Beautiful Comment Leroy! Oh yes, we are all together in this journey and how comforting it is to know that we are not alone, but, sharing the ride. I have learned, as never before, that "no man is an island". Surprises me that you read through ALL the responses to your question. I am sorry that I missed the fact that you had asked for a one line answer to your question. As usual, I have a hard time limiting myself to "just a one-liner" in anything! However, you took your finger out of the Dyke wirh that one! Are you feeling better today? Pain subsided? Hope you have a wonderful weekend and I will miss you till we "meet" again on Monday.

Sent by J C R | 7:44 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Thank you, Leroy, for sharing yourself with all of us. I have always believed that giving was a feedback loop - that it is hard to tell where the giving stops and the receiving begins. When I do for others, I quite often walk away from whatever it was feeling "filled." I don't worry as much about asking for help these days because I know I am giving someone else a chance to be a good guy and get filled up - with love.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 8:00 AM ET | 05-02-2008

You know, out of the goodness of my heart (!), I started to watch StarTrek with my husband. My point? This blog makes us like the Bourg (don't know correct spelling) or at least we are like the little bit I understand about them. We are part of the collective. Not by choice, but by some kind of design. And while you may feel your blogs are always about "you", we all feel you are talking about us. What happens to one of us, affects us all.
Yes, it is all about the "collective".
Prayers, Blessing and May The Grace Of God Be With You.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 8:02 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Happy Friday Leroy,

I guess, my question is, is there anyone who has not been affected in some way by cancer. A friend, relative, acquaintance, someone we don't know about, heard of that has not been diagnosed or affected by this disease?

I am hoping for nice weekend. A chore to do outside, a play to see, a room to attack, even if only for 1/2 hour at a time.

Have a great weekend.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:12 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Thanks to you, Leroy, we are not alone - and you've created thru your talent and energy this safe place for everyone to walk together. I know there are days when you probably don't want to write - but you do, and give everyone else the chance to join you in the journey again for another day!
Your gift in all of this is remarkable~!
Wishing you a wonderful, relaxing and pain free weekend.

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 8:24 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Amen!!! We are bonded together with a common cause....to survive and Live..as we fight our respective battles. Even though it seems that we are alone sometimes, we can take great comfort in this blog to know that so many are pulling and praying for us. Leroy, you have brought us all together here to share our stories, feelings and humanity (the care and concern for others). What a gift you have given us all!! It is truly special!

Have a good weekend. Prayers as always.

Sent by Al Cato | 8:34 AM ET | 05-02-2008

and, I might add, we are traveling, hand-in-hand together, even in cyberspace.

Sent by Molly | 8:36 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Leroy, you deffinetly are not alone. I too was amazed at all the responses to that question. You have offered such a support for so many. Hopefully in return they have provided a support to you.

You sound so much stronger these days. Hopefully the therapy is helping you get stronger.

You and Laurie have a vey good Spring day. It is a beautiful time of year.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 8:39 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Yes we are traveling this road together. But your strenght has given us the strength to continue the journey and to know that we are not alone. Thank you for being so honest. As always, our prayers are with you and your loved ones.

Sent by Linda | 8:46 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Bless you Leroy. Have a restful weekend.

Sent by Claire | 9:01 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Good morning Leroy,
I just wanted you to know how grateful I am to have this blog to write to. All because of you Leroy.
-One man can make a difference-.
Have a great weekend, and enjoy Laurie's company.
May the Lord Richly Bless you.

Sent by Donato | 9:07 AM ET | 05-02-2008

I don't have cancer but many of my friends and family members have died from it or are living with cancer. I read this blog every day. I read every one of the 328 responses to the "finish this sentence" blog. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to learn a bit more about so many of you who comment here. I am in awe of your wisdom and kindness on a daily basis.

I think these comments should be compiled in a book or given a special place on the NPR web page or a cancer-related web page so that future readers can have easy access to this overwhelming experience.

Sent by Joan | 9:09 AM ET | 05-02-2008

I too was amazed at the volume of responses. Lots of lurkers out there. As always, thanks for sharing.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 9:15 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Dear Leroy,

Have a beautiful weekend. Hope your pain is manageable, you continue to improve and grow stronger, and you sleep well. You are loved. God Bless.

Sent by Connie | 9:29 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Good morning, Leroy! "Our Cancer" so aptly describes this disease. On this blog it is "our cancer" and in our family, with my Dad in the center of the circle, and my Mom near beside him, and his children near around him, it is "our cancer."

Sent by Linda Lee | 9:33 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Yes, Leroy....we are all traveling this road together. I truly believe there is strength in numbers. Let us all stand strong together.

Live wonderful, Leroy.

Sent by Lisa | 9:39 AM ET | 05-02-2008

you are so thoughtful, thanks so much.

Sent by sarah | 9:41 AM ET | 05-02-2008

What a heartwarming response from you Leroy. It makes me feel better to know that our responses gave you comfort. You've given all of us a lot so it's nice to give something back.

Sent by Donna R. in NJ | 9:45 AM ET | 05-02-2008

That was a great question. Thanks for turning it over to us and hearing how others feel. Have a good weekend.

Sent by Lisa | 9:50 AM ET | 05-02-2008

That day's blog proves why this community needs you - it was interactive journalism at its best.

Thanks for creating a safe place for all to share their hopes, fears, concerns, and successes.

Enjoy your weekend with Laurie. Hopefully the birds will be out.

Sent by Marie | 10:03 AM ET | 05-02-2008

I don't have cancer but I have many people in my life that have had it and as I spoke to my college room mate today I said that the one great thing that has come from this is that it has brought us back together. We sent Christmas cards, pictures of our kids and e-mails now and then but now we are talking a lot, laughing more than ever visiting 1500 miles now and then and enjoying a great friendship that we have always had but set aside to live our lives. Now our lives are so much richer with each other to share the good and the bad. For instance my daughter is getting married next month at a destination wedding and she is just finishing a round of chemo but has booked her whole family to come to Costa Rica to bring our children together and to celebrate my daughter wedding and to be the shoulder I can cry on with happiness! It's been wonderful to have her back in my life on a daily basis!

Sent by Jane Plummer | 10:12 AM ET | 05-02-2008

There is great comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone in this battle. And your blog provides a window into the lives of others who travel along with us on this journey. Thank you, Leroy. Hope it's a marvelous weekend for you & Laurie.

Sent by Dianne in Nevada | 10:32 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Leroy, you are incredible and so so so inspiring. I have learned from you and pray for you and feel for you - but, i am getting so much from you and my emotional response is caring, not depression! So, I do believe that you are giving to us so much of yourself.

Take care of you and I hope and pray that your weekend is good and you and Laurie can relax and enjoy

love, jan

Sent by janice goldberg white | 10:34 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Hi again Leroy! Your message this morning still has me thinking and I believe the reason it was so different and you received so much over-whelming response to it was that it was the first time that you invited us to combine our stories and thoughts with yours in such a personal way. Made us all feel much closer by sharing together. We are truly a Unique Family of Friends.

Sent by J C R | 10:54 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Reading your blog every day has helped me get thru the struggles I've had over the last year with my BC recurrence. The comments everyone had concerning "My Cancer.." were astounding. I could relate to everything, and there again I was comforted knowing that I am not in this alone. I can see a great book with the comments everyone made...maybe it could help others not in "cancer world" understand what we are all dealing with.
Prayers and blessings to you~

Sent by Leslie Miller | 10:58 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Just realized that you have changed the name of your Blog to "OUR CANCER" Is this a permanent change? How special, thank you.

Sent by J C R | 11:01 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Dear Leroy & my cancer family,

Thanks so much for all the encouragement, love and support that I receive from this blog!! So glad we can share our feelings with people who truly know what this road is like.

Diahrrea, sore painful feet and fatigue almost takes me down sometimes. This blog keeps me fighting on.

I wish everyone a happy weekend and look forward to hearing from all on Monday!!!

Love to all,
Betty Lewis

Sent by Betty K. Lewis | 11:11 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Once again Leroy thanks for giving us all the opportunity to reflect and respond to your challenge.

Have a wonderful weekend. It is derby weekend for those of us in Kentucky so happy derby to all!

Sent by Dona | 11:13 AM ET | 05-02-2008

The saying "you can't know a person until you walk a mile in his/her shoes" is especially true for those of us living with cancer. We share so many thoughts and experiences that are difficult to put into words. Leroy, you do a beautiful job of expressing those feelings and it brings us all together. But just as important, this blog is an important resource for loved ones and caregivers. I send friends here when I need help communicating what I am going through. Thank you for another week of thoughtful insight. Peace to you and Laurie this weekend.

Sent by Patte | 11:15 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Thank you bringing us all together. Have a nurturing weekend. Namaste

Sent by Joan S. | 11:18 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Thank you for making me feel not so alone. I will miss everyone over the weekend. What a great Family of Friends as JCR so beautifully put it.

Sent by Tina from Alton IL | 11:35 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Leroy,

I read most of the comments after your "My cancer is" question. I've been thinking about the responses. It's been my experience that people don't change, they just become MORE OF THE SAME. Facing an illness like cancer, or having a loved one face it, seems to bring out the MORE in a person's personality. The great majority of people wrote about how they have grown, coped, and become stronger and braver. I think these people were already strong and brave but didn't fully realize it. And I feel for the minority whose loved ones let them down. I think that those qualities were there also, but maybe we overlooked them, hoping for the best. And for all the ladies who didn't have breast reconstruction, if it bothers you in the least - go get yourselves some - they're makin' them things every day!

Sent by Marcia | 12:06 PM ET | 05-02-2008

Leroy seems to me hitting all the pot holes in the road and guiding us all so that we at least get a bit of the road map in advance and the descriptions of the journey may entice new road construction plans in the laboratories and trial plans and medical and hospice schools for decades! Blessings and strength for all in the renewal weekend.

Sent by Lucy | 12:13 PM ET | 05-02-2008

AMEN! Here is where I can share my feelings and everyone here will understand. I have found a family here and we all fight this battle together. Thank you everyone for being here, some days I feel so alone, lost and hurting. The beast took something precious from so many of us.
I open my mail and read those same feelings and I know I am not alone. I find comfort in that strength from all of you...I will continue to keep y'all in my prayers!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 1:09 PM ET | 05-02-2008

Leroy: Thanks for giving us a place that we can connect and voice our feelings without having to "explain". I have lots of friends in our small town but it's hard to "talk turkey" without coming across a whiner, so I rarely let them know how lost I really am.

With the my Cancer group, most can read between the lines and know what you really mean without having all the gory details. For this, I am truely greatful and...it was all because of you.

To Elaine & Sasha: It would be insulting to tell you I "know how you feel", having gone where you are now, because each of us has our own Personal feelings (cancer hell) unrelated to any others. Although those who have gone before you can relate to what's happening, what has happened to the rest of us doesn't change your plight.

Please know, however, that I understand where you are and that it tears at my heart. I thought of both of you most of the night and remembered how it was for me last summer. May the time you have left with your husbands be a time of peace for there are no others like them, and they feel the same about you. My knowing that somehow help if just for today.

NIkki

Sent by Nikki in Kansas | 1:14 PM ET | 05-02-2008

I want to thank those of you who wished me well and prayed for me during my new radation procedure yesterday. I was truly scared to death, but it went very well thanks to everyone's prayers. I DID IT! Thank God it's over. I feel pretty good today, I'm back on steroids. Thank you Leroy for this blog and the opportunity to share with not only you but also with all the wonderful people who read this blog. Thank you all so much.

Sent by Ruth White | 1:19 PM ET | 05-02-2008

You have become our "guide" of eloquence, wisdom and humility. If I can carry myself each day the way you have, then I know I have accomplished something in this life. We are blessed and better people for ever knowing you Leroy Sievers....even if it is in Cyberspace. Stay strong!

Sent by Amy Jenkins | 1:44 PM ET | 05-02-2008

No man is an island Leroy. We are all much stronger as a group than as one, no matter if you have cancer or caring for someone who has it. Sometimes strength comes in the smallest ways, such as reading a blog to help get your day started. You my friend have provided much strength and courage to many people. You are loved and respected Leroy. Hope you and Laurie have a blessed and wonderful weekend and all the rest on the blog.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 2:52 PM ET | 05-02-2008

I missed out on the "my cancer" post. But I've been thinking about it after reading all the comments. And here is mine.

When my husband's cancer was diagnosed, we were in a rough patch - the many years of raising teenagers (9 kids between us) had taken a toll. We were out of sync and floudering. His cancer eliminated in a moment the distance between us, the unspoken insecurities, the petty complaints. We were reunited instantly in the one thought that every moment of the rest of our lives would be spent in wholeness as best friends, spounses and soulmates. We were one again. Til death do us part isn't good enough. We are together to the end of time. Love knows no boundaries.

Shalom

Sent by Ricci | 3:23 PM ET | 05-02-2008

Leroy, As terrible as this path can get, it is a great comfort to have someone to talk with about the twists. My scans went well, but the contrast made me sick this time. Usually, I tolerate it just fine, but something was different yesterday. Now, we wait till next Thursday. Thoughts, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 3:26 PM ET | 05-02-2008

Once again Leroy, you bring tears to my eyes and love to my heart. I love you. Life is a "we" program. We revolve around each other like the planets and galaxies of the universe. Our 'gravity' keeps us close and dependent on one another. It is so affirming that we truly, truly, need each other. And we are lost when we are out of the gravitational pull of one another. I know, at least for me, I drift away, aimlessly, if I don't have someone to help. Just like a planet, if i'm not revolving around a sun in conjunction with other planets a sun nearby, to warm me up my life doesn't feel as useful.
-Graham from Sag Harbor.

Sent by Graham G. Hawks | 3:50 PM ET | 05-02-2008

I didn't comment yesterday because I just couldn't get past the "My" cancer. Do I have to own this thing? Yeah, yeah, it's my own cells, blah blah but I prefer to think of it as separate from myself. "The" cancer, an unwelcome visitor, the enemy.

The thing cancer has taught me is to jealously protect my "moments". Do not come to me and expect me to spend any time listening to how bad traffic was. You are talking to someone who is thrilled she can still drive.

Do not spend my time complaining about work. I'm thrilled I'm still working.

You get the pattern ;-)

Sent by Karen D. | 5:56 PM ET | 05-02-2008

Dear Leroy,
Last summer when the reality of my stage IV breast cancer diagnosis finally became hit me, I crashed. I cried for days and could not stop. I felt so alone and I had no one to talk to that really wanted to hear what I had to say. My social worker at Dana Faber suggested your blog and I have been here almost every day since. You and all the people who post here became my support system and helped to pull me from the depths of despair. I know because of all of you that I am not alone and that is such a source of comfort. I am stronger now because of this blog and all who are here. Leroy, please know that you are not alone but in all our thoughts and prayers everyday. Take care of yourself and enjoy this day

Sent by Mary C. in Kingston, MA | 6:12 PM ET | 05-02-2008

LOVE you Leroy...for sharing and caring. Stan..my CTscan is Monday and I always have a reaction to the contrast--but worse is the waiting for the results. And Graham, what a beautiful narrative -- just feel uplifted everytime I come to this safe spot on the Internet...Hugging all!

Sent by Jo Ann Baswell, Margate, FL | 7:25 PM ET | 05-02-2008

TO Stan W. ! I see and connect with your messages constantly while listening to Leroy every day. I sincerely hope that the difference you felt in today's scans is a positive result. Keep us informed as to your results and I will be hoping for you.

Sent by J C R | 7:34 PM ET | 05-02-2008

Thank you for your blog, and allowing us to respond yesterday, you are truly amazing in my book!!!Jan C. in CT.

Sent by Jan Cassella | 8:20 PM ET | 05-02-2008

Dear Nikki,
thank you so much for writing. Caregivers need lots of support. I'd also like to let you know that Sasha and I have developed a special friendship since last father's day when we recognized from this blog how much we had in common. Not only do we correspond via email but have met and speak often on the phone. Thanks to Leroy and this blog, we are muddling through this nightmare together.

Sent by Elaine | 8:38 PM ET | 05-02-2008

Amen, and thank you

Sent by Theresa Lovin | 9:44 PM ET | 05-02-2008

Leroy,
I have to give you credit. While I was going through treatment for breast cancer and feeling exhausted and having lots of side effects, I kept thinking we really are alone. I knew my family, friends and neighbors were there and helping and praying and supporting me. I just felt alone in the physical battle and pain. I was touched by the love and kindness I received and shocked by the reality of fact that one day I alone - just me - will die or maybe worse will be sick forever (I was afraid of that). I guess I had the same kind of panic before giving birth. Eek! No one else can do this. It's all me although people are helping. That said, you inspire me and give me better perspective when you say that no matter how tough things get you know you're not alone. Do you have children or grandchildren? Could you tell us a/b your family?
Hugs and Prayers coming your way! Jen

Sent by Jennifer in CA | 12:38 AM ET | 05-04-2008