Leroy, you are indeed amazing and you seem to gather all your resources when the going gets roughest! A fierce foe indeed! Talk about your "Profile in Courage", YOU are the embodiment of bravery in the face of terrible odds.
The radiation sounds awful, but the side effects must mean that it is finding it's target and attacking the enemy. Lord, I hope so and am with you all the way. If anyone can do it, You can.

Sent by J C R | 7:34 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy, I missed reading yesterday and just read about your mother this morning. I am so sorry. Thanks for sharing the fire truck story. That is a wonderful memory and testament to mom-hood. I am positive that you were a terrific fireman and that you mom was very proud. About the nausea: mourning is an in the pit of your stomach thing. Awful, awful. So I guess you can do both together and feel really, really poorly for a while. But when the nausea lifts, won't it feel better?
Again I am sorry about the whole thing. townie

Sent by townie | 7:38 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy, you keep us together, you have created a family here and we all like being a part of it...
You hang in there..we continue to pray for you!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 7:54 AM ET | 03-25-2008

leroy, your on line friends/family are still lifting you and your loved ones in prayer!

Sent by sarah | 8:22 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Dear Leroy,
Where in the world did you get such a fighting spirit? I wish they could bottle it so others of us living in the "Cancer World" could drink it in. Things here are very difficult as my husband's 15 month battle with lung cancer is getting more and more difficult with each passing day. He too is fighting valiantly since he's forced to choose between continued chemo or hospice care. We both have a strong desire to triumph, however, compared to you, we both seem like wimps. Good Luck with your radiation.

Sent by Elaine | 8:25 AM ET | 03-25-2008

WOW! Rapid onset side effects. I am extremely sorry to hear this.

I will continue to hold you in my prayers. I would like to ask for prayers for my dad.. He is not doing well, not cancer, just seems to be slipping away. For strength and guidance at this time for him, my sister, and me.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:33 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Lemon and ginger, lots of it, as a tea. My thoughts are with you.

Sent by Judith | 8:38 AM ET | 03-25-2008

First, Sue Chap, I will remember your Dad in my prayers, and yourself and your sister.
Leroy,
While you struggle through so very much, and try to stay strong, you really have a family here online, who truly cares. In another letter to you,someone said that we will continue to lift you up. WE WILL.
Prayers, Blessings and May The Grace Of God Be With You.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 9:09 AM ET | 03-25-2008

May God wrap his loving arms around you at this time and give you strength to endure the treatments that are ahead of you.

God bless you Leroy.

Judy

Sent by Judy Voller | 9:09 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Dear Leroy. Ask the doctors to prescribe Emend and Zofran. If the Zofran doesn't work ask for Kytril or Aloxi. Take them BEFORE you feel nauseous otherwise it will be too late. Sending prayers, as it is all I have to give.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 9:24 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Here's hoping the nausea med helps - the sooner the better. Cancer presents really unpleasant choices most of the time. Adding my wishes that you continue to find the resevoir of strength and humor you need to persevere.

My prayers go out to you and all in this blog family who are presented with these painful situations.

Sent by Sara (MD) | 9:26 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy, Prayers to you and your wonderful Mom. We were both blessed with wonderful mothers.
Be well Leroy.
Linda

Sent by Linda | 9:29 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Lemon and ginger tea but also green grapes to munch on. My husband took a baggie of them everywhere. It worked for a while.

Prayers out to you.

Sent by Kathy Barney | 9:29 AM ET | 03-25-2008

I remember when i was having radiation treatments and i felt nauseous. My Radiologist and nurse both told me it wasnt radiation related, that it was probably a bug coming on. NO! so interesting when doctors tell you something isnt related when we know it is. I have a blog that i started during my radiation treatments and still continue. I wanted to have someone see what it can be like from one persons point of view. go to radiationdaze.blogspot.com if you are curious. I truly hope the nausea subsides for you Leroy. I used to visualize the beams of radiation shrinking the cells to nothing. Like Marvin the Martian using his ray gun, Poof! its gone.

Sent by Jenn | 9:32 AM ET | 03-25-2008

LeRoy, I have had a pretty sad week. I've seen my father twice. He has a pretty advanced case of dementia. He is still at home but he is in such bad shape. The main thought that occurs to me since my cancer is "cured" (ha), is that what if I dodged cancer only to get his disease next? Yeah, I don't like cancer but I am rather fond of my mind. The worst part is that there is enough left of my Dad that he does realize what is happening. He does have lucid moments and those are especially awful. Also, much as we may hate the idea of hospitals and hospices, the places where he could finish out are so much worse. His vision is gone also so he has to contend with near blindness on top of all of this. yeah, I don't want colon cancer back, or even worse cancer, but man oh man, I sure don't want what he's got and there is a genetic basis for what he's got. His father had it too but people died of it faster back when my grandfather had it. carol

Sent by carol irvin | 9:32 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy, I don't know what to say other than I am sorry about the side effects and hope the medicine will help you. You deserve a break. I am praying for you and for Elaine, Sue and Sasha as well.

Sent by Jen | 9:33 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Cancer strikes again...ODTAA, the acronym for Greek tragedies, One Damn Thing After Another. Sorry about the ickiness, piled on top of the physical pain and the grief...I hope it still helps that your blog 'family' is walking with you spiritually every step of the way. We love you.
from Sherri in Texas, BC dx 4-06

Sent by Sherri Eggleston | 9:35 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Dear Leroy,

Thinking of you and praying for you as you go through this latest round of treatment.
Love,

Sent by Connie | 9:36 AM ET | 03-25-2008

good morning leroy. I am thinking about you and hoping you were able to obtain some effective anti nausea meds. You are in my thoughts, best of luck today, i am wishing wishes of strength and comfort for you.

Sent by liz | 9:41 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy and Laurie, the extended family will continue to lift you as you travel this hard, hard strech. Continued blessing of strength to all who are living in cancer world and/or learning to live with the loss of a love. Lou Ann

Sent by Lou Ann Caywood | 9:55 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Dear Leroy - I do hope that this whole time on radiation is not as bad as yesterday; and if it is, that the length of time is not that long. And, struggling with the grief over your Mom does not make anything any easier. As always you are in my prayers

Sue: My prayers for strength go out to you - it is so difficult to watch someone deteriorate - and I hope that your father hangs in there and may grow stronger. Prayers are going out to you.
Jan

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 9:55 AM ET | 03-25-2008

My wife is 41/2 years cancer free, but the thought of it returning is always draining. I do not check this site that often as when I do, a tear comes to my eyes and I am sad for you, and glad that I still have my wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sent by Robert S | 9:58 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Hang in there Leroy....we love you.

Sent by Faun | 10:14 AM ET | 03-25-2008

I'm sorry to hear this round of radiation is tougher. I want you to know that my sister has had multiple rounds of radiation & when it was anywhere near her stomach she also was vomiting. She dreaded that it would happen every day, but the nausea medicine that they gave her to take before each session really did work! I hope it works for you too. And if it doesn't, ask them for another type of nausea meds. You shouldn't have to be sick on top of being sick.

Sent by Ann | 10:22 AM ET | 03-25-2008

I know you've probably gotten hundreds of suggestions for the nausea, but just in case - get some ginger crips! Fresh ginger steeped in hot water for tea is even better if you can handle it. When my father was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, the only thing he could keep down was campbell's won ton soup - maybe that will work? Keep up the fight brother - although we cannot take this burden from your shoulders, we are with you in spirit!

Sent by Dannielle Higgins | 10:26 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Hi Leroy,
Ginger ale helps, too. Wish I could do more than just offer that little tidbit. My prayers and thoughts are with you and everyone on this blog and their loved ones. What an amazingly awful disease this is and everytime I turn around, another friend or loved one is diagnosed. All we can do is hope and pray that one day there will be no more cancer.

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 10:38 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Nausea medication is truly the one side effect that I think there has been real progress. My father's nausea was totally controlled by Zofran. Also heard good things about Aloxi. Compazine is also effective.

Sent by Adrian P. | 10:51 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Dear Leroy,
Thank you for sharing the news about your mother. I am so sorry. I understand her "guilt" at possibly passing on a cancer gene to you. My mother has ovarian cancer, and when she was first diagnosed, one of the first things that occurred to me was that I may have passed it on to my 3 daughters. That's just how mother's think. I do know that your mother must have been so proud of you in so many ways.
I know that these days are hard for you, and please know that you are cared for my so many people across the world. I do believe things will get easier for you soon, at least in some small ways. Try to stay ahead of the nausea by taking the anti-nausea medicine before the treatments.
Laura

Sent by Laura | 10:53 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy, as another cancer warrior (Gilda Radner) in her role as Roseanne Rosannadanna said, "It's always something!" I guess we can always hope that, one day, it (whatever "it" is) will just be no big deal.

Elaine and Sue, I will keep your husband and dad, and both of you, in my thoughts and prayers. We are all here for you.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 10:54 AM ET | 03-25-2008

My goodness. I am overwhelmed with all you are going through this week, with the loss of your dear mother and the advent of more radiation. You are indeed in my prayers. Again, sharing your impressions and thoughts are more valuable to me than you will ever know.

Sent by Carol | 11:27 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Hold on my friend, you are holding your own and even making some wins in this battle. Try to think of the radiation as winning an uphill battle. Those cancer cells are falling over dead all over the place. Peace and God Bless.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 11:30 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Perseverance, discipline, motivation, strength, courage ...............did I leave any out? These are all the words to describe "Leroy" May God bless you.

Sent by Sasha | 11:39 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Carol Irvin,
I understand what you mean about Alzheimer's vs Cancer. My mother was near the end of her battle with lymphoma, though we didn't know it at the time, when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. That diagnosis seemed so much worse. In hindsight, I am almost grateful for the cancer. Almost. Four years later and I'd still give anything for one more conversation with her even if it was a "demented" one.

Sent by Jeanne | 11:44 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Dear Leroy,
I am sorry to hear you are having nausea from your radiation treatment. I one series of radiation in 1997 and like your first one it was relatively easy. In fact I would have the treatment and then go in to work. I sure hope your meds work and that they next treatment is not as bad!
You and Laurie are in my prayers.
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 11:52 AM ET | 03-25-2008

Ah Leroy,
I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope they can find a good nausea med for you. I finished my "33" for breast cancer on February 11th. Friday I spent 3 hours outside walking dogs at WARL, and all weekend and even today I feel "hot" where the radiation was, and tired. I just remind myself that it is burning away any errant microscopic cancer cells. In your case it will hopefully be shrinking your cancer and protecting your spine. Visualize those shrinking tumors. My best to you.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 12:03 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy,
There are some newish antinausea meds that are MUCH better than the old ones.They cost a lot more,too, but you only have to take one a day. Ask your doctor.Don't put up with more misery than you have to. And get some ginger snaps and green tea!Hang on, Leroy. As others have said, we are all "lifting you up"in prayer daily. But damn, it WOULD be nice if just once, things could get easier for you!

Sent by Doris | 12:08 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy,

Well, ginger something-or-other seems to be the way to go. Do anything you can to feel less nauseous. I am awed, once again, by your courage and tenacity.

Blessings

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:11 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Wishing you freedom from the nausea, ginger ale with unmbrellas and some peace and rest. I also lost my mom to cancer at a very young age and she is still in my heart, just as your mom is with you. May her love get you through this latest wrinkle.

Sent by Barbara Langan | 12:14 PM ET | 03-25-2008

When I was first diagnosed a friend of mine who has been through this said "cancer the gift that keeps on giving". I get it now.

Sent by Lisa | 12:35 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Carol Irvin

Oh do I know what you are going through - my father is getting very close to the stage of his disease that we will be moving him to an assisted living facility. He's had so many things to overcome in his life - brain cancer (twice!), strokes, etc. But I just try to remember that although he is drifting away from us, he's still here - and every once in a while I recognize the twinkle in his eye and know that he's about to pull my leg. We could have lost him 30 years ago, when I was 8, but instead we've had all of these years - as you do with your father. Cancer sucks, and so does alzheimer's, there's just no doubt about it. Hang in there Carol!

Sent by Dannielle Higgins | 12:47 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy, There is nothing easy about cancer from the moment you hear the words. All of it is an up hill battle. I am sorry the radiation seems to be tougher on you than the last course. You have certainly been through enough, but the choice is an obvious one. I will hope the side effects diminish. Thoughts, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 2:13 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy, I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. I didn't know that Radiaiton made you throw up, you just never know do you? I had radation years ago, maybe today it's more potent, who knows? You've gotten lots of suggestions here, grean tea, etc. I'm learning a lot too. I pray for you everyday, things will get better, you are a very brave man. We are with you Leroy, seriously.

Sent by Ruth White | 2:14 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Are they giving you a higher dose at each treatment? That is likley why your nausea is so great, and it must be near the gastric area (just thinking aloud trying to figure it out on my own..)

Hang in their Leroy!

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 2:43 PM ET | 03-25-2008

A day of travel to Anchorage, Alaska to help take care of my brother after treatment in Switzerland for pancreatic cancer and a day away from the computer. First Leroy, may I offer my deepest sympathies on the passing of your mother.No matter how expected this may have been, it still hurts to the core.I am so sorry for your loss. We are dealing with a great deal of nausea here as well. I wish I had a remedy for both you and my brother. Yogurt seems to help him a bit. I hope you get some relief and soon! P.S. Two years out from diagnosis and my brother is still with us. The treatments have been working!!!

Sent by Penny Coeur d'Alene, Idaho | 3:06 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Godspeed to your beloved mother ... And peace to you and your family, Leroy, in these days of grief. Also -- Wishing you blessed relief from the nausea as the meds "do their thing". Go to your peaceful places within, as you absorb all that you're dealing with right now; and know that we all hope for your comfort.

Sent by Kim Forester | 3:09 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy,
I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's death. I, too, had a mother who walked along side me during my cancer while battling her own. We were actually diagnosed (1st time) on the same day. She was always much more concerned with how I was and I know she "faked it" a lot to continue to set that example that she had always presented. She was a fighter and we are lucky that we had them as mothers to teach us how to manage this (as best anyone can, by example). My mother died fighting almost 4 years ago. I think of her every day, but the memories are all good.
Sorry again. Take care.

Sent by cindy | 3:49 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Hi Leroy,
I am sorry about the radiation. I had radiation to my lower spine and was sick every time. They thought it was becaue it was near my stomach. I tried everything, Compazine suppositories finally worked. Good luck

Sent by cv | 3:54 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Hi Leroy,

I am hoping that by the time you read this message your nausea is abating thanks to some "good drugs". Then, I hope you eat some good food that makes your heart/mind happy. Hang in there, Leroy. You are an inspiration to all of us.

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:23 PM ET | 03-25-2008

I didn't get a chance to say how sorry I was to hear about your Mom. I know where you get the incredible strength you show everyday now, your Mom. My husband got to walk our daughter down the aisle & dance that Daddy/Daughter dance 5 weeks ago. We just received the picture album & thank you card from the happy couple. Lung cancer didn't steal those memories from us & I will always be grateful for that. Now we continue on the journey like so many of you as a cancer survivor. The next PET scan is in April. Good luck to you Leroy & thanks for sharing your journey. You will never know how much it has helped us in our fight.

Sent by Kathy | 5:46 PM ET | 03-25-2008

I've been through most of the anti-nausea medications during chemotherapy. I don't like taking drugs and I was never really a drug person during my youth, but I've become sold on cannabis for some types of nausea that I experience. In some cases, a couple of puffs would stop 90% of the nausea.

It doesn't always work and you need the right variety of plant to get the best effect for you. It's legal for me in California. I used to truly think that medical marijuana was a big scam, but I now really appreciate what it did for me during chemotherapy.

jeff

Sent by Jeff | 6:12 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Dear Leroy and Laurie; I begin most mornings with you and today, I especially wanted to talk with you at the close of this day. I do hope that you have found today better. Lord, remember the days of your intense pain from the spinal surgery? You could not sleep? Are things better than that now? Are you still moving and doing some sort of PT?. My word, there has been so much going on in your life these past months, and then add to it all, the death of your beloved Mother. Don't know how you manage to deal with it all, but you do and we are so proud of you! Please know when to holla "Uncle" when you have had enough.
My husband also has had a bad week and we have decisions to make. Hopefully we shall make the right decisions as you seem to be able to do. Leroy, let's hope for a better day tomorrow, ok?

Sent by J C R | 6:21 PM ET | 03-25-2008

I was so very sorry to hear the news about your Mom. Please accept my condolences. You're really going through it. Know that she loved you (coming as "Leroy's Mother"? What a hoot! But how true!) and clearly you loved her. Really, what more can you ask for a good life? (Other than a swift bout of "The Old Man's Friend" at age 92, like my bud Mac).

Leroy, I'm sorry for the radiation and that it's making you feel ill -- there's some kind of metallic ointment of some description that offers relief from the burning sensation (although it might be tough to administer on your own - yep, just twist around and ....No no no).

Sent by Victoria Ferreira | 6:53 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Nausea is not a good thing. I personally hate nausea above all else, including pain--I am SOOO sensitive to meds, including the following: antibiotics, ANY pain medication and most especially anesthesia. I even got sick from the anti-nausea medication!!
In your case I hope they have a good counter medication that will work for you!
I used to think of the radiation kind of like a Pac Man game. Chomping and zapping away at those cells/tumors faster and faster, gobbling them all up! Amazing how your mind can adapt to anything that is offered when you are open to miracles happening! This is no surprise to God, He said He would never leave us nor forsake us, so take heart -- He is with you every moment..and we, your extended email family are also there with you! If God and we are for you, who could be against you!!!!xxoo

Sent by Jo Ann Baswell-Margate, FL | 7:26 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Sending healing wishes your way. You are truly an incredible man; your mom was equally lucky to have you in her life as you were to have her. So, so sorry.
About the nausea-a friend of mine undergoing chemo had a special baker make brownies from a secret family recipe (wink, wink) that apparently helped a great deal. If you haven't already tried this, maybe it's worth a go?

Sent by gail | 9:00 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy,
Here's hoping that the radiation is zapping the cancer, making you feel terrible but killing it!
Elaine, my heart breaks for you and your husband. I lost my husband of 37 years to that "almost impossible to beat" lung cancer a year ago. So I do know what you are feeling...just keep fighting!
Carol, I feel for you also. After losing Leon, I am still thankful to God that the cancer never reached his brain.
His mind was with me even at the end so we had time to talk...
Sue, Sasha, Laurie, and Nikki--Prayers with you as always.

Jane
Jane

Sent by Jane from AR | 11:15 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy,
So sorry to hear about your mother.
I really related to your story today because if my mother had survived to find out that I got breast cancer just like her, she would have felt bad that she passed it on.

Also, I lost my Dad March 6th to Cancer. He was diagnosed Feb. 28th and passed in less than a week. I hate how Cancer takes away our loved ones. However, I am happy that I am a survivor and that you are still with us posting your stories and connecting us all together in the struggle.

Take care and may God continue to bless you.

Sent by Karen | 11:47 PM ET | 03-25-2008

Leroy,
I am so sorry to learn that your mother has passed. She sounded like such a wonderful person and mom. I know nothing can prepare you for the loss of a parent and I hope you are doing okay emotionally.

I hope you find some good anti-nausea drugs to help you through radiation or maybe you adjust to it. Yogi ginger flavored tea is helpful when the nausea is not overwhelming. I admire you so much for your openness and honesty. I love your sheer will to live and fight this awful, debilitating disease. Sending much love and support. Praying for you and your family and your mom in heaven.

Sent by Jennifer in CA | 12:36 AM ET | 03-26-2008

leroy, is a late hour but just now being able to sit down and read comments. have thought of you and your family several times today. Take care, we are all still lifting.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 2:52 AM ET | 03-26-2008

So sorry about the nausea. I had bad nausea all through my radiation, though I was also haivng concurrent chemo and taking another drug that caused nausea so it wasn't the radatiion that was the problem. Anyway, I was hoping for you that it would be an easy treatment - you've been through so many hard ones already. Hope the drugs help.

Sent by N.R. | 7:19 AM ET | 03-26-2008