Dear Leroy/All,
Still mending a broken arm and leg.....reading the blog every day but very difficult to post...........wishing prayers and healing energy to all.

Sent by sasha | 7:15 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy,
And that is so the truth. We all have formed a certain bond, that we will never, ever forget.
...and it has made all the difference since! Love much this weekend and have wonderful, peaceful time with Laurie.
Prayers,
Wanda Amorose
Prayers,

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 7:17 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Succinct and true. We are strong community that does what a community should do, support each other!

I hope that there will more pictures and it keep growing.

Have tremendous weekend. Love you all!

Sent by Sue Chap | 7:36 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy,
It works both ways, you have helped to keep us alive as well.
All of you that send me words of encouragement and remind me that I am not alone, you keep me moving forward. You remind me my life without Neil is not over, it is only beginning again. Thank you!
And for all of you that continually fight, the caregivers, the patient, the family and friends, remember Leroy's words....we are a family. We don't walk this road alone! For that I will be eternally grateful...

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 7:41 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Good Friday Morning Leroy~ The Photo Gallery was done nicely but left me sad because it shows lovely, vibrant, happy, people who may not continue to be laughing and enjoying life much longer. I am realistic, and want the words coming from my heart and mind to be remembered. I have learned a lot with cancer and have come to appreciate so many of life's really important moments so differently. I would like to love and learn more about those I love, especially with my eyesight deminishing more and more each day. *Oh, to paint again!) When healthy and young, we tend to not look and listen to each other, thinking that "there will always be a tomorrow". Well, cancer teaches us that that is not true. Take today while we can!
Have a good weekend Leroy and Laurie.

Sent by J C R | 7:42 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Yeah, If I could I would give up my club membership in a minute. But once you're a member there's no going back. What struck me was how much all of us in this community are just the same as folks who don't have cancer. Except we are ;iving our lives quite a bit more intensely...

Sent by N.R. | 7:46 AM ET | 06-27-2008

and Leroy, you are loved...thank you for founding this communtiy. Who knew it would grow and develop in such a way...but again, that's what happens when you water and tend and love a garden. Perhaps we are Leroy's garden as well as Leroy's army...I like it!

Sent by Karen in Upstate NY | 7:47 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy, enjoyed the photo gallery but also made me sad. There are now faces to these special people that we have been shareing with, and yes they are just normal everyday people that live in cancer world like us. It was done nicely. I too am sorry that you have had to be a member of this club but it could not have been with out you and also Laurie's help.

I hope you will both have good weekend and we will see you back here on Monday. Take care.

Sent by dorothy in Oregon | 8:08 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Who would think a blog would make such a difference in so many people's lives.

Karen: I much prefer being part of a garden than an army!

Leroy - hope your spirits were lifted by the pictures and the outpouring of love and support during the marking of your two year anniversary.

Sent by Liz L. | 8:27 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Not a criticism, but more a curiosity... I have often wondered why you have chosen to avoid having pictures to accompany your blog. I can see both privacy concerns and the benefit to readers of seeing what you're going through in the very personal way that photos offer.

Sent by Anna | 8:29 AM ET | 06-27-2008

The photo gallery is wonderful. So many faces, showing how wide the range of people touched by this beast is.

The almost-4-year-old daughter of a friend of my mother's passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma this week. They had thought, up until a couple of months ago, that things were going well, but then things took a turn for the worse. She was surrounded by loving family at the end, and passed peacefully. But I know her family will not have that same peace, for a long time if ever. I hope they have support as strong as this community.

Sent by Katherine | 8:31 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy - the pictures are just awesome!! I sure hope to see more and maybe get to post one of my husband and I together before he passed. This community has helped me in so many ways. Thank you Leroy and everyone on here!!! It would be so nice if we could all meet so I could thank you all in person. I still read every day and will continue to do so even though Tom is no longer with me - he is with me forever in memory and heart though.

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 8:56 AM ET | 06-27-2008

After almost 14 years of being cancer-free with gratitude and optimism, I finally cried the tears I never allowed myself to before, for the life lost 'that could've been' for myself, my children...because of cancer. The love and hopefulness was necessary, I believe, to survive and grow beyond despair. It was the beauty in the faces and honest voices of ordinary people in the photo gallery that allows me to honestly admit that I am still at risk for recurrence, or a new cancer, and that really stinks, but somehow recreates a clarity about how to go with my life (again).

Sent by Karen C. | 9:14 AM ET | 06-27-2008

The pictures were great and I would hope that, in time, all that were submitted could be posted...maybe a few every week...so we can see the rest of the family.

A peaceful, pain free week-end to all.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 9:15 AM ET | 06-27-2008

There's nothing special about misery. It's easy to find. A shared smile on what rightfully should be a pained face and commiserating through fearful experiences... that's special.

Hold Fast, there is still Joy to be found.

Don MacLeod

Sent by Don Macleod | 9:23 AM ET | 06-27-2008

The words--the pictures, are almost too poignant to bear, but there is such beauty there in the eyes, the expressions, and the words that don't need to be spoken. And in my head, I hear Bruce Springstein softly singing, "The Streets of Philladelphia."
Leroy and Laurie, I hope you share your love this weekend.
Karen-Leroy's garden-I like that. :-)

Sent by Linda Lee | 9:37 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Hi Leroy,
The picture gallery is a great idea, thanks for being so thoughtful. Yet another opportunity to expose the beauty of the wonderful bloggers.
I hope you have a great weekend, I'll miss you for two days, and will anticipate your Monday offering.
May the Lord richly bless you, and keep you.

Sent by Donato Salazar | 9:49 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Good Morning!

The pictures were great. Deb in Michigan has a good idea about a get together but I don't think there is anyplace large enough to hold the 'reunion'. I wonder how many people are part of our community who check in and read everyday but don't write in themselves? I bet the number would be staggering.

All the lives you've touched, Leroy. What an accomplishment! Without diminishing in any way your past accomplishments, this is definitely one of your finest.

Peace and prayers.

Kathy B.

Sent by Kathy B. | 10:00 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Life is a pleasure and a puzzle. The joys of this sharing, blog-style, are a constant reminder of this. It seems to me that love , the kind you can feel for people you never even saw in person, trumps everything, even cancer.

Nancy O

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 10:03 AM ET | 06-27-2008

The pictures are terrific! Thank you. On my journey with melanoma, I have met and formed a bond with some special people who like me were/are patients. Sadly some of them are gone physically but they continue to "live" in my memory. I can close my eyes and concentrate so that I can "see" them once again. I cherish their "pictures" held firmly in my memory.

Have a good weekend. Prayers and blessings as always for you and Laurie.

Sent by Al Cato | 10:12 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Dear Leroy,

Beth Novey (NPR photo producer) wrote of the community's "undying support" for you and each other. Exactly! Undying! Here's to all the glimpses of LIFE - even momentary - that sustain us all, cancer or not, every day!

Blessings!

Sent by Peg Oetjen | 10:22 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy -
All I can say is thank you. You truly have made the membership is the most hated club tolerable. Andi

Sent by Andi | 10:27 AM ET | 06-27-2008

One of the more interesting - and tough - things about living in cancer world is that the newcomers seek you out to talk, because they immediately realize that they are part of a new family.

This was brought home yesterday when the newest member of my cancer family, my boss, came into talk about his wife, who starts treatment Monday for breast cancer. They are in their mid-40's and have a four year old daughter and two kids out of high school.

I'm always humbled by this experience of sharing something so personal and important with people, people who may have been only acquaintances before they sought me out for this conversation.

Maybe it's the mother in me, but I find that hearing the stories of those who are my kid's age is in some ways tougher than the daily story that I live with my husband (Stage IV metatastic bladder cancer).

This is not a path that you want anyone to follow, but in the four years that have taken my husband from Stage I to the end stage, a growing line of people have joined me on the path and as the elder (in terms of "cancer years"), it is simply my responsibility to be there for the newbies in any way I can.

Yup, the photos are a tremendous impact. I raise my tea cup this morning in salute to: Mark and Sandy, Ralph and Deb, Mary Jo and Dick, Natalie, David and Farrah who are fighting the fight and to Nancy and her late husband Rex.

Sent by Ricci | 10:28 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy,Laurie and all -

We are indeed a community and that's very important for all of us. It's hard to imagine how we (at least I) could do this alone. I have been blessed by my involvement withmany communities - some of which have little to do with cancer and all of which share other sources of suffering (and joy) as well. Like the rest of us, I've learned a lot from this experience that I would have prefered to learn in other ways. Perhaps it's not possible. But at the same time that we live (and die) as single individuals, we live on in the hearts and minds of one another and the others our lives have touched - both directly and indirectly. Thanks for the picture gallery I'll try to send mine in when I've overcome a minor technological challenge or two.

Shalom,

John Shippee
johnshippee@hotmail.com

Sent by John Shippee | 10:29 AM ET | 06-27-2008

The best that human beings can be is on display in this online community -- thank you, Leroy.

Sent by Nancy R., Sacramento | 10:32 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Some things are better left to the imagination. Trouble with most of the "blogs' on the net is that so many people today cannot express their feelings in words or know how to communicate like Leroy. They want pictures and illustrations. We should allow our imaginations to form the pictures from the well spoken words. That is what was so wonderful about Radio, which I grew up with. Your imagination formed the story and characters. Thank you Leroy and most of you out there. Your stories are in my head and heart!

Sent by J C R | 10:45 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Even though my wife (Kathy) is fighting lung cancer, the picture gallery (a picture of my wife, daughter and granddaughter is included, #3)tends to bring home the fact that there are a lot families out there going through the same fight, lots of prayers and love to all of them.

Sent by Terrell W in Bay City Tx | 10:54 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Kudos to Beth - beautiful job on the pictures. They add another layer to the power of this forum which I think is helping some (including me) do important "soul work".

Mr Sievers, I think it is the other way around, you've given so much and have really done something special and generous with your energy here. I'm so glad you feel it's helped you too. I have a really strong feeling that all of this will evolve into something else and be really helpful to even more people over time. Sending peaceful pain free vibes to you and your family.

Sent by Nichole | 11:22 AM ET | 06-27-2008

OMG!! This is the most supreme compliment anyone could give. I'm humbled beyond belief. Please now that that all of us in cancer world will continue to send you strength and courage and we will be there, if in spirit during those dark hours. You will never be alone.

God Speed!!

Sent by Kathy B. | 11:27 AM ET | 06-27-2008

Hey Leroy,
I saw a trailer for the new Sergei Bodrov movie "Mongol" about Genghis Khan yesterday. It looks awesome! My husband and I just looked at each other and said "Oh yeah, we're seeing that one!".
And then I thought of you, the movie fan. I really hope you get to see this one, on an IMAX screen. The cinematography looks amazing. It's going to be great I think.

Just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts. Wish we could do a "date night" to the movies with you & Laurie.

Much love, Debra

Sent by Debra (the fighting Irish) in New Hampshire | 11:57 AM ET | 06-27-2008

I love the photos, wish there were more. Each photo is beautiful and makes the journey that much more personal. It's a virtual support group.

Sent by Janell | 12:11 PM ET | 06-27-2008

What beautiful words Leroy. They mean so much to me and I'm sure to everyone on this blog. Karen, Leroy's garden is a perfect description of this family and I treasure all of you.
It's good to hear from you Sasha and I hope you are healing without too much pain.
Thank you for this wonderful gift that you have blessed us with Leroy and Laurie. I shall miss you as always over the weekend.

Sent by Tina from Alton, IL | 12:17 PM ET | 06-27-2008

but you made me realize that is not the case. Thank you so much for sharing. PS: I didn't know we could email you. I'm not very good at the computer stuff.

Sent by Judy | 12:23 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Bless you Leroy for what you have given us. Much good thoughts and prayers for you to have a pain free weekend. Will reed you on Monday.
Peace be with you and your family
Marelly

Sent by Marelly Young | 12:23 PM ET | 06-27-2008

To read this blog each day is to enter
"...a safe place
"Full of understanding and acceptance,
"Where you can be as you are,
"Without the need of any mask
"of pretense or image....
"[N]o visitor arrives without a gift
"And no guest leaves without a blessing."
(From "For a New Home"
in "To Bless the Space Between Us"
by John O'Donohue)

Sent by Maureen Doallas | 12:35 PM ET | 06-27-2008

This week I've re-introduced several friends and family members to this place...as my disease matures, they too will gain the awareness and support from our collective energy, that I am less able to give them myself.

Don Mac and Nancy O - thank you both for your perspectives today.

and Karen, I'm happy to be a flower in this garden.

A beautiful few days to all!

Sent by Joan S. | 12:36 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Dear Leroy,

A little off topic, hope you and the others don't mind.
I posted for the first time yesterday. As I was looking around I came across your post about discussing how we would like others to remember us and it reminded me of a story I thought might benefit your contemplation of that subject.
A number of years ago I had a friend, Charlie, an attorney. Typical ego-driven, gotta get to the top of the profession American. Following a series of personal experiences it's not necessary to describe, he was going through a spiritual transformation. He was telling me that from that point on when asked the question at mixers, cocktail parties, etc. that we've all been asked a million times "What do you do?" he had decided he would respond "I try to be a decent human being." The more I recall that, the more I think that's probably the best I can hope for, that when I'm gone people will remember I tried to be a decent human being.
Based on my reading and hearing your commentaries, I'd say you're a cinch for that designation.

Sent by Randy | 12:45 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy's garden. Hallelujah.

Sent by barb | 12:49 PM ET | 06-27-2008

We are going to be grandparents again today. The son & daughter-in-law are on their way to the hospital as I write this message. Another chapter in our book that the beast wasn't able to steal from us. Today is a great day. Yesterday we rode with our nephew who has beaten the beast 3 times, colon, prostate, & now kidney cancer. We rode Harleys through the rural areas in Michigan & it was a great day. We are enjoying our time visiting family & friends & living everyday like it was our last. I had a moment while dancing with the grand daughter that was truly incredible as I finally reached living in the moment. I wish everyone in this blog great days & hope you can also live in the moment.

Sent by Kathy | 12:55 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Hi Leroy,

That is a moving slide show! No matter what kind of cancer someone might have, we all come across very similar emotions, and that is why it is so moving. If you haven't already, write letters to your family before you go. My mom did that for us, and it is awesome to go back and read her words.

God Bless,
Nicholas Zeitler

Sent by Nicholas Zeitler | 1:00 PM ET | 06-27-2008

How amazing that you did this? Take credit for being brave and wearing your heart on your sleeve in order to allow us to connect. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sent by Lisa | 1:17 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Good afternoon Leroy,
The picture gallery was truly beautiful and moving. It was wonderful to be able to see some of the faces of the "family" here. You are a spectacular person Leroy, for touching so many people's lives and giving them a comfort, even if for only a few minutes in reading the wonderful words you write and the comments of all the others here. Don't ever give up and keep on giving of your amazing talents. Hope you and all of the of the "blog family" have a peaceful and painfree weekend.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 1:19 PM ET | 06-27-2008

My cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, is a rare cancer, striking only about 7,500 people a year.

I never met anyone with CLL until I started a CLL Patient's Group in my city.

The first meeting was amazing. We couldn't stop talking and getting to know one another.

There is no one who understands you other than another person with your sam kind of cancer, I think.

Sent by Scott S. | 1:36 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Thank you, "son," and all you brothers and sisters!

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 1:53 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Got me all choked up again...Leroy, your thoughts and hopes and devastations and soul- baring honest musings have sustained all of us in a profound way. Our fears, uncertainties, and collective sorrow have been given voice.
What better definition of REAL family is there than those who support us and make us not so alone in the world... "Refuge from the road" ...

Sent by NancyGM | 1:56 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy, your words are so touching. To know that you actually feel we make a difference in your life that this 'club' we are all members of and you started has helped to save your life.

Leroy's Garden: I like it too! In your garden, with your words, you shine light on us and we get a chance to grow and in turn shine light on each other. Without this garden community, without each other, we would be in darkness and, in time, would shrivel up-die alone-before our time. Light equals love; the source of It All. Love to all - Graham from Sag Harbor.

Sent by Graham G. Hawks | 2:06 PM ET | 06-27-2008

wow, Leroy. Once again you are so right. i find strength and ispiration from you and everyone else who is part of "our family". Thanks again for all you do. The photo gallery is awesome!! have a great weekend!

Mary

Sent by Mary McLellen | 2:27 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy,
Reading your comments and everyone else's comments makes my heart feel like it is squeezing and tears come to my eyes.
What a blessing you are to all.

Sent by Molly | 2:31 PM ET | 06-27-2008

You are our GLUESTICK Leroy. We need you.

Pat A

Sent by Pat | 2:33 PM ET | 06-27-2008

I have often said to my family that the silver lining to all this madness is the people we have met along the way: the wonderful and caring doctors and nurses, the fascinating gentleman in the neighboring chemo chair, the pharmacist who stayed open late, the distant acquaintance who sent a heartfelt note, the friend of a friend of a friend who dropped off dinner. While our circle of family and friends rallied together in such a awe-inspiring force of love and support, it was the unexpected signs of compassion and understanding from strangers that surprised me. This blog community, this family has weaved it's way into ours hearts and lifted us up so we don't ever have to be alone. We are connected. The awful disease of cancer has one goal, to disconnect us from all we hold precious. Our good health, our active lives and most importantly, our loved ones. In this particular situation it has not succeeded. It has brought us all together. It has connected us. Silver lining indeed!

Sent by Penny Coeur d'Alene, Idaho | 2:53 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Okay, Leroy. Now you made me cry. I'm writing this through a blur of tears. Thank you for that last sentence--it will stay with me, always.

Sent by salee | 2:56 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Hello cancer family -
I was so moved by all the photos and enjoying seeing the pictures that were posted. I second those who hope that other photos and stories will be added. It would be wonderful for all of us to show up at a huge reunion someday. Leroy and Laurie--I think of you all the time and update my husband on your daily blog. You feel like family. I gain a great deal from you and the other bloggers. I hold you in the light.

PS: Scott, I also have CLL and would love to hear more from you. I also had Hodgkin lymphoma, which I was treated for last year.

Sent by Susan | 3:00 PM ET | 06-27-2008

What a community of wonderful people this is! I must say that I'm not a member of the club, but I visit it often with family and friends that do belong. Like you, Leroy, I don't want membership but understand that no one does. However, there are lots of clubs that are full of unwilling members..heart, diabetes, MS, etc. I want to stay OUT of clubs!! On Monday I hope to read that you are getting some noticeable pain relief from your radiation treatment.

Sent by Susan | 3:36 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Thinking about this wonderful club got me to thinking about the phrase we hear all the time 'having a lifetime membership". Well,this club is eternal for everyone - both in our lifetimes or those of our loved ones and eternally after our lifetimes or those of our loved ones. I hope this makes sense. I find the spiritual connection is so strong amongst us. Thank you Leroy and Laurie and everyone.

Cheers - Brin

Sent by Brin | 3:48 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy and Laurie,
We are lucky to have you--and each other--through these times. Here's hoping for a peaceful, pain free weekend for all of us.

Sent by betsey in albany ny | 3:53 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Somehow the term "support group" seems so inadequate to describe us, what we need, and what we give. Our bonds transcend so much in this safe place. Like Leroy, having this blog, has been important to my survival these past two years. I am so grateful to be a part of us. Hoping that all get through this weekend peacefully.

Sent by Sheara | 4:18 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Not only is everyone smiling, they are absolutely beaming! What a great army / garden we are.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 4:38 PM ET | 06-27-2008

The club stinks. The family you created, that's a miracle. Thank you.

Sent by Tracy | 4:56 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy: "I would never belong to a club that would have me as a member" HA! I love that line. Who said it was it W.C. Fields?? I forget...It sure is applicable to our 'special club'. But actually, I too am grateful...

Graham from Sag Harbor

Sent by Graham G. Hawks | 5:03 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy - the pictures were wonderful. You have created a wonderful community of "Anam Cara's" (gaelic for "soul friends"...who in celtic tradition were persons who acted as teachers, companions or spiritual guides...). Thank you, to you and everyone who participates in this community.

Sent by Beth | 5:32 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Community? That's a nice idea. I've never become so isolated in my entire life with this dreaded thing. Funny thing is too that I look better than ever.

I never imagined that my cancer would eat at my very soul, besides my body to the extent it has. Eat at my work, my friends, finances, emotional well being.

It has tried me in ways never before imaginable. Besides all the "you have a man eating cancer" kinda comments from doctors; dealing with this has shown me that despite feeling like someone stepped on your head, keep looking for what will work rather than getting caught in the emotional upheavals that go along with this. Like the cancer isn't enough to deal with.~ greg

Sent by Greg Giro | 5:44 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Leroy's Garden yes Karen

Leroy you are our HUGE GIGANTIC Sunflower

With your yellow petals radiating sunshine to all who enter here

Your seed center is feeding us all and we as birds come to noursish our spirits

and in turn caress you with our

feathers of appreciation, love, prayers

and peace. Thank you Leroy for all you
do. Thank you Laurie for watering our sunflower Jude Keg

Sent by Jude Kegerreis | 6:52 PM ET | 06-27-2008

This is a community that once upon a time I never thought I would be part of, but today after 4 years of watching my husband battle two different forms of cancer I am so thankful that each and everyone of you are here sharing your stories. Each and everyone of you have touched and continue to touch our lives on a daily basis, you make us feel like we are not alone in the world of cancer, and some days you are the only ones that understand exactly how we feel. I am so thankful that my husband and I have this blog to turn to, you all are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Leroy,
God Bless and Thank You for having the courage to share your story and allowing others the opportunity to share theirs. You have taught my husband and I much on this long road called cancer and as difficult as it is to admit I believe that we are better for it. It is not a path that either of us would have elected to take, but here we are, part of this community that is richer in more ways than most. Thank you for your time,strength, encouragement,and honesty on the bad days.
Blessings-
Shawna and Jeff Gunter

Sent by Shawna and Jef f Gunter | 7:49 PM ET | 06-27-2008

Dear Leroy and Laurie,

I just want to wish a wonderful weekend for both of you. Speaking of "more smiles than expected", how about renting "The Miracle Of Morgan's Creek"? Let's hear it for Preston Sturges and one of the funniest movies ever. Just a thought. :)

Sent by Janice J. , Los Angeles | 7:55 PM ET | 06-27-2008

I jsut stumbled upon your blog tonight and I am so grateful. I hope that is a message of hope for you. I too am goinging through this process. I was diagnoised with Hodgkins Lymphoma on March 26 and have had 6 chemo treatments and start 4 weeks of radiation on July 8th. Thank you for sharing your journey. I've been blog surfing tonight. check out my blog if you get a chance bigpittstop.blogspot.com. I'm be back often

Sent by Keisha | 12:50 AM ET | 06-28-2008

Because of our disease, it has opened doors for us to meet wonderful,honest, and truly caring people. They are the people we would have otherwise never known. It has been a "Blessing"

Sent by Page Hendryx | 2:54 AM ET | 06-28-2008

Looking through those photos sent tears streaming down my face. I wish so much my mom was still around so she could be a part of this community. She wouldn't have felt so isolated when she struggled with cancer a few years ago.

Sent by Linnea | 6:54 AM ET | 06-28-2008

Hey Leroy

I caught your report on NPR for the first time the other day. I was moved to tears with empathy and guilt, I am two months short of being three years "cancer free."

When I was first diagnosed I wondered why me. Know when I hear that someone's cancer has returned I wonder why me. I don't know if it is appropriate, but at the end of the report you asked people to finish this statement, My cancer is -- both a bitch and blessing. I think you guys can understand.

Sent by Gerard McMurran | 8:37 AM ET | 06-28-2008

It's Saturday and the first I've had time to read the blog from Friday.

I hope Sasha checks back so I can wish her well. Sorry for the broken arm and leg. I must have missed exactly what happened, although I knew she had had some kind of accident.

Bruce: I can hear your anger. You just had a one year milestone if I remember right. The anger does come back doesn't it. Burge's Birthday is July 1 and the first anniversary of his death is July 28. I find myself running faster to keep from having to evaluate where I am today. Harvest has started and that is a distraction, but also bitter sweet as it was a "together time" in the field, especially at night when we brought supper and ate together with the entire crew. The grief books say we must stop running and face our grief, but I'm not sure I can handle doing that right now.

Leroy: You are the glue as someone said earlier. In your "garden" I would have to make you a "wild" Sunflower. Not only are they hardy, lasting for months, they grow so tall and turn to follow the sun as it crosses the sky, keeping their heads up and giving direction to all who look at them.

Burge was a "wheat plant", not only because he loved his farm, but because he fought the elements day after day.

Not sure what I am. My boys would probably say I'm a small, barrel cactus from the Kansas praire. They do flower each year with lovely pink blooms, but the rest of the time, they just stand guard and remind others they are not to be stepped on. :>)

A great, pain free weekend to all.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki in Kansas | 9:33 AM ET | 06-28-2008

Thanks for the words. I am in tears. You are so right, this isn't a club any of us wanted to join. However, here we are and in great support of each other. Wishing a wonderful weekend to all.
with care.

Sent by anne lumberger | 10:30 AM ET | 06-28-2008

Dear Friend - I have been honored to be a part of your community in several ways; always reading & sometimes contributing as I accumulate my survivor years (nearly 5 now!) I have just recently completed a journey associated with the side effects of on 2003 radiation treatments - effective a "chest salvage" and reconstruction. Boy doesn't that sound impressive!! We get used to throwing these terms around, don't we? Anyway - this, your, community has been a MAJOR support for me this last year & 1/2 as I muddled through some issues I had hoped NEVER to have to deal with again. And, you know, there is much more of a determination, appreciation and overall value that I'm carrying with me these days. I think the in the 1st round, I was just glad & proud that I made it through and the manner in which I carried on. This 2nd round, though, really emphasized and validated the lessons I verbally said I had learned the 1st time. They are truly a part of my soul and daily life now - more prominent than before. So - thanks for the family, brother! All of you are so special to me. I pray for all our souls daily & hope for at least one good thing to happen each day!

Sent by Linda D | 11:26 AM ET | 06-28-2008

Leroy,

What a huge hug and kiss (at least I felt like it was) to give to all of us! I am so glad we mean that much to you. I assure it is a reciprocal deal.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:42 AM ET | 06-28-2008

Hi Leroy,
A friend of mine, Francesca, suggested your blog. Thank you for sharing. I almost question sharing my cancer status with you - but here goes. Diagnosed stage III-b non-Hodgkins lymphoma on 3/5/07. I was declared to be in remission 5/7/07 after 2 cycles of chemotherapy and it hasn't come back. Yet. I am always afraid it will. Someday. I am trying to live my life differently than I did BC "before cancer". Reading your blog entries is a tough reminder we're not here forever. But so appreciated. I always think - would I want to die in a car accident and never get to say goodbye. When I was first diagnosed I never even considered how (stay with me on this one) beautiful death could be. My family was with my Grandma when she passed away. She was 78 and I remember thinking "If only we were all so lucky to be surrounded by everyone we love the most when we pass." It is hard for the ones that go on living, but it felt good to help Grandma let go...she was hanging on for us and one day it became on her terms. We celebrate birth - can't we celebrate someone's life when it is nearly over, or seems to be heading down that path?
I'm sure it is of little comfort to you to read this so I apologize if it comes across as insensitive. I just really found comfort when I was in my darkest days of cancer treatment when I thought of how it was when my Grandma said goodbye.
Everyone has their own style of everything in life. From what little I know about you, you're a gentleman with class, grace, honesty, humor - and a very genuine way of touching people's lives. Did you ever think so many people in the world would be so touched by your cancer?
And to complete your sentence of "My cancer..." would be completed like this: My cancer taught me so much about myself, my family, friends, life, relationships - in a time I call the BEST and WORST year of my life.

Sent by Amy B. from Portland, OR | 2:47 PM ET | 06-28-2008

A friend wrote to me today and said she had a friend suffering from liver cancer, and she was asking advice.

It made me realize I'm sort of a veteran of the war. It's a horrific, painful path to walk, and not one I'm proud of.

Why aren't we talking more about this?

God love Leroy for pulling this illness and all of its stigma "out of the closet" so we HAVE to look at it...it can only help.

Sent by Bruce | 8:06 PM ET | 06-28-2008

Leroy and Beth,
Thanks for the opportunity to put faces to names. We are each so much more than our cancer. Our "new normal" is not one we'd ever have chosen but we're stuck with it.
I travel a lonely road but knowing that I am not alone makes all the difference. We never know what tomorrow may bring.
Yesterday I had a PET scan which will give definitive information on the effectiveness of my latest treatment. Waiting for scan results is one of the most difficult pieces of living with our uninvited guest - the beast.
Hope you and Laurie can make beautiful memories this weekend and in the weeks to come.

Sent by Sue Mersic | 8:58 PM ET | 06-28-2008

Dear Leroy,

When I heard your first broadcast on NPR, it was some four months after my diagnosis. I remember the sense of relief, that here was someone who was expressing my thoughts and feelings, someone who understood. Checking in on your blog quickly became a part of my daily routine.

Back in September 2006 I ended up in the hospital for a second time with unexpected side effects from one of my medications. For 10 days I was pretty out of things, but I recall fairly vividly my sudden awareness that our bodies are but shells, that who we are is something physically dependent on those shells but apart, our spirit.

Over the years, like many others, I have followed your blog with tears, laughter, hope and trepidation. I have also felt a deep sense of gratitude and love for the strength of your spirit, for your continuing to give of yourself, for sharing your insights with so many of us out here, for creating a community.

You have made a difference for those of us in the cancer world, Leroy, and we love you.

Thank you,
Shosh

Sent by Shosh | 11:04 PM ET | 06-28-2008

Dear friends, My partner, who had surgery for prostate cancer a year ago saw me reading the blog & doesn't understand why "I want to look @ that stuff." How can I tell him that I care about each & every one of you? He hasn't found the courage & hope that you exhibit. How do I help him understand?

Sent by Leah | 11:50 AM ET | 06-29-2008

Jude,
A sunflower was exactly the image that came into my mind as I was reading these posts...lifting its face to the heavens and soaking in the light and warmth.

My cancer...made me a better mom. This is my one chance to do it right!

Dx CML 5/13/02

Sent by Lori | 11:59 PM ET | 06-29-2008

this blog is coming full circle ...just like life...everything really does come to a full circle .......doesn't it. with this journal of all of our cancers (and i say all because you have made it all of ours) you have given us laughter, hope, love, support in what could be a very very dark road...you have brought it full circle...you can be so proud!

Sent by marianne dalton | 7:11 AM ET | 06-30-2008

I was just surfing NPR.org to find some concert info and stumbled on Leroy's cancer blog and couldn't stop reading. I'm immediately forwarding this blog to my son and his caregiver from which I know they will both draw strength and support. I will read it every day.

Sent by Mom | 5:47 AM ET | 07-05-2008

Dear Leroy,

Your invitation to others to finish the sentence was, I believe, a message sent on at least two levels. The gallery of responses (with photos) was like a brilliant, tangled garden of life. You have done a beautiful thing for so many people. You have shown us your way of living with cancer and communicating way beyond your circle of loved ones and colleagues. One way all of us can finish the sentence, and the story, would be to work for better prevention, treatments, and cures.

With love, appreciation, and admiration,
Juliet

Sent by Juliet George | 9:48 PM ET | 07-22-2008