Happy Spring indeed!

Pollen be damned, the glorious blossoms in riotous color are worth it all.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 7:29 AM ET | 04-22-2008

And what a beauty this spring has been! I'm trying not to even complain about the itchy eyes and other reactions to all of the pollen. Have a great day!!

Sent by Susan | 7:32 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Good Spring Morning Leroy! I do believe that this is a very different Spring than the last few. Most of the World News is bad and gloomy. The economy is going South. Well, you know all the rest --so-- what is different is that I think we have reached a turning point where there will be no other way to go but UP. I hear a big difference in you, Leroy. We need your optimism and shall look up to you for the wisdom you are so good at. Yes, with all that is happening, it has been a lovely Spring which shows that Mother Nature is still with us. The "height of optimism"! Now, if we can only know that your pain is subsiding as your body strengthens, that will be wonderful and we shall feel that this ole world is finally righting itself. Hang on to that great outlook Leroy, we all need you and your example!

Sent by J C R | 7:42 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Leroy, like a big oak, you are making it season to season. Spring is your reward for making it through the travails of another Winter. Go outside, if you can, and sit in the sun. Enjoy every minute of it!

Sent by Marilyn | 7:42 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring to you Leroy. It is a beautiful spring. You are inspiration to us all, whether you ever meant to be or not. I am sure we all get up and rush to our computers to see if you have posted. You have helped us through our winter.
Thank you so much.
Prayers, Blessings and May The Grace Of God Be With You.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 7:42 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Yes Leroy, Happy Spring! There is something about the sun shine, the spring flowers blooming out and of course the beautiful flowering trees that makes one feel so much better. I am so glad you are able to enjoy. Good time to take a little walk outside. Have a beautiful day.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 7:47 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring Leroy and everyone! Open the doors...open the windows. Enjoy!

Sent by Sue from Rochester | 8:04 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Enjoy the spring. Smell the trees, enjoy the sun on your face. The bright colors.

We're just glad to be reading your shared thoughts this beautiful spring day!

Sent by Liz L. | 8:05 AM ET | 04-22-2008

every day, Leroy, every day.

Sent by Sheara | 8:16 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Leroy,
Happy spring to you, too! There is something so hopeful about the warm sun and blooming trees...itchy eyes and all!

Sent by Kathleen, NJ | 8:39 AM ET | 04-22-2008

glad that you noticed the gorgeous spring - even up here in the adirondacks we are finally getting spring and getting rid of the snow! enjoy that - get out a little and it just has to make you feel better - g-d bless you!

Jan

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 8:41 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring indeed Leroy.

Hugs to you and Laurie.

Sent by Lori | 8:42 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring indeed, dear man. Thank you (again, still) for sharing your thoughts with us in this forum. I sometimes question the meaning (purpose? rationale? something like that) of my being alive.. your words, and your enormous passion for your life, have great meaning for me.

Sent by Dorothy | 8:42 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Earth Day Leroy and to everyone here! Its a day to appreciate the beauty of mother earth.

Sent by Jenn | 8:42 AM ET | 04-22-2008

It is beautiful here in Kentucky! I've been able to get back to walking and of course have more time than usual. It has been fabulous! If it is the last spring it is the best. Happy Earth Day to all.

Sent by Dona | 8:52 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Before my cancer I was all about quantity of life. Then, after having gone through hell with chemo I became a quality person. Being on a respirator and almost passing a few times can change a persons mind.
Now, with the news that I may actually be free of the disease, I am starting to swing back to quantity. I
really think the issue of quality verses quantity should be a none issue. Keep living, fight to live when the time comes, and never stop fighting. I think that would be our best way to balance the equation of quality verses quantity.
Enjoy the Spring.

Sent by Brit | 9:01 AM ET | 04-22-2008

God Speed Leroy!!!

Sent by sarah | 9:05 AM ET | 04-22-2008

YOU made it, Leroy! Enjoy every smell, warm breeze flower and blue sky. You deserve it.

Sent by Becky | 9:10 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring! Prayers and Peace Always...

Sent by Julie | 9:13 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Hurray for Spring, the season of hope. I'm so glad those initial projections of *time* were wrong and you're still with us, Leroy. I'm going to go enjoy the warm sunny day here in New England

Sent by Alycia Keating | 9:16 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring, Leroy! I agree with Dona. If this is our last spring, it's a great one to go out on.
Anita

Sent by Anita Solomon | 9:31 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Dear Leroy,
Having lived in Southern California for 67+ years I never experienced a real Spring. It has seemed to take forever to get here, but the daffodils and tulips are blooming and the trees are finally starting to turn green here in Southwestern Pennsylvania. I drove by Mellon Park yesterday and enjoyed seeing a huge bank of daffodils.
I am so glad you are here to enjoy another Spring and I pray that you will have many more.
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 9:39 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring..its my favorite time of year... it washes away all the crud from winter and starts anew! Its a time for the rebirth of our spirits as well....enjoy the warmth of the day!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 9:47 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Leroy, Isn't it amazing how nature becomes so important when one has cancer. Before cancer, sure I thought Spring was a good thing, but now after cancer, nature, spring mornings, good deeds from other mean so very, very, much more to me. I used to be a night person, now I am a morning person. I can't wait until daylight comes so I can get up and emjoy another day. Leroy, congratulations on attaining another Spring! You're absolutely right, extend our time on this earth is all that is important now and being aware, in the here an now, what we are still able to enjoy everyday. Happy Spring to you.

Sent by Ruth White | 9:48 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Dear Leroy,

Thanks for your choice of topics today. Each day that you fight the beast gives us another day to care about you and to remind ourselves to care for and about each other. When you decide the pain is too great and the quality of life is not great we will still care for you and be grateful for the insight into cancer world that you have given all of us. My love and respect to you and to Laurie and to all of the people whose lives are enriched by caring for you! Three springs is a great record.

Eleanor

Sent by Eleanor Workman | 9:59 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Another spring is everything. Same for another autumn. All of us able to enjoy this bounty have truly hit the jackpot. I am so charmed by your entry today, Leroy, and hope you will let the season's glory infuse your every cell!

Sent by Sarah | 10:02 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Hip hip hurray Leroy! Spring is my favorite time of year as the miracle of life appears before our very eyes. God is quite the artist eh?

Enjoy the moments of spring. Every day there will be something new to see until it is just a memory in summer.

You sound terrific Leroy.

God bless you.

Judy

Sent by Judy Voller | 10:10 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Yeah! Stay strong, Leroy!
We're enjoying a perfect spring day here in Wisconsin. The rain is pouring down and thunderstorms are on the way!

Kathy Bero

Sent by Kathy Bero | 10:24 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Good morning Leroy,
Spring is beautiful, even here in the desert. The cactus is showing off with an amazing display of flowers. The catch is, they last only a few days. It's probably a good thing because it forces us to stop and "smell" the cactus, and to cherish the moment.

Sent by Sharon | 10:28 AM ET | 04-22-2008

I grew up in northern Virginia and I remember the dogwoods, cherry blossoms( I was the "cherry blossom princess" at my preschool!) We even had a big magnolia tree.
Now I live out west and it snowed again two nights ago.
Spring always gave me hope. Spring was always my favorite season. I realize this is my first spring on my borrowed time, the time last year's treatment bought me. The turning of the wheel certainly has taken on a new significance. Thanks for helping me to remember how grateful I am to see the flowers bloom again, even if it may still snow again.

Sent by NancyGM | 10:29 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring, Leroy! Three years ago I entirely missed Spring because I was in the midst of concurrent chemo and radiation for oral cancer. It started right about the time that things tarted greening up around here. I remember dragging myself into the oncologist's office noticing the flowers in bloom and the sun and wondering how I could feel so awful when it was finally so beautiful outside.

Sent by N.R. | 10:46 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Leroy, your past experience has shown you that no human, including doctors, can predict your passing from this world. Enjoy the day and season.Spring is warm and sunny down south,we should marvel in its splendor and be thankful.May the Lords grace shine on us all.

Sent by Hal | 10:58 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring Leroy! Im glad your enjoying the beautiful weather.

As I sit and read your journal, I think of my Dad right now who is in the hospital with end stages of Alzheimers Disease. Im sad because he fought this battle for 8 very long and agonizing years. The I read the struggles in your life~~then I ask the same question a million times, over and over again. "Why would God let this happen to t he most wonderful people?" Most of the time, I read your daily journal and thought that if we were friends, I would be there to hold your hand when your body hurts, or when life becomes too unbearable. Today, I have to do that for my Dad. His life will be ending very soon. No heroic measures. So, until I come back, I wish you the best~~No more pain~~just tons of happiness is what I want for you.

Take care Leroy

Sent by Robin | 11:01 AM ET | 04-22-2008

We are enjoying the spring with you. Time is so precious.

Sent by Tina from Alton IL | 11:02 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Leroy,

Spring is the promise of new life. May your be a beautiful season.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:37 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Dear Leroy, I am a firm believer in when your number is up, it's up, and when it's not you get another ride on the carousel. Grab the brass ring Leroy. Happy Spring.
Peace and healing,
Susan

Sent by Susan | 11:41 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Leroy, through all our treatments, your blog is the best infusion by far!
Love your philosphy, Love you too.
Keep putting that foot in front of the other!

Sent by dg | 11:55 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Yes, Happy Spring Leroy. And it's my birthday so its a good day. I am going to my first Colorado Rockies game tonight. I'll eat a fatty greasy hot dog for ya!

Sent by DiAnn | 11:57 AM ET | 04-22-2008

All any of us has is time, Leroy. And, believe it or not, you use your time more productively than most just by maintaining this blog. Keep the faith, man!

Sent by Nancy from Canada | 11:59 AM ET | 04-22-2008

Thank GOD, we made it.

Sent by David White | 12:18 PM ET | 04-22-2008

I think spring has finally arrived here in Michigan. We have had a long hard winter and today it is in the low seventies. Enjoy the spring, Leroy and I pray you will be here for many more to come.

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 12:39 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Spring has sprung! So many lovely flowers!! Enjoy.

Sent by Jane from California | 12:42 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Spring is a time for renewal and great hope. Savor that wonderful time.

Sent by cv | 12:52 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Leroy, The best of the season to you, Enjoy! Maybe you could take a short wheeled excursion along the river with a friend. I know being pushed is not ideal, but get out there and enjoy it anyway! I love the spring, it is so good to see another. Thoughts, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 1:11 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Thank you, Leroy. You've helped teach me how precious life is. Enjoy those cherry blossoms!

Sent by Rebecca from Maryland | 1:25 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring to you Leroy, and to us all!

Even here in the desert of Arizona, the signs of spring are a feast for the eyes and soul. I've always been inspired by the resiliency of the desert flora and fauna. If they can survive in such a hostile environment, so can we!

Sent by Patte | 1:55 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Leroy, enjoy the spring with every atom of your being. You have earned the right to wallow in the beauty of this season, to breathe in the smell of the blossoms, and to watch the color spring to life after the long winter. Time: what a beautiful gift!

Sent by Susan Crawford | 2:03 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Victorious

Steadfast,enduring,
Seeds prevail and break their bonds
Tendrils lift, hopes high.

Leroy, I think of your great victory over pain and fear and disability. You fight and win each day and we marvel at such strength and courage! Spring arrives, not DESPITE but THROUGH great winds and storms, bringing hope, and reminders of life eternal. God bless and happy Spring! -Carole

Sent by CaroleD | 2:15 PM ET | 04-22-2008

I heard frogs today. They are my indication we are through with the very cold weather. After no self-respecting frog would be out in the cold, now would they?

Dad liked spring. In fact, unless you have seasonal allergies, who doesn't.

It looks like rain today. That will wash more of the winter dirt away, and really make the plants and tree push their leaves out.

Happy spring Leroy! And many many more!

Sent by Sue Chap | 2:18 PM ET | 04-22-2008

For some reason, this post really hit me more than your others, and as I sit at my desk I am holding back tears.
Happy Spring to all, indeed!

Sent by Tara | 2:29 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Yeah, I remember eight years ago right before chemo, my first, was to begin, I asked my oncologist whether I could delay chemo to go on a trip to Montana to visit with our daughters who had moved out there. I asked her that over the phone, and she said she'd get back to me.
At that time we knew I had metastasis in my liver. I had an appointment with her two days later, and the look on her face when she said: "Yes, we (she & her partner in the practice) want you to go on your trip - chemo can wait," scared me to death....well, not to death. Here I am eight yrs. later.

Yeah time's a funny thing. When I hear hopeful news/results than I'm on cloud nine with hope and thoughts of "more time in the bank." Bad news, scary news, and depression comes with the thought I won't be around for too much longer. The roller coaster effect. But so far I may go up and down and all around but I'm always here. Alive and grateful. Very grateful.

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 3:26 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Thank God Leroy, Oh thank God you are still with us! And can now enjoy another spring! It brings tears of joy to my eyes and love for you from my heart. As the wonderful Northumbrian poet Basil Bunting said: "Spring time is everlasting resurrection" Enjot the sun rays on your face. -Graham from Sag Harbor

Sent by Graham G. Hawks | 4:06 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Leroy, I hope you enjoy this Spring and many, many more. We are all with you!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:18 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Dear Leroy,

Let this new beginning, this new season, and the love of so many be a balm to your soul, and may this be only one of many spring to come - without pain. My prayers are with you all.

Sent by Connie | 4:46 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Leroy,

Three years and counting for me too! I was worrying a little too much today about medical bills, my own back pain and so on. You reminded me to look around me and be grateful for today. Happy Spring to you too!

Sent by Lisa | 4:57 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Hi Leroy,

Happy Spring! This is my favorite time of the year. Enjoy the warm sunshine, beautiful blossom and the smell of freshly mown grass. Hang in there! You will get your strength back. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary

Sent by Mary Mclellen | 5:04 PM ET | 04-22-2008

One of my favorite parts of spring is the singing of the birds...they are bursting with joy...and it's contagious! They are all busy nest building, worm finding and generally getting on with life. May we all do the same! Having spent yesterday indoors at the hospital, it feels good to take a deep breath of fresh air today and enjoy the beauty.
We love you Leroy

Sent by bethann | 5:20 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring to you too, Leroy! Though in Florida summer weather is soon upon us. The beautiful weather matched my mood as I "dodged the bullet" today - my latest scan showed improvement in the two spots in my lung and no new spots anywhere else. Life from scan to scan.

Sent by Marcia Greer | 7:30 PM ET | 04-22-2008

And a very happy Spring to you! Am so happy. Friend "Mark in the Woods" has invited a bunch of us out to "Tallabama" for a "Celebration/Gathering/Spring Jubilee" at his place. One round o'chemo, two o'radiation. Looks like your basic Dachau survivor, but am hearing that vast quantities of home cookin we and others toted are putting on the pounds.
Dang. You and yours seem like you'd be really good people and a fun invite, but Mark in the Woods is, as we say, "a fur piece from noplace" -- but heck, maybe when you're feeling better?

I wish you all the best and say an agnostic prayer every morning.

Sent by Victoria Ferreira | 7:42 PM ET | 04-22-2008

A very big AMEN to that!!!!

Sent by Jo Ann Baswell-Margate, FL | 7:56 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Another spring is a blessing! Modern medicine has given you (and countless others) more time, which as you have mentioned is the currency that we cherish the most.

I go in next week to be evaluated for another clinical trial for my chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In retrospect, they have downgraded my complete response to the last clinical trial in 2006 to a partial response, and a relapse only six months later.

I have luckily been feeling pretty good, but everything is rapidly going downhill numbers-wise, so I am trying a cancer vaccine. We will see how I fare. The best results so far are partial responses that last six months or so. The vaccine is well tolerated at an intermediate dose. I hope this will give me another six months of decent quality of life.

After that, who knows? Maybe they will try something else, perhaps a bone marrow transplant.

Sent by Scott S. | 8:06 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Happy Spring indeed, Leroy! I'm reminded every day of your overcoming the odds when I look at the long archived list since you began writing your blog. Every month that is added to the archive, I rejoice because your words mean so much to me (and all of us). I am touched each and every day in ways I couldn't have imagined...thank you, thank you!

Hugs to you and Laurie...

Sent by Faun | 8:30 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Just heard that Tony Snow is in the hospital. Pray that his roller coaster will keep him enjoying spring too. Happy flowers and bird song to all.

Sent by Lucy | 9:44 PM ET | 04-22-2008

I just want to send you a BIIIG BEAR HUG.

Thank you for being you.

Sent by Vicky Bautista | 11:45 PM ET | 04-22-2008

Hello Leroy,

I am thinking of you and want you to know that you are in my prayers everyday. Sending many healing karma your way.

In Peace,
Lynda

Sent by Lynda | 12:31 AM ET | 04-23-2008

Leroy,

Indeed it is a glorious spring to still be hearing something from you. You remind me of the weakling I am from the ongoing after effects of treatment. After all, my scans are clean and have been since December 2003. I hear this a lot from the cancer docs but what in the heck do we do with those that did survive the big C but have so many issues related to radiation and to some degree chemotherapy. There is not sense of doing anything beyond the treatment. The group grows larger and I certainly consider you part of the group of survivors although you haven't received quite the expected outcome some of us did.

May you experience the glory of spring as the greatest time of the year just as I do. The Japanese celebrate the blooming of the plums first and then the cherries during a time they call Sakura. Splendor indeed.

Sent by Ed Brown | 6:12 PM ET | 04-23-2008

Leroy,
You are certainly a brave soul. I have written you before about clinical trials that are much more effective, without the side effects. No response; so I take it that you are content with what they are doing to you.

Sent by Benjamin | 8:48 PM ET | 04-23-2008