I wish I could be there. I look forward to listening to you.

Sent by Lisa | 8:02 AM ET | 07-07-2008

looking forward to the show!

Sent by sarah | 8:51 AM ET | 07-07-2008

I will make a point of tuning in. And, how was your 4th of July???? We retreated to Westmont, IL. The show was great, summer cold that my fiance caught not so great, and it quieted down rather quickly after the finale.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:51 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Darn sorry I live in California, and can only listen.
Wishing you and Laurie well

Vickie

Sent by Vickie | 9:15 AM ET | 07-07-2008

I will listen on Wednesday. Yes, Life's problemsa don't go away. Just as a small example, let's take weeds. For two summers thanks to cancer world stuff I was unable to do much of any work in my garden. It is only now (2 years after that) that most of the garden is sarting to look like a real garden again. And there are still overgrown spots all around the edges (we have lots of fun stuff like wold grape and black raspberry vines that take over really quickly and bring even small trees down without some pruning).

Weeds stop for no one. Not even cancer. And of course there are many other things like that too - haivng cancer definitely means working harder to get things done!

Sent by N.R. | 9:21 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Good to have you back, Leroy! You're so right...life goes on and has to be reckoned with. Doesn't hardly seem fair, but that's how it is.

Sent by Linda Lee | 9:27 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Thanks for the heads-up, Leroy. I'll be sure to tune in. As always, love and prayers are with you.

Sent by Jen | 9:27 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Will try to listen and thanks for the heads up on this, Leroy (wish I could be there!)

Best always,

Betsey

Sent by betsey in albany ny | 9:45 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Will try to get NPR Wednesday. Would love to hear the VOICE BEHIND THE WORDS. And it would be nice if other problems stopped so we could just concentrate on what is going on with us medically. But, the world stops for nobody! Take care and G-D Bless you.

Jan

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 9:57 AM ET | 07-07-2008

I wish I lived closer and could be there on Wednesday, but I will definitely be listening. It will be lovely to hear your voice again. It does seem such a strange parallel that we have to cope with cancer, but life's problems still continue and we have to attend to those too. When we don't, it serves as another reminder of how we are not as strong as we used to be. Cancer changes everything.

Sent by Tina from Alton IL | 10:09 AM ET | 07-07-2008

It will be good to hear you with your good friend Ted Koppel. I'll be tuned in.
Prayers,
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 10:23 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Dear Leroy/all,
Still mending a broken arm and leg; this will be a six week ordeal in these plaster casts. My husband is getting worse every day, but thank
God for my three grown children who are not leaving me alone; they are taking shifts to stay with both of us. I wish there was a way for us people on the east coast to listen to the broadcast.

Prayers to all.

Sent by sasha321 | 10:30 AM ET | 07-07-2008

I wish I could be there.

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 10:30 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Leroy,

I see you are continuing to live your life, despite the obstacles! Good for you.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 10:36 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Sometimes it's not a bad thing that life goes on.

I don't even know if Pat knew that he was doing this at the time but during his last year he started having things done to our house. First the doorwall really should be replaced--it's not as efficient as it could be. Then the blinds for that doorwall needed to be changed. Then he'd always wanted to have different book shelves on one wall in the living room. Then maybe new carpeting. Do you get the picture? I was happy he was keeping himself very involved and busy booking the appointments, choosing the shutters for the windows, the design of the bookshelves. I finally realized he was getting things 'ready' for me. And you know, I feel very content to be surrounded by these things. I think it was another way for Pat to cope with what was going on--keep busy.

Thanks for letting me know about the show, Leroy.

Have a great day!

Kathy B. from Michigan

Sent by Kathy B. from Michigan | 10:38 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Leroy,
I am marking my calendar. I was amazed at how thrilled I was to hear your voice again in your 'two year anniversary' interview. I learned about you through your pod casts and then discovered your blog which I check in with almost daily and have shared in your ups and downs on this journey. It means a tremendous amount to hear you speaking, as well as reading your thoughts, so thank you for finding the energy to do the interview. I am cancer free and have been for many, many years, thankfully, and rarely classify myself as a cancer survivor. I say that to underscore that you are touching people way beyond the cancer community with your presence. Do the interview for Talk of the Nation will expand the reach of your touch even further. Thank you again for choosing to be part of it.

Sent by Judy in Victor, NY | 10:41 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Life does go on, doesn't it? And it either takes us down the road either kicking and screaming, or enjoying the ride, and taking its bumps and bruises as we go...
Regards and best wishes, always. I will be listening.
Sandra Yudilevich

Sent by Sandra Yudilevich | 11:14 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Roger that Leroy,
I'm posting from the summit of Mount Laundry.

While getting my car re-registered and inspected seems like no big deal to me, I actually have MUCH bigger problems (like lymphoma), apparently the local police consider it of major importance. Yup, life does go on.

Graham from Sag Harbour: saw the ABC weather dude on the docks in your neck of the woods on tv. Looks beautiful there, nice spot!

Liz & Grace: thanks!

Friday night I lit some excellent pyrotechnics at Hampton Beach in NH. I re-labeled them:surgery, chemo, radiation, cancer-can-kiss-my-royal-Irish-arse, and the BIGGEST one was just "cancer" ~ I blew it up for all of us. Very cathartic, I highly recommend it.

Looking forward to "Leroy & Ted's Excellent Adventure" Wednesday.

Love to you & Laurie,
Debra

Sent by Debra in New Hampshire | 11:22 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Leroy,

I will be tuning in on Wednesday. Looking forward to hearing your voice again along with Ted Koppel. Life goes on and that is a good thing for cancer patients. It gives some normalcy to our lives.

Peace.

Sent by Debbie | 11:34 AM ET | 07-07-2008

I'll be working at that time and so can't listen to your show live -- but hope it will be available later that day on NPR's website?

Yep -- life goes on, and mostly, it's a good thing to be involved and needed and distracted from cancer. What is most annoying is having to struggle with insurance companies and deal with mindless bureaucrats.The really important stuff, whether happy or sad? I'm glad to be a part of that. And the same goes for the simple, everyday activities like grocery shopping and watering the flowers.

I imagine the call-in interview with Ted Koppel will be the kind of involvement that does you good -- even though it will take effort and use up precious energy.Anyhow, he's a friend and all your army of friends all over the world will be listening...Break a leg, Leroy. (Oops -- bad choice of words there...)

Sent by Doris | 11:35 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Dear Leroy,

I'm sure there are many things left unsaid between your lines today, but we all certainly understand the essence, even without knowing the particular details ("and the problems from the past just don't go away"). I'm wishing you a smooth path through those rocky waters. (Character-schmaracter ... How about easy-peasy??!)

I know we will all be looking forward to listening to both you and your esteemed friend, Mr. Koppel, on TOTN on Wednesday. It'll no doubt be a very rich communion.

For today ... Smooth paths, and blessings to you,

Kim Forester

Sent by Kim Forester | 11:58 AM ET | 07-07-2008

Leroy, I will listen in for sure. Hope you and Laurie are up for this.

Tomorrow is a full day starting with Chemo, then scans. Since we have just finished treating the Brain Lesion, we must now see what has happened in the Chest and Abdomen. I hope its no growth, but we'll see.

Thoughts, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 12:21 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Hi Doris,

Talk of the Nation is generally available online a few hours after airtime on their rundown page.

Sent by andy carvin, npr | 1:25 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Kathy B - from Michigan - what part of Michigan are you from if you don't mind me asking?

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 1:25 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Oh Sasha, my heart aches for you...as does anybody's who has been there. It just feels so often like we're treading water and just counting the days when what we'd really like to do is FIX things, make things "normal" or "ok" again. What I've learned is that life is what it is. We never deserve the bad stuff, but we have to learn to live with it with grace whether we want to or not...because it's the hand we're dealt.

We had a great life, and there's nary a minute I can regret. I do miss the times we had, and sometimes I sit back and think of when we were first dating twenty-something years ago. I miss those times so much, and they bring both laughter and tears in hindsight.

Hang on to the moments you have right now. You'll be glad you did. And the fact that your kids are around and involved speaks volumes about you both as good parents.

Sent by Bruce | 1:28 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Hello!

You are really amazing...the generosity of marshalling your scant energy to share some words on the air is just what one would expect of you and it is part of why we so admire you.

If I can't get to the Newseum, I will listen on WAMU (88.5 FM). It has a strong signal and others on the east side of the country might be able to pick it up.

Many thanks to you Leroy and a hug for Laurie.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 1:31 PM ET | 07-07-2008

I, too, will be listening Wednesday. I wish I could be there, but my life's problems are preventing me this week.

I don't know, but I suppose there was a moment or two that I wish I could get a pass. But I thought, and think to this day, why should I? Just because I have cancer, does this mean nothing else can cross my path, that I am not capable? Actually I am grateful for the everyday stuff. It's way easier than cancer has ever been. And , somewhere in the back of my mind, if I dare to ask for a pass, that would mean the cancer has won.

And I have come way too far to entertain that idea :o)

Sent by Teri Thomas | 1:52 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Yep, part of "feeling some kind of normal" is having to do all of the regular things that keep popping up, like paying your taxes, getting to vote, having a great arguement about something that you still feel passionately about, waiting in traffic delays listening to the radio. Problems still seem to pop up and other people still can make us mad at times. It's great!

Sent by Deb | 3:37 PM ET | 07-07-2008

I look forward to hearing you Wednesday. Just after reading your blog today, I went to pick up my daughter. Came home, swung into the garage the way I normally do, but apparently not. Ripped off the back section over my wheel. These are the type of problems we cancer patients can do without. Then again, nothing says "normal" like the occasional unimportant bad thing happening. Cancer does put them in perspective. I was upset but not raving as I would have been pre-diagnosis. Just shook my head and called the auto repair people. At least that problem is fixable.

Sent by Marcia Greer | 3:42 PM ET | 07-07-2008

I usually don't post twice but just wanted to let people know that Talk of the Nation is available over NPR's website at 6 pm each day (I often listen in the evening when I have a busy day).

Sent by N.R. | 3:46 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Hey Leroy:

Sorry I can't be there this time around.. I'm sure the show will be great, and can't wait to listen online.. Please give Ted my regards.

Krupali

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 4:06 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Hey Leroy:

Sorry I can't be there this time around.. I'm sure the show will be great, and can't wait to listen online.. Please give Ted my regards.

Krupali

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 4:07 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Dear Leroy: Thank you so very much for sharing your thoughts through this blog; you've certainly touched (positively) the lives of many of us, something few of us have the opportunity to do. Thank you.

I have a simple question and perhaps one asked many times, I don't know. But what guidance would you give a person not facing terminal illness, in how to approach one's every day. Simple guidance. Simple steps in the day.

Wishing you much comfort,

JC

Sent by Jessie | 4:09 PM ET | 07-07-2008

My nephew came here to Germany and I took him to Berlin and Dresden and then on to Prague. You think I could forget but I had to go to an internet cafe a couple of times to check in with you. Hoping you feel well and are able to relax and emjoy the summer sun. Take care, both of you,

Sent by Irene | 4:23 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Just think, Leroy, you are "everyday business" to people ALL over the world. It is interesting to read the various addresses thatare the addresses of your thousands of avid readers! Cancerspeak is definetly a universal language! I will look forward to the Seivers-Koppel program airing in Alaska!

Sent by Lucy of Alaska | 5:51 PM ET | 07-07-2008

If I am able to listen I will call in singing the praises of this blog, the community it has brought together and, of course, Leroy!

Liz Z - this would have been the perfect road trip.

How, Leroy, are you and Laurie handling your rock-star status? Did you ever think this would make you "so famous"??

Sent by Liz L. | 6:35 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Deb and Kathy B: If you ever have a weekend gathering, count me in tentatively. I'm not far.

Sent by Bruce | 7:10 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Well, those are wise words for us to heed. I'll take away two things: 1. Keep it simple so I minimize the problems I'll have to deal with later (pay cash?) 2. I'm not sure how to get you that 'life pass', but I suspect that no matter what angle we approach it from, creation of the problem or search for the solution, it has something to do with lawyers.

I'm all ears at 3pm (well, noon PST), there in spirit...

Sent by Maureen McEachen | 7:23 PM ET | 07-07-2008

For as long as the ride rolls forward, so too, does life. I think that's a good thing. The big bumps in the cancer road often prepare us for some of the smaller ones and vice versa. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope that whatever obstacles are in your path are quickly overcome. I'll be tuning in on Wednesday! It will be wonderful to hear your voice.

Sent by Suzanne | 7:39 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Deb, from Michigan,

I'm in metro Detroit, Lakes area, Commerce area specifically. Are you near?

Jessie, aka JC,

That's what you're learning here--life IS simple. Maybe we don't realize it until we, or a loved one, gets ill, but the bottom line is, have we loved?, have we been loved?, have we made a difference in somebody's life? It is that simple.

Good luck in your journey.

Kathy B. from Michigan

Sent by Kathy B. from Michigan | 8:40 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Yes, would love to be there, but since I live in California, I'll be listening. Thinking of you today, and every day.

Sent by Kathleen | 9:26 PM ET | 07-07-2008

It's pretty amazing that you were on "Talk of the Nation" today. Unfortunatley, it "went away" from our NPR station, except for "Science Friday." Thank goodness for the web site and the fact that I can listen at a later time. A "modern miracle" for sure. I am glad that I don't have to go anywhere during the week for the rest of the summer--it's rough to miss all the postings--and to read them all later! Blessings to everyone on this very warm Texas night.

Sent by N. Holmes | 10:57 PM ET | 07-07-2008

Leroy, I finally over the weekend got to listen to the whole interview on Minisota Public Radio. I enjoyed it very much. I hope I will be able to find a way to listen somehow to the interview on Wednesday. Thank you for takeing the time and energy to do both of these interviews. I am glad to see you busy in what ever manner you can comfortably be. Stay with us Leroy, keep on keeping on. We all care.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 12:17 AM ET | 07-08-2008

Leroy, I know how hard it can be. It is at these times where one just can't let on exactly HOW difficult it is; because it just doesn't help...so keep on keepin' on...we are behind you. I'll be listening to you...the Minnesota show was very good.

'Ms. D.' in New Hampshire...thanks; yes it's unbelievably nice here with the bay and the Atlantic close to each other...Good cancer visualization therapy! Go for it...you're pretty cool.

Love, Graham from Sag Harbor.

Sent by Graham G. Hawks | 12:34 AM ET | 07-08-2008

Leroy just letting you know. I understand it is hard some days just how much we have to look after our cancer.
Positive thoughts your way.

Kerry.

Kathy B Deb and Bruce. Metro Detroit here. If anyone gets together give me a shout!

Sent by Kerry in Michigan | 4:15 PM ET | 07-08-2008

Hi Leroy, I was reminded today that things do happen for a reason. My wife and I were on our way back from the barn when I tuned into your interview.I immediately found your blog site. It gave me a place to go to ask cancer questions. You see my sister was
diagnosed in the 2nd week of June with lung cancer that has metastisized (spelling) she's married with a hubby & 3 kids two are grown & the youngest is going to be a senior in H.S. I have many questions but don't want to interfere with her situation. I'll be staying tuned in. Thanks owe so much for your site!

Sent by Patrick Dorsey | 6:27 PM ET | 07-09-2008

Hi ,
Thanks for sharing your life with all of us.I'm totally agree with " cathy ", that " have we made a difference in somebody's life? ".
With my All good wishes,

Lorra.

Sent by lorra | 2:18 PM ET | 07-15-2008