... a little piece of what you used to call normal...

is there anything better?

The real: no pain, no gain! Way to go! Lift those legs, crunch those abs! YEAH!

Sent by Liz L. | 7:41 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Leroy, This is happy news, indeed. Keep up the good work!

Yeah, Physical Therapists!

Sent by Marilyn | 7:48 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Leroy great post today about the pain of working out. You feel like yourself. Nice job.

Sent by Pat Z. | 7:49 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Wonderful. A good workout for you, it is Friday and while we may not be working now...Fridays still are important.
So enjoy your weekend and get ready to work up a sweat again.
Prayers, Love and May The Grace Of God Be With You.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 7:53 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Good Morning Leroy,
Wow! Great to hear you had a work-out. It is so easy to take something like that for granted. I'm proud of you!
Have a great weekend. Finally, just a few days til spring! I've seen some things sprouting in the yard, too, and it just gives you that sense of renewal.

Sent by Kathleen, NJ | 7:54 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Leroy, I am glad you are able to experience this kind of pain again, because it does mean you are moving forward. Don't over do it but just keep right on working out. It has to give you some additional strength as well as mentally giving strength.

I hope you and Laurie will have a good weekend. And that there will be some sunshine in your days.

We Care!

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 8:00 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Just a note to say good morning and wish you a good day.

Sent by John Watson | 8:11 AM ET | 03-14-2008

What a good message from you to start our day with! How great it is that you have learned to describe the difference between pains. Oh yes Leroy, you seem to be on your way to back to"normal". And with it, your sense of humor returns, and you make light of your pains.
The PT must be working and the after-pains will begin to subside with each passing day.
Good Morning Leroy and Laurie!

Sent by J C R | 8:16 AM ET | 03-14-2008

theres definitely something about familiar pain thats comforting.

Sent by Jenn | 8:27 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Good morning Leroy! Oh yeah, those therapist still believe in "no pain,no gain" workouts! Actually, we know they have our best interest at heart and by the time we see them our muscles are in sad shape. I hope you have a "I'm feeling GOOD" kind of week-end...at least mentally.

Sent by Susan | 8:29 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Things that make you feel normal again, that's important. It surprises me how good those little things can make me feel -- even when they hurt. Keep up the fight, we're here with you.

Sent by Laura from Florida | 8:31 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Oh good for you!!! Ice for 15 minutes does help I promise. I've done it!

Let's hear it for pain you earned and can understand! Yay!

Hugs...

Sent by Lori | 8:35 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Who says God doesn't answer prayers????

Sent by bettye | 8:36 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Yeah......Leroy - normal pain!!! Anything "normal" feels pretty good - keep it up - we'll soon be calling you six pack.....
I know I was able to get back to the gym after my b/c last November and every day that I walk or workout, I feel stronger and more in control...I know it helps my muscles, body and mostly my head!!
Have a fantastic weekend!

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 8:44 AM ET | 03-14-2008

you made me cry - FIRST THING AT WORK!!! i am so so so happy for you - NORMAL - as in your older life! what a nice word - keep up the good work - take care and much love to you and laurie

jan

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 8:45 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Yay, Leroy. I am smiling for you! As, I began resuming weight workouts over the past few months, I know how the normal aches are pleasant to re-experience. Ruth Chermok has it right about regaining some control and some health. I know that I will have a recurrence of my disease, and I want to be as healthy as I can be going into that next course of chemo...whenever it occurs.

Sent by Sheara | 9:09 AM ET | 03-14-2008

You are on a mission for others that you didn't ask for. As a cancer survivor since 2005, with an original deadly diagnosis of glioblastoma, you have kept me humble. My life could have been yours, and I know it's still a future possibility. You make my life better by keeping me on the right track with your wonderful writing. Thank you.

Sent by J. Lorentz | 9:17 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Yea!!!!!!!!!
You go boy.

God bless you Leroy.

Judy

Sent by Judy Voller | 9:18 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Leroy, bless your heart. You are truly amazing in your "normalcy"!! You give me so much hope. My family is bracing for my mom's double mastectomy - she's 82 - and just knowing that you continue to go on helps so much.
All best,
Jan

Sent by Jan Hardy | 9:28 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Dear Leroy,

Blessings and prayers sent to you and Laurie. Have the best weekend possible. I raise my glass to "normal".

Sent by Connie | 9:32 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Hi Leroy and Laurie

Wishing you all the best. Keep up the good work and try to get some rest. Have a glass of good wine for me!

Love,

Donna in VA

Sent by Donna Bennett | 9:46 AM ET | 03-14-2008

yesss leroy I was so happy to read your post. I want to wish you a good day - I am thinking about you and wishing you strength and happiness today.

Sent by liz | 10:02 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Great to hear about your workouts. The endorphins kick in while working out and then are replaced by the "good soreness" that signals you've accomplished what you set out to do. That's really good news.

You and Laurie have a great weekend.

Sent by Al Cato | 10:16 AM ET | 03-14-2008

A little bit of normal life-hooray!

Sent by Jen | 10:17 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Leroy, I have been away for some time, but always checked up on you from the road. Let me buy you a new pair of running shoes my friend. I hope you will be using them in the spring. What size?

Sent by linda | 10:23 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Leory,
Congratulations on your workout program. Those muscles sure do get out of shape fast. Too bad it takes them longer to come back. I have been going to Curves three days a week and I do feel better both physically and mentally when I get some exercise.
Hoping you build those muscles up quickly!
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 10:33 AM ET | 03-14-2008

You get a big thumbs up today Leroy. Keep up the good work buddy. Before long we will see you on a "Body Building" Show....(grin).God Bless you and Laurie and have a great weekend.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 10:45 AM ET | 03-14-2008

"It feels normal" - wow, what a great statement to start off the weekend. Way to go, Leroy.

May God continue to bless you and Laurie.

Sent by Dianne in Nevada | 10:47 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Isn't it nice to be normal? When I work out today it will be with renewed committment and thoughts of you. Thank you for reminding me never to take "normal" for granted. My best to you and Laurie.

Sent by Kelly | 10:47 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Leroy,

WOW! I had no idea you were up to a workout. Excellent sign. Can't keep a good man down - and you are a VERY good man.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:00 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Like the kids say, Leroy, "You ROCK!"

Sent by Sarah | 11:29 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Leroy,

As the marines say..."ewwww-rahhh!!!"
Go man Go! You can do it!
We're all dancing the happy dance for you today.

God Bless you and your family!
Vivian

Sent by Vivian in Delaware | 11:49 AM ET | 03-14-2008

Yaaayyyyy a *good* pain! I am so happy they have you working out like a healthy person Leroy. That means that essentially you are a healthy person in a weakened body. Way to go.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 12:27 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Thanks, Leroy. You just squashed any excuse I'd use to avoid exercising. Sincerely though, thank you.

Sent by Sharon | 12:27 PM ET | 03-14-2008

You continue to inspire us all....we continue to pray! Have a great weekend y'all!

Sent by Laurie | 12:44 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Leroy, How great to feel your normal strength returning! I have not written before, although I read your posts daily and keep you in my prayers. Like everyone who comments on this website, I feel like you are a good friend even though we have never met. I thought of you this morning when they had a segment on the Today Show about "wii-hab" for physical therapy. Patients are using Nintendo's Wii system to regain movement and balance. I thought it looked like a fun way to heal! Do you have a Wii system? Maybe you should check it out...I'm pulling for you all the way.

Sent by Teresa from Missouri | 1:40 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Excellent! Great post to end the week. I remember once when I was recovering from surgery and took a half-mile walk; boy, was I sore the next day! I knew then that the resting was over and I was officially out of shape... ;)

Sent by Lisa Lindstrom | 2:17 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Hi Leroy
You are a great candidate for acupuncture - it can be so helpful for many things - it always helps people move forward in their healing. I hope you will consider it as a nice respite.
You are an inspiration and your truth is graceful.
Julie in MI

Sent by Julie S. | 2:26 PM ET | 03-14-2008

You are doing so well and so good for yourself, challenging and pushing it, it sounds like your therapist opened up a can of whp-ass...My healing, lovingest thoughts go your way.
Sherri in Texas, BC dx 4-06

Sent by Sherri Eggleston | 2:55 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Workout pain--that is great! Keep up that kind of working out and I bet you'll see all kinds of progress.

Sent by N.R. | 3:06 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Who would think that "good pain" would be a welcome return? Like SNL's -
Hans and Frans- "They're gonna' pump you up!"
Nice work Leroy!

Sent by Deb | 4:49 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Hooray Leroy!!!
Proud of you.

Sent by Jane | 4:52 PM ET | 03-14-2008

What great news!!! Normal pain from working out.

Have a great weekend!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 5:30 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Leroy- Hooray. Just anormal workout pain. How beautiful. Enjoy your weekend- workout more and eat a great cupcake. I'll eat one for you tomorrow.

Sent by linda h. | 5:44 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Leroy,

Keep it up, slow positive steps forward ultimately lead to bigger progress. Yes, feeling the normal pain of muscles being worked, is definitely good.

Best regards,

Dave

Sent by Dave | 6:15 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Leroy,
Sounds like you have a great PT! Keep up the good work!

Sent by Mary Cannon | 6:28 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Normal sounds great. Tis is wonderful news. Ice-down and enjoy.
With care.

Sent by anne lumberger | 6:52 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Since I was able to start back to work full time I am late in getting on your blog..but this sure was great news today! As I read all the other comments, it appears your harem all agrees... although there also were a couple of men who agreed! God watch over you and Laurie and have a peacefilled weekend! xo

Sent by Jo Ann Baswell-Margate, FL | 6:58 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Woo Hoo Leroy! Pain from exercise is an awesome feeling!! I think it feels good b/c we know it's a good pain not a scary cancer or drug related pain that we question. Keep up the good work and be careful to take it slow. Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs

Sent by Jennifer in CA | 10:40 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Hooray for you! I'm feeling guilty, though; I haven't been doing my exercises lately, and there is no reason-- just doing other things. This should get me moving!

Sent by Judith Newkirk | 10:43 PM ET | 03-14-2008

Keep up the good work! Have a great weekend all.

Sent by Lucy Groh | 1:14 AM ET | 03-15-2008

I have heard that drinking a lot of water helps to flush out the lactic acid(?) in your muscles. Should help the soreness go away faster.
Of course, I know what you mean about it feeling good, though.Exercise saves my sanity.
You are working hard, Leroy! Good for you!

Sent by NancyGM | 6:58 PM ET | 03-15-2008

there is a good pain,
keep trying Leroy, we are all pulling for you every lousy step of the way!!!

Sent by cv | 8:56 PM ET | 03-15-2008

Leroy, I just found your story and your postings and have been playing catch up as I read through the months. Sharing your story has to be difficult but you remain selfless and let us in on your world. It's sad to read about this monster cancer and I feel my words are so insignificant in saying I'm sorry this has become your world. But thank you for writing about your life and your fight. Your words will help so many people.

Sent by Michele Joseph | 10:07 PM ET | 03-15-2008

Oh yes...........there's nothing better than feeling "normal" or doing something "normal people" (those w/o stage 4 cancer) do , when somewhere tucked away in your psyche you have classified yourself as "different" because you have an "incurable" cancer.

I always put quotes around that..........because you never know, not for sure.

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 5:03 PM ET | 03-16-2008

one day at a time! it is all we can do... all any of us can really do.... you just make it more real to the rest of us!

Sent by maryann | 9:13 PM ET | 03-16-2008

I love that sore workout feeling. This is really good stuff. Now that's something to enjoy....almost like a philly cheese steak. Different. Similar. Pleasure.

Sent by Kaye | 1:08 PM ET | 03-17-2008

This probably gets too much into folks personal beliefs and is not appropriate but thought I'd give my perspective on the physical losses cancer brings to us.

Being a woman with breast cancer, the physical losses are enormous. No breasts, hair, eyelashes, eyebrows. I have one arm three times the size of the other. My intimate relationship with my husband has been forever changed. These are all true losses that I have had to find a way around. A way to be "me" without them, a way to feel beautiful and whole.

I view these as temporary. I know long term, I will shed the physical body and will be "whole" once again.

Meanwhile, I make the best of things. Did you know you can shape lympedema around like playdoh and make little designs in your arm? I can match my hairstyle and my breasts to the outfit.

I watched a gal on TV talk about the loss of her 4 year old son. She said "Never losses. Only Blessings".

Those words have stuck like glue to me. I try to live up to that 4 year old boy.

Sent by Karen D. | 2:40 PM ET | 03-17-2008

For me, I started seeing results pretty quickly. How gratifying that was!

You're right. A little muscle pain is a very good thing.

Sent by Gyla | 10:37 AM ET | 03-18-2008