Leroy, Another post I can totally relate to. I joke that some of the unusual things that have gone wrong with procedures I've had since I hit cancer world make me more like one in a million!

And I think you're one in a million too (in a good way). But I'll be sending my wishes to the universe that you DON'T have the worst case happen to you for this test.

Sent by N.R. | 7:16 AM ET | 03-06-2008

The biggest problem Joe had from doctors trying to tap his spine to draw fluid was finding where to put the needle. He was hospitalized and they tried ten times before a specialist doctor was able to successfully draw fluid from his spine. His whole lower back was poked and swollen from their attempts. He endured and suffered so much and complained so little. If you find that guy who gets on the first try keep his name in your contact info.

I saved our foot high stack of medical bills as a result of fourteen months of cancer to send to the democratic candidate whoever that might end up being. I am hoping they will look at that stack of bills and realize no cancer patient could by themselves have the strength for the disease and treatment and the strength needed to keep these facilities paid up so that treatment could continue. I think our system should be like France in this area in that terminally ill people should be marked paid in full and permitted whatever treatment is needed.

I sent an email to Hillary Clinton to ask about how her health care plan would address terminally ill people. Her answer was something like "Thank you for joining the team, blah, blah, blah. Can't answer every question " blah, blah, blah.

I thought it only fair to ask Barack Obama the same question so I did and I received an email saying thank you for joining the team, blah, blah, blah, question (I don't hear a question) and every couple of days since an email saying this is what is going on with our campaign, blah, blah, blah. Send money blah, blah, blah.

I am forever grateful for the Family and Medical Leave Act. I think Bill Clinton passed that in 1993. Without it we would have been completely and totally crushed.

At this time I hope these candidates who are promising healthcare "get it" -- everything that is at stake.

Sent by Irene | 7:23 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy, I pray that you will suffer no side effects. Wish the road was easier for you.
Sasha, you and your family are also in my prayers.

Sent by Jen | 7:31 AM ET | 03-06-2008

well you certainly deserve a break Leroy, i really hope the CT goes well without any pain or problems!!

Sent by Jenn | 7:33 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Dear friend:
I pray the odds are in your favor. Loving thoughts, as always, go out to you.

Sent by Harriet | 7:40 AM ET | 03-06-2008

It happened to me and the headache was only moderate when standing and very mild when lying. It went away after bing "fixed" (blood patch, no sweat). Good luck.

Sent by Susan | 7:41 AM ET | 03-06-2008

You sound like you need to duck and skip a few procedures. It has all been too much, this last few weeks, hang in there Leroy.

Sent by Irene | 7:43 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Saying a prayer for you, buddy.

Sent by Susan Jordan | 7:45 AM ET | 03-06-2008

As I was waiting for lab work this morning in a week, which has had some medical element to it each day, I began to think about the amount of time, rudeness, discomfort we endure daily. I was told I could go to any of number of hospitals from 6-6 to get my lab work. I chose 6 am so I could be at work at 8:00. They didn't register folks until 6:30, they didn't have an IV nurse to access my port, found another RN who somehow couldn't access my port (the first time in almost three years) and then the sticks, which did not yield enough blood for all the test ordered. Small aggravations but they have become daily intrusions.

I certainly hope this procedure goes well for you and you can avoid the terrible headache. I will tell you when I was in the recovery room recently there was a gentlemen who had undergone brain surgery and had a huge drain sticking out of his head. He kept saying to the nurse, "I have a little headache." All I could think was, I bet you do! Another day!

Sent by Dona | 7:52 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Hang in there Leroy!

Sent by Sandy Lathe | 7:59 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Hi Leroy,
Here's hoping for NO headache and that you get thru this smoothly. After everything you've been thru, you have a right to be nervous. No one would blame you for that. Take good care,

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 8:11 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Some PMA here. You're on the mend. Think positive. If you must plan for the worst and be very surprised by a good outcome.

Things on my front are better...Dad's pain is 1-2... getting better. :)

Good luck!

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:12 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Good luck today, Leroy -- I'll be thinking of you....

Only someone completely obtuse could go through what you've been through without recognizing that bad things do indeed happen to good people, that someone has to be the one-in-a-thousand, that none of us are impervious. Once the veil of invulnerability slips, it's difficult to believe "it won't happen to me" because, really, it already has.

Whatever it brings, you can handle...

Sent by Brenda | 8:16 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Stay strong and think good thoughts during this poking and prodding...

I can't say it enough how strong you are and courageous for enduring all of this. I still cannot believe everything my dad endured and put up with from this monster, it's just beyond me how much you really go through. I know I will never really know, but every day I understand it a little better. Through you I understand my dad more and I can relate to you much more!

Keep your head up Leroy, I am cheering for you...and about "the" headache....don't stress it, I think you will do good and escape it!

My prayers are with you my friend!

Sent by Cristina Gonzalez, Tampa, Florida | 8:21 AM ET | 03-06-2008

No wonder you are nervous. It has been said" Past performance predicts future behavior".. I don't know if that means you will get that awful side effect... I do know it means you will pull through like a champ...

Sent by Theresa Lovin | 8:25 AM ET | 03-06-2008

My first reaction to your message today Leroy is - - WHY? Is this really necessary? You have been told that you had some tumors yet in your spine. What can they possibly hope to get from putting you through this? I am very apprehensive. However knowing your mindset, you will not rest until they have explored all options. Thinking of you and hoping for the best.

Sent by J C R | 8:29 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Welcome to the Club, Leroy.

I have had those special "spine tingling" procedures a couple of times and only advise you to lie still and keep your head down! I had one blinger of a headache from the first one; it was unlike any headache before or since. I learned my lesson!

It is a critical diagnostic tool, so we need to remind ourselves of that!

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 8:31 AM ET | 03-06-2008

When I have a very scary procedure coming up, I refuse to let my consciousness alight on the thought of it but, instead, really work hard on visualizing something that I am doing AFTER ITS OVER completely, and I feel safe. (and I try to plan something exciting for after ....whether it's a giant chocolate chip cookie or a phone conversation with my sister or good friend... whatever could really grab my attention.)
Easy for me to say but it helps me alot.

Good luck !! Nancy O

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 8:46 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Sometimes it all feels like too much, doesn't it? Here's hoping that you're not the one-in-a-thousand this time, and that you sail through the procedure pain-free.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 8:53 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Praying it doesn't happen to you!!! Praying hard.

Sent by Lori | 8:58 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy, after everything that you have gone through I am sure you have the right to be a little worried. Try if possible to put your mind someplace else, Like Hawaii maybe. Will be thinking of you today. I know all these tests they take are worrisome but like my husband we keep wanting to take them just so we know where we are at, even though we usually come away like they have hit us a real punch in the stomach. Today my thoughts will be with you. It is time for some good news for you.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 9:00 AM ET | 03-06-2008

I understand your fear. I had a CT scan when I was first diagnosed 9 years ago. I'm allergic to fish so I had to take a pill before they injected me with the dye even though they said the chance was 1 in a million (I think that's what they said) that I would have a reaction to the dye. Well when the scan was over and I came out of the machine, I was covered with hives the size of orances and felt hot and my throat was thick. They said I can never have that dye again. Never a dull moment. Our prayers are with you today.

Linda

Sent by Linda | 9:11 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy, I have had the headache you are worried about (it was after a different, non-cancer-related treatment) and although it isn't any fun at all, it is not the "worst thing ever". It is unlikely to happen to you, and you shouldn't fret about it. After all you have already been through, of course, it would be nice if Mother Nature would give you a pass on this one. I've been following your trials closely, even if I haven't written, and I can tell you there are a bunch of us over here in Europe who are really pulling for you. Get yourself well enough so we can get the old crew together again, go out and hoist another one, buddy.

Sent by Joe Robertson | 9:14 AM ET | 03-06-2008

This is my first note to you, Leroy. My duaghter Ellen has been a supporter of yours since you began your blog and comments regularly. She has been telling me about you...and yesterday, sent me your website. I spent hours last night reading the archives, and have been so touched by the community you have inspired....which I now join. As I pray for my daughter's continued healing, you get to be a part of the package deal. You are not alone when so many people love and care. As a cancer survivor myself, I know that helps...lean on that!

Sent by Ellen's mom, Ellen | 9:14 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy,
I just have heavy sighs for you. I understand what your feeling and I'm sorry. Hang it there and practice visualization techniques. they really do help.

Kathy Bero

Sent by Kathy Bero | 9:24 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Dearest Leroy,

I will be thinking of you today as you undergo this procedure. I pray for good results!! You are truly a great man!!! Thanks so much for uniting this cancer family. Looking forward to hearing from you tomorrow morning!!!

Love to all,
Betty Lewis

Sent by Betty K. Lewis | 9:25 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy,

Like everyone else, I wish you a pain-free procedure and aftermath.

It's been wonderful to hear from you this last week or so, to know you are home and healing. Of course I think of you every day when I read this column, whether you or Laurie or someone else writes, and I also think of you and pray for you during the day. My dad's bladder cancer has metastasised to his lung, so I often think of you both together. May it be well with you.

Sent by M Wms | 9:38 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Oh Leroy, I am praying that you do NOT get the headache at all!! I'm surprised -- I should have thought you would have only the types of metal in you that would not be magnetize-able. I am just recovering from spinal surgery and wow, just a couple of cervical discs and I am in great discomfort. My cats are delighted to be able to nap so much with me but I'm not sleeping well due to the swelling in my neck closing me off now and again, plus being worried about whether I can sleep on my side. I can't chew well either - Apparently they had my head in some sort of vice and there are pinholes over my TMJs >sigh

Sent by Alycia Keating | 9:42 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Hi Leroy,
I hope you do have the headache....but it did happen to me. So wierd but my oncologist recommended high doses of caffiene to get the headache from hell to stop. Had double expressos and it worked. Good luck.

Sent by Miriam | 9:47 AM ET | 03-06-2008

It sounds like you need a few days out of Cancer Land, Leroy. It's been a constant battle lately. Any chance of you getting a weekend off from all this medical testing and rehab? Watch a couple of movies, send out for pizza, share a glass or beer with Laurie, and just enjoy each other. We all need a break from the fight so we can remember why we're fighting so hard. Hang in there. Good luck today.

Irene - Amen to that. Perhaps all of us in Cancer Land should do the same thing. Everyone, start collecting your bills!

Sent by Karole, Duluth MN | 9:47 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Thinking of you today and hoping for no side effects. Prayers and peace always....

Sent by Julie | 9:48 AM ET | 03-06-2008

I have had two spinal taps. Second much better than first. The first resulted in that most awful headache you have described which is called a spinal headache. True, it was quite incapacitating. I had to lie flat for days to counter the force of gravity on my brain as it tried to exist in reduced fluid levels due to the leak. Ended up having what's called a blood patch which took a few days to kick in.

So for the second spinal tap this doc had me stay in the hospital bed for several hours and pumped me with lots of IV fluids. No spinal headache the second time. That's also likely attributable to the fact that the doc nailed it in just one x-ray guided stick, where the first spinal tap involved quite a few unsuccessful blind sticks. Different docs. Different facilities. Different techniques. Much different reaction.

I sincerely hope your experience today will be more like my second one and you will never know what a spinal headache feels like. For goodness sake, we've got enough to worry about.

Sent by J S M in Georgia | 9:48 AM ET | 03-06-2008

My doctors tried a spinal tap during the start of my chemo, to help make certain I didn't develop any cancer in my spinal column. I also happy to be lucky enough to have spinal stenosis, so it didn't work out too well. Eventually they tried to do a scan guided tap..well let me tell you... I KNOW now exactly at which point I will give up every national secret.
Man, that hurt. I don't envy you Leroy. It is most likely going to hurt, but it will be over pretty quick.

Sent by Brit | 9:50 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy, good luck today! Make sure you follow orders and Do Not lift up your head for the hours required (usually 8).
After that, at the 1st sign of a headache, let the staff know. They can usually treat it with IV fluids, pain meds and other interventions.

Best Wishes. Don't worry. After what you have been through, even if the headache does happen, you will be able to get through it.

Sent by Marilyn | 9:52 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy,
That is the one thing I will concede to this cancer, the inevitable "fear" that we have to experience at times.
I too seem to be that one in "something" who will get the side-effects which are supposed to be almost non-existent. So acknowledge that. Isn't it easy to say that! Then one minute will lead to another..and another, and whatever comes your way, you come out the other end. You have a knack for that. BUT you are human, and fear is now a part of how we live. There are so many of us always thinking about you. So many of us praying for you. You will be fine.
We are up close and personal with fear, hospitals, procedures, and the cancer "game". No matter what, we win. We always do and always will.
Prayers, Love and May the Grace of God be With You.
Wanda Amorose.

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 10:01 AM ET | 03-06-2008

YUCKY, YUCKY, YUCKY :-(
I hope good news counter balances the anxieties of this procedure, Leroy!

Sent by Molly | 10:02 AM ET | 03-06-2008

If there is a greater power, please, no headache for Leroy. Amen

Sent by Sharon | 10:04 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy,

Best of luck with your CT scan today. As one poster commented we all deal with the uncertainty of our disease in our own way. I am cancer free 13 months after surgery, chemo and radiation but know that the five year survival rate for my disease is dismal.
As Bill Clinton before his heart surgery that the republicans are not the only ones who want four more years.

I'm praying for you and wish you the best in your fight.

Bob

Sent by Bob | 10:24 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Your nervousness is completely natural considering all you have been through. I, too, am one of those people who is often on the "small chance" side of statistics. I am glad you shared your feelings about this, because its not really about pessimism, its about feeling the need for some extra metaphorical hands to hold. WE are feeling for you today.
Hopefully they will give you a good muscle relaxant, like valium, to help you to lie still. Hopefully there is something special for you to look forward to on the other side of the procedure today. We are with you today, holding your hand and wishing and praying for an incident free scan.

Sent by NancyGM | 10:29 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Dearest Leroy and Laurie and All,

Prayers, good thoughts, and best wishes as we all go through these awful procedures. May it go as well as possible. Bless you all.

Sent by Connie | 10:31 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy, I will keep you wrapped in prayer and good thoughts throughout the day. Take care.

Sent by Lesa in Kansas | 10:34 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Dear Leroy,
Before the procedure, I hope you are able to reach a place of peacefulness in your mind, through meditation or prayer or soft music -- whatever helps. And then I hope and pray with all my heart that you will get a break this time and NOT be that "one in a thousand" to get the bad headache.Finally, of course, we all are praying for good results. You are one brave guy.

Sent by Doris | 10:46 AM ET | 03-06-2008

I've been doing a lot of praying in the last few days. Praying for you and for me and for Sasha and for all of us. I know that I am scared and tired and full of way to many drugs. I may have a brain scan today or tomorrow to see if my ear infection is in fact an ear infection and not a brain tumor. Ugh...

Leroy, may your procedure go well and easy for you. What a battle we fight.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 11:13 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Good luck today. I've had that headache and it was bad. However, I had a subsequent spinal tap that was just fine, so I know it can go well, too. Don't skimp or cheat on the "lie down afterwards" part and call right away if you get a headache.

Sent by keri | 11:17 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy, Wishing all the best with your test. I've had two spinal taps in December, and the second leaked. They are correct the headache is beyond description. Here's hoping that you do not have to experience it. Take Care,

Sent by Roxi | 11:19 AM ET | 03-06-2008

As a cancer survivor myself, I understand where you are coming from. You have every right to be nervous, anxious, and scared. There would be something wrong with you if you weren't. I admire your courage, very much so... everyday.

Sent by Christina in Seattle | 11:22 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy,

My thoughts are with you as you go through this procedure.

Best regards,

Dave

Sent by Dave | 11:36 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Dear Leroy, Laurie/ All,

Leroy, I hope your procedure goes well I will add an extra prayer for you. To all the other members of this wonderful blog family, thank you for your kind responses to my post yesterday and I wish nothing but the best for everyone. May God bless and watch over us.

Sent by Sasha | 11:44 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Lots of luck

Sent by Ray from michigan | 11:46 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Good grief. Of course you are nervous. The whole Big "C" journey is nerve-wracking. But keep the faith baby, hold tight and keep on trucking.
You are making me feel silly for being edgy about Monday's routine but overdue colonoscopy -- but we all have nerves and sometimes they get dumped on. Poor things.

Sent by Deborah of Asheville, NC | 11:48 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy--as always you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I have some GREAT news. I have officially entered into NED status. The doctors cannot find any evidence of the cancer!!! I went in for my second treatment for Hurthle cell thyroid cancer and I am already back home. I just wanted to spread the good news...I want to scream it from the rooftop!!! I also just want to go curl up in my bed and sleep for about a year to make up for all the anxiety and pain of the last two years.

Leroy, we're all here rooting you on and we'll be there with you sending happy thoughts...you are so strong and brave...keep up the fight!

XOXOXOXOXOXO
Tess from KY

Sent by Tess from KY | 11:51 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Don't be afraid - the feelings you have about this latest procedure are only natural. But, expect the best and if the worst happens, know the headache won't be forever - it will just seem that way!

You're always in my prayers, Leroy.

Sent by Joyce in FL | 11:58 AM ET | 03-06-2008

Dear Leroy,
I pray your procedure goes well and that you don't get the headache. It is time for some good results for you!
Charlotte

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 12:07 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy, You are not doing this alone, we are all with you. Think of us during your procedure. What are they looking for? Keep your head down, like several people advised and after all the painful procedures you've already gone through, hopefully this one will be okay. Crossing my fingers for you, our symbol of empathy, remember?

Sent by Ruth White | 12:10 PM ET | 03-06-2008

leroy, praying the scans go well and you are spare the discomfort of a terrible headache...

krupali

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 12:11 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy,

By this time you are so battered and bruised, you probably have PTSD. I had a spinal block when I had my first child and it's kind of the same thing. Just keep your head down, buddy. Let us know how it went.

Blessings

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:22 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy. I hope all goes well and no headache dears come near you. Our Andrew had a spinal tap last week and all went well. Yesterday, he had an MRI and they had to inject fluid - looking at his spinal chord to see if there are melanoma tumors there. Maybe Lady Luck will look favorably on you today. I sure hope so. You deserve her good actions.

Sent by Maureen | 12:29 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Hang in there buddy. You have come way to far to even think about looking back now. I feel like you will do great. God Bless

Sent by Teresa in WV | 1:03 PM ET | 03-06-2008

I can relate to this one --- it seems like I always find myself in the lower percentage of statistics. And it isn't fun.

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 1:05 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Dear Leroy -

I'm betting you'll do just fine. I had a myelogram at age 12 back in the stoneage when this was a new test and doctors still didn't know what they were doing - and all went well. I made sure I was lying flat afterward and kept as quiet as possible. Ate my next meal lying down, which was fun for a kid. No headaches, no complications.

You'll do fine!

Sent by Tina Lewis | 1:10 PM ET | 03-06-2008

I will be praying for you Leroy.

Sent by Jessie | 1:12 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy
Since I've been "terminal" for almost 11 years I know what it's like to endure one test after another. I live in California and all metephors go back to the sea: It feels like surfs up and you're trying to swim out to catch one good wave, but instead you get caught in a set and all you can do is dive down, come up for air, and quickly dive down again.

I pray you'll finally catch that one long wave that will bring you to shore so you can rest a bit before going out again.

Kate (hanging ten)

Sent by Kate Fuehrer | 1:54 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Hi Leroy. Two things: 1-I'm voting "no" on the headache. You're not gonna get it. We need an anti-voodoo doll for you. For now, we'll just do it by vote. No headache. 2-I completely understand the "inadequate" excitement thing. People get upset with me for not being "excited enough" about certain things. I wonder if we really ARE excited on the inside, but it just doesn't look the way it does in other people. It's okay to feel how you feel and to manifest excitement or not...in your own way. Sheesh. But I suspect you already know that. Power on, Leroy. You're an amazing man. And Laurie sounds amazing too. Love to both of you.

xo, Rebecca (from the sf bay area, but not ktvu!)

Sent by Rebecca Corral | 2:23 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy,
So many people here support you and relate to what you are going through. Perhaps we should call them Leroy's Army!
We are all on your side and appreciate your telling it like it is...so be well soon soldier!

Sent by Rich | 2:47 PM ET | 03-06-2008

I had a spinal tap that leaked afterwords. Terrible headache when I stood up or sat up. If I layed down flat, the headache went away. They inserted a blood patch to stop the leaking. Although it wasn't fun, I didn't think it was as bad as say having the flu. Good luck Leroy, keep us posted on how it goes.

Best regards,

-Mark

Sent by Mark Wood | 3:07 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy,

You are speaking my language. For some reason I do not follow the norm. If I did, well, I wouldn't have cancer in the first place. In the second place, I would not have had such a great response to my second attempt at chemo, I would be gone by now.

I had a thoracentisis on Monday. So many people describe the pain of that as extruciating. When it was all said and done, there was only twice that it was painful but certainly not the worst pain I've had.

Now, two days later I have a collapsed lung. A side effect so rare they didn't even mention it, or somehow I didn't see it as focused on.

I have been blessed that I tolerate chemo very well. Where most folks end up in the fetal position, I have worked, ridden my horse, etc. through all my chemo treatments.

Now they are switching me to a chemo where most folks experience no side effects. I can't wait ;-)

So, Leroy, "I hear ya!!!"

Sent by Karen D. | 3:25 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy,
I hope you read all the responses to yesterday's entry. I think it was one of the best days of this blog. You have gathered an impressive group around you.
By now, you know if you will get a spinal headache or not. Here's hoping for no complications.

Tess,
Hooray! Thank you for sharing. I never get tired of hearing good news.

Sent by Gene Koeneman | 4:19 PM ET | 03-06-2008

leroy and laurie---thinking of you both so much. with love deirdre

Sent by deirdre Gaffney | 5:23 PM ET | 03-06-2008

To Irene | 7:23 AM ET, I am so there with you on the need to get recognition and uniform coverage of these catastrophic illnesses. I've saved all of my bills, too. The FMLA act and my company's generous benefit policies combined to make our finances mostly unchanged. But, most people can't count on that. And, even my own situation may be changed, as this year our medical insurer (Harvard Pilgrim) instituted a lifetime maximum benefit, where there had been no previous cap.

Sent by Sheara | 6:02 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Leroy:
By now, it's over and hopefully you are doing great. I missed yesterday and want to say I know how frustrating it is when people want you to cheer about the little things. They do that because they are scared and don't know what else to say. I remember my brother getting mad at us because we weren't "positive", upbeat and happy for a clear blood test. He didn't understand that all the blood tests were clear for some reason, but that things were still going south. No one want to think it could be the end, but being in denial isn't healthy all the time. It keeps us from doing things that HAVE to be done.

Burge used to ask "who makes up those stats...like one in a million, etc.?" It seemed if something could go wrong, it did for him. He finally laughed and said he could hear God saying..."I don't know why, but I just never did like that kid!" No he didn't mean it, but it made him wonder why things with even the least side effects always happened to him. That included a leak in the colon surgery...first this doctor had ever had; the Chemo reaction to almost all drugs; falling down, dye reactions, and things I've already forgotten.

To sasha: My thoughts are with you...nothing else I can say but I know where you are and hope you are doing OK.

Sherri Eggleston & Ruth White: You both sound like such nice people I think of you as old friends. Thanks for helping the rest of us.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 6:16 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Hi Leroy,

I am praying that you didin't get the headache, and that you got good news!

You are in our thoughts and prayers every day, whether we write or not.

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 6:26 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Yep.. share your concerns. I too after breast cancer thought that was that. Not rare granted, but 5 yrs later I get "Thymoma"..now look that up in your Funk and Wagnal(sp?). It is quite rare..and lucky me was one of the chosen. Had tumor removed(center of chest behind mediastinum) on Halloween and I am now back at work full time! Peaks and valleys my friend..wish God didn't trust us so much with the hard stuff! But he puts some of us through it so we can comfort others who are going through their own hard times. YOU have been a blessing for all of us .. headaches -- any aches mean your still on planet earth and we are all glad!

Sent by Jo Ann Baswell | 7:02 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Dear Leroy: As a former oncology and hospice nurse, I am awed by your candidness and willingness to share your experiences.I pray God will bless you with healing. I want to commend your wife because being a caregiver is one of the toughest jobs on this earth-especially when you can only stand by, watching and hoping. Your blog gives me hope everyday for the tenacity of the human spirit shines through both your entries.

Sent by Syndi Holmes | 7:05 PM ET | 03-06-2008

home and praying for you leroy - hope that you are fine and thankful TO NOT BE THE ONE IN A MILLION!

JAN

Sent by JAN WHITE | 7:06 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Hi Leroy,
hope all went well today, we're keeping you in our prayers and in our thoughts...think positive thoughts

Sent by Dee | 8:09 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Just keep thinking: no headache, no headache. I had that headache but it was nothing to do with cancer, it was from steroid injections following a car accident. And no, it wasn't fun! But holding good thoughts for you.

Sent by Lisa Lindstrom | 8:11 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Just want you to know that I had a spinal tap today, as fate would have it. I have had a string of bad luck....my breast cancer that we thought was gone has come back as mets, so now we are trying to find out where else it is....anyway....The spinal tap was fine and NO HEADACHE!! I hope the same for you. Laying on my back for 2 hours after the test was a pain, but make them get you a bunch of pillows under your knees.. Also, drinking caffine helps to avoid the headache....not sure why, but have them bring you come coffee with a straw.

Best wishes

Sent by AlaskaDeb | 11:44 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Hi Leroy-

Be gentle with yourself.

Sent by Tally | 12:11 AM ET | 03-07-2008

May God be with you, Leroy and Laurie.
Good test results and little pain for you.
Special prayers for Sasha, Nikki....11 months have passed and I still cannot believe that Leon is never going to walk in the door again. It's funny---in a way, it seems as if he were here yesterday and in another way, it feels that it has been more like 11 years.
Can anyone tell me if the missing him ever gets better? I cannot imagine when.
Jane

Sent by Jane from Arkansas | 12:15 AM ET | 03-07-2008

Someone in France is thinking of you. I want you to stop having your present reality of fear and pain, I want you to get over it and move on to pleasure and peace. God bless you and send us all a miracle to witness.

Sent by M. SHH | 3:26 AM ET | 03-07-2008

Leroy, I am thinking of you as you go through this procedure, wishing you well. Yesterday you mentioned not being able to get excited about each new step and small victory. I get it. Having been hit by cancer 4 times in 4 years ( and all the surguries, radiation, etc), I have to follow my own evolving emotional journey and do what it takes to march forward in the best way I know how. Others can support you in their own ways in their own time, but there's no reason for you to feel anything except what you already do. All the best, Leroy!

Sent by Karen Q. | 8:26 AM ET | 03-07-2008

Leroy: I prayed for you about this procedure, I prayed that no headache would come upon you. I got a warm and fuzzy feeling that everything will be all right.

Sent by Robert Sheehan | 8:40 AM ET | 03-07-2008