I was just having day surgery on Monday morning, local anesthetic. They asked me what I was thinking about. "Oh", I said, "the beach at my summer home". And for that time, I was there running in the water, and I was "whole". No one can take that away, even when reality rears its' ugly head.
Hey, an hour or two is better than no time away.
Prayers,
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 8:52 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Hi there ... Can you go to Hawaii? I hope so.

Sent by Madeline | 8:52 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Leroy, I wish you good fortune escaping this nightmare which is cancer. Get away, however you can, even if only in your mind.

I was sorting through papers the other day. As often happens, I come across a receipt or photo or postcard before 2004, before cancer. It stopped me in my tracks.

I wondered who are those innocent people, whose life is that?

I am pissed off that cancer claimed my husband, stole our children's father, took away a reliable colleague prematurely, destroyed a contributing member of our community. For what? He did nothing wrong.

I am pissed off that you, too, and so many others have to go through this hell. Why?

Sent by Marilyn | 8:52 AM ET | 07-24-2008

When are you going to Hawaii?

Sent by Lesa in Kansas | 8:54 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Sleep with the angels Leroy. It's time to rest. Don't worry about us.

God bless you.

Judy

Sent by Judy Voller | 9:09 AM ET | 07-24-2008

You sound sad today.

Guilty as charged: I am one of the many people who want to "bring you" something. Wish I could discuss with you:
Obama is meeting Angela Merkel in Berlin today. Wish I could talk to you about this for an hour or so. I can't imagine Obama trying to massage her shoulders!!

Like it or not, I would be too tempted to bring something. On this hot week it would be the sangria I mentioned a few days ago.

Here is a "recipe" (all ingredients are guesstimates). After 2 or 3 glasses you will definitely be "someplace without cancer" Plus, all the fruit is healthy ;-)

Liz L's medicinal sangria:
3/4 bottle red (whatever is open)
1-2 glasses Riesling or other white wine
1 can sprite or fresca
1/2 c brandy
1/2 c triple sec or orange liquor
lots of ice

Start with fruit, all cut "small enough". About 1/2 cup of any or all: apple, orange or lemon, 1/2 a mango, about 10 cherries (pitted, cut in half), 10 grapes.
Add ice last
Leave one or two orange or lemon "rounds" to garnish. Can also garnish with fresh mint.

Cheers!

Sent by Liz L. | 9:16 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Dear Leroy,
I hope you can take a break today if only for a few hours. You are always in my thoughts dear friend.

Prayers to all.

Sent by sasha | 9:16 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Dearest Leroy, I hope that you feel that you are wherever you want to be with whomever you want to be with and having the time of your life!! Of course, even there, prayers and love go out to you.

Jan

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 9:29 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Take some time please for some rest. We love you both.

Sent by Lori | 9:33 AM ET | 07-24-2008

I have a place I got to in my mind. My friends pier on the Banana River in Cocoa Beach. I watch the Manatees playing. I hope you find that place in your mind to bring relaxation.

Sent by Ed | 9:36 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Dear Leroy,
Reality is highly over-rated, isn't it?
Take off every chance you get.

My Cancer World friend, Wendi Pedicone's five-year-old son said, "I wish we could give your cancer to a bad stranger."
So, Leroy, if a stranger shows up at your door today, you know what to do!
Love and a chicken casserole,
Pat

Sent by Pat McRee | 9:37 AM ET | 07-24-2008

What I would like is a break from decision making. There have been so many decisions about treatment, doctors, centers. I am waiting to hear today about whether I can stay on the clinical trial I have been on. I don't want to but if I have the option it means the drug has held things steady for a "month".

Wishing you a break anywhere you can find it. Peace

Sent by Dona | 9:38 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Dear Leroy,
Thank you for reminding us we can control our thoughts. Years ago I was seeing a therapist (during ovarian cancer treatment) and one of the things she had me do was to close my eyes and imagine a wonderful place I would like to be. It really does help.
Best wishes and prayers for you and Laurie.
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 9:42 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Isn't the mind a marvelous tool? When I am feeling cr*ppy or having to undergo a test or procedure that is less than pleasant, I "go away". My mind takes me back to places I love and experiences that were wonderful: I snorkle in Kauai; I eat torte in Vienna; I wander the back streets in Paris.

When really focused, I can stay "away" for a couple of hours, almost a form of self hypnosis.

With your past travels, you would be able to wander the world. Happy travels!

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 9:43 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Good Morning Leroy, Laurie and All,

Yes, Leroy! Give your mind some wings and go wherever you desire! Laugh, Relax and run on the beach with Laurie. I wish you a day of peace, renewal and freedom from pain.

Laurie, I hope that you will also find a safe haven where you can go to get a second wind. And I hope that you both can feel our love surrounding you.

To All, May we all find that safe haven where pain and fear can no longer find us! God Bless!!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte, NC.

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 9:45 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Years ago when I was in grad school and a single mom, I had to find a way to escape mentally, to relax enough to be able to fall asleep. So as I lay in bed I began to create my own private cottage by a beautiful lake. Escaping to that "perfect" place in my mind worked wonders to relax me and usually, to this day, puts me right to sleep.

Over the years, through crises after crises, including my own cancer voyage, I have used "my cottage" to bring myself to a more peaceful place. Sometimes I think it is better having an imaginary place to escape to than having the real thing...at my lakeside cottage in my mind there is NEVER any illness, no intrusion by unwelcome guests, no phones, no family problems, no doctors or hospitals. I am free to read, paint, walk, canoe, do whatever I want, whenever I want. Nothing ever breaks down, there is always good food in the fridge, and the place is always clean! Nothing in real life would ever match that, no matter how much money or good health anyone might have.

The imagination is a wonderful, healing companion.

Sent by Diana | 9:47 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Sending you wishes for a peaceful day.

Karen

Sent by Karen | 9:47 AM ET | 07-24-2008

I've never been in your shoes, but my heart and prayers continue to be with you. Your blog is emailed to me daily so I can keep up with it. I'm on my way to have MRI brain and usual CT Scans, am praying there is no change or smaller. Funny how when you have cancer you settle for no change. Stay focused and keep blogging, that's my therapy. You continue to touch so many people in a positive way. Believe me, I cry at times. That's OK.

Sent by Jane Kaminske | 9:51 AM ET | 07-24-2008

A life more vicarious

This weekend a friend will celebrate her birthday with a sky dive over Cape Cod, another is dealing with the family trauma of getting their puppy spade, and my nephew will leave his summer job for a last family vacation before he starts college.

Given our unhappy circumstances.... we're literally surrounded, & thus part of, a better life.... Perhaps our myopic perspective just too often obscures our recognition of it.

Hold Fast & keep your glasses clean.

Don MacLeod

Sent by Don MacLeod | 10:15 AM ET | 07-24-2008

I hope you can continue to find ways to escape and get a mental break. It seems to me that cancer is as much about emotions and our reaction to it as it is about being a disease. Even though I was diagnosed with an "early", "curable" cancer last year, I have never been the same emotionally. Just something about it; the word alone strikes fear. At somepoint one has to learn to deal with the anger, sadness, fear, etc. that comes with having cancer. And that is almost as hard as dealing with the cancer itself.

Sent by suzanne | 10:26 AM ET | 07-24-2008

love you leroy, enjoy some slumber and head back to days where the adults and teachers in our lives encouraged us to "use your imagination". Much love to you and Laurie today. we all love you and wish you comfort today.

Sent by liz | 10:29 AM ET | 07-24-2008

I was trying to remember back the other day about the time before cancer. For the last four years every single day is a cancer day in some way or another. After a while it takes a toll. So I tried to really put myself back at that time when I would hop out of bed in the morning and get ready for work and just take off and have my day. Cancer wasn't even a little glimmer of what would take place on any given day. I want that back so bad. I'm tired of cancer. Like you, on a daily basis I put on the strong face and the good attitude and all that, but I wish it would just go away.

Sent by Kim | 10:36 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Leroy and all,
I hope you can find a good place to go to and get some much needed rest! Like Eileen said, a safe haven where pain and fear can no longer find us....

Last night I had a good cry with some good friends about my pain and fears and for the first time in a long time, I slept pretty good!

I wish I could make a big batch of sangria and have you all over for cocktails! How fun! They sound refreshing! Thanks Liz!

Wishing you all a peaceful day!
Continued prayers!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 10:38 AM ET | 07-24-2008

I'm so happy to hear that you are taking breaks like this. I've always found a good book a great escape! I hope you go on a ton of these mini vacations - and you don't even need to pack a bag! God bless you, Leroy
Sue Sheehan

Sent by Sue Sheehan, Bothell, Wa. | 10:41 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Good morning everyone
My mum died 25 years ago. She was the same, only she used to say "I wish I could just sleep until I decided it was time to get up, I am sure I would feel a whole lot better". Then she would go back to sitting by the living room window waiting for her dad to come get her.

Meditation is supposed to be a wonderful thing. I am sure it would work wonders on people with cancer, ease their minds etc. and just take them away for a little bit.
Peace to all today

Sent by fay from az | 10:44 AM ET | 07-24-2008

One of the treasures lying in the bottom of my jewelry box is a button I used to wear back in the Sixties -- mostly to annoy my parents, I suspect. It says, "Reality is a crutch." I never really knew what it was supposed to mean -- just that it was a jab at the older generation, who felt we had to accept their narrow version of reality. Of course, many were expanding their consciousness with drugs back then. But taking a mental vacation qualifies. May you toss away that crutch and soar,free as a bird, Leroy.

Sent by Doris | 10:57 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Leroy,

If you need/want to take a break from this blog, I'm sure all of us would be glad to provide that opportunity. Please do what feels best to you. Thanks again for the honesty and humor with which you have shared yourself. I'm so glad you can "get away." I don't have that gift.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:29 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Leroy, if I could, would beam you over a big ol' mai tai with a pretty umbrella.

Sent by Dorothy - Los Angeles | 11:29 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Mr. Sievers, I can offer you no more than my heartfelt hope for your peace. No words can do justice for my "want" for that peace. Thank you for sharing with us and helping us to stay on the path of thankfulness. Judy Broden

Sent by Judy Broden | 11:34 AM ET | 07-24-2008

HI Leroy, I think you are on to something...let your mind create the ideal place or visualize it or remember a mellow location (or an exciting one). I was thinking about being a kid, and when my imagination would make all kinds of places real. Something happens in our brains around 12 years old, maybe younger. I've been wondering if the work of our later years is to find that part of ourselves again...So take a time out and see what happens. I've created a little oasis in the back yard. It's the biggest "kiddie" pool I could find for under $20. We can float an air mattress on it, the kind with head and armrests. Then I hang bamboo screens and beach towels around it. My husband (with Cancer) doesn't like to float but he sits on a lounge chair and dangles his feet or arm in the water. Looking up, we just watch the trees waving or planes going by. In "reality" we are just outside the patio door. In a created reality, it's a private beach, suspended time, blue water, all that. The focus on natural elements...and a play-space even if the play is just sitting in/by the water. Hope you can find a restful space or create one.

Sent by Sally in Spokane | 11:37 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Sometimes I find it hard to "escape" to a faraway place. Reality crowds in on my mind and I can't shift it. I wish I could make the cancer leave all of our lives.

Sent by Tina from Alton, IL | 11:56 AM ET | 07-24-2008

Go traveling Leroy...... Hawaii and surfing. Have a peaceful day
Peace be with you.
Marelly

Sent by Marelly | 12:11 PM ET | 07-24-2008

A friend just sent me the following site, a slide show of earth: http://www.greatdanepro.com/Blue%20Bueaty/index.htm
Imagine this escape!!!

Sent by Roz | 12:54 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Hi All!
Today I am also dealing with a break...literally. I am in the process of recovering my strength after some treatments for pancreatic cancer. My husband decided that this Friday would be a good day to leave for a family vacation to Mt. Rushmore. I was so excited I started to fly around the kitchen in a hurry to get everything ready for the vacation. I ended up falling on a wet spot and broke my foot! What next? We decided to still take our vacation but I am going to use a wheel chair. After cancer, a broken foot is a small thing and will not stop me from having fun!
I hope everyone enjoys their breaks! Leroy and Laurie, wishing you a relaxing, cancer free break.

Sent by Linda from WI | 1:01 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Beautiful places; love; joy; relaxation; peace ~ When I hear this rendition of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/It's A Wonderful World", I will forever think of you, dear Leroy ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A2Jt4WOxN8

Be transported to wherever you need and want to be today, on a wing and a prayer~

Love,

Kim Forester

Sent by Kim Forester | 1:08 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Whatever works Leroy: Relief from cancer world can't come often enough because it doesn't come very often. It takes work - that is why being near water bodies helps so much for me: promotes breaks for the mind and periods of peace and serenity amidst physical and emotional pain.

Love to you from Graham from Sag Harbor.

Sent by Graham G. Hawks | 1:09 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Leroy,

Come with me where I go when I need to get away in my head. Coast of Maine, late August. Water as warm as it will get but cold enough to take your breath away. Smell the pine trees when the wind blows offshore. Smell the salt and the seaweed when it blows in off the water. Know that there is a lobster roll with lots of mayo on a soft squishy white bun for dinner. Sit with me in an adirondack chair and let the world alone.

Sent by Amy | 1:13 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Try traveling with me Leroy: I go among conservatives wearing my "I read banned books." button, banned books in hand. Hope you get some rest you so much need.

Sent by Susan in the beautiful mountains of Colorado | 1:15 PM ET | 07-24-2008

I'm glad that you've been to Hawaii, Leroy. It makes it easier to 'go back.' I can see you now, in a Hawaiian print shirt, wearing a panama hat, sipping on a Mai Tai (or Margarita, or Rob Roy or Tequila Sunrise or Pinea Colada. ahh the good old days...)

Enjoy your day where ever it might take you.

Sent by Kathy B. from Michigan | 1:29 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Reality can be overrated at times, and life as a greater voice noted, can be too much with us, so I'm glad you can send your thoughts elsewhere for a break, Leroy. Your wish for rest reminded me of the profound refreshment just reading Bernardo Taiz's poem gives me, so I share it again:

Place

Inside an open rose
A tree frog
no bigger
than my thumbnail,
I try to imagine
rest liket hat,
tucked
in such a bed of petals.
I try to imagine
prayer like that,
listening
so intently
in the early light
and
saying so little.

The summer
teeters
now
into old age,
as do I,
those blackberries
that still cling
to their thorny arms
withering,
readying themselves
to trust the earth again,
where,
for a moment
at least,
there is a place for everything.

--BERNARDO TAIZ

Sent by Sarah | 1:49 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Fly away my friend, embrace your destination and imagine in all the detail you can summon the sights, sounds, feelings of that place.

Sent by Linda | 1:57 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Hey Leroy,
Daydreaming, I used to get into trouble when I was small with that. Now if I could only stare into space or out the window or at the wall and empty my mind. For a few minutes, I wouldn't even mind getting into trouble for that!

Sent by Paulette | 2:04 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Dear Leroy, I know you said that you aren't able to make the trip to Hawaii, but it's good to know you can go whenever you want in your mind. Go far and wide, Leroy. Leave it all behind. Make it your "job" to go somewhere every day. You deserve that and so much more. Tell your body "We're taking a break. We're outta here."

Peace,
Kate in California

Sent by Kate | 2:59 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Leroy -

If you're still following the Tour de France, then the morning hours watching assaults on L'Alpe d'Huez, the cat and mouse game between Burghardt and Barreto on stage 18, and the upcoming time trial that will determine the final outcome of the race is enough to make almost anything go away. I've spent my last few mornings engrossed in the drama of the race, and hopefully you can find that same escape.

I thought about you while going on my first bicycle ride in months and found a silver lining when forced off the road by a violent lightning storm. I took refuge in my favorite local pub and waited out the storm with a couple of black and tans!

Find your refuge in the storm, amigo.

Andy

Sent by Andy Kearns | 3:39 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Fay
Are you from England? I notice you spell "mum" the way I do!

Sent by Tina from Alton, IL | 3:50 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Dear Leroy- Fond wishes for a peaceful lovely time no matter how short it is. Isn't it nice how handy your imaginative mind is when you need it. I am thinking of you and Laurie.

Sent by linda h | 3:51 PM ET | 07-24-2008

I hope you get the rest you want and need, and have a better day tomorrow.

I'm sorry your situation sucks so much.

How about a visualized fly-over of the Grand Canyon or the Hawaiian Islands?

Peace

Sent by Pika | 3:59 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Dear Leroy and Laurie,

I so deeply wish that I could make this whole cancer thing go away forever for you both. For everyone.

I hope in some way today, you found some sort of a break. Away from this. The cancer. Because I can hear how it does break you and Laurie, your hearts, your emotions, your spirits. It is all heartbreaking.

Peace for you both, going somewhere else in your mind, I hope you are able to get there. Sun, waves, beautiful water .... sea gulls, sandpipers, dolphins, even a whale or two could pay you a visit via your mental imagery. I find whales' song soothing and transporting, maybe you do too.

Sending you both heartlight,

Kim & Virgie

Sent by Virgie & Kim | 4:01 PM ET | 07-24-2008

I have no words of advice, so I'll just send our thoughts and prayers out to you, for some peaceful hours today and everyday.

Sent by Deb | 4:26 PM ET | 07-24-2008

One of my ways of "forgetting" my cancer is sitting down with photos from past trips overseas and immersing myself in the memories. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been able to do these things, so the 2 1/2 years I've bought with treatment have been worth it. Immerse yourself in some memories -
Marcia

Sent by Marcia | 5:00 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Leroy,

I've never met you in person but really enjoy your blog. I am a 34 year old female who is almost house-bound due to chronic illness. I worked for the GAO in DC for 5 years and lived in Silver Spring and Germantown, MD. I am now in Northern CA due to my husband's line of work. Your blog often makes me miss the "buzz" of the DC area and the beauty of Montgomery County.

I know we would have been good friends by your wry sense of humor and your fondness for Law and Order!!

I'm glad you have good friends that want to take care of you.

In another life, perhaps you can tell me all about Hawaii (I've never been) and all your "war stories" (no pun intended) from your time spent in journalism. Also, any baked goods that you had your fill of I would certainly finish despite doctor's orders.

I'm glad that you found happiness and fullfillment in your job; so many people in that town were unhappily employed--I was one of them.

Sent by Virginia Tierney | 5:05 PM ET | 07-24-2008

I used to have a bumper sticker on my old beater of a car saying "My Other Vehicle is My Mind". Even if your mobility is impaired, there are still all sorts of ways to escape!

However you manage to do it, whether it be through reminiscing with friends, looking at old before cancer photographs, visualization, wathing some sort of movie or reading a book, I wish you the best of escapes from having the cancer front and center.

If it would ever help to take time of from this blog towards that aim, everyone here would understand I bet.

Sent by N.R. | 5:06 PM ET | 07-24-2008

I love Wendi's five year old son's viewpoint. Been visualizing handing over cancer, wrapped beautifully in a box, and handing it over to a bad stranger. Makes me chuckle even it it isn't very nice.

Sent by Kathy B. | 5:24 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Greetings from Cape Cod!

The healing salt air, sand between the toes and a tangy lemon/vodka in the hand, I toast to all of us!

We swam with the harbor seals, ate pounds of "steam-ahs" and "oy-stahs" and collected a truck load of shells.

(oh, and was reminded that fire-works are not legal here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts...ooops!...KABOOM!)

Thinking of you,
Debra Altschiller

Sent by Debra from New Hampshire | 5:26 PM ET | 07-24-2008

NPR's song of the day is "You Might Be Surprised" (Dr. John) and the first line is "life is a near death experience." He's got that right!

Sent by N. Holmes | 5:29 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Leroy,
Is it time to stop this blog? I hope not, but I would certainly understand.
Wishing you peace, pain-free peace.
Jane

Sent by Jane | 5:52 PM ET | 07-24-2008

i wish for you the feeling of a cold cold beer on a hot hot day, sitting in a shaddy spot w/h your best friend, the smell of lilacs in the air, sounds of birds all around, ,Leroy, i wish you peace, even if it is just for a few moments

Sent by debbie | 6:17 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Two more distilleries and tastings, the Patton Museum at Fort Knox. We are in Indianapolis tonight with more sites to see. The GPS has taken us through some pretty and interesting country and over some really winding off the track roads.

Leroy, have your visitors bothered to call? If not suggest it, if you need rest, they should respect that there are some days you are just not up to company and need the break.

Last for the week tomorrow. :)

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:22 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Leroy & Laurie,

Everyone needs that special mental holiday place. Sometimes a photo helps one slip away, sometimes it can be purely mental. Either way, the peace that is felt refreshes the soul.

Here's hoping that you've found that place today.

Me - I'm basking in the sun in my African front yard, watching the kids running to school on the mud road.

Sent by Marie in Minneapolis | 9:17 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Ask for a copy of the move "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" the next time someone asks you what you want. It's a hoot. I think it would give you some "time off", too.

Sent by Ann Davis | 9:27 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Sit outside in the sun for a while..and just listen..cars go by, birds sing, dogs bark and the world is right...in this moment.
I believe in the wisdom of the Buddha...just live in this moment Leroy.All the rest are beyond our control...this moment is the only thing we know for sure.
So enjoy it to its fullest.

Innerpeace,
Liz Z

Sent by liz Zimmerman | 9:56 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Leroy, let the body rest and keep the mind busy on what ever keeps you at peace. People used to tell me to take my husband and get out and travel and do things. They meant well but I don't think they realized how much just being at home gave him comfort. There came a time that to try to go away took more energy than he could really muster, but he did have a great need to keep the mind busy and his hands busy. if he sat and watched tv his hands were never idle. We bought lots of art books and colored pencils and he kept those hands busy and it didn't really take a lot of heavy thinking to be busy.

I now find myself also needing to keep my mind busy. I have a job that demands your attention so for now my days are filled with very busy hours and by the time at night that I leave my job the body is tired. Someday I am sure there will be a better balance but for now day at a time.

Take care. Both you and Laurie.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 11:55 PM ET | 07-24-2008

Sometimes while scuba diving, as I put the regulator in my mouth preparing to descend, I have a moment of panic. I take the regulator out again, gasp at the fresh air and seriously consider going back to the boat. I'll swim there for a minute pondering the options. In many hundreds of dives now, I've only gone back to the boat once. I'm convinced it is a survival instinct kicking in, and 99 percent of the time the answer has been about giving in. That's the only way down. Once there, underwater, breathing... is a whole new wonderful world I'd never have seen otherwise.

And the one time I went back to the boat? I had a beer. Also wonderful.

Sent by Maureen McEachen | 12:42 AM ET | 07-25-2008

Hi Leroy:

Your post today reminds me of two stories that may give you some ideas:

1. An experiment was done with seniors -- you may have heard of it. They were "taken" to an environment which duplicated the 40s or 50s -- newspapers, news, magazines, TV, music, food-fads, etc. They were encouraged to dress in their favorite "period" clothing. Their medical profiles, including blood tests, etc. were taken after several weeks. The results -- their bodies, too, even at the cellular level, had returned to that more youthful age, improving their profiles in many ways, lessening the effects of the passing years on their bodies.

2. You may have heard of the book (true story) "The Minds of Billy Milligan". He was a young man with multiple personality disorder. While visiting his shrink one day, a "new" personality came out whom the doctor had not seen before -- a personality with an acne condition that began to manifest on Billy's face, right before the doctor's very eyes, about 5 minutes after the new personality "came out". The doctor got the idea to take medical profiles (history and physical, including blood tests) of each personality when each was "out." The doctor discovered that each personality had a different medical condition. One personality -- and ONLY one -- had medically verifiable diabetes. How can this be? Diabetes is a systemic illnes, involving many organs thoughout the body, and it is "incurable". Yet, when this personality was not out, the diabetes wasn't, either. So where did it go? Somehow, the illness was dependent on something in the personality at hand -- something in the mind of Billy.

The mind is a wonderful and mysterious thing. Can we use it to eradicate disease? I'm sure we can when we figure it out. I'm sure the mental vacations that everyone talks about here have an actual beneficial effect on our cells. If we could only amplify that!!! Deny the cancer its power.

Keep taking those vacations to places where there is no cancer. You're definitely on to something!!

Best,

Dawn

Sent by Dawn Whitehead | 12:42 AM ET | 07-25-2008

Watch the tour. That Alp D'huez will definitely make you think about other things. If you watch with the sound on, you can hear Bob Roll tell you that if you want to know what it's like to crash on one of those descents, just get in your car and drive 50 mph, strip down to your underwear and jump out. That's what it's like to crash on one of those descents.
I say "Shut up Bob!" I don't need to be thinking about stuff like that!

Sent by Missy Patterson | 2:13 AM ET | 07-25-2008

Leroy, From what you have written in this daily blog, one thing stands out to me, your spirit is free from cancer. No matter how it attacks your body it will never harm your spirit. Your love and compassion for all of us is very and strong and healthy. Thank you and God Bless.

Sent by Barb Peterson | 5:44 PM ET | 07-25-2008

A break from reality..? Let's both sign in for that.. TimeOut is the ideal term for these particular moments. We have to walk this walk and fight this fight, the glory of winning will be better that just a momentary pause...Come on Leroy! We??re players and fighters, faith must be always on out side. Prayers wont stop from my side, best wishes.

Sent by Yolan Gonzalez | 5:23 AM ET | 07-31-2008