Good morning Leroy,
You sound a little doubtful this morning. I think we all begin the day with doubt. What will the Lord bring me today? How can I serve you Lord, today. Will the Lord forgive me my trespasses, today.
I believe you are being led by your creator to a greater good Leroy. This blog has done so much to inspire and give hope, and todays letter is another example of pure hope and determination to live life while you're still alive.
Much love for you Leroy, I heart goes out to you, today.
Keep the faith that has been your heart all along.

Sent by Donato Salazar | 7:35 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Never extinguish that little flicker of Hope! No matter how dimly the light burns, it remains a beacon and prevents the darkness from taking us! Hope is a powerful thing. It nourishes the soul.

Remain hopeful, Leroy.

Sent by Al Cato | 7:59 AM ET | 05-16-2008

I guess we all reach a point in our lives when we can no longer "sugar coat" a situation. A friend of mine just asked me to lie to a substance abuse counselor about her drinking problem. I can't sugar coat her situation any longer. Not even for friendship. But we all can still hold on to hope. I hope my friend gets the help she needs. And Leroy, I'm sending you my hope along with the sweet scent of a Rochester Lilac bush growing outside my window. Have a peaceful day.
Hugs to all.

Sent by Sue in Rochester, NY | 8:20 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy, I believe you're exercising what Dr. Viktor Frankl described as the last of the human freedoms--the freedom to choose one's attitude in a given set of circumstances. When control (or the illusion of control) of all else is taken away, we are left with perceptions and responses, perceptions and responses.

Sent by Leonard from Alabama | 8:22 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Dear Leroy,
I would not call your holding onto hope your way of being stubborn. I would call it the will to live and not give up...........that's courage.

Prayers to all.

Sent by sasha321 | 8:25 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Dear Leroy,
There always has to be some hope - otherwise everyone would just crawl into the fetal position and never get out of bed. At the same time, cancer is a grim reality for those who have it. I don't know what the answer is but I do think that the human spirit never gives up easily.

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 8:35 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Maybe it's a way to live your life until you can't,to give yourself the simple pleasure of dealing with the stuff of normal life. I don't think it is so much denial as putting whatever the rotten mess is in a separate part of your consciousness that you only visit when you have to.

Sent by Elizabeth Dyer | 8:37 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Dear Leroy,

You have every right to hope for a full recovery. Everyone does.

Who knows what some postdoc is cooking up in some lab in some university somewhere on our planet as I write this?

Have a good weekend!

Sent by Liz L. | 8:48 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Hi Leroy,

Stubborn is good. I heartily applaud your stubbornness. You are much admired, respected, regarded, and loved out here.

Thanks for your honesty, always.

Wishing you chocolate and cheesesteaks!!

Kim B.

Sent by Kim B. | 8:49 AM ET | 05-16-2008

It's Friday morning again Leroy and I, for one, will hate to not hear from you for another two days. However today you leave us with much to ponder. You are so realistic in dealing with this situation. You have good reason to hang on to the hope of returning to some sort of normalacy. You are doing that already and we can hear it in your thoughtful messages. We are all facing the same future and the end of our living experiences. We do not have a time frame and that seems to be what is the hardest fact to bear. But do we truly want to know the outcome? We need the hope and look forward to the brighter day. Today is a terribly, depressing, rainy day but we know, somehow, that the sun will shine again. I am depresssed by all the awful news we are surrounded by in this world. As a Journalist, how do you feel about the folks dying in Cyclones, earthquakes, man-made wars,etc. Most of them will never know the misery and pain of Cancer because they will not live a long enough life to experience anything. but I would not change places with them for anything! Aren't we lucky? Can we call it luck or the tricks life plays on us? Leroy, may you and Laurie find peace and joy being together this weekend. I think Depression is our worst foe! "See" you Monday ~

Sent by J C R | 8:51 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy - I hear you and feel for and with you. So many of the posts you have written lately resonate with me so much as I'm pretty much on the same page as you are at this point.

Keep being stubborn and keep holding on to that hope!

Sent by Vicky (NY) | 8:51 AM ET | 05-16-2008

If we don't have some hope, then whats the point?

Sent by Jenn | 8:52 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Stubborn or hope, whatever you want to call it is good. It is something that can't be taken from you and is your own. Everyone that I've ever known that was stubborn did well with things they faced.

Hugs.

Sent by Lori | 9:30 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy,
As always, thank you for your candor. It helps those of us with loved ones in cancerworld to understand a little better. I hope it's sunny where you are.

Sent by Lisa D. | 9:31 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy-
Stubborn can be a good thing. Hang in there on this rainy day.

Sent by Kathleen, NJ | 9:33 AM ET | 05-16-2008

STRONG =STUBBORN !!!!!xoxo dee

Sent by dee | 9:34 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Dear Leroy and Everyone:

Please keep having hope. My mother is currently NED after a very hard last year with an aggressive treatment regimen that nearly killed her. Now she can't imagine how good she feels. What a difference six months can make. I expect to see her on a jet ski in a couple of months, and she's going to be 68 soon. What a fighter. It's what she endured all the hell for: another summer, more life, more time. We know there are no guarantees for the future, but we'll take every single minute we can get, and be grateful for it and live it to the fullest. I wish for all of you hope, healing and comfort. Leroy, I pray for a long period of "normal" for you with improving health. God Bless you and Laurie and everyone here. Have a restful weekend. You are loved.

Sent by Connie | 9:35 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Good morning Leroy! I think what makes your writings so special is the genuine gut level sharing. If I came to visit you, we might share some smiles, and we might share the fear. We might discuss how to cope. After reading your journal entry, I feel that I've been to visit a dear friend and we have shared these things. And so we walk for a piece before I have to leave, but I leave feeling that you are still by my side. Blessings to you friend...

Sent by Linda Lee | 10:00 AM ET | 05-16-2008

why does it seem the stuborn people get cancer? Or is it we all turn into stuborn people when we learn we have cancer. I have been told over the years that I am the must stuborn person people know. That is a good thing now. Even my doctor had to get use to how stuborn I am when it came to asking questions and he only gave me partial answers. So I say it is good to be stuborn. It is our right.

Sent by C | 10:01 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Hope is what gets us through the day. Hope that my heart heals in time, hope for the cure, hope that all of you remain strong, hope in the doctors and most importantly, the Hope of everlasting life.
Enjoy the weekend! Continued prayers coming your way!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 10:03 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy and Laurie,
We are with you all the way as we hold onto hope, even if it's only glimmers of hope.

Many years ago when I was purchasing my first prosthesis, I noticed a basket of buttons with assorted messages on them. One jumped out--I have no idea who even produced them--but I had to have it. It says, "I belong to a community of hope." It's been almost 15 years since that time and I still have the button. The message is even more powerful and strong for me now in that I really know now just how important that "community" has been for me. The "community" has changed over the years, adding and subtracting members due to various circumstances. I look at you, Leroy, and all of the members of the blog as a piece of that community as well. Even though I have euphemistically "achieved a good remission" (note that the word cure isn't mentioned!)I want to keep this community near and dear to me. I also hope that I can extend my hand and heart to others as a part of it.

My best to all as we travel forward on this journey....

Sent by betsey in albany ny | 10:09 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy,

Hope is a funny thing. If what I hope for cannot be, then to hope for that particular outcome may be frustrating. But there are other hopes - for a pain free day, for a loving interlude, for good food and drink, for laughter, for love. These are waiting for you.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 10:09 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Keep up that fighting spirit. We all go thru depression at times but that flicker of hope and hanging in there comes back. Try to do something this weekend to take your mind off of "C" and maybe the depression will get better. Hope and courage are remarkable powers. Love to you and Laurie and all the bloggers. God Bless.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 10:10 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy, I read your blog every day but very rarely do I comment. I truly admire you in so many ways. You tell it like it is all the time, and you put so many of my thoughts into perfect wording and phrases. That must be very difficult at times, yet you always come through.

Being dx'd in 1998 with colon and kidney cancer and having a recurrence of cc in 2004-2005, I know exactly what you mean when you said:
"Actually, cancer patients pretty much do know what will happen. When we're given that first prognosis, we learn to ignore it. And the next one, too.

But the overall theme is pretty clear. The end result isn't really in doubt."

I am currently cancer-free, but it's always in the back of mind what the future may hold for me. But like you said,

"Still, I'm holding onto that hope." and I'm stubborn too!

You are in my prayers.

Sent by Brenda Needham | 10:12 AM ET | 05-16-2008

HOPE is HUGE, Leroy. Hang onto it. Hope has so much to offer...
HOPEfully, you and Laurie can take heart in all this beautiful spring has to offer this weekend....absorb and treasure.

Pam

Sent by Pam | 10:17 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Cancer takes over our lives and wipes out so much hope, but sparks of resilience remain and that is what keeps us going. It's true - we don't know what is ahead but we still hope for warm sunny days, blue skies, laughter without fear,and life without that dreaded, lurking cancer. And, with the advances in treatment being made, it may happen. We have to believe that. I will miss everyone over the weekend - see you all on Monday!

Sent by Tina from Alton IL | 10:36 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Be stubborn as a bull... thats a good thing. There is ALWAYS hope. Have a good weekend and do something different. No cancer talk!

Sent by DiAnn | 10:46 AM ET | 05-16-2008

I'm continuing to ignore my prognosis and am heading off for two weeks in Paris and Amsterdam. I will be following the blog on my phone. Although my oncologist is supposed to be looking for clinical trials while I am gone I am not particularly optimistic in finding one. But we can all to be hopeful. Leroy I hope your scans will not show anything unexpected. Peace to all!

Sent by Dona | 10:47 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Realistic and hopeful are not mutually exclusive.

Remaining hopeful,
Susan

Sent by susan c | 10:57 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Good morning Leroy. I want you to know, that even if on any particular day I have nothing to add to your blog, I'm here and I'm listening. You are a part of my day, and always a recipient of my good thoughts and wishes.

Sent by Sharon | 11:06 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Good Morning Leroy,
We are all going out of this life, and some know how. There are people who think they are going to be around forever. Reality gives a certain kind of freedom. WE all know that saying. The truth will set us free. One day believe it, and another day, don't believe if that is how you feel. There is wisdom in there somewhere.
Have relaxing weekend.
Prayers, Blessings and May The Grace Of God Be With You.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 11:08 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Perfect! This morning, you've expressed perfectly how I feel and how I believe many others who have a poor prognosis feel:"I want to get better." As you say, it isn't really denial or ignorance of reality. It's a choice we make.Right after my diagnosis, a minister friend called to offer support. But he is a Buddhist and thus believes in the importance of acceptance, talks about how everyone is a part of "the great river of life," etc..In my head, I agreed with him. But in my heart, I desperately wanted to hang onto HOPE! And why not? I know none of us is going to get immortality. But in my lifetime, I've seen a few things happen that seemed impossible, even miraculous. Why NOT hope for a few more weeks or months or years of sweet life? I guess it's true that some people reach a place of calm acceptance and peace before death -- and that must be a good thing.But if you're not there, you're not there! That doesn't seem like stubbornness. It's just human nature. May you live long and prosper, Leroy.

Sent by Doris | 11:08 AM ET | 05-16-2008

If we can't have hope, what is there? Having hope is not unrealistic - because we don't know what cancer will do. Expectation of a cure for many of us may be unrealistic, but not the expectation that perhaps we can live a quality life with the disease, that we will have bad periods, but hopefully many good moments that will make it worthwhile.
May we all remain stubbornly hopeful!

Sent by Marcia Greer | 11:10 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy, Stubborn is a good thing, most useful when you have Cancer. I hold onto the hope also, sure I know there is no cure, and the outcome is mostly predetermined; things happen though, right, why not to us? It is a built in part of the Human survival instinct, you just keep fighting until there is no strength left with which to fight. I hope you and Laurie have a very nice weekend. See you monday. Thoughts. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 11:16 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Dear Leroy:

If we do not have hope what is the point? We keep doing all the "right" things and enjoy every day as a gift. That being said, we can never give up Hope as that is what sustains us through the really rough times.
I hope to see my children grow up and graduate from middle school, high school, college and then onward. I hope to give them adequate warning of the "Beast" so that they will not endure the endless therapies that you and I have endured. We will find a way!

God Bless you in your journey and never, ever give up Hope.

Joni

Sent by Joni C | 11:20 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Good morning
Aint nothin wrong with hoping sweet thing, it is what keeps some of us going. Like you said, who knows what might happen. Just cause someone says it is so, does not make it so. Keep on hoping Leroy and enjoying your life, it is still yours.
Peace

Sent by fay | 11:20 AM ET | 05-16-2008

my great-aunt, who left us at age 94, used to say about aging: "anything you can do, you should." dude. "working to be able to do more things easily and comfortably" belongs in the "can do"-column. "hope" belongs there, too. it may even be the engine of "can do".

did i just make an unintentional reference to a classic of children's literature? yikes!

Sent by mary | 11:34 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy -I recently read Dr. Jerome Groopman's "Anatomy of Hope" and a Lance Armstrong Foundation compendium of inspiring case histories. The common denominator is that hope must be based on something real such as a new treatment or good outcomes, even if the percentages are not good. But hope can also be based on faith, religious or spiritual. There are many long-term stage IV survivors: you might be one.

Sent by Bob A. | 11:37 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy, I often think that the most valuable aspect of your blog is the glimpse at the day-to-day reality of being a cancer patient/survivor/whatever. We all tend to have a public face - what we say to most people when they ask "how are you?" The cold, unvarnished truth is too much for most - I for one hated the deer-in-the-headlights look that I got from people when I told them how I REALLY felt. But it felt so great when I did find people, mostly other members of the cancer club, who understood it all. And I think everyone who reads this blog understands the intersection of hope and reality. My hope for you (besides, of course, that your cancer is currently at bay) is that writing about your cancer every day is as therapeutic for you as reading it is for all of us.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 11:58 AM ET | 05-16-2008

Afternoon Leroy , This is the first time I have seen your Blog and have to say from what I have read you are right. It is easier once you come to terms with yourself, the what if thinking dosen't help but also dosen't go away. What really worries me is not that I too have cancer and receiving treatment that I know will only prolong my life a few months or maybe a couple of years but the fact that there are individuals because of lack of funds or insurance can not afford to get treatment or the wonder drugs until they are admitted to a clinical trail or have been given some sort of public assistance. Truly amazing for a country such as ours. In my case the chemo pills would not be delivered until I could either pay the drug company or ny insurance paid them. Luckily I was covered and they got their $4,000 for a 30 day supply , side affects are the biggest problem but we continue on.
Even some of the biggest Cancer Hospitals are demanding money upfront before treatment. But you have my prayers and don't give up

Sent by david griffin | 12:39 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy,
Whatever you call it...just keep doing it.
Linda

Sent by Linda | 1:02 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Dear Leroy,

The beauty of hope -- It truly is what keeps us going, isn't it? It seems certain that hope and love are inseparable. Love of family and friends; love of LIFE. I see that Bob A. has referenced "The Anatomy of Hope" by Dr. Jerome Groopman; a book that I, too, was going to recommend to you and Laurie. Dr. Groopman's concept of "hope" illuminates a much broader scope and sequence of the hopeful-state-of being/mind (particularly in light of difficult dx) than most of us have touched upon or pondered. It's good stuff, Leroy. (And so are you!)

Thank you, as always, and with best wishes and HOPE for you,

Kim Forester

Sent by Kim Forester | 1:15 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy, you are so correct. We live for the day, hoping it will be better than the previous. But we do know the inevitable. I have non-resectable pancreatic cancer. I was diagnosed August 4, 2006. With treatment, I have been able to hold my own (I know I'm lucky), although I will never get back to 'normal'. But we all have those 'hopes'. Without them, we would have been gone long ago. God bless you for your daily inspiration.

Sent by Jerome in Jefferson City, MO | 1:28 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Good Morning Leroy: Hang in there my man, keep a strong front, keep 0n keeping on. You sound a bit down today, sit back, take a deep breath and fight on my friend, you're an inspiration to countless numbers of us. As Jimmy Valvano is famously know for saying "Don't give up, don't ever give up".

Sent by Robert Sheehan | 1:46 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy:
As always, the Light in me honors the Light in you.
Love, Don

Sent by don winslow | 1:47 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Hi Leroy,

I know I've sent this saying to you before but I'd like to share it with you again. It is so true with me.

"Hope is believing in spite of the evidence and watching the evidence change". I apologize but I do not remember the author's name.

I've been watching the evidence change in you and don't you forget that. You are one tough cookie. I too am a stage 4 colon cancer survivor since 2005 and your blog inspires me each and every day. Thank you....

God's peace,

Lisa Majors

Sent by Lisa Majors | 1:50 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Hello, Leroy,
I have been reading you every day but have never posted. I so appreciate every posting because of your honesty, bravery, grit and heart. I, too, live in cancer world. I am a 46 year old mom with three children and you are my hero. You have written all of my thoughts and fears in ways that I never could. I have never even said them out loud. Because I understand cancer world you will know how very much I mean it when I say that you are a wonderful person with so much to offer and I am wishing and hoping with all of my heart. I say wishing and hoping because as you said, if we are being very honest with ourselves, we don't know what to wish for. I think one of the hardest things to deal with is the desperate, gnawing yearning that we all have. A yearning for the old normal, a good day, hour, minute, a reprieve and yes, a miracle. I guess we get what we get. It makes me pretty sad when I'm not mad.
Desperatly wishing and hoping,Leroy.

Sent by gabrielle | 1:56 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy, as they say in morning drive long time listener first time blogger, love your show man. It is good to know that you are still out there breaking tracks, keep pushing through big man.
pjc

Sent by Patrick J Cullen | 3:07 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Hi Leroy, Hope is a word used at the ACS Relay For Life at every event. They light up candles at night that spell HOPE and it motivates all of us at the Relay to keep on going. God gives us Hope to hang on, to carry on. Many Blessings to you Leroy.

Sent by Shannon in Joshua Tree | 3:58 PM ET | 05-16-2008

"You never know what might happen."

Right. I was told last year by my oncologist at that time not to hope for remisssion ever again. I kept saying the R word ..... and he remained really adament that remission would not be possible for me anymore. (I'd been diagnosed in 2000, did chemo off and on until 2003 when I had an amazing and unexpected remission of almost 3 years.)

Two weeks ago I had the lowest tumor marker number I've EVER had, even when I was in remission a few years ago. And at the following visit my new oncologist, in discussing the great blood test result, used the R word ! She said it now would seem to be a definate possibility. She was quite surprised by the test result.

I am doing the new Xeloda protocal of 7 days on and 7 days off (instead of 14 on and 7 off) and my new oncologist had to be pushed to let me do it because she felt it was still somewhat experimental. As I in discussing it wondered aloud if it might work better than the old protocal and how that might be reflected in my blood test (tumor marker test) she had said very clearly : "Don't expect any miracles."

A month later she spoke of possible remission to me, a person for whom a remission would be a miracle.

Regards to Leroy and all,

Nancy O

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 5:04 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy - keep being stubborn!!!!!!

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 5:24 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Hi Leroy,

Hope is powerful medicine. Don't ever underestimate the power of hope. Stubborn is excellent, too!

Sent by Marcy in NJ | 5:29 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Dear Leroy,
I really feel your post today. Once you hear those words, stage IV, no cure, life is never the same. The docs say go out and enjoy your life--very hard to do with a cloud over your head (sometimes its pouring rain) Anyone who makes a statement like that has no idea what it is like to be in this "club"

Any way, I read a great book when I was first dx'd called The Anatomy of Hope, I don't remember the author and I gave it to a friend so I cant find it now. It is about an oncologist and his journey thru his career. It is sad because many of the people in the book die but I found it very hope inspiring. No one knows the future, no one knows how your tumors will respond. Doctors know alot but they don't know everything. So hold onto your hope--look how far you've come already. I pray for you and all of us on this cancer journey every day.

On a lighter note, while I was working yesterday (home care PT) my patient who has had 2 back surgeries over the past 2 weeks was trying to tell me she is feeling better. She said, "Its not as if I have cancer and its terminal!" If she only knew!

Here's hoping for a weekend free of cancer thoughts.

Sent by Mary C. | 6:21 PM ET | 05-16-2008

As long as there's any realistic basis for hope, however small, keep hoping. Hope is what sustains us. By the way I also recommend "The Anatomy of Hope" to anyone curious about the relationship between hope and healing.

Sent by N.R. | 7:11 PM ET | 05-16-2008

H O P E ... where there is life, there is HOPE. Let your light shine Leroy ---your body may be tired, but your brain is still working okie dokie. BTW Hope doesn't cost a thing...so enjoy the weekend in peace and contentment with your loved one! xo

Sent by Jo Ann Baswell-Margate, FL | 8:12 PM ET | 05-16-2008

HOPE is a four letter word...Keep on using it!!!

Sent by Pat Doyle | 8:43 PM ET | 05-16-2008

thank you for sharing your battle. I am awe struck by your strenth and courage. Keep fighting the good fight!!

Sent by Jo Ann | 8:46 PM ET | 05-16-2008

This is a poem I wrote many years ago when my grandmother died.

Unsent letter to my brothers

I want to tell you both it is not hard to visit the dying.
We didn't learn that as children
so I want to tell you now.
No matter what room you are standing in
death is always present.

What if it is you that is dying?
Or not dying but not remembering how to live?

Of course we have forgotten...
All confession begins like this:
I was on the side of a mountain and then fell off.
There was an avalanche or something blinding
that sounded like an avalanche.
My family is buried in a place I cannot find
and I am living in an air I cannot breathe.

At the nursing home I thought she wouldn't recognize me
and I was afraid I wouldn't recognize her.
She is so close to the bone
you can feel your own pulse when you touch her.

She is coming to the end and a part of me leaves with her.
The circle is becoming smaller and I know less and less...
All those stories about the light and the dead greeting the dead,
so I think Dad and Victor will help her, and her husband
who I never met but I believe she must have loved.

She is so light, so light
and small she is almot translucent.
She is like something held up to the sun... a leaf.
Or like a piece of cloth stretched so tight across your face
you can't breathe.

I am trying not to be afraid.
I'm trying to remember the dead don't judge us
and despise us because we don't know how to fill our time
except in grief.

She is lying in a place
where a sheet is too heavy, where light feeds her
like the ice she sucks instead of food.
I believe she is tired and isn't afraid and
wishes we were happy. I believe she remembers everything
and loves us all.

Sent by Joanna Young | 10:58 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy, this is the best journalism on the planet, this useful sharing of difficult times. I look forward to reading your posts so I can understand how to approach my friends and relatives with cancer. And you know what I have learned? Approach it with optimism. You never know.

Sent by francine hardaway | 11:02 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Hey Leroy, You are getting rather deep. The end result for cancer patients is the end result for all of us. So, live life to the fullest that you can - there are some things that you can enjoy; and I know that there are some things that make you angry and/or upset - THE ------- BEAST - you don't deserve that at all! Take today and do the most that you can with it and the next and the next. We all love you and pray for you every day - we are lucky to have you in our lives.
Love, Janice

Sent by janice goldberg white | 11:55 PM ET | 05-16-2008

Leroy,
Hope is what makes this life worth living. Keep hoping. I hope you have a comfortable weekend.
Hugs, Jennifer

Sent by Jennifer in CA | 12:25 AM ET | 05-17-2008

Hi Leroy,
I've been on the road and will be on the road again next week. Just wanted to wish you and the bloggers a weekend full of hope, rest and peace. Best to all.

Sent by Paulette | 12:31 AM ET | 05-17-2008

For those outside your world, you have brought hope. Today we send it back to you on the wings of a dove.

Sent by Sandy | 9:32 AM ET | 05-17-2008

If that's stubborn, I like it. Cancer can take a lot of things from a person, but there are certain parts of ourselves that we need to keep in a secret, stubbornly-protected vault and not let them go. I think hope is one of those things.

Sent by Diane | 11:39 AM ET | 05-17-2008

I love hope. I live for hope. I live with hope.

Sent by Penny Coeur d'Alene, Idaho | 12:26 PM ET | 05-17-2008

Hi Leroy ~ looked in to read your latest post. Although I've only 'met' you thru the tv program that aired awhile back, I, like all rest, feel I know you somewhat.After reading your post today, I just feel like I'm supposed to tell you it's a good thing, to be stubborn. That will ~ it's a good thing, a necessary thing,a hopeful thing. I hope you continue to be a stubborn guy!
I saw something beautiful on a recent documentary: 'You don't have to tell God how big your storm is; You just need to tell your storm how big your God is.'
On the days that you may feel worn down or weary...it's ok, Leroy. I'm here with all your other readers and we'll tell them for you, ok? That's what friends are for.
Have an amazing weekend ~ Donna

Sent by Donna Scutti | 1:17 PM ET | 05-17-2008

Hello,
I've been following your comments on your situation for a while now.
I love how you always end with a little funny. No matter how you have been feeling that day you always seem to try to be in good spirits. I know it's hard.
Thank you for you words.

Sent by Kay | 2:06 PM ET | 05-17-2008

Leroy,

Refusing to be beaten and broken by cancer is the sign of a stubborn man. Please continue being a stubborn man.

MTS

Sent by Marshall Spriggs | 4:16 PM ET | 05-17-2008

HOPE...A wonderful word. One that has gotten me through the past 8months of my mom's chemo. We just heard another wonderful word...remission! But I must say, my favorite word is BELIEVE. My mom wears it on a charm bracelet everyday because she does believe that God heals!

I pray for healing for you, Leroy.

And for Stan, so happy you got some good news. Keep on fighting and hoping and believing!

Sent by Stacy | 10:57 PM ET | 05-17-2008

It is amazing to me how much I miss this blog when I am away and can't check it! The comments are all just so powerful. One book I recommend is "Man's Search for Meaning." It is a good book to read and re-read. To everyone continuing to struggle and all who love them, may there be enough strengh to endure.

Sent by N. Holmes | 12:07 PM ET | 05-18-2008

Joanna Y, what a powerful piece of writing! Thank you.

Sent by Bruce | 6:48 PM ET | 05-18-2008

Leroy - I too am a person with cancer - I have Lung Cancer - or should I say I am "in remission" as of June 6th - my first clean PET scan - I was looking on line for guidance - for a sign - for anything that would help me find "acceptance" because I know - as you said in your blog today - that this may not be rearing it's ugly head today - but it's still here - LC - in particular can come back at any time - there is no "cure" like with other cancers - so in my search I cam across your comments today - and you know what - it has helped me on some level - we all have to live with the hand we are dealt - doesn't mean we can't fight like the dickens to live a better and fuller life - but I too want the life "the normal" before my cancer dx. I guess I will never have that again - and to me that is sad - I will pray for both of us tonight - that you find the "normal" you hope for and that I can in some small way start accepting my dx - know in my heart that I can't change it - but I sure can do my very best to live life to it's fullest - so that's what I want for both of us - and for all cancer patients. Keep the faith.....

Sent by Karen Peyser | 6:37 PM ET | 08-14-2008