Tomorrow is a dangerous word. To think you have it, you can put things off until then and it may not be yours at all. Part of the aftermath of Joe???s war with cancer is that I wake up each day and remind myself that I will die also, might as well get used to the idea and get it out of the way. I may not know when or how I???ll go, I may not finish things I want to do, so I better get busy and do what needs to be done now.

Sent by Irene | 7:39 AM ET | 03-28-2008

I think we all tend to believe that we will never die, regardless of our circumstances. I have not been faced with the idea of my own death being potentially more imminent other than through just growing older over time, but I imagine the idea is one that retreats every chance it gets, again, regardless of circumstances. I say let it retreat and let us all get on with the business of living today. I love it when I get to write a comment early in the day when the number still reads "0." :-) Joyce

Sent by Joyce | 7:45 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Leroy, your doctor's comment was his stated goal, not yours. It's a measurable goal, one he's pretty sure he'll be able to achieve. Beyond that - who knows? You have already beaten the odds, proving over and over again that no one should count you out.

I'm glad you don't feel the premonition of death around. That's important. I remember exactly when it entered our home and sat waiting in the corner for my husband. It sat there patiently for 4 months.

Sent by Marilyn | 8:07 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Absolutely Leroy! We are all on a time line and only one person knows the end for sure. That means that no matter what any doctor says, our gut instincts usually are right, and the man upstairs will decide.
How many people have been given an exact count of weeks, months, only to live way beyond that point. Our doctors and medical technology today are exceptional, but we can't depend on their estimates. Someone far more exceptional knows that! Enjoy your weekend with Laurie.
Prayers, Blessings and May the Grace Of God Be With You.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 8:09 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Leroy, I shall second that Motion, let's hope to G-d, that you are definitely off of his to-do list! Funny, when so much revolves around going to the hospital, having those treatments, or rehab, or whatever - when the doctor says, oh by the way - it is no biggie to him or her - but to you or me it is major - we have that final date highlighted in our brain!

Take care; have a good weekend and enjoy Laurie and she will enjoy you. With good thoughts and prayers - Love, Jan

Sent by JANICE GOLDBERG WHITE | 8:15 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Ouch. Not a fun thing to hear. Not at all. XO

Sent by Susan | 8:25 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Good Friday Morning Lweoy! I must say that your doctors sure do not encourage optimism to help you deal with your situation. I wonder what is their unlimate goal? Do they actually think that six months will make you jump for joy? Six months more of what you are going through to end up with the paralysis? Are they truly thinking of you or their own "Medical Papers" they will write, or are writing, using your case as one of their accomplishments? What new advances have they made? Yes, you have a "terminal disease", WE ALL DO> It's called LIFE. We begin dying the moment we are born.
Leroy, I care much more about You, the person, the mind, our friend. Whatever time you have should be spent with Hope and Optimism. Shoot that Gorilla in your room!
Please have an optimistic week end with Laurie and plan for the future together. This is the same Medical profession that told me 25 years ago that I MAY have six months to live. Thanks to that prediction, we sold the only house we truly loved and miss to this very day. Leroy, listen to your mind and heart, not to them and you will prove them wrong.

Sent by J C R | 8:33 AM ET | 03-28-2008

I'm sorry to hear that they have moved your end date on you. I know how that feels. I am now looking forward to a new focused beam radiation procedure for a new tumor they have found in my brain. At first blush it doesn't sound too bad, but then they tell you that it is a weeks worth of radiation in one shot. That is an awful lot, after all the ratiation I have had over the last two years. However, I don't want to give our friend in the corner any more of a chance than I have to. All my best and prayers for you and yours.

Sent by Steve Schneider | 8:35 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Dear Leroy,
I've said it before but I don't know if you truly realize what an amazing inspiration you are. Who knows what you might accomplish is just six months. You have touched all of us on this blog and continue to do so every day. I'm hoping your doctors can keep you around for a long time. They sure are trying.

Sent by Elaine | 8:37 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Leroy I hope that it will be a long while before he turns his attention to you (and me). Prayers as always are with you. Be well and thank you.

Linda

Sent by Linda | 8:40 AM ET | 03-28-2008

If there's anything I've learned in cancer world, is that nobody really knows how any particular case is going to turn out. There is always that stage IV cancer that suddenly goes into a remission for years and that stage 1 that progresses to stage IV seemingly overnight. For all the science that's gone into it, Life remains a mystery. It really really IS open ended.

Sent by jean | 8:53 AM ET | 03-28-2008

GOOD- HOLD THAT THOUGHT, LEROY!

Have a peaceful, open-ended weekend. Is it spring there yet?

Best always, from
LSF in CT

Sent by LSF | 9:05 AM ET | 03-28-2008

I think the timelines are to give you a little push, to remind you to say things like "I hope". They told my active, healthy, 26 year old brother three months. And though 18 months was not nearly long enough, he proved them wrong six times over. Keep hoping, keep fighting, you are an inspiration. You were to my brother, and you are to all of us who follow your courageous battle every day.

Sent by Alison Silberman | 9:15 AM ET | 03-28-2008

I could say smaller doses are better and perhaps less dangerous. I could agree tomorrow is a dangerous word, because we never know exactly what tomorrow will bring. My today is yesterday's tomorrow, there a rally in progress right now with my dad, is it a lull before the crash? Both my sister and I recall our mom's final day with us..

He was a hoot this morning when I saw him. :) I really had to laugh to keep from crying.

Sent by Sue Chap | 9:34 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Leroy, I sold my home in KS, left my 18 yr old son and a 22yr old daughter to move to MS and spend the rest of Neil's days together. We had no idea how long those days would be, and we had 4 glorious months together. I would not change a thing. I knew very few people down here, but I had a chance at making a life with someone and it was so awesome. He is gone now, but I have our memories and I would not trade them for anything in the world. His birthday is April 1st and that will also mark four months since his passing. He is always with me....
I will continue to pray for all of you....
I found a note Neil had written, it was: "memories are moments that are not ordinary" and I will cherish those words... we had lots of moments together! I hope you find those moments as well!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 9:34 AM ET | 03-28-2008

I am thinking all sorts of things from what you said.
I can empathise with you at them moving the goals posts to increase the number of treatments you are having. Even if it isnt many days, and in some ways could be seen as relatively inconsequential, but it is disturbing when you are counting them down.

I think you expressed your concern very clearly to the doctor, and perhaps because of that or the type of relationship you have with your doctors, he didn't pussy foot about with his response. Ooouch tho'.
6 months sounds brief to me and perhaps you were hoping to retain movement for much longer. Then i was reminded of Christopher Reeves (who played Superman,)writing about what he felt he had lost and having to re-adjust his self concept when he could no longer move. he had spent his life being incredibly active, a real do-er, a father who related to his children via sports. And i wonder how you see yourself? What makes Leroy, leroy? I feel this is a harsh question, and i am not meaning to diminish in any way what you are facing.
Not in any way whatsoever as I have the highest respect for you and laurie in this journey, and for sharing so much with us.The last thing i would want to do is cause offence to you.

Best wishes for a happy weekend.
Take care

Sent by JJ | 9:43 AM ET | 03-28-2008

I am glad you are living day to day. Yes, the elephant is in the room but he's not in the way...at least not now. I hope that paralysis does NOT happen despite the most dire predictions of your docs. I know from my own experience they tend to err on the side of the pessimistic. I hope that this is the case with you and your doctors. Praying for a remission or a lack of progression of the disease! Hugs

Sent by Alycia Keating | 9:51 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Hi Leroy,
I think we are all on His "to-do" list, but for different reasons at different times. That's why it is so important to look around and no matter what, be grateful for all the good things. You have so much life in you, and a wonderful spirit to boot.
Have a great weekend.

Sent by Kathleen, NJ | 10:15 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Leroy,

Nobody likes to be reminded that we are mortal. It's like staring directly at the sun. Can't do it for long. And that's a good thing. Who'd want to live that way? However, to be reminded of mortality seems important for the quality of the days we are alive. Enjoy yours for as long as you can!

Blessings

Sent by Diana Kitch | 10:40 AM ET | 03-28-2008

You're awesome.

Sent by Lisa | 10:42 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Leroy,
I love what Diana Kitch said. It is strange to think that we're all terminal. That one day the world will be filled with different people. It's our time now to make our mark on this world. You have made such a wonderful mark on all of us through your years in journalism and in a much more personal way by sharing your battle with cancer. Keep your head up. You have such a great attitude.

Sent by Jennifer in CA | 11:14 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Heh Leroy
I can relate to a "reminder of what might be" I just received my "reminder" from my onc.on Mon. As difficult as it is to swallow, I try to run with the concept that I am fortunate in the thought process all this provokes and helps me to live each day as if it is a
gift, and all my "special" people are gifts to treasure.Sometimes we all get so caught up in "striving" to accomplish and achieve, we lose the sight of our real "purpose".
Without a doubt it is truly difficult
accepting our fate. You are a great inspiration to not only myself but to quite a congregation.
Stay in the battle, remain at peace and enjoy your "time".
You and Laurie are in my heart and prayers, always
Pam

Sent by Pam | 11:22 AM ET | 03-28-2008

No man knows our time of departure, they can only guess.My sister says life is two tracks side by side, no peaks and valleys. Hang on we need you. Grace be with you.

Sent by Hal | 11:32 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Leroy and Laurie, you know for sure that you are on God's "to love and care list"!
With all the prayers of the thousands of us you will remain our coach and trail director endlessly.

Sent by Lucy Groh | 11:42 AM ET | 03-28-2008

Oh Lordy -- you do have a way with words, Leroy! "On Death's to-do list" made me laugh out loud.And what an optimist you seem to be at heart, to still think of your life as open ended and no longer feel "death nosing around" even after all you have been through! I love your spirit.Hope it's a beautiful spring weekend where you are.

Sent by Doris | 12:10 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Your doctor has a minimum goal there--it doesn't mean that's the limit though. None of us can know what will happen to us tomorrow, let alone 6 months from now, and thank God we mostly don't feel death "sniffing around" and just enjoy our lives and hope for the best. I'm glad you're doing that too, despite the doctor's comment and despite being in cancer world.

Sent by N.R. | 12:40 PM ET | 03-28-2008

What a job God must have. He brings us to life, lets us spend time on this wonderful earth with our wonderful friends and family in our wonderful bodies, then has to cajole us into 'moving on' to the next place.
Man: "What do you mean leave? I'm not ready! I like it here!"
God: (rolls eyes, turns off power to right foot).

I suppose the 'necessary losses' of life are more like graces if they serve to prepare us for that somehow.

Sent by Maureen McEachen | 12:42 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Hey Leroy,

I just completed a book 'Lone Soldier' by Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. This is his harrowing account of his team's operation in Afghanistan against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. I kept thinking about you and my brother who has cancer while reading this book, and the amount of insurmmountable difficulties thrown at the human body. Yet, somehow, people perservere under the most horrendous circumstances.
Today is the one year anniversary that doctors told my brother he had six months to live. We are currently enjoying 'bonus time'!
Take care Leroy.
-brian

Sent by Brian P, Sutton MA | 12:47 PM ET | 03-28-2008

There are "elephants" all around us, everyday! Some we know about while others are hidden from view until.... our "use by" date is known only to God.

I would take the doctors words "his goal is to keep you from paralysis for another 6 months" with a grain of salt. He truly doesn't know. Perhaps it is his educated opinion but I've learned in the cancer world that doesn't count for much.

I sent a young cancer patientand friend(non-Hodgkins lymphoma)to see my oncolgist. He had tumors bulging out in his neck, chest, etc. My onc told me that he had never seen a worse case and he anticipated the worst. Today he is cancer free and has been so for over 1 1/2 years. My point is that there is no way to predict the outcome.

You do what you must do and the doctors will do their best and the rest is in God's hands! I choose to believe that "God ain't done with you yet".

Prayers and blessings.

Sent by Al Cato | 12:56 PM ET | 03-28-2008

How can you make such a serious post so entertaining???!!! You just have a gift with words. I can almost feel your words -- your descriptions. It is why I keep on coming back for more I guess - that I am just think the world of you. Have a great weekend. Life the life YOU want.

Sent by Jmoyer | 1:08 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Dear Leroy,

As many have said, none of us know when death is going to make a sudden appearance and take us out. Cancer patients feel closer, because of the disease, but we're all just a breath away from not having one. I try to remember that and not take my days or my breaths for granted. Good luck with your radiation. Only God knows when it's your time. Hang tough and keep fighting. God Bless.

Sent by Connie | 1:43 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Jennifer in CA, your comment about the world being filled with different people someday reminded me of something my elderly mother said the other night. She said it makes her smile to think that at the moment she dies, a baby will be born. It is strange to think about none of us being here -- I mean we really are great, aren't we? Should we all agree to meet at a designated spot in about 100 years? We can throw things at the people on earth.

Sent by Sue in Rochester | 1:53 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Thanks for sharing with all of us who visit your blog daily to see how you're doing. You have quite a following who value you immensely for openly sharing yourself and your Cancer journey. We all help each other through life and your experience and perspective, attitude and appreciation for every day, gives us more courage as we face our own mortality. Wishing you comfort and moments of joy every day!

Sent by Fran | 2:16 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Good Afternoon Leroy, Laurie and All,

Leroy, Profound words this morning! The fact that you are able to ignore the
elephant in the room at times is a tribute to your determination!

Tom and I were able to ignore him too for the past 11 months, during my remission. But my last check-up brought the news we did not want to hear. The elephant is back and so is the cancer. I'm undergoing tests for possible emrollment in a clinical trial. Radiation, at least for now, is not an option.

Laurie, As you stand by Leroy's side through his journey, you are a living symbol of LOVE and HOPE. And you demonstrate the strength of all the caregivers who follow their loved ones through the challenges of living in Cancer World.

To All, We are all living with The Elebhant in the Room. But while the elephant is here, lets make him dance!!

God Bless!!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte, NC

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 3:37 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Everybody had beautiful thoughts today. I think I gained from every post.
Have a graet weekend, all!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:21 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Leroy,
I too have spinal bone mets. My onc. tells me in May (hopefully) or June the FDA is releasing a drug that targets mets in the bone. All types of cancers are elligible. So there is another option coming. Hold on, kiddo. I will too. Agreed?

Kate

Sent by Kate Fuehrer | 4:52 PM ET | 03-28-2008

I hope you said: "Yeah? Well I've heard 'six months' before."

Sent by Kevin | 6:04 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Somewhere in the Bible it says "man makes plans and God laughs". We are none of us going to get out of this life alive...our job is to live it the NOW the best way we know how, hopefully with not too many regrets. YOU have a special place reserved for you when you get "home" considering all the lives God has allowed you to touch via this media. I feel after everything I have gone through with the big C, I could just as well get run over by one of those sweet elderly hospital volunteers. How anticlimatic that would be.. strange thought, but after dealing with cancer..we all tend to have strange thoughts I think. Try not to think too far ahead, the big picture is to deal with each day the very best you can.. We are all praying for you!!

Sent by Jo Ann Baswell-Margate, FL | 7:39 PM ET | 03-28-2008

I feel drained after reading your post and think that my words are meaningless today. You have found the strength to post with a gorilla on your lap. What can any of us say except we love, admire and respect you.

Sent by linda bongardino | 9:41 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Six months huh? Seems youve heard that before, and yet, here you are!

Its good to be realistic and prepare ourselves as best we can. It sounds like your doctor is trying to be as honest and upfront as you want him to be. Of course I can???t know for sure, but I assume that his reply was based on statistics. Without a crystal ball, its the only honest information he can give you.

No offense to your doc intended. We put a lot of faith in our medical community and bless them for what they do -- but remember that they too are human and none of us know our destiny.

Okay Leroy, time to get busy and disprove those statistics ??? again!
With a gentle hug and a smile

Rhonda H

Sent by Rhonda Howard | 10:12 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Leroy,
You never cease to amaze me!! Sending strength and love and open-ended time...
Laura

Sent by Laura | 10:18 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Dear Leroy, What a week you have had! I've been on vacation in warm, sunny southwest FL, where I mostly left cancer and snow behind. Let me offer belated condolences on your mother's passing. Clearly, she was a wonderful woman, who raised a stellar son. As for today's post, I am wondering whether the doctor whose goal is to keep you paralysis-free for six months is the same doctor that gave you a 20 month prognosis more than 2 years ago. You can just keep right on outlasting those predictions!

And to Eileen, what great strength and generosity of spirit you are showing in the face of your tough news.

I hope that all have a peaceful weekends.

Sent by Sheara | 10:46 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Dear Mr. Sievers,

Back in Summer 1967, my brother and I were on a train from Paris to
Madrid with all the other college-age "hippies."

A young woman was talking about her drug experiences and nausea.

"Just ignore the gross parts," she suggested, "and get into the BODY
RUSHES. It's a trip!"

Drugs were never my "thing," but on the few occasions when I found
myself experiencing "gross parts," I'd remember that hippie chick's
advice. It helped a lot . . . For what it's worth.

I've been reading your blogs since the beginning. I accompanied both
my parents along their journeys w/ cancer. By bringing your "trip" to
"light", I believe you're giving a gift to "pilgrims" of every stripe.

All the best,

Bob Gottlieb

Sent by Bob Gottlieb | 10:50 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Leroy,
I just read your whole blog, scrolling forward in time from your first entry to this last one, following the path you have been on. I knew about your blog, and lots of people told me to read it, but when I first heard about it, a very dear friend had just been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, and somehow, when she sat me down and told me what was ahead for her, I guess it scared me so much that I felt I couldn't take on anything more. Over the past few years, my friend fought like a tiger, but she passed away just before Christmas. I wasn't able to cry. My first words were "Thank God." And I just hated myself because I felt so darn empty.
Let me tell you a little about Ingrid Barnes, my friend.
Ingrid and I met as colleagues at Pace University. We hit it off immediately. Similar sense of humor, I guess, had a lot to do with it, and a similar sense of anger at most of the nonsense and stupidity of life. She was, to a lot of folks, a pretty intimidating figure: tall, straight as an arrow from her stint in the army, shaved-down hair and deep brown skin that glowed somehow. She smiled easily, though, and even students who found her a little awesome at first relaxed when they were on the receiving end of one of her gap-toothed grins. But she made us toe the line, all right. "Take responsibility," she would bark, and she meant it. Make your decision and then take responsibility for it. So when she, a black woman and a lesbian made the decision to become a pretty conservative Log Cabin Republican after years of being a lefty Democrat, well, I was shocked, but I guess I figured whatever happened, she'd take responsibility for it, and she did. (She took a lot of heat and sass from her buddies on the left, too, but hey, she was strong. She could take it.) By the time she was diagnosed, she had Karen in her life, and that was a gift from somewhere in the universe with a pretty big heart. And the rest of us followed Ingrid as she soldiered through the treatments: the endless chemo, the surgeries, the whole ball of wax. She was a warrior. Cancer did not defeat her. She just moved the battle line.
Anyway, I miss her, of course. No more end-of-the-day phone calls to re-hash our ups and downs and do some ranting together. No more "You gotta read this book," calls. No more "Can you read what I just wrote and tell me if it's worth anything at all?" calls.
Well, tonight, and I don't know why, I read your blog, Leroy. All of a sudden, I think I understand very clearly what Ingrid was experiencing, and you made me respect her even more than I thought possible. And you gave me a great, healing gift, too. You allowed me to cry - I mean really, really cry in a good, healing, cleansing, non-guilty way that would probably have driven Ingrid nuts. But I'm going to take responsibility for that.
Leroy, you're a warrior who hates war, but those are always the best kinds of soldiers, or so Ingrid used to say. Keep on keeping on. Throw the elephant in the room a peanut and tell it to vamoose for a while - spring is coming. Be there.

Sent by Susan Crawford | 10:59 PM ET | 03-28-2008

I hope it's a very long, long time. Prayers and peace...

Sent by Julie | 11:08 PM ET | 03-28-2008

Spent today making 3 huge pots of ham and bean stew, mostly for "Mark in the Woods" -- he just had lots of chemo and radiation. His bro will pick up tomorrow, as he's heading out there.

Leroy, I wish I could ship you some ham and bean stew. All Laurie would have to do is heat and ya'll could eat.

Prayers your way.

Sent by Victoria Ferreira | 1:19 AM ET | 03-29-2008

Leroy, great post today.Recently went through a very similar experience with my husbands oncologist.When ever we have discussed time on this journey the Dr. has always told him that he loves to be proven wrong. But it certainly is a reality check! I hope you and Laurie will have a very good weekend. As we were advised "carpe diem".

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 2:26 AM ET | 03-29-2008

Dear Leroy, Since we're all terminal and we don't know for how long, what's the most important thing? Just think of how most of us take life for granted. Your disease has given you an awareness of just how precious life is. If there's any gift in all of this, maybe that's one. My best to you.

Sent by Paulette | 2:46 AM ET | 03-29-2008

Good morning, LeRoy. I???ve been lurking on your blog for a while. Funny, I???ve tried to be honest and open with people face to face about my cancer but find it hard to post to your blog.
First???I???m sorry about your mother.
This post is really about a piece you wrote several years ago in which you talked about why it is important to remember our military veterans. About 4 years ago, my library student group and I decided to put up an ???Honor Ohio???s Fallen??? memorial in the library at Ohio University Zanesville. I had listened to your piece on NPR. I liked it so much I made a copy and showed it to my students who also liked it. We wanted to post it with the memorial. I got permission from NPR to use it. We have also read it as part of the Memorial Services we have held the last three years. That piece has meant a lot to many people. I often see our students stopping by the memorial to look at the pictures and read your piece. Recently, I have seen two different groups of young soldiers at our memorial. We will be using your piece again this year in our Memorial Service. Thanks for writing it.
I remember radiation. I remember the sound of the doors closing and the disembodied voice from the speaker; and the feeling of being very, very alone. I also remember the red laser lines used to aim the dose. They reminded me of the lines of latitude and longitude. I imagined them extending past the walls out into the world. No matter how closed off I felt in the radiation room, I was always lined to the rest of the world through those line.
Good luck in your fight against a really sneaky opponent.

Sent by Shana Fair | 8:49 AM ET | 03-29-2008

God Bless You, Leroy.. I pray for you EVERY day.. For no pain, no fear, for peace and healing..

Sent by Patsy | 9:59 AM ET | 03-29-2008

none of us really knows when death will knock at our door. Doctors giving time lines really upsets me, but i know they have to give an estimate. You could still live for many many years. No one knows.
I had 33 radiation treatments and i certainly counted them down. It was so overwhelming at first, very emotional, but soon as i got through the half way mark i had hope.

Sent by Jenn | 10:09 AM ET | 03-29-2008

My first comment after reading your blogs for a year after my brother slipped into the mystery of God's eternity. I commend you for your courage and I pray for you to have strength for your journey. Blessings

Sent by Ramona | 11:20 AM ET | 03-29-2008

Shame on your Dr. for saying this...he doesn't know who he is messing with evidentially! Sue

Sent by sue | 4:16 PM ET | 03-29-2008

are you aware about hyperthermia
treatment? Hyperthermia can be used
in combination with radiotherapy

Sent by marta vannucci | 5:12 PM ET | 03-29-2008

Hi Leroy, I am glad that your surgery was a success..now I know that the afterwards treatments are dreadful, but hey you have to hang in there, and we want you alive..I kmow it is not easy I specially had 3 different types of cancers so I know I did not have radiation but my chemos were bad, but I had to bear with them specially I want to be alive so much, after all the only thing I always thougth about after raising my 3 children was to be able to see my grandchildren grow as I grow old, and now I am not going give up on that. I have always had my faith, no matter your religion belief, but you have to grab that faith and hang in there,.. your email friend,.ileana from Miami , Florida

Sent by Ileana Arriola | 11:07 PM ET | 03-29-2008

If I run into the reaper before you do, I will make sure I erase your name from his "to do" list when he's not looking.
If I was good at meditation and visualization, I would send white healing light around your spine to protect it( I'll do it anyway!)
I, too, have a terminal- stage IV- type of cancer. I am (wait, I have a PET scan on Tuesday and I can't jinx myself)... I am doing really well right now, but that could change at any time.
Wishing you all the best that could be expected(and not expected!) and I hope you got to enjoy some nice spring weather this weekend.

Sent by NancyGM | 3:28 PM ET | 03-30-2008

Leroy, It seems we all have to hear those words from time to time. We tend to get back to normal, or what passes for normal now, and think we have more time. I know there is no cure, but one can hope. I kling to the idea, I will break the mold, step outside the box, or maybe not. One has to hope!! Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 3:49 PM ET | 03-30-2008

What I've learned about life is that we don't have the choice when life begins and the moment when we leave this world. I agree with you about how it's like a great ride. Leroy, get back onto your ride and do the things that bring you joy, comfort, and contentment. If it is your time, then go out with the feeling that it was one hell of a ride. I'm sure that many of us would wish that for you.

Sent by Richard Williams | 5:02 PM ET | 03-30-2008

Leroy,
I'm sure you know by now not to listen to statements regarding how much time. You certainly have beaten many odds and you should not put a time limit on anything. Your life is now and you are doing so well living it. With my husband, the doctors eventually stopped giving time estimates because he also was good at beating the odds. On your good days, make beautiful memories with those you love because that is what you would do with your life even without cancer. Do the best that you can and know that so many of us are with you. I never thought I would be writing to someone on a blog but this is kind of neat and I hope I can help. Lorraine

Sent by Lorraine | 8:37 PM ET | 03-30-2008

Being on Death's "to-do list"! That is one of the funniest, scariest, and most optimistic thoughts of yours I've read. (Optimistic, because if Death manages his list like I do mine, you could live to be 100.)
In the midst of fatigue and uncertainty, you still shine your humor out to us. You are a treasure.

Sent by Ceese Stickle | 7:29 AM ET | 03-31-2008

Leroy, you have beaten so many odds already, so who is to say that you won't beat this latest estimate? What is important is how we spend the days we have. God bless you for writing to us and for us when we know that you are not really feeling great. Remember that stars get brighter and many go to 'supernova' stage before they burn out. You are a star that illuminates much of the difficult road we are traveling. Let your light shine on the 'elephant in the room' and keep on going !

ps.. ask for Kytril for the nausea - it works wonderfully !

Sent by Lou Loggi | 8:30 PM ET | 04-01-2008