Dear Leroy,
So glad you are home - even with all the new challenges. Everyday I pray that you receive the emotional and physical strength you need to recover.
Take good care,
Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 8:20 AM ET | 03-03-2008

I am so thrilled that you are home!!!! Thank you again for your updates and this wonderful site. Bless you.

Sent by Susie R. from Col, OH | 8:21 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Home sweet home Leroy... You are right about it being the place to be.

Adaptation to change is a part of learning to be home again. Hopefully getting rid of the walker is in the near future. The places you can sit and get out comfortably equally important.

You do sound good though. :)

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:23 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Welcome Home Leroy !!!!
Gentle Healing Thoughts and Continued Prayers !!!!!

Sent by Vickie Brown | 8:23 AM ET | 03-03-2008

You are so right...no place like "home"!
Regardless of how down you may be or how badly you may feel "home" is the place to be. Enjoy every hour, minute and second to the extreme and soak it all in!
Continue to feel better Leroy!
My prayers continue to be with you and with Laurie!

Sent by Cristina Gonzalez, Tampa, Florida | 8:31 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy,
I am so glad you are home. Take it easy and enjoy every minute you can. I hope there is a Cheesesteak in your future!
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 8:34 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Welcome home!!! You'll adapt as you always do when the obstacles and challenges get in your way.

You are home; we are here; our prayers and best wishes for you and Laurie continue....all is right at this moment in Leroy's world!!! We could ask for more, and probably we will in our prayers, but for now, this is good enough!

Sent by Al Cato | 8:43 AM ET | 03-03-2008

All the yins and yangs of the past few months in your life...you and Laurie have been through it.

Hope you enjoy and relish the caring of friends and the warmth of the weather. Take that walker out in the sun for a bit today; the robins are back!

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 8:43 AM ET | 03-03-2008

I remember after my lobectomy arguing with the Nurses that I wasn't ready to go home. It was fear talking, and I actually was so happy to be home, even though I was still so dependent on others. And it was much easier than I anticipated.
I must take some objection to your comment " No matter how difficult may new life at home may become..." I like to think that what might be a better choice of word is "BE" instead of "become". Because your life at home is only going to get less and less difficult as the days go buy. But you knew that.
There truly is " No place like home."

Sent by Theresa Lovin | 8:49 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Welcome home sweet Leroy.........

Sent by Sasha | 9:02 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy, I know what a challenge this is. It is hard to leave the security we feel from the hospital staff, but now the real work begins at home. I am sure it seems very slow but you will develope a pattern there that works. We continue to pray for strength for you and Laurie, and the patience needed to get by right now. You can do it!!! One day at a time.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 9:06 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy,
As I have said...hospital becomes a secure place, and a safety net. Then once home, you almost feel like a stranger in your own place. It will get back to "normal"..and then the thought of ever going back to hospital will be a horrible thought.
One step ahead of the other.
Prayers and blessings and May the Grace of God be with you.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 9:18 AM ET | 03-03-2008

I've never been in the armed services but I think being in the hospital as a patient must be a bit like basic training or boot camp. Consider the similarities: terrible food; terrible, early and bizarre hours; little sleep; bizarre and strenuous physical feats at certain points; almost everyone is in a position of authority over you; physical pain; worry about possible imminent death; terrible uniforms. I think the only differences are that you are permitted visitors in a hospital and that you expected to lay there and take it in a hospital instead of move around and take it. If we are to move around, generally they do the moving until we need PT. These are hardly huge differences. So, glad you are out of boot camp! carol

Sent by carol irvin | 9:19 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy and Laurie, so very glad you are home again. Try your favorite cheesesteak and chocolate cupcakes?

Sent by glenda | 9:22 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Good that you are home now. Work out your logistics and take some outdoor time.Enjoy the turning of springtime! My thoughts are with you. Pat Z.

Sent by Pat Z | 9:27 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Wow Leroy, you literally . "bring home" the changes that have taken place while you were in the hospital all those days. I realize how that "coming home" means so many adjustments.
Since my stroke and loss of vision, I have come to realize how difficult it is to adjust to those changes. Your adjustments call for a different routine, re-arranging of your basic ways of doing even the most mundane tasks. What a challenge indeed!
It is ever changing though and you will have to adjust. and then re-adjust again as you design your new system of living. What a lesson for all of us! Learning to cope and change with what life hands us. This aging process has become a terrible ordeal for me to deal with, however listening to you is making me realize how the road of life changes and how we must adapt and learn to live with every new twist in the road. Thank you Leroy. You are helping us all as you share with us.

Sent by J C R | 9:27 AM ET | 03-03-2008

I would think that adjusting to the "new normal" after each treatment or setback must be the most difficult thing to deal with. You seem to make that adjustment each time and to find a good quality of life that was worth the struggle. I hope this will be the case this time-sounds like you are really making terrific progress this time. Am glad you are home. Prayers are with you.

Sent by Jen | 9:29 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy, good to hear your home! I just want to remind you that hospice is of much value to help you readjust to this new life. 24 days is a long time in the hospital, but at least it was in Feb. when the weather is usually not very nice. Spring is around the corner,with a fresh start for us all!!

Sent by Leah | 9:48 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy,
Glad you're home and ready to tell the tale. There's nothing like sleeping in your own space.
Continued good luck and prayers. Kathy

Sent by Kathy Barney | 10:07 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Welcome home, Leroy. We're so glad you made it even though the recovery is a tough one. Prayers and peace always...

Sent by Julie | 10:32 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Home...what a wonderful, sometimes scary place to be. Even though its cloudy and damp here the birds sound beautiful this morning. Enjoy your sounds!

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 10:33 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy,
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, I relate so well to everything you wrote today. When I think about all of the chemo treatments, scans and surgeries that I have been thru to survive this past year then I thank God and tell myself that its still better than the alternative. Keep the faith my friend and may God continue to bless you in your recovery.

Sent by Sam Cason | 10:44 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Welcome home Leroy. I think that your nickname should be "Timex", cause you certainly have taken a licking, and you're obviously still ticking.
I'm glad that you've been sprung in time to enjoy some spring, and I'm hoping that you're soon able to navigate outside, and enjoy the season. Consider yourselves (Laurie too) hugged.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 11:00 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy,

Overjoyed at the news that you are back in your own home and sounding more like your old self once again. Three cheers for your courage and bravery. You are MY HERO!!!! Prayers of hope and comfort are being sent to you from me in Delaware. Peace to you and your family!

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

So happy to hear that you are home! It really takes so little for happiness to occur in our lives. Still... more work to be done!
We turn the clocks ahead this weekend. Spring is almost here! Enjoy...

Sent by Deb | 11:08 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy,

How happy I am to hear that you are at home!

I was reminded by your post this morning that "he who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." You certainly demonstrate the truth in these words with every breath you take. Thank you for sharing your determination and continuing to be such an inspiration to all!

Welcome home!! There is no place better to be.

Sent by Suzanne Lindley | 11:10 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Welcome home, Leroy and Laurie! Do you have Netflix? It's a great way to browse a huge assortment of movies, on-line,and have them delivered straight to your door. Sure beats the cable selection at the hospital or having to go to the video store. Have a happy-at-home day!

Sent by NancyGM | 11:16 AM ET | 03-03-2008

There is no place like home!!!! I am glad to hear you are home and out of the hospital. My husband always felt better in the comfort of home.

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 11:37 AM ET | 03-03-2008

Ah - home again. Enjoy the spring sunshine since I am sure winter is not over. Fitting for you journey, huh? Sunshine and warmth one day and gray, dreary clouds the next. Life in general.
Enjoy the comforts of home and read, read, read. And I trust that this time home will be more comfortable than the last time!
Spring does come again.

Sent by Deborah of Asheville, NC | 12:17 PM ET | 03-03-2008

I hear you! I only spent 7 days max in the hospital at one time, and despite being ill and in pain desperately wanted to leave. The staff were wonderful, it was a nice private room, but let's face it, a hospital is a hospital and there isn't any putting a pretty face on it. I couldn't stand the food after a few days so can't imagine staying 24 days. Ugh. It's amazing how they can ruin something simple like rice. And the chicken? I thought it was pork. By the time they get the food to your room it is usually lukewarm, too. Pig out all you want, Leroy!

Sent by Marcia Greer | 12:25 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Welcome home!!! What great news. Hoping every day is a little easier.

Sent by Laura | 1:22 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Home is a wonderful place to be. There is no place like it. Sit back, have a brownie, watch a movie or better yet, watch the outside today. It is too beautiful. Enjoy.

Sent by anne lumberger | 1:51 PM ET | 03-03-2008

wow. Those 28 days must have seemed like forever. Glad you're home!

Sent by NR | 1:55 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy,

It seems to me none of us can go back to our "old" lives. Although the changes may be subtle or devastating, change is always happening. I'm glad to hear that you are adapting to your "new" life. Welcome home.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 2:02 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy, It is important to make these adjustments, but it's all worth it, because you are home. I really don't think I will ever be normal again. I keep working toward that goal, but it always seems just a lttle out of reach. I am so glad you are home. Nothing like a home cooked meal. Hospital food, yuk!! Have a good day, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 2:07 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Welcome home Guys! Good to have you back Leroy, Laurie has been a god send.

Liz Z

Sent by Elizabeth Zimmerman | 2:11 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Home. What a wonderful word. I am so glad that you and Laurie are finally home--Now maybe Laurie can get some much-needed rest also.
God bless,
Jane

Sent by Jane from Arkansas | 2:31 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Dear Leroy,
For most of us, changes in our lives are not all that apparent until we view our life from a long lense so I can understand how the recent changes in your life are so disruptive to how you want to live your life. I hope that, sooner than you think, the walker will go by the wayside and the chairs that now seem too low to access will become welcoming spots for you. It's that old adage, isn't it: take one time (step) at a time. You're like the tortoise now - you'll reach the finish line, perhaps slower than you want, but successfully!

Sent by Molly | 2:44 PM ET | 03-03-2008

WELCOME HOME LEROY....we've been waiting to hear that you are home sweet home. Our family sends loving thoughts to you and Laurie.
Now we pray for strength & courage & healing in the days ahead. I heard cardinals singing on Saturday morning...spring is coming!!!!!!

Sent by bethann | 4:00 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Welcome home, Leroy. Have a cheesesteak for me.

Sent by Steve | 4:06 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Welcome Home Leroy!! I am so glad you are there. We feel so much better when in our own cozy spaces. May it be a long wonderful time before you have to spend any more time in the hospital. God Bless you and Laurie.

Sent by Valerie in Sacramento | 5:52 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy,
Welcome home! A shower seat might make the shower more comforting. Take it easy and everyday will be better. You are in my thoughts and prayers

Sent by Mary Cannon | 6:20 PM ET | 03-03-2008

home is good, leroy. enjoy the food - hospital food is horrendous - there must be a rule about it - throughout this country. you will work out how to walk with the walker - and when the weather is good you will get out somewhat. and yes, HEIGHT IS GOOD -
take care and g-d bless you and welcome home - please take care - think of you so much.
love, janice

Sent by janice goldberg white | 7:12 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Welcome home, Leroy.
It's been a long 24 days, and I've been waiting to hear that you are well enough to go home. The seasons are changing again, and it's a nice time to be home again. Thoughts, prayers, and best wishes.

Sent by Lilly T. | 9:44 PM ET | 03-03-2008

Leroy, it won???t be long until the walker starts to get in your way and you???ll just pick it up and carry it around, then you???ll get tired of that and just fold it up and stash it behind a door. Enjoy that bed, a good nights sleep, the good food, a TV that works and I hope a good laptop with a fast internet connection but keep walking.

Sent by Walt from LA | 3:51 AM ET | 03-04-2008

welcome home Leroy ! enjoy sleeping in your own bed, without the 5:30am wake up call. enjoy some good food. thanks for sharing your struggle with us, so that we can all appreciate the little gains each of us make daily. keeping you in our prayers...keep smiling

Sent by Lou L | 12:18 PM ET | 03-04-2008

I glad you are home. There is no better place!

I haven't been able to comment on your blog since I've been at the medical center weighing my options for more treatment.

As you say, cancer sucks.

Sent by Scott S. | 4:47 PM ET | 03-04-2008

Leroy, you are soooo right! Different, a different life is not the same thing as over. And you are for sure not that.
Sending you oceans of energy and mountains of strength. And keep up the good work - it will work for you.

Sent by penny Freppon | 10:46 AM ET | 03-17-2008