I laughed at this one! It could be called "getting in touch with your inner woman!"

I don't know a single woman (sick or healthy) who hasn't had issues around their weight and wardrobe: one season it fits, the next it doesn't. Then five years later it might fit again. Or, not.

I guess you can just ride the wave and re-read your posting where you discuss that you have received too much chocolate. (I laughed then too - who knew it was even possible to receive too much chocolate!).

You sound better today. Stronger and happier. Take your good mood out in the sun for a ride. Enjoy the summer-like day! Maybe Laurie has a pair of shorts you can borrow?

Sent by Liz L. | 7:47 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Good Morning Leroy! Aren't we strange about weight? When we gain too much they tell us it is unhealthy and bad for heart and BP. Then, when we lose too much they tell us that we are "wasting away". I have never been happy with my body anyway except for a few choice years during my 30's & 40's when I could buy any clothes I fancied and looked good in them. Those were my healthiest years also! I sure would love to get back to them but it ain't gonna happen I'm afraid! Get a pair of suspenders-ala Larry King, or buy a few items of apparel that fit your new shape for awhile. That too, will soon change again, but you will feel better about yourself. Can't have you walking around with your pants at your feet! You will surely fall. All kidding aside Leroy, you sound good and can laugh at yourself a bit. You ARE getting back to "normal". Now is the time for that Cheesesteak sandwich.

Sent by J C R | 8:10 AM ET | 04-24-2008

I think once a week (or month) you should put on a suit or tie. Find a tie you really like (low investment and it will ALWAYS fit!) and strap it on. Maybe "tie tuesdays." It might be a little thing but dressing "normal" makes all the difference some days.

Sent by allison | 8:26 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Boo Boo, get the picnic basket.

Enjoy your picnic today!

Sent by KK | 8:26 AM ET | 04-24-2008

I too enjoyed today's posting. Maybe because you sounded like yourself...or what I perceive to know about you through this blog. Food can provide such satisfaction...and in so many ways. You think about your favorite meals, you look forward to certain meals, some meals remind you of friends with whom you have shared good times...the list goes on. So enjoy your meals and go forward.

Sent by Helene Weingarten | 8:27 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Leroy, I had to kind of laugh this morning reading this. My husband too is on steroids. Especially when he first started takeing them he would eat everything in site. It was nothing to find him looking in the fridge at 2 or 3 am. He still snacks through the day and night. Today your post could have been written by him.

As for clothes I think back to a prior post on buying new clothes or not. We buy! Today is to be lived (and to look and feel nice) and as normal (??) as possible.

You and Laurie have a good day. Be outside, go shop a little if you are up to it, or send Laurie.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 8:38 AM ET | 04-24-2008

This reminds me of when I was in treatment and having to do laundry, all my clothes were mostly pajamas or casual clothes. a bit depressing. Now i'm washing regular out door clothes and i've lost weight too, have to readjust my wardrobe. At least i'm washing clothes other than pajama bottoms even if they don't fit so well.

Sent by Jenn | 8:45 AM ET | 04-24-2008

It is all about the weight. Well mostly all about the weight. I didn't lose, I gained. So my clothes do not fit for the other reason. Squeezing, pulling and pushing. Still, I seem to look in the mirror and see the "normal" me. With everything going on, isn't it funny that weight is still an issue. See that is normal!
Prayers, Blessings and May The Grace Of God Be With You.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 8:47 AM ET | 04-24-2008

I saw my doctor yesterday and noticed that I had lost some weight. They weigh me at every visit. My appetite has been shot with Xeloda, and I have a metallic taste in my mouth from Taxotere. Luckily, I have the "resources" to stand a little weight loss. Gotta find something good in having poison pumped through your system on a regular basis. I find I have to force myself to eat, so I try to eat healthy things and not waste the effort on (too much) chocolate.

Ruth
http://ruthsmusings.blogspot.com

Sent by Ruth from Virginia | 9:01 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Thanks for the good chuckle. I'm so glad to hear you are into food. That's a great sign!

Sent by Nichole | 9:09 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Morning, Leroy

I'm sending you some snazzy suspenders ASAP!

Sent by Judy Fuller in N.Va. | 9:11 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Weight AND hair...cancer and attendant treatments impact both of those parts of us far more than I ever expected!

Sweats and a baseball cap were my fashionista statement for many months; good thing there were no weddings, funerals, or galas scheduled.

Have a casual day!

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 9:27 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Leroy - I haven't written in a while, but have still been keeping up with your
blog. I've had a few complications since the beginning of the year that have kept me on the sidelines but I felt compelled to comment about the steroids. We can always tell when I'm on them in my house - a mysterious "were-pig" visits our house during the night and cleans out the refrigerator. Things set aside after dinner as leftovers for tomorrow's lunch - GONE! It's like having another teenager in the household.
And I have the same problem with my pants too - my family calls me the "Amazing Butt-less Wonder". If I don't cinch my belt tight enough, a set of car keys and some loose pocket change will drop my pants to my knees. Funny stuff, this cancer - you eat like a "were-pig" and you still can't keep up your pants. I tell people that I'm on a great diet, but the plan I'm on is terrible.

Sent by Bob Maimone | 9:35 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Hi Leroy!! You sound terrific and I am thrilled for you! And enjoy what you are eating. A friend of mine told me that steroids takes over everything and she was always HUNGRY - MEAT MEAT she would go around saying!!
Hope that you have enough strength to go for a walk OUTSIDE - with Laurie and your walker - it is gorgeous here and I hope by you! And enjoy the snacking WITHOUT THE GUILT!!
TAKE CARE AND OF COURSE, I SEND MUCH LOVE.

JAN

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 9:54 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Hi Leroy,
Those steroids will give you the munchies. When I had chemo and took steroids back in 1991 I grew to the size of a small whale even with the barfing from the chemo. Since my surgery in 2006 I have been able to eat anything and lots of it without gaining weight...until recently. I just saw my GI doctor and I have gained six pounds in two months. Time to cut down on the chips and chocolate! I sure don't want to gain back the 30+ pounds I lost from the last surgery. Of course, the doctors want me a little overweight just in case......
I suggest you get a few things that fit. It will make you feel better and you sure don't want to fall down when your shorts do.
Have a great day!!!
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 9:54 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Leroy,

Go ahead and be a foodie. Wear a tux to your TV dinner. Do what pleases YOU! I'm Jewish, so I am inordinately interested in what those I care about eat. So EAT, already!

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 10:30 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Caring about the wardrobe is a good think, Leroy. I remember the Sienfeld show when Jerry told George that wearing sweats was a sign that he had given up on life. So, splurge and get a pair of shorts that fit. Postpone the suit thing until say, you get an invitation to a wedding. Remember, comfort above all else.

Sent by Sharon | 10:35 AM ET | 04-24-2008

SPANDEX Leroy, is the answer to your problems. You and Laurie get you some spandex shorts and they will adjust if you gain a little or lose a little. Hope your day is filled with sunshine and happiness. God Bless.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 10:37 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Haha, steroids make me eat everything that's not nailed down or running away. Whenever they put me on them (for asthma, or for chemo in the past) I would gain an instant 10 lbs, seemingly without trying. I hope they have the intended effect on your wardrobe, Leroy. 50 pounds is a lot! Have fun noshing your way back to size!

Sent by Alycia Keating | 10:44 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Leroy, I experienced the same thing on steroids. I gained about 20 lbs and swelled up like a balloon, I had to take a diarretic to get rid of the water gain. Then when I quit, my weight dropped back down again. I loved eating everything in sight though, don't you?

Sent by Ruth White | 10:45 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Leroy, it's a perfect day to go have some ice cream. Lots of ice cream. Put on whatever fits and head off to Cold Stone.

I have clothes in my closet ranging from size 10 to size 16!!!! Welcome to a womans's world. :)

Sent by Kelly | 10:50 AM ET | 04-24-2008

I love todays message!!!! It is full of humor and I love that. I have clothes in my closet of all sizes - women have to have extra clothes for "fat" days.

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 11:29 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Leroy: Enjoy the urge to eat.Sounds like time to have a cookies and cream milkshake.You need a ride anyway,enjoy the spring.May the Lords grace shine on us all.

Sent by Hal | 11:34 AM ET | 04-24-2008

Oh WOW! To be able to eat and not worry about weight gain. Not the way to go about it, but....I am jealous. Love the suggestions: suspenders, Coldstone Creamery. I'll add pizza, cheeseburgers, fries and onion rings. :)

Eat your heart out, Leroy. I'll live vicariously for now. In fact my stomach just asked for something. :)

Sent by Sue Chap | 11:40 AM ET | 04-24-2008

It has been my observation that steriods will make a person want to "eat paint off a car." I hope you can find something very delicious instead. Cheers.

Sent by N. Holmes | 11:54 AM ET | 04-24-2008

I know the REASON for the needing to gain weight is NOT good but Oh, to be able to eat anything I want! smile Not to fight the fat!!

Thank you for making me smile today.. I am so GLAD you are hungry and the Spandex sounds like a wonderful idea. You and Laurie can have a pair alike!!

Sent by Patsy Elmore | 12:26 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Dear Leroy/All,
My husband had to be hospitalized so I am unable to do much posting. They see a spot on his spine and I am thinking of Leroy's ordeal. I hope he can be as brave and have the same courage and perserverence as Leroy.
Prayers to all.

Sent by sasha321 | 12:32 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Sasha,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry that you and your family have had to deal with so much - you are so strong and courageous.

Leroy, your post left me with a smile this morning, thank you!

God bless all,

Sent by Amy in NJ | 1:01 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Leroy, Thanks for painting that picture. It was a funny look on you!! All side effects, some not so bad as others. I too have lost 35 pounds and still counting. Take care, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 2:08 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Eat like a hog. Eat with abandon. For me food = pleasure.

Pizza, Chinese, fried chicken, ice cream, chicken enchiladas,mashed potatoes and gravy, greasy cheeseburgers, cheese steaks,...

I'm going to lunch now. Need to stop talking about food and start eating some.

Sent by Dave U. | 2:14 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Hi Leroy,

Steroids made me very hungry, nothing ever satisfied me. Go for it, you need to gain the weight and you will feel stronger.

Sent by cv | 3:27 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Two words: duct tape... But seriously, should you, post-steroids, lose your appetite, get out your straw and your blender. Often it's easier to take liquids when even a hamburger doesn't appeal(!) Add ice cream to all fruit/vegetable/yogurt blends, and then sip even if you don't feel like it. Sometimes one gets munchier once one starts.

Sent by chava | 3:33 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Dear Leroy and Laurie,
I'm laughing out loud when I think about Spandex and duct tape!! No one ever told me that I might gain weight when I went through chemo. It was sort of like having food predilections when I was pregnant; Mexican food totally turned me off but I LOVED chicken wings and ice cream. Hopefully you can find some food that appeals to you (still haven't ever had a Philly cheesesteak sandwich yet)

Cheers,

Sent by betsey in albany ny | 4:15 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Sasha, I pray for you and your family daily. Wishing you all the best.

Sent by Jen | 5:19 PM ET | 04-24-2008

I hope you find chocolate cupcakes in the kitchen! Having a good appetite is a blessing....

Enjoy!

Sent by Faun | 5:29 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Hi Leroy,

You sound much stronger today. I think you are well on you way to the "new normal". eat, Eat, EAT!!!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 6:08 PM ET | 04-24-2008

eating with abandon.could this be another "perk" for having cancer? ( second to all our new friends?) I have to admit I am jealous. I am still working on taking off the 15 lbs I put on during chemo.
Enjoy a banana split for me would ya?

Sent by Theresa Lovin | 6:18 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Leroy- Hooray !! How wonderful to hear you enthuse about food and no longer worry about getting too thin. You really deserve some fun, so eat my favorites- hamburgers, butter toffee peanuts and chocolate chip cookies. If I had your address I'd mail you some cookies.

Sent by linda h. | 6:48 PM ET | 04-24-2008

When I was going through chemo and radiation, my motto was "you only feel as good as you look." So I always put on makeup and clothes that I really liked. It doesn't work for everyone but it sure worked for me.

Sasha, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. We are all here for you.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 7:08 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Thanks so much for all the prayers and supportive words. It's so good to know that others truly understand. And thanks for reminding me that it's OK to take care of myself.

Sent by Elaine | 8:06 PM ET | 04-24-2008

those steroids are sneaky. and the appetite part is absolutely divine. I gained 15 pounds with the help of steroids and regular attention to FOOD. I would like to have an appetite like that most of the time.....I know you are enjoying the snacking, eating. as a matter of fact....I'm just coming off a dose, but the appetite is still there......hmmmm....time for some coffee ice cream. nite Leroy.

Sent by Kaye | 8:36 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Sasha, I'm with you.
Jane

Sent by Jane from AR | 8:58 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Could you post some pictures? I am so grateful for you sharing of all your "inside" thoughts for those of us who haven't experienced this...but I feel like I also need to familiarize myself with the physical changes that people looking at you from the "outside" see. I hope this makes sense & doesn't sound a nosy person trying to get into your business.

Sent by Sara Chan | 9:29 PM ET | 04-24-2008

Ah, Leroy, I could have written your blog today!! I've lost about 70 pounds in the last year (my husband said he thought my face was getting too skinny and I had to remind him I only weigh about 10 pounds less than when we married!), but now I'm on that lovely prednisone, too. Trouble is, I was able recently to get rid of all my "fat" clothes go out and get new ones!!! If I have to stay on the steroids much longer, I'll have to figure out how to get the old ones back!!

Hang in there, my friend!!! And maybe invest in some suspenders - hey, if Larry King can carry it off, I'm sure you can!!!

Sent by Nancy | 11:43 PM ET | 04-24-2008

When I was 5(just a few years ago), I was hospitalized for dehydration, refused to eat and lost a lot of weight. I was fed by IV for several days and my parents and doctors were so concerned. Then, suddenly I asked for a Coke and "some crackers." Everyone watched with great excitement. First, one pack, then another, then another. I could not stop eating. My parents and the doctors watched in amazement as I wolfed down 23 packs of crackers. They knew this was a sign that I was finally getting better.

If your body wasn't beginning to get back to normal, I don't think you would have the urge to eat everything in sight, meds or not.

Here's hoping that your healthy appetite continues.

Sent by Linnea | 5:15 AM ET | 04-25-2008

Leroy- Truly depression is the real maniacal, monster lurking around to really ruin the strides you make in not allowing the cancer to win. True the atriciousness of the side effects are what get you into the depression...so cry...be depressed and ride it out. I have found the more I repress the emotion in order to be tough, the more trouble I am in next time I get to feeling blue. When you got the blues, you got to sing them...I was thinking about writing for your "my cancer" request.....My cancer is the devil and I hate it with with powerful venegeance....My cancer is stealing my life, but I won't let it get away without punishing it. I have been fighting for five years, chemo, surgery, chem, chemo, chemo and that monster keeps coming back, but I promise in the end, no matter what, it will not win. It helps me feel just a little better and of course a little goes a long way. So punch that monkey on your back , in the face if you can, or let me or someone do it for you. And then keep going.

my best to you,
Andrea

Sent by Andrea Angell | 4:17 PM ET | 05-07-2008