, THAT is some good news!!!!

Enjoy home AGAIN, I am sure you are so thrilled to sleep in your own bed again, sit on your fave chair to watch tv, etc.!

Stay strong and keep progressing you are doing GREAT my friend!

ENJOY and...

WELCOME HOME!!!!!

Sent by Cristina Gonzalez, Tampa, Florida | 7:47 AM ET | 02-29-2008

There's no place like it!

Sent by Liz L. | 7:53 AM ET | 02-29-2008

congrats for surviving "boot camp", Leroy...I know you will be so happy to be back home, in your own bed, with your loved one by your side. Can you stop on the way home for another cheese steak sandwich?

Sent by Karen | 7:56 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Great news, Leroy! Going home will be good for your spirits. But, you'll have to give permission to loved ones to push you around because you won't have those pesky PT's there to do it. And, you don't want to lose momentum. Hopefully, PT will be making some house calls to oversee your progress.

I know what you mean about the big questions. I look at photos of my family right before my late husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, just 3 yrs.ago. And, I have a few thoughts. One of them is these people have no idea what's about to happen to them. Another one is how did this happen? Why?

For me, these questions have no answers, which is so frustrating and unfair. Still, I cannot help pondering them.

All the best to you. Keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Sent by Marilyn | 7:59 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Its almost like "old age" has come over night. I know when I was in chemo i couldnt run, physically couldnt run, due to the drugs causing neuropathy, it was baffling to me, i couldnt wrap my brain around that. And now my arm thats missing some lymph nodes can't do all it used to do. I'm 38 and in menopause and dealing with all these weird symptoms that i hear my parents and their friends complaining about. I never thought i'd be able to relate to my mothers friends in quite this way. Its all an adjustment i suppose. Just think back to when you first got out of bed after surgery, so much improvement leroy, its happening! yea!

Sent by Jenn | 8:00 AM ET | 02-29-2008

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You're going home... I was re-reading the posts from yesterday and it occurred to me, before the set back and additional surgery you were not sleeping well because of the pain. Yesterday you were (happily) griping because they were waking you up @ 5:30. Hmmm, you were sleeping better trying to catch up...

Today YOU'RE GOING HOME!!!! Better food, better rest, your own home.... Way to go there Leroy.....

You ROCK!

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:07 AM ET | 02-29-2008

YEAH!!!!!! Don't care what happens the rest of the day - I'm just going to think, Leroy's going home!!!! and smile!
You'll be great, my friend.....and step by step you'll get your strength and your stride back! Have an absolutely wonderful weekend - just think, your own soft bed with no bp checks, good food, and those you love surrounding you in your own environment!!
Just soak it all up - it will help with the healing - try to not put too much time into the "bigger questions" - just know you'll deal with come what may - and enjoy the moments that are sweet!
HAVE AN ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL WEEKEND - still praying and cheering for you and Laurie!

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 8:08 AM ET | 02-29-2008

You're doing a "walk-er-thon"! Good work Leroy!!

Sent by Susan | 8:13 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Glad you are headed HOME!! Hopefully, the familiar surroundings, being able to sleep when you want and as long as you want plus having some good, comfort food will help you continue to heal. Don't be macho! Ask for help when you need it.

Many have prayed and are continuing to pray for your healing. Our prayers include Laurie because her task is difficult and tiring as well. The prayer chain is as strong as ever and unwavering. Have a great weekend.

Sent by Al Cato | 8:16 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Great news!!! Home is always better. Keep up with the practice. Sending you and Laurie good thoughts and lots of prayers.

Sent by anne lumberger | 8:18 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Hi Leroy,
The song that goes through my head is on Finding Nemo when Dori is singing "keep on swimming, keep on swimming - all you need to do is swim, swim" (something like that).
It was a tough road for Dori and Nemo's dad, but they found the way to little Nemo.

If you can keep on walking, you'll get there. Keep on walking, Leroy. Take care - thoughts continue to be with you.

Sent by JJG | 8:33 AM ET | 02-29-2008

WOOO HOOO!!!

This is such great news Leroy!!

"there is no place like home" :-))

Sent by Ron Bye (NH) | 8:33 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Congrats - another wonderful step in the right direction. Your hard work is paying off - you really are amazing.

Sent by Nichole in FL | 8:34 AM ET | 02-29-2008

I say don't ponder the question. There is no rhyme or reason to why or how bad things happen to good people, or bad people for that matter. I say ponder when you are going to take Laurie dancing....that sounds like an admirable goal to me. So glad you are going home,, happy happy day!

Sent by Theresa Lovin | 8:36 AM ET | 02-29-2008

YIPEEEE!!!! Leroy's going home!!!

Sent by Robin L. Fairfax VA | 8:38 AM ET | 02-29-2008

I am drinking champagne (spelling) for you tonight!

Sent by bettye | 8:39 AM ET | 02-29-2008

What great news that you are going home on your own two feet--even if helped by a walker. I hope you keep getting stronger daily until you don't need the walker anymore but,regardless, at least you are finally leaving the hospital. Hooray!

Sent by N.R. | 8:51 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Yeah!!! My Mom will be sooooo happy to hear that you're going home. Good for you. She's on vacation and away from her computer - she told me she needs a Leroy fix. This will make her day! Makes mine too :)

Sent by Amy Norelius | 9:02 AM ET | 02-29-2008

walk with your feet, run with your heart. just follow God.

Sent by sarah | 9:02 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Good Morning Leroy, Laurie and All,

Leroy, what wonderful news, you are going HOME! Now you will have a real reason to celebrate Leap Day, bring on the chocolate cupcakes! I'm sure you are going home with an instruction booklet as thick as the Charlotte telephone directory. Be sure to do your exercises every day. You don't want those muscles and tendons to contract and make it harder for you to get around.

Laurie, This is Sadie Hawkin's Day, you get to chase Leroy around! Have fun, you both deserve it!

To All, We have an extra day this year, let's fill it with dreams, plans and fun. We won't get this chance again for another 4 years. Leroy's progress is amazing and that is certainly a reason for celebration!
God Bless!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte, NC

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 9:06 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Going home. Yea!! Now you can sleep as late as you want.

Take care and God bless you Leroy.

Judy

Sent by Judy Voller | 9:09 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Dear Leroy. With all respect, naturally, perhaps "how this happened" is exactly what not to think about during a time of moving forward. I know for myself, having spent so much time and energy thinking punitive thoughts about causation, and pulling my hair out over the ideas of destiny, order, choice, and utterly random events. I've found that to achieve something close to peace, has been to let go that struggle. A zen guitarist who was diagnosed with cancer said that he never asked, "Why Me?" Instead he asked "Why not me?" I needed to know how and why for so long, and I feel literally freer for putting the question to rest and moving forward. Always forward. You are in my thoughts every day.
Ellen

Sent by Ellen in North Carolina | 9:21 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Keep using the walker. I know you'll get stronger each day. And watch out for pets under foot!

Sent by mt | 9:23 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Yea for Leroy,
After 4 weeks in hospital/rehab my mother was very relieved to be going home. She too hated those silly early morning meds & sleeps much better in her comfort zone by her own body clock.
Wishing you and Laurie a comforting weekend in your zone.

Sent by Marge from Texas | 9:25 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Great news! Yes, it is always scary to face what is next but you have always done that with courage and humor. Hopefully you will be more comfortable in your familiar space and continue to progress! Peace

Sent by Dona | 9:26 AM ET | 02-29-2008

AWESOME NEWS - one day and one step at a time!!!!!

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 9:32 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Congratulations Leroy! This is such good news. Enjoy your comfortable chair and I second the suggestion of picking up a cheese steak on the way home.

Sent by Merin | 9:36 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Wonderful news!

Sent by Sandy Lathe | 9:39 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Sounds like you brokered a pretty good deal.
You'll be sleeping in tomorrow. Nice work, should have complained sooner.

Sent by Beth Johnson | 9:48 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Leroy: Get an extra hour of sleep in the morning. Six am sounds so much better than 5 am. Glad you're going home.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 9:48 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Leroy, good job. Glad your going home. One day at a time!!

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 9:49 AM ET | 02-29-2008

So many comments to second, here! Great news, sleep well, have a cheese steak and/or a cupcake, maybe some champagne, think forward!

Leroy and Laurie -- you are our heros every day.

Sent by Sheara | 10:15 AM ET | 02-29-2008

That's progress! Keep moving forward, slow and steady. Remember where you were when you entered the hospital, and now you're heading home. Use the support of your family and friends. Best wishes.

Sent by Dave | 10:17 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Good luck man.

Sent by Colin R. Ferriman | 10:18 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Leroy,
Going home is the best measure of your steady progress. Congratulations on the result of your hard work. Sleeping in may be even sweeter since you've earned it.
I hope you can feel us out here celebrating this good news. All good thoughts to you and Laurie.

Sent by Gene Koeneman | 10:24 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Dang, that was fast! Enjoy sleeping in but you better make up those extra hours with the walker, exercising your butt off.

Sent by Greg (Honolulu) | 10:25 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Dear Leroy,So happy they're springing you out of there! I'm an ICU nurse and I've been inspired by your writing for a long,long time. What I've learned is that the "why" isn't something to dwell
on. Sure, there's the scientific/medical explanations, but beyond that, don't struggle with why.
Just grab hold of life and love!

Sent by Evie | 10:41 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Dear Leroy,

This happened because it's life. All of it, the good, the bad, the ugly. Just life. And you are still full of life. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and told I would have to have double mastectomies, I found it highly ironic. I had been to the plastic surgeon who ultimately did my reconstructive work, several years earlier to discuss a breast reduction. Guess life answered me in a BIG way!

Just take it one step at a time. That's all anyone of us can do.

Enjoy sleeping in your own bed!

Best,
Mo

Sent by Mo Spikes | 10:44 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Great news, Leroy. Congratulations.

Sent by Matt | 10:51 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Good news for your and Laurie! There is no place like home after a long (or short) hospital stay! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Oh, the joy of sleeping in your bed!
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 10:53 AM ET | 02-29-2008

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY...:)...Big Grin.....You have taken another step up that ladder to get to the top....Congrats to you and a big hug to Laurie for all of her updates. Sleep in tomorrow big guy and get all the rest you want.....YOU DESERVE IT...You and Laurie have a great weekend.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 11:06 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Leroy, Leap Day! And you are making a leap to home. Appropriate, don't you think?? I am so happy for you both. The walker, the contraption we associate with old folks. Have we become old folks while we weren't paying attention? Anyway, glad you are headed home. There is no place like it. Your favorite chair may be more comfortable, certainly for the first few days. My best to Laurie, a very happy day indeed. Thoughts and Prayers, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 11:06 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Woohoo!!! Great news. You'll get to sleep in!

Sent by Janet | 11:11 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Wooo Hoooo! I'm sure it is scary but it's always nice to go home! I'm so proud of you for being so honest and working so hard at things that used to work without a thought.

Sent by Jennifer in CA | 11:15 AM ET | 02-29-2008

WHEEE! I needed some good news today. This is great news! It's so much better to recover at home. I'm so happy for you and Laurie.

Sent by Karole Ives, Duluth MN | 11:51 AM ET | 02-29-2008

Be home now! I've been through lots of cancer treatment, no PT - you left me laughing on the floor, picturing you in the fake car and bathroom. I wish you laughter over this whole perplexing experience we call 'living'. We reinvent ourselves with each day, our bodies and abilities shift, as our wills place us right back here. I'm one more voice for freeing ourselves from how & why.

Welcome home to Leroy and Laurie.

Sent by Joan S. | 12:11 PM ET | 02-29-2008

As Paul Simon said:

"Home, where my thoughts escaping
Home, where my musics playing
Home, where my love lies waiting
Silently for me."

Who would have thought such a simple word could sound so beautiful?

We're all glad you're going home and know that you'll really miss those 5:30am BP checks and your visits with the physical terrorists!

Take care, take it easy, and take time to enjoy it!

Sent by Joyce in FL | 12:12 PM ET | 02-29-2008

So glad you are going home. Nothing beats your own house and your own schedule.

However, don't be so quick to jump out of that wheelchair. It really can be a friend in saving energy for what is really important to you. Stay strong enough to walk when you need to, use the chair to save energy.

This is from my own experience . . . and some fall and not having enough energy left over for the big things.

Sent by Kate Murphy | 12:13 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Dear Leroy and Laurie,

Great news. You're always in my prayers.

Sent by Connie | 12:27 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Love thy walker.

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 12:27 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Such wonderful news.
"ours not to reason why". There is always a sense of security being in the hospital, but comforting to come home to our "own" surroundings.
You are a real inspiration Leroy.
Have a happy weekend....and Laurie too.
Prayers and Love and May the Grace of God be with you.

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 12:27 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Going home is good, welcome home Leroy.

Sent by claire | 12:37 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Congrats, Leroy! Now you'll get to sleep past 5:30! And in your own bed with your own pillows. And the weekend ahead. Enjoy!

Sent by Victoria Ferreira | 12:38 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Bravo! So happy you are going home. Prayers to all.

Sent by Sasha | 12:51 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Unbelieveable Leroy! I am so very happy for you. How hard you must have worked to have progressed so rapidly. While I reallize that you must keep up the exercises at home, give yourself a little break and don't over-do.
How nice that you will be all ready soon to welcome Spring after a long, hard, Winter! You are on your way back to NORMAL and that is wonderful!

Sent by J C R | 1:01 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Jenn,
That expression, 'Bloom where you are planted' is so true. The values, wisdom, compassion you have gained from this experience is way beyond what my own was at 38. You are one of the Teachers on this blog. And I am listening to you...for you. Blessings to a beautiful woman,
Cathi

Sent by Cathi | 1:26 PM ET | 02-29-2008

You are such a trooper Leroy. I'm so very happy for you about you're going home. Go get em my friend. As for your feet not working like they used to. Hell man, as we get older none of ours do. It's nature taking her course, just don't give up, don't ever give up.

Sent by Robert Sheehan | 1:27 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Jenn,
Your the one coaxing Baby out of the corner. You've got a Braver Heart than Mel Gibson.
Cathi

Sent by Cathi | 1:34 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Yippi!!! Now this is where you will begin to feel better. Home is exactly what you need to continue your journey to heal. And...if I was your neighbor, Id make you a big bowl of my grandmothers home made soup. It cures whatever ale's ya ; )

Sending you lottsa warm hugs Leroy.

Sent by Robin | 1:34 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Dear Leroy, I've been following your posts but had some issues of my own that precluded a response. But now I'm better and absolutely delighted at your recovery. I hope you have your favorite food in your old comfortable surroundings. As I just said to a dear friend who was recently diagnosed with breat cancer, "Honey, you have carte blanche--anything you want, it's yours!" Although her husband did roll his eyes. So, the same goes for you, Leroy, carte blanche! Salee

Sent by sajenkins | 1:38 PM ET | 02-29-2008

leroy
This is the first time I have responded. You are doing Great!!
Keep up the good work.

Sent by ray | 1:54 PM ET | 02-29-2008

'What happened' is often an unanswerable question. But ask it anyway and remember this: We are with you!

Sent by Carolyn | 1:58 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Whoo-hoo! Leroy, you remind me of the enerizer bunny. Hope it feels good to be in familiar surroundings again.

LindaK

Sent by LindaK | 2:02 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Yea!!! Happy, happy, joy, joy. You go Leroy!!

There's no place like home.

Hugs,

Lisa Majors

Sent by Lisa Majors | 2:10 PM ET | 02-29-2008

I'm rooting for you Leroy, of course, but what makes me read this blog each day is that you are a really good writer. Not just a good writer about cancer but a good writer PERIOD.

Sent by Carol | 2:46 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Hooray, hooray! You get to go home! I am so happy for you and the great progress you are making! You keep up the good work at home now.
Have a wonderful weeekend,
Barbara

Sent by Barbara Langan | 2:56 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Dear Leroy !
What two words evoke such feelings? You have worked sooo hard to get there---just enjoy the many feelings you will have and know we are applauding EVERY step you carefully take, all the sunshine from your own windows, and the smell of your own pillow. Have a good week end. Take care . xox dee

Sent by dee | 2:57 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Congrats Leroy! You have worked so hard. Enjoy this great accomplishment. We all love you, and we are so happy about each good moment you share with us.

Prayers and good wishes,

Mary Beth

Sent by Mary Beth Monterosso | 3:04 PM ET | 02-29-2008

So many of us are so happy for you, Leroy. Feel the love surrounding, supporting and embracing you. Friday's are favorite days to some of us. This one especially. To you & Laurie, we wish the best. Happy Friday!

Sent by sheron - denver | 3:30 PM ET | 02-29-2008

"Why" is a frequent question in everybody's life, cancer or not. And, we usually never get the answer. More important is to push ahead. And you, more than anyone I know, are doing that.
To know you are going home makes my weekend!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 3:58 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Hooray Hooray! Good for you ! Good luck to you and to Laurie for a warm and peaceful weekend.

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 4:11 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Welcome home.

Sent by Carrie | 4:39 PM ET | 02-29-2008

"May you have warm words on a cool evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door."
-Irish toast

With great joy and happiest wishes to you and your beloved Laurie upon the occasion of your homecoming,

Kim Forester

Sent by Kim Forester | 4:50 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Hooray! Here's to your legs getting stronger everyday!
Love,
Elena & Aziz

Sent by elena | 6:20 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Leroy,

I've seen a picture of you in your workroom. It's a heel of a lot prettier than a hospital! Surroundings are more important than we might think. Congratulations.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 6:47 PM ET | 02-29-2008

God bless..going home!! I am so very happy for you Leroy.First time in a long while, that I havn't bawled my eyes out.

Sent by Peter in Colorado | 7:15 PM ET | 02-29-2008

I am so thrilled to hear you are going home. Prayers have been flowing your way and glad to see them answered. Walk carefully and cheerfully!!

Sent by Marian | 7:21 PM ET | 02-29-2008

So glad to hear you two are getting to go HOME.
Jane

Sent by Jane from AR | 8:08 PM ET | 02-29-2008

This is beautiful, beautiful news. Have a wonderful night tonight at home and tomorrow -- sleep in!

Sent by Janice J. , Los Angeles | 8:34 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Applauding the joyous news, Leroy...and you too Laurie. Have a restful weekend...spring is right around the corner!

Hugs...

Sent by Faun | 9:05 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Great news, Leroy.

"Home" is a wonderful word, is it not?

Carl Wilton
"A Pastor's Cancer Diary"
http://www.cewilton.blogspot.com

Sent by Carl | 10:07 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Leroy, I just got a referral to PT from my surgeon today. My shoulder area and arm now have limited function after my neck dissection. I have been wondering how this happened, also. Damaged nerves? Often times they do, eventually, repair themselves.
So happy to hear that you and Laurie get to head home!!!We are all so proud of you and all the progress you made in such a short time!

Sent by NancyGM | 10:18 PM ET | 02-29-2008

no answer to HOW DID THIS HAPPEN - but you make the best of it and put one foot in front of the other and go. so so glad that you are going home - that is always a good place to be! take care and g-d bless you.
love, jan

Sent by janice goldberg white | 11:33 PM ET | 02-29-2008

Thank you so very much for this blog.

Sent by Simone | 2:10 AM ET | 03-01-2008

Dear Larry,

I have been following your story from the beginning--though have never posted a note before. I cannot explain how happy it makes me feelthat you are going home, doing better. I am sure there are many like me who are pulling for you and really care about you, each in our own quiet way ! Joyfulness to you and all of us who care about you!

Sent by Jeanne Fleming | 11:29 AM ET | 03-01-2008

Yeah Leroy!!
BTW, I am NOT a morning person either so I can empathize with you on that. Luckily my son is a night owl like me and my husband and daughter are "early birds". So there is a healthy division of labor and respect for all types in our house.
-Enjoy sleeping in!

Elizabeth

Sent by Elizabeth | 4:28 PM ET | 03-01-2008

May your homecoming be sweet for the both of you. Following your news from California this week instead of Virginia, and so thankful for your excellent progress and spirit.

Sent by Sarah | 5:29 PM ET | 03-01-2008

Hi Leroy,

Kim Forester's words to you are beautiful. So, other than that, welcome home, for you and Laurie, I think Ms. Forester sums it up for me.

(Also hoping you get some much-needed, uninterrupted sleep. Laurie too.)

Heartlight,

Kim & Virgie

Sent by Kim & Virgie | 7:22 PM ET | 03-01-2008

Glad to hear you're going home. Amazed at your fight. Our son, Andrew, was discharged on Friday. He now has six tumors in his brain, lost hearing in his right ear, affecting his balance, and the matching of both sides of his face. What next - seizures, I suppose. He is supposed to start radiation to freeze the tumors in his brain. Why is all this happening to you and to our 35-year old son? I wish our Andrew had someone like Laurie. What a gift she is to you, Leroy. You two are in my thoughts and prayers as are others who are suffering with this terrible cancer. Take care and be warmed by all those good wishes to you two on this difficult journey.

Sent by Maureen | 8:28 PM ET | 03-01-2008

Leroy,

I have been reading your posts every since the TV special. I am so glad that you are going home.. It is true that there is no place like home. My prayers are with you and thank you for taking the time to continue writing. You have no idea how much you have helped all of us.

Karen

Sent by Karen Thomas | 9:25 PM ET | 03-01-2008

Hope you slept in! :)

Seriously, glad to hear that you went home.

Sent by Marie | 9:55 PM ET | 03-01-2008

Hi L-I just wanted to tell you how much you inspire me personally and professionally. I am a physical therapist and specialize in working with folks just like you who are in the fight for their lives staying several steps ahead of cancer. My sister is my hero-she is my office manager and daily wins the fight against the cancer that has been trying to take her from us for over 6 years now. I have been horrified over the last several years of how awful our medical system is for you, my sister and those who are in your special club. I think we in the medical profession are desperately trying to give you the best we have but at the end of the day we are still giving our best guess and still have so very far to go. It has been an eye opening experience for me and hopefully is helping me to be a better provider to those who choose to use me for their care.

I am thrilled that you are home and overjoyed to hear that you are gaining strength that is felt to be good enough to gain your freedom. My other physical therapy colleagues would not give you their blessing if they felt you were unsafe-so be of good cheer. I would however, caution you to remember that it takes 4 days to regain the bone and muscle you loose for every day you spend in bed. I also tell patients that each muscle has a specific amount of fuel or energy it will give you. If you don't use your wheelchair to help you get up and about and instead use your walker you can EASILY burn through those precious energy tokens you have built up. So be careful and choose wisely how you want to spend your precious energy. Don't see the wheelchair as a sign of weakness but rather as an energy conservation tool like a car to get you to the places you want to go and then spend your precious energy tokens on stuff that really matters.

Keep going-thanks for the inspiration-your story has helped me immensely! All my best, L

Sent by Loraine Lovejoy-Evans | 12:00 AM ET | 03-02-2008

Hello,
I'm so glad you are well enough to go home! Hurray!
My friend and colleague JoEllen brought her husband home last week, but he is not well-- can't eat anything at all, even with the feeding tube. JoEllen is not cooking, just eating cold foods until he can join her in a meal. . .
I agree with you, that this disease is not fair! It's cruel.
But I am so grateful for your good news!
Best wishes to all,
Judith

Sent by Judith Newkirk | 12:51 AM ET | 03-02-2008

great news, i'm glad you are home. I just landed back in the hospital with a high fever. this cancer stuff really sucks.

Sent by Jill | 3:33 PM ET | 03-02-2008

Congratulations on going home!

Sent by ehertzfeld | 8:39 PM ET | 03-02-2008

Sebelius wrote a soaring weeping paean to Going Home as a movement in his New World Symphony. The music says how sweet it is to go home. You are blessed to have a home. Enjoy.

Sent by Harriett Dunn | 1:05 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Hola Leroy-
I admit to not following your blog for some time, I think maybe because I needed a break from all the cancer stuff in my own life. With some trepidation I looked you up again this evening, only to find I am able to share, with so many others, in your return home. congratulations to you on the many corageous steps it took to get back, no matter if they were with a walker!

Sent by Mindy Cardenas | 10:20 PM ET | 03-04-2008

hey leroy, I am so sorry that your life has so much change and physical suffering. Which you so bravely bypass in print.. I think you are so corageous. And, I have not had the courage to delve into the trauma members of my family had experienced with their cancers. I come from a family of stoics who chose silance.

I find it difficult to be a stoic......I want to express and you have helped me do that. adios patti

Sent by patti lincoln | 11:41 PM ET | 03-13-2008