WHOO! WOO! Leroy! End that feeling sorry for yourself, look at all you have accomplished, and I actually hear a little surprise in you tone. :)

WAY TO GO! Sometimes, the best medicine is a "tincture of time AND CONFIDENCE! Ah, brings a song to mind..... "I Have Confidence" might not be the title, but it's from Sound of Music. When self doubt moves in confidence kicks it out!

This weekend is the celebration of life for dad. What a man!

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:22 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Wow, that was a short lived pity party!. So! You're back to doing "normal" things with modifications. Ain't life GRAND? It was just trilling to read that upbeat entry before letting you go for the week-end! Laurie must be singing as she watches hope spring anew in you..I am too!

Sent by Susan | 8:24 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Keep up the good work and you will continue to feel progress, I'm sure. I think you said it all when you said, "I'm not as weak as I thought I was". I believe we all know how strong you really are! Keep inspiring us each day just by being here and being you. Hugs,Cindy

Sent by cindy | 8:28 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Leroy,
Good for you! Keep up that optimism.

Sent by Kathleen, NJ | 8:28 AM ET | 04-18-2008

No pain, no gain! Hang in there with the PT.

Sent by Liz L. | 8:30 AM ET | 04-18-2008

I don't think anyone can ready themselves for such an experience, this or heart disease?

Good Luck Gary
http://cancerlinks.blogspot.com/
"> http://cancerlinks.blogspot.com/

Sent by gary | 8:30 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Leroy ??? Glad to hear the therapy went better than expected. That realizations is another unexpected bright spot in your day.

I???m a long time reader and would like to comment about some of your recent posts. I just marked the six month anniversary of the death a close friend due to her non-Hodgkin???s lymphoma. After 7 years of treatments, including 2 bone marrow transplants, she knew the disease would kill her body, yet it never took her life. She continued till her last day to choose to visit with friends and how to spend her time (at home with family) and that was totally her choice. I believe the important thing she did and showed those around her, that while a health issue (either chronic or terminal) can chip away and even destroy the body, it doesn???t have to take over and kill the person.

Whatever the disease does to your body, I hope that your core being remains strong, buoyed by friends and loved ones, and that fear of potential outcomes, pain and the unknown can be quieted and held at bay. So many people experience variations of your life; thanks again for giving voice to those who cannot express themselves and for showing us a way to live life to the fullest even though there is pain, uncertainty and possible death.

Sent by Leslie | 8:46 AM ET | 04-18-2008

That's wonderful news that you found out you are stronger than you thought. It has to be very satisfying to do a good physical therapy workout, feel those sore muscles, and know that those are a sign you will get stronger and stronger. There's so much one cannot control in the cancer battle, let's hear it for improvement and good news on the things one can control!

Sent by N.R. | 8:49 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Good Morning Leroy! You sound better this morning and it is wonderful to hear the optimism back in your thoughts. As we looked through the morning newspaper today, there was very little good news or optimism there! Looks like we must make our own small moments of happiness and even, joy. This morning, you give us all hope that we can and will overcome these problems, one by one as they arise. You are back on your PT and sound almost happy about it! Great to know that you are determined to regain your strength. Now, if we could only stop growing older that would be good.
Have a stronger, foreward-looking, week end. I shall miss you until Monday morning Leroy!

Sent by J C R | 8:52 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Think of PT as a job you have to go to evryday. And it is your job to make your body better. So work hard, put in a little overtime, complain about the boss :) and your paycheck is your progress. And you might get a bonus if you work hard.

Sent by DiAnn | 9:07 AM ET | 04-18-2008

G-d bless you, Leroy!!!!!!!!!!!!! You made my day (yes, I am so selfish when it comes to you!!!. Hearing POSITIVE THINGS FROM YOU AND HOPE - G-D LOVES HOPE! You are the most incredible person, and yes, use those ice bags and whatever else makes you feel better! And, please G-d, you will stop using the walker at some time! I remember when I was so afraid to let go of a walker - and if going through a grocery store - HAD TO HOLD ONTO THAT BASKET FOR DEAR LIFE. I am still a klutz - born that way!!!! But, I can do what I need to - and PLEASE G-D, you will also. Hope that where you are is gorgeous and wonderful and you can get out into the spring weather for a change and love the NEW BEGINNINGS!!

Take care and G-d bless you - love to Laurie.

Jan

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 9:19 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Good work-- you will get stronger and feel better!

Sent by marilyn tanaka | 9:21 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Nice turn of events for you Leroy. Just have the visualization of the end result in your mind ... walking tall with strength and unassisted. It will happen.

Sent by Pat Z. | 9:25 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Whohoo, I love this. I am so glad to be reading your blog this morning. Hope really does float, doesn't it?

Sent by Alycia Keating | 9:32 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Dear Leroy,
I liked Leslie's comments. This disease takes its toll on our bodies but it doean't have to kill our spirits. I wish you and Laurie a restful, peaceful weekend!!

Sent by betsey in albany ny | 9:33 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Hooray !!

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 9:44 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Leon, we are so happy for your underlying strength coming through!

Sent by Dee | 10:04 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Fantastic!!!

Sent by Elena | 10:06 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Dear Leroy,

So glad to hear the optimism in your voice today. I always keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Sent by Connie | 10:07 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Regards patience, the older we get the faster time seems to pass. We want to hold it back, make it last. Then comes cancer and those inevitable markers: six months, two years, five years. Now two years seems like an eternity as we hope for at least some light at the end of the marker. I wish sometimes that when I awake it is 2011! Needless to say, Leroy, I also have an issue with patience.

Sent by Bob A. | 10:17 AM ET | 04-18-2008

It's a great feeling to realize that there is still underlying strength to be tapped into and encouraged. This is what separates the brave from the self-pitying. It's the getting out of bed and DOING it...going to PT, doing the home program that keeps us in the game of life, and not preparing to be on the "wrong side of the grass" as Linda Ellerbee put it the other night on the "Truth About Cancer" program on PBS. Good for you Leroy.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 10:23 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Sue Chap, my thoughts will be with you! Your dads life is a celebration!
Its up to us to keep our loved ones memory alive, sharing stories, photos, laughing and crying...
For me, it is also how the healing process continues...I wish you many fond memories this weekend!
Leroy, you have all weekend to ice! Rest and heal! Continued prayers for you all!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 10:24 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Dear Leroy,
Keep up the good work. We are all pulling for you.
Prayers to all.

Sent by Sasha | 10:38 AM ET | 04-18-2008

I'm so happy for you Leroy. I know how hard it is to keep feeling optimistic. Often the progress and receovery is slow and sometimes barely noticeable until, one day, you realize that you feel better and stronger. I hope you enjoy the weekend and some fresh Spring air. We'll miss you until Monday.

Sent by Tina from Alton IL | 10:46 AM ET | 04-18-2008

I hear some of the fire again!! As we learn to do when we have this crap, try, try again. Keep it up Leroy!

Sent by Jenene K/AZ | 10:59 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Now that sounds like my old Leroy. Hang in there buddy and press on climbing up that mountain.....you can do it.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 11:01 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Leroy,

Ah, the roller coaster! Climbing up, making progress. May it be a good long time before you go into free fall again.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:07 AM ET | 04-18-2008

Keep plugging even if turtle speed.Hope Ruth is also making progress.May the Lords grace shine on us all.

Sent by Hal | 11:20 AM ET | 04-18-2008

It is great to hear you in fighting spirit - I'd bet anything you're going to be losing that walker quickly. Work those muscles!

Sent by Marcia Greer | 11:24 AM ET | 04-18-2008

HURRAY!!!! Keep your chin up!

Sent by grace | 12:18 PM ET | 04-18-2008

between that, and the pending arrival of spring (= a little sunshine...) -- well. you can't beat *that* with a stick.

Sent by mary | 2:01 PM ET | 04-18-2008

What a fabulous post to end the week! Hope it's a glorious weekend for you and Laurie.

Sent by Dianne in Nevada | 2:13 PM ET | 04-18-2008

Leroy, I have read your blog every day for a while now. I don't know how many of those like me are out there reading but not sending a comment to you. Just wanted you to know that even your silent readers are pulling for you and wishing you the best day as is possible every day. You've inspired me many times to look for the best and keep handling the worst. God Bless, Leroy. Your silent, constant friend on the internet.

Sent by Lorrain Cook | 2:19 PM ET | 04-18-2008

Leroy, No pain no gain, right? Seems we all deal with the effects of our treatment, some more than others, but it is a given none the less. You have definetly had your share. I hope these are the first steps to a more significant recovery. Time will tell, so be as patient as possible. Then you can back over the walker with the car. Have a good weekend. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 2:23 PM ET | 04-18-2008

Small steps gained with each session will hopefully lead to your goal of not needing the walker all of the time. I hear the optimism in your voice.

You and Laurie have a great weekend.

Sent by Al Cato | 3:59 PM ET | 04-18-2008

Leroy,

Remember these words?

"We aren't given the burdens we deserve, we're given the burdens we can bear."

I have work to do, because I'm going to fight like hell.

Keep fighting that good fight & remember you are remembered daily.

Sent by Mike | 7:01 PM ET | 04-18-2008

Hi Leroy- Oh such great good news. You are on the WAY UP- not the way down. Isn't that fantastic !!! I am so happy for you.
Hey -for a laugh and inspiration, read Schlimmel's book "Cancer on $5 a day" It is a short book and hard to put down.

Sent by linda h. | 8:26 PM ET | 04-18-2008

I've been here since the end of my radiation in 2006. I'm glad you are moving foward with the PT. Cancer certainly changes what we value. I remember feeling exuberent about being able to pick up the dog poop in the back yard. I still feel that way.... I so much value your daily comments thanks Lynda

Sent by Lynda Spangler | 1:26 AM ET | 04-19-2008

Leroy -
Glad the optimisim is coming back. You are a warrior.

Sent by Melissa T | 10:53 AM ET | 04-19-2008

Sorry I missed this yesterday. Was packing heat.. yep on shoulders, neck and back. You on the other hand are packing ice... Mine works until the hot flashes from the cancer meds start :-) How about your ice..does it work until you start shivering? On again, off again. But it's still better than the alternative... keep traveling forward, actually I bet you can only go forward using a walker, so that is the way your outlook should stay forward focused xxoo great weekend!

Sent by Jo Ann Baswell-Margate, FL | 11:32 AM ET | 04-19-2008

Leroy,

Inspired by Lorrain Cook's message, I'll add my hitherto-silent voice to your chorus of steady well-wishers. I check in with you every day, inspired, humbled, impressed and uplifted by your honesty, candor, courage and indomitable spirit. Please know that for every person who responds to your blog entries, there are dozens more like me who bear silent but supportive witness to your battle and hold you in our thoughts and prayers. I wish you wonderful progress in PT!

Sent by Lisa Laico | 12:27 PM ET | 04-19-2008

Hang in there...sounds like progress is being made...many prayers and God's continued blessings. Lori in California

Sent by Lori | 12:44 AM ET | 04-20-2008

For me, it is also how the healing process continues...I wish you many fond memories this weekend!
Leroy, you have all weekend to ice! Rest and heal! Continued prayers for you all!

http://www.cancer2blog.com
http://www.cancerdelete.com

Sent by Joddy | 8:28 AM ET | 04-20-2008

Good for you Leroy..........keep up the good work.

As always prayes to all.

Sent by sasha321 | 4:19 PM ET | 04-20-2008

Like Lorrain Cook, I read the blog often. but this is my first comment. perhaps because our paths seem to be at similar points. A brain tumor that has been inactive for 9 months is stirring up trouble in my left temporal lobe. And patience is definitely my challenge, my lesson for living in the moment. I am inspired by all the voices I heaar this community.

Sent by cher lison | 7:27 PM ET | 04-20-2008

Every time I come back to visit your log I always leave usually with a smile(but not always)thinking to myself....glad your still with us Leroy. With that today I repeat it again. "Glad your still with us Leroy". Some days are good. Some days not so good. I'm a vietnam vet dealing with my own set of things. Cancer and PTSD for starters.

Hang tough Leroy. In my world I always say...sometimes thats all you have left. As a result it does not take much positive to bring a smile.

Sent by Thomas R | 12:39 PM ET | 04-21-2008

yo homeboy keep getting better hope you get better

Sent by ms.shipman | 2:32 PM ET | 05-01-2008