You might try a powder like Gainers Fuel (available at health food stores) that you can mix up as a shake. It's expensive stuff and not very tasty, but it's not the worst thing in the world either.

Sent by Bruce | 8:02 AM ET | 05-14-2008

YOU ALWAYS MAKE ME SMILE, LEROY- THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR VERY, VERY SPECIAL GIFTS!
NOW GO CHOW DOWN! :-))

Lynne in CT

Sent by lsfisher | 8:06 AM ET | 05-14-2008

For the last couple of months i've been losing weight without trying to and it has me concerned. I am supposedly "cancer free" since treatment but this weight loss and extreme fatigue is a bit concerning for me. My mother is a big dieter so in her mind me losing weight is great, but as you know, in the cancer world losing weight is not a good sign, neither is fatigue. my radiologist is a bit concerned but not enough to really do anything about it. If i hadnt had cancer i would probably just thank the stars that i lost weight and brush off the fatigue to whatever. Seeing through cancer survivor eyes can be a real nuisance. Hope you can eat a yummy meal today Leroy!

Sent by Jenn | 8:11 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Milk Shakes, malts, fat laden foods. Oh boy! How about some onion rings to go with that, gravy, beer too. In and Outs are GREAT! Have a Culvers, they are pretty good to. How about Pizza?

Eat, small frequent high caloric foods. Do it so I can enjoy it vicariously, Leroy.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:20 AM ET | 05-14-2008

dukes mayo on everything! i promise you, it works! Godspeed.

Sent by sarah | 8:20 AM ET | 05-14-2008

When my sister & her family visit Southern California from Virginia, our first stop is always In-N-Out. This burger joint is strictly a West Coast delight though, so Leroy, here's your chance to urge them to open a few spots in Virginia, preferably around the D.C. area.

Sent by Kate | 8:28 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Hello Leroy,

Have fries and a milk shake with every meal and add dessert too! Your body has been through a real "fight for life" and now it is time to replace all that burned up energy and calories.

Enjoy the good food snd renewed strength it will bring.

Sent by Peggy | 8:29 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Leroy - when was the last time your friend saw you? You might be thinner than that last time they saw you but it does not mean that you are still to skinny!!!! It sounds like you are doing what you are told - just keep eating!!! My husband had alot of root beer floats - about three a day that helped him to maintain his weight.

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 8:42 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Hi Leroy, Just remember the 4 food groups according to Jill,the Sweet Potato Queen,Sweet,Salty, Deep Fat Fried and Au Gratin. Good Luck. Elizabeth

Sent by Elizabeth Dyer | 8:43 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Another sunny morning Leroy! You sound stronger even if your "skinnier" self might be needy. I can remember when I began losing weight years ago and I was delighted - at first. Then I couldn't stop losing weight. I would be so- o-o very hungry but found that I could not get much down and then, only liquids. I was not recognized by my friends and I swore that IF I ever got well, I would NEVER complain about being fat again. Well they eventually found the problem, surgically corrrected it and I was happy to start returning to my proper weight. However now, with age, the old surgery has began to drop, along with the rest of me, and I am having some eating problems once again. What I never realzed then, was that nothing stays the same for very long. Surgery only lasts for so long. Maybe this is your "new self". Eat, indulge yourself, and above all, try not to lose your appetite.It is one of Life's pleasures. How about one of those Cheesesteak sandwiches?

Sent by J C R | 8:49 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Leroy, I sometimes used to think "BOY, would I LOVE to eat anything I wanted and not gain weight." No longer.. I am just grateful I am not overweight, just a little shorter than I should be!! I am blessed to be healthy so far..

Try some of the drinks for people who are not able to eat correctly.. Won't mention brands but I am sure you know what I am talking about. They "Ensure" that you have your needed calories and nutrients..

GOD BLESS.. You start my day with a blessing..

Sent by Patsy Elmore | 9:17 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Hi Leroy,

You make me happy this morning and I have a suggestion for you! My Dad had something wrong before I was born and became very, very thin. He was told to drink at least one or two milk shakes WITH AN EGG IN IT every day. He did that for a long time and he was fine! Unfortunately, as he got older he still enjoyed his milkshakes and was sad because he had to cut that out to just every so often!!!

Take care of you, Leroy, you sound wonderful and just much love and prayers go out to you!

Love, Janice

Sent by janice goldberg white | 9:28 AM ET | 05-14-2008

You do make me smile. Please have that milkshake, fries and my personal favorite at this time of year... strawberry-rhubarb pie with vanilla ice cream. I find pie for breakfast, at times, can be very comforting. To adventures in eating!

Sent by anne lumberger | 9:33 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Hey Leroy and Laurie, offer still holds for the chocolate chip cookies with or without walnuts! Peanut M&M's are great calorie bombs... sprinkle liberally around the areas your prowl... sending you wishes of comfort and healing everyday, joyful awareness of the Spring and optimism for the future.

Sent by Stitches | 9:34 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Hi Leroy,

I remember during chemo I lost 20 pounds and was down to my junior high weight! I had absolutely no appetite and was nauseous for 18 weeks and I normally love to eat. Krispy Kreme would definitely be helpful if you are into doughnuts and I love the burgers and fries at Five Guys.

May you have better days than not,

Lianne

Sent by Lianne | 9:43 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Dear Leroy,
My husband has had cancer (stage IV metastatic lung cancer now from primary esophageal cancer) for 27 months. He was a big man like you.......six feet..one inch and 255 pounds. Now after two years of chemo he has lost 50 pounds. He has no appetite and the cancer has taken away his taste buds so that even if he is a little hungry he cannot even enjoy his food. He said that everything he eats has a metallic taste. I don't think the drinks and shakes have enough calories for those who cannot get food down. It's always something in "Cancer World" With every day comes a new symptom, a new feeling. I did not reply to yesterday's post but I would like to comment. NO..........there is not one day that my husband, myself or my children forget that we are living with cancer.
Prayers to all.

Sent by sasha321 | 9:48 AM ET | 05-14-2008

In-n-Out.. oh Leroy, that statement makes every Californian who is living out of the greatest state in the union (my opinion obviously :)) bond like there is no tomorrow. Although i'm vegetarian, In-N-Out does a great grilled cheese which us herbivores eat with great delight.

I hope you enjoyed your fries and are eating more.

Have you tried supplementing your diet with Boost or Ensure, higher caloric nutritional supplements? I would say drink 2-3 cans of this stuff a day to get more real calories in you....

Hang in there. Sending good thoughts.

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 9:50 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Eat too much. Eat not enough. When is it ever right? :) I think you should eat when you feel like eating. It's your body. It's human nature for us as caregivers to want a sick loved one to eat so they stay "healthy" and get better.

Live for you Leroy. Live for you...

God bless you and have a great day!

Judy

Sent by Judy Voller | 9:56 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Are any of you on any meds to help stimulate your appetite?

I can "feel" hungry but not know what it is I'm hungry for - nothing sounds appealing and when I do think of something and try to eat, I get a few bites and it's like I can't do it anymore.

I do keep some M&M peanuts around and Fudgesicle pops! Those seem to be my two main foods lately.

Sent by Vicky (NY) | 10:14 AM ET | 05-14-2008

If you wanted to as well add green to your diet, avocados are a great source of fat and are good for you too! Also, a cocnut milk shake with frozen blueberries and strawberries is the bomb. I am not eating as much dairy, but that substitution really rocks.

Sent by Becky | 10:15 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Leroy you can look great to a skinny point. I found the best way to keep any wieght on during my throat cancer fight was lots of cream soups made with half and half or full cream, and I would eat a little at a time but much more frequently. I would fill quickly but was hungry again soon. Also tried to get about 5 Boosts a day. Now 3 years later I am still skinny but can maintain health and weight. Keep eating.

Sent by Marian | 10:28 AM ET | 05-14-2008

My mother's heart is failing and she has no appetite. Her idea of a meal is a radish. Seriously...a radish. I had her over for dinner for Mother's Day and she spotted a big bag of Cheetos I had on the counter. I opened them for her and she ended up eating the whole bag! Did I mention she's supposed to watch her sodium intake?! Yikes! It's a wonder she made it out of my house alive. I was just glad to see her eat something...anything. I guess my point is, if you see something and it appeals to you, eat it. Stick to the top of the food pyramid!

Sent by Sue in Rochester, NY | 10:28 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Becky's diet suggestion sounds good and healthy too! Don't you still have to watch Clorestral in the blood even though you may be skinny? I thought so.So, limit the french fries and milk shakes a trifle. OH, oh, dare I mention Trifle? Delicious! But listen to Becky. Watch those transfats.

Sent by J C R | 10:39 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Hi Leroy,
I thinking of you, and wondering what you will eat today. What ever you eat, eat it to the glory of God.

Sent by Donato | 10:39 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Leroy and Vicky, I know better than anyone about eating and weight loss. Yes I was on a drug called Remeron. It not only helped my appetite but also got me out of a depressed state. My GP put me on this drug and it was a life saver for me. I had esaphageal cancer and lost over 60 lbs. through the ordeal. I was on a feeding tube for 3 months (and hated it) after sugery due to weight loss. I am still "skinny" 120lbs. and 5'7" tall. I used to weigh 180lbs. I don't think I'm too skinny, but I could afford to gain a few lbs. which is very difficult after the surgery that I had. I have to eat very small meals like 6 times a day, my new stomach won't hold anymore than that at one sitting. Leroy, eat up and if you have no appetite ask your doctor about Remeron. I had no side effects and it worked. You don't want to lose too much weight, it's not a good thing.

Sent by Ruth White | 10:43 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Just a note on our experience with home hospice. Eating is not at all encouraged. Caregivers are instructed not to push foods and patients are commiserated with about their lack of hunger and tastebuds. This is one aspect of hospice that I as a caregiver don't like. Even my husband does not appreciate their philosophy. Until the last day, we want to chose life.

Sent by Elaine | 10:57 AM ET | 05-14-2008

I'm one of the rare birds who actually ate like a long-haul truck driver and LOST weight on prednisone steroids. I'm now "skinny" (5'10" and 120 pounds) or a super model, depending on your perspective. My appetite is healthy, but my exercise regimen is even healthier, so I'm maintaining but not gaining weight. I am lucky enough to live in So. Cal. and you've made me hungry for In 'n' Out. I think I'll make it a double today with fries AND a shake!

Sent by Susan C | 11:02 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Gum drops! They are not very filling and add calories.

Sent by Dona | 11:04 AM ET | 05-14-2008

I agree with Deb from Michigan - maybe your friend just hasn't adjusted to the "new" Leroy. If your docs are concerned - then work hard to put on weight; but if they aren't, then it must be you're doing just fine. But still feel free to go ahead and use it as an excuse for those fries. We're having In-N-Out for lunch today as we do after each onc appointment!

My husband dropped 70 pounds while in full battle against his multiple myeloma. The chemo gave him that metallic taste, he refused to eat and became malnourished. He had to be given TPN for weeks, but once he finally started to eat a bit the hospital pushed Ensure and Boost at each meal. We added some soft ice cream to the Ensure to make a shake and he did well with that; also froze the Boost to make it slushy. They also put him on some drugs to stimulate his appetite. It all worked well for him eventually ...he's put all the weight back on during this past year of remission, so he's ready to do battle again when/if that beast returns.

Sent by Dianne in Nevada | 11:13 AM ET | 05-14-2008

By all means have some fries but why settle for the caloric cheap seats? Indulge your culinary wild side... and don't let spring's fresh produce go unappreciated. Food variety can be a wonderful life spice & unfortunately cancer treatment can too easily make pizza taste like the box it came in.

Hold Fast & Eat Well

Don MacLeod

Sent by don MacLeod | 11:20 AM ET | 05-14-2008

When I was going thru chemo off and on, I caught myself being sort of obsessed with food; what was healthy, what to eat, what not to eat,etc; blaming the whole cancer thing on my diet (or lack of). After getting advice from someone who thought they were trying to be helpful by saying I shouldn't eat this or that,(I craved a gravy biscuit!); my Dr. said to eat whatever I wanted to eat! So load up on all the things you love and crave (philly cheesesteaks?) so you can keep up your energy! It really comes down to a quality of life issue in my opinion. So don't get obsessive about your food, just eat!!
Have a great day~

Sent by Leslie | 11:26 AM ET | 05-14-2008

Dear Leroy, remember...you are eating for two now...you and the beast. Not the most comforting thought, but as I remind my Dad, the cancer will steal his nutrients and calories from him, so he has to eat more. We try to combat this with food that Dad enjoys PLUS, as many of the supplemental shakes as he can get down in a day. Hopefully 3 or 4 of them. You did make me smile today though Leroy! May God bless...

Sent by Linda Lee | 11:54 AM ET | 05-14-2008

I've had this problem, too. In addition to the fries and shakes, which I believe are central to any good cancer patient diet, get a few cans of Ensure in you, too. There are actual nutrients in it. For real. And you need nutrients as well as calories.

Sent by Tracy | 12:00 PM ET | 05-14-2008

mmm... in & ouuuuut... most partial to their hand-cut fries.

nibbles are always good. try having a pan of rice krispie bars on hand, too. (but don't let them sit too long, 'cause they get too hard to bite.)

Sent by mary | 12:08 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Leroy: What encouragement for eating today, and here I've gained 17 lbs since Burge died and am trying to lose. :>) Everyone made me hungery with their suggestions.

Elaine: I wouldn't like hospice not wanting your husband to eat either. We just went with what Burge wanted and if he wanted to eat, I fixed it, found it, or discussed it. In the end, he wasn't hungery, but it was entirely his decision. Your husband should have the same options, especially if he is in his own home. (Just my two cents worth!)

Nikki

Sent by Nikki in Kansas | 12:14 PM ET | 05-14-2008

If the docs aren't unhappy with your weight, this could be a blessing for your back. Less weight to carry around does mean less strain. Just keep building those muscles up.

Sent by Robin L. Fairfax VA | 12:16 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Neils morning breakfast was always a smoothie! Chocolate Or Vanilla Ensure, two TBLSP Chocolate syrup, Banana (preferably frozen) 1 cup mixed berries (bags in frozen dept of Sams) 1 egg, fruit yogurt and Milk or OJ to thin it out. Somedays I could make these 1000 calories...He loved em! Best of luck Leroy, eat well! I even slipped in his vitamins and some flax seed!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 12:18 PM ET | 05-14-2008

At a support group last night, several people mentioned that I lost weight since the week before. It's true because I've had no solid food since last Friday. No desire to eat because if I try, it either comes up or goes through very quickly. Even water grosses me out. However, driving home, I started to think about how good all the fast food joints smelled and almost pulled into one. This morning I made 2 eggs, which so far, have stayed put. I wish it was just mind over matter. I'm in the fourth week of my 10th - 28 day cycle, so I know why I feel this way. Week 4 is always rough. I then get a 2 week break and will eat everything in sight. That's what keeps me going.

Sent by Shaun | 12:37 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Leroy - I was introduced to In N Out burgers last week in Arizona. You are right they are great - but I had the problem of not being hungry so I did not finish mine. I'm not sure which is worst being on steroids and eating everything in sight or not being on steroids and getting a stern look from the doctors when i drop a few pounds.

Sent by Cathy | 12:49 PM ET | 05-14-2008

good morning leroy and all. you brought back a funny memory (odd to have funny memories of chemo) from my oncologist. he worried about my extreme weight loss,too. i've been heavy all my life so losing weight seemed okay to me. he told me he wanted me to stop losing, start gaining and have a milk shake a day. i asked him to write it out as a prescription as i wanted proof. he grinned and handed me the script. don't forget philly cheesesteaks and warm chocolate chip cookies.

Sent by glenda | 1:00 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Dear Leroy,
I never thought it would be hard to eat because I have always had a big appetite and as an adult been overweight up to downright fat. That was when I was on chemo for ovarian cancer. The steroids made me really hungry and in spite of being sick I managed to get fat.
When I had surgery for small bowel cancer in 2006 I was overweight. I lost 20 pounds in fourteen days in the hospital and another 10 pounds or more after I came home. Eating was work at first and that was a surprise I never thought would happen to me. Now things are changing and I have to break my "truck driver" eating habits. Why are food issues never easy for some of us?
I hope you find some good things to eat and put on some weight, even if you can't get an In n' Out Burger (they are so good!). How about a cheesesteak? They must have a lot of calories!
Thanks for the humor today. We can always use some!
Best wishes,
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 2:00 PM ET | 05-14-2008

A long time ago, when I had no experience with cancer, I read an article that has stayed with me for all these years (at least 30). It was written by a man who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He said that he had read something that said people don't die from cancer, they die from starvation. So he made it a point to eat as much as possible as often as possible. At the time he wrote the article, he had added many years to his "terminal" diagnosis. Just a suggestion...hope it's helpful. I'm in awe of your spirit and courage, Leroy.

Sent by Bobbie, Alexandria, VA | 2:08 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Dear Leroy,
I think one of the most frustrating things is to have people telling you to "Eat, Eat, Eat!" when you just don't feel hungry. Instead of facing a plateful of food at "meal-time", you might try taking 100 calories of food an hour just as you would take medicine on schedule. It's far easier than looking at that heap of food and feeling guilty about turning it down.
Love from Pat

Sent by Pat McRee | 2:21 PM ET | 05-14-2008

I have one word -- NOSH! Maybe have a bowl of your favorite nibbly around (something like cashew nuts, or a mix of raisins and almonds) and just graze as you go through the day. You'll get protein and calories, and maybe just a handful now and then will be easier than sitting down to a big meal. You are in my thoughts, as always.

Sent by Myra W. | 2:46 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Dear Leroy,

Lucky for you, the best pizza on the planet is available in your neck of the woods. (In Bethesda, just south of Rockville). It's the same name as the man who made Pinocchio... both their meat lovers and veggie lovers pizzas are to die for and by my crude estimation the meat lovers has to be about 200,000 calories per bite. If the pictures are true - Bill Clinton liked eating there too.

My husband loves In-and-Out so much that the last time he was in Vegas he went there and got our whole family t-shirts. Like he had been to an important attraction! :-)

As a person who has been trying to lose weight for a couple of years "having to eat" sounds like a dream come true. So have a bite for me too!

Manga manga manga, my friend! Bon appetit!

Sent by Liz L. | 3:10 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Dear Leroy,

We are all united in our opinion. Eat to live!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 4:26 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Dear Nikki,
Thanks for your support. I admire you strength and courage. It's always good to hear from others who have walked in your shoes. As for farming, the closest I have been to it is the farmer's market in my town which is right near the railroad station.

Sent by Elaine | 4:56 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Make a special trip to Urban Burger Co.
on Norbeck Rd. in Rockville. These comments today are making me hungry. Good luck!

Sent by Paula | 5:13 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Leroy,
To support you today, I had french fries for lunch. They were wonderful!

Sent by Mary C. | 5:34 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Hey Leroy- try toffee nut peanuts, bagels with cream cheese,drumstick ice cream bars, cashews, and Bailey's Irish Cream in coffee and anything else. This is the only part of your treatment that you will enjoy.And, if you can't force any of this down, take a teaspoon of peanut butter each hour. I'm thinking of you. I just finished a new book "Cancer on $5 a day" by Schlimmel- very funny- a little crass but very funny and warm.

Sent by linda h. | 6:22 PM ET | 05-14-2008

When I was sick I would get two frozen tyson chicken patties; toast two hamburger buns, four slices of cheddar cheese, covered in mayo until it screamed; finish it off with a home made choclate shake. The cancer didn't kill me, but I'm running from a heart attack!

Sent by T Jones | 6:52 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Hello Leroy,

This is the first time I've written. I've read your blog for a number of months now and have been very moved and touched by your journey. I am dealing with a very limiting chronic illness, though not cancer, and have done hospice work.

I wonder if you have encountered the work of Stephen Levine? Together with his wife Ondrea, their work over the years has substantially influenced the hospice movement. Stephen looks very clearly at things and I thought, as a journalist you might appreciate his approach.

I just found a very fine interview and thought to share it, as he speaks beautifully about the greatest tasks we face as human beings, living and dying, both being inextricably linked, though most people don't consider the connection until illness arises.

Here is the link:

http://www.personaltransformation.com/Levine.html

With warmest wishes,

Eko

Sent by Eko Noble | 9:18 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Leroy, Today they put warm/hot plastic on my head and amde a mask. Then they shot me with radiation. Just another evolution in this journey. They are thinking about if I can continue to drive or not. My life is disappearing in pieces. Nothing good in this, except they can get at it with radiation. My mind is clouded by too much information. The cloudiness does go away eventually, doesn't it? Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 9:37 PM ET | 05-14-2008

I've watched your journey for over a year now as my husband traveled the same path you are traveling. Unfortunately, he lost his battle with the beast 2 1/2 weeks ago. I was always amazed at your strength, positive thoughts even when you didn't feel like having them, and was especially interested in the innovative techniques your doctors were using. My husband started losing the battle when he started losing weight. So, eat anything and everything you can to pile on the calories. Besides malts, try those Ensure drinks. They seemed to help my husband slow down the weight loss (cachexia). Never give up the fight! My husband didn't until near the end! God bless you for this blog! It provides everyone who reads it, those with cancer and their caregivers, with a tremendous amount of hope. Even though my husband has left my kids and I (he was only 53), I will continue to watch your journey and keep you in my prayers. Thank you!

Sent by Terri | 10:38 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Leroy,

I am sure that you have heard of or tried Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast as meals. Usually eating several small meals is a good way to go, especially if your appetite is poor.

A less sweet alternative is to make shakes with buttermilk, favorite fruits and plumped up raisins. (Soak in hot water). You can also use prunes or prune juice for extra iron and as a laxative.

My prayers are with you.

Mary E

Sent by Mary Eisenfeld | 10:49 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Be cautious of all those sweets - you don't want to become diabetic like my BIL has during his chemo treatment. While doing chemo I found myself craving thick juicy steaks - alot! For some reason I found I needed a lot of protein. A good tip for those with metallic taste in their mouth - put a slice of pickle on your tongue and suck it a bit - it will instantly clear your mouth of metallic taste and reset your mouth to taste real flavors again. Another good one is to just suck on plain Hershey's chocolate bar square and let it ooze all over your tongue.

So eat sensibly with high caloric protein in your diet to keep the good muscles there while building up mass.

Sent by Maureen Kennedy | 11:27 PM ET | 05-14-2008

Leroy,
In N Out burgers and fries are AWESOME! Yes. I've lived in CA for 7 years and didn't pick up on it right away. ;-) I lost weight while on Adriamycian and Cytoxin and would drink shakes w/milk, ice cream, yogurt and protein powder when I was not nauseaus between treatments. I think it helped me not to loose to much weight. It was a little bit of a struggle. Ask a nutritionist or your doc a/b protein powder that will help you put on weight.
Keep us posted on how you're doing w/your eating and gaining please.
You made me laugh when you said you were a two double In N OUt burgers and liked the military food in Iraq. A good appetite is a great thing!
Goodnight, Jen

Sent by Jennifer in CA | 1:55 AM ET | 05-15-2008

Leroy, ask your doctor to for a referral to a Registered Dietitian - he or your hospital may have one on staff. The dietitian can help you maintain not only your weight, but muscle, which is the most important thing! People often wait too long before seeing the dietitian. I promise it will make a difference!

Sent by Ann the dietitian | 7:12 AM ET | 05-15-2008

Other than I love In N Out burgers....I wish I could send you a few extra pounds that I guess I'm lucky to have. Nobody says much any more to overweight ladies who are surviving cancer. I hope you find yourself gaining pounds! ;o)

Sent by joane | 9:00 AM ET | 05-15-2008

I don't have much to say today, but if you'll give me an address, I'll bake cookies and send them to you!

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 10:23 AM ET | 05-15-2008

Dear Leroy:

A great way to add some extra calories is with a Scandi Shake. Add this powder (in an envelope) to 8 ounces of milk or juice and you get a whopping 600 calories. Plus it doesn't have that nasty smell or texture of Ensure and Boost, the traditional options for nutritional enhancement. (By the way, it comes in strawberry, chocolate and vanilla.) I had a real struggle to get enough calories into me every day during and after my radiation treatment for throat cancer. My advice? Put some Hawaiian slack key guitar music on the CD player, and then try the vanilla Scandi Shake in a blender with some apple juice, frozen bananas, maybe a chunk of frozen pineapple and a scoop of coconut sorbet. You'll swear you're back in the islands, AND you'll get a whole heck of a lot of calories. You'll be dreaming of tropical breezes before you know it.

All the best, Peggy
P.S. Scandi Shakes can be found on the Internet. Only place we could ever find them around where we live was at the Walgreens drug store at the Stanford Cancer Clinic.

Sent by Peggy | 11:00 AM ET | 05-15-2008

You have become a part of my life -- just as living with my spouse with cancer (in remission after back surgery, radiation, chemo and stem cell transplant).

Even though I do not personally know you, I feel a connection -- a connection through cancer.

I wish you more days of less pain, more days of enjoying life, and many, many, many more days.

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance

Sent by Kay Eusepi | 11:39 AM ET | 05-15-2008

Hi Leroy,

Of all the high tech things I've worked on there has been one I couldn't figure out, it was how to make chocolate chip cookies as good as the ones my mom made. She said that she just used the recipe on the yellow bag but it never worked for me so I gave up until about a year ago. My wife and I found "Chip and Cookie" dough at our local big box store and I took the challenge to experiment until I got it right. I failed the first time, the cookies had a good flavor with real butter and macadamia nuts but the texture was wrong. I started changing the temp and time, used the oven in the range and the toaster oven, and kept notes. I finally got it right, at least for me, my wife likes them a bit crispy but the softer ones I like keeps her from raiding my stash. To make this short they also may have worked in a different way, last month my oncologist told me I had put on too much weight. If you really like chocolate chip cookies and have the energy give it a try, it only takes about 10 minutes to bake a batch and you can have the fun of the experiment to get just the way you like them.

Sent by Walt from LA | 1:22 PM ET | 05-15-2008

Leroy, duuuude -- being born/bred in Los Angeles, In-N-Out was/is a staple. In our youth, friends and I would frequent them - the original In-N-Out burgers were memorably bigger and thicker, but today's still hold their own. And definitely have fries with that!

Sent by Dorothy - Los Angeles | 4:01 PM ET | 05-15-2008

How about Jamba Juice or some other high calorie, but semi-healthy drink?

Sent by Peter | 2:06 AM ET | 05-19-2008

Bravo, bravo, Leroy, on the upcoming anniversary of your blog, and of the daily anniversary of your life!

Here is a poem that could have been written with you in mind, and serves as an inspiration to the rest of us (as you do!):

Pilgrim Journey, by Mark Nepo

"To journey without being changed
is to be a nomad.
To change without journeying
is to be a chameleon.
To journey and to be transformed
by the journey
is to be a pilgrim."

Best wishes, today and every day,
~Kim Forester

Sent by Kim Forester | 1:13 PM ET | 05-28-2008