OH Laurie ---what a fine honest tribute to you and Leroy. And wht a fine man you had as his Doctor.

Kim

Sent by Kim Moore | 9:32 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Leroy touched lives in ways he never knew. Thank you, Laurie, and Dr. Meyer for sharing all of these memories of Leroy with us.

Hugs and love from Kansas.

Sent by GFC | 9:34 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Leroy touched lives in ways he never knew. Thank you, Laurie, and Dr. Meyer for sharing all of these memories of Leroy with us.

Hugs and love from Kansas.

Sent by GFC | 9:34 AM ET | 08-25-2008

It's not hard for a doctor to say something that touches me these days - with the end result being tears that I try to hide. I just didn't expect it to be first thing this morning.

Leroy was lucky to have found someone in the medical community who not only listens but hears. I hope Doctor Meyer knows how all patients value that.

Sent by Susan Reynolds / BoobsOnIce.com | 9:38 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Hi,

In keeping with today's message, Leroy provided the impetus for me to begin my cancer blog following the "Living with Cancer" special on the Discovery channel in May 2007. Since then, I have posted 111 entries. I have met people through this blog; I may have even helped some people. I'm a private person and as such my blog focuses on my cancer and not my day to day doings. Leroy and this entire community have been important to me over the past 15 months. It's one of my first stops each morning.

Ed Steger
www.hncancer.blogspot.com

Sent by Ed Steger | 9:47 AM ET | 08-25-2008

This is the first time I have read this blogg and teared up. I agree we have lost an amazing man, but his memory will live on for a long time.

Laurie can I say also THANK you for keeping this blogg going, when it was discussed who should take it on, I like many others thought it should die with Leroy but now its taken a life again of its own with your writing each day, and you will never I think appreciate the full extent of how much this means to so many people. Thank you !

Sent by Jill Curtis | 9:48 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Dear Dr. Meyer,

Thank you so much for what you said - strange to think about the tears and emotions that one can evoke for a man who I loved and admired and respected and never met.
AND, you sound like a kind and compassionate oncologist - I think I have heard that some of my friends wish that there were more of those - think that I shall reference your name for a G-d forbid time - and hopefully never have to look for it.

Thank you for doing so much for Leroy and Laurie - G-d bless you.

And, Laurie, a hug to you and hope that you are taking care of Laurie! As alwasy, G-d bless you.
Janice Goldberg White

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 9:52 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Dr. Meyer:
It is obvious that Leroy has affected you as well as all of us in Cancer World. I think that he has made you and us aware of the need for a more personal and humanistic approach to the Doctor-Patient relationship. It is so important that other Doctors also realize this need for Compassion in dealing with Cancer Patients.
The following poem is handed out to incoming first year students at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. It shows the awareness of some in the Medical Community of the need to listen to the kinds of things Leroy talked about.

Compassion 101
Do Doctors take Compassion 101?
Are they taught how to treat us with kindness?
Can Considerate Cancer Care be instilled from without?
Compassion must come from somewhere, but where?

If Doctors do take Compassion 101
Do they get marks from the teacher?
Are there A students and B students?
And what about the dunce of the class?

Three doctors knew my prostate well,
One said, "Call me at anytime!"
The second said, "Daytime or nighttime!"
The third said, "Do you realize how many patients I would have to call?"

Should I feel lucky to have had two doctors with A's and only one with an F?

Love, Don

Sent by don winslow | 10:03 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Dr. Meyer,

Thank you for everything you did for Leroy. I know he trusted you implicitly. I saw you on the "Living with Cancer" special, when I was introduced to Leroy, who has changed all our lives. Again, thank you for everything you did for him.

Sent by Connie (Bungert) | 10:06 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Dr. Meyer,

Thank you for everything you did for Leroy. I know he trusted you implicitly. I saw you on the "Living with Cancer" special, when I was introduced to Leroy, who has changed all our lives. Again, thank you for everything you did for him.

Sent by Connie (Bungert) | 10:07 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Wow, this is so great. This blog is going to a whole new level and we have Leroy and Laurie to thank for it. Cancer is rampant and is surrounded by so much fear as the diagnosis can be associated with a death sentence. For Leroy to discuss his cancer journey with strangers and make us a community is unparalled. Again, I mention Pulitzer Prize...I truly believe it is warranted.

Thank you Laurie. I logged onto to the blog this morning and there was not a new one. I thought, well she has decided to not continue this forum and who can blame her. (But I was sad)

I came back one more time and Laurie was there. Sigh of relief. So thanks Laurie. Just thank you.

Thank you Dr. Meyer for joining us. I used to wonder how the medical community dealt with cancer emotionally on a daily basis with so many patients. It must get overwhelming.

God bless you Laurie. I hope you are doing ok.

Judy

Sent by Judy Voller | 10:10 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Thank you for sharing Leroy's doctor's perspective. I wonder how common it is for one's oncologist to become a friend? It seems that would add an extra amount of attention and concern. How lucky you are for that!

Sent by Madeline | 10:13 AM ET | 08-25-2008

What a terrific post--Dr. Meyer articulates it so well--Leroy opened the door to honest discussion. What a gift that will continue as long as people deal with cancer. Just a note to let everyone know that A.M. is doing so much better than expected. I am very lucky to be able to ask this group for thoughts and prayers. Blessings on you all.

Sent by N. Holmes | 10:18 AM ET | 08-25-2008

I sported Hawaiian shirts all last week in my own quirky tribute to Leroy.

Hold Fast, Prospective eventually yields comforts....

Don MacLeod

Sent by Don MacLeod | 10:34 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Thank you for the quote from Leroy's oncologist. He speaks wisely I think when he reminds us to keep telling our stories and sharing our thoughts.

The quote from Mary Martin's poem "it's hard to make room for what is no longer there" is painfully poignant and my heart and love go out today to all those like Laurie who have lost someone they love recently.

What we CAN make room for are our stories. Thank you Laurie for keeping this blog going. I hope it remains til we need it no more..........maybe in the year 2040 or 50.

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 10:34 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Good morning all,
Dr. Meyer speaks for us all, and did so most eloquently. Leroy presented criteria for living to all of us. He was a remarkable, true and caring man. He will be sorely missed, but his lessons in courage, and his will to live will resonate with us all for years to come. Thank you, Dr. Meyer, and as always, thank you, Laurie.

Sent by Sharon | 10:37 AM ET | 08-25-2008

I listened to you and Leroy tell how you became friends with your doctors and nurses. They visited you at home? WOW. Not everyone gets that kind of attention. Although my oncologist listens to me at my appointments I can never picture watching the olimpics with him in my home or a hospital room. You created a special bond with what sounds like some really special people. Good for you.

Sent by C | 10:43 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Thank you Dr. Meyer! You clearly bring your full presence to your work; your writing bespeaks a luminous heart. May the care you extend, the harbor of honesty you create, the gift of seeing others with respect and wholeness ALL be returned to you with interest.

Sent by Sarah | 10:51 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Leroy's story will continue - he and Laurie are forever in our hearts.

I just wish that our stories did not have to be ones of pain, fear, sadness, and loss. We are having so many setbacks with David's aggressive non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma that I am afraid to be hopeful. I wish I could be like a child again where stories always ended happily ever after and love made everythihg alright.

Sent by Tina from Alton, IL | 10:51 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Thank you Laurie and Dr Meyer, what a healing message todays blog gives us. I want to go on and on about this blog but on second thought I am going to just let it fill me with all the good feelings I felt as I read it this morning and let it inspire me to continue to make a difference today in my world.
Blessings to you both and to all who lurk around this blog.
Paula

Sent by Paula Swink | 10:52 AM ET | 08-25-2008

In a few hours we will head to MSKCC for my husbands bi-monthly chemotherapy. There are always so many questions with few answers but Leroy's blog gave us insight beyond the questions asked. It is very heart warming to read the insights of the doctor's who we so depend on. I truly hope this blog continues.

Sent by Helen N | 10:56 AM ET | 08-25-2008

What wonderful insight from Leroy's medical team. It overwhelms me to know how many people Leroy touched and made their world a more enriched place.

Thanks for sharing Laurie. I hope today brings your a day of peace.

Sent by Alexis Redmond | 11:00 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Inever met your husband, but then I've never met anyone like your husband either...willing to talk, to really tell what it's like to be on the "inside" of this disease. I miss him, his voice. I'd read his blog and realize he was saying, only better, what I wanted, needed, to say aloud.. to myself and to my family. "They" say it gets better with time, that you'll learn to forgive yourself for not saying all you wanted to say to the people who pass from your life. I only know that, even though time didn't heal in my life, the passage of time has made it easier for me to cope without them and has, blessedly, given the opportunity to tell those left in my life how much they mean to me. I pray for us all, those with the disease, and for those who care for, and about, them...and now I'm including you in those prayers

Sent by pmw | 11:03 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Dear Dr. Meyer,

Wonderful thoughts. Great truths.

You are a gem. A battle commander that doesn't shirk from the front line. Stay strong.

Job well done.

Sent by Susan A. Baker | 11:05 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Thank you Laurie, and thank you Dr. Meyer. Thank you for helping us to keep Leroy in our lives.
Love to you today Laurie, Linda

Sent by Linda Lee | 11:08 AM ET | 08-25-2008

I'd like to thank NPR, Laurie, and all of the people who make this blog. My family has dealt with 3 major losses in April of this year. I had a miscarriage, an uncle was tragically killed, and we sent our beloved cat to live at the farm (literally).

This society doesn't like to talk about death. We don't enjoy the unknown. We feel awkward about embracing those who are dealing with grief, yet when we experience it, we NEED to hold onto the familiar, the loved ones still with us.

Thank you for continuing to remind us that experience of death is a continuum, that it doesn't stop at the death, or even at a remembrance ceremony. Death is that pink elephant in the middle of the room that we MUST engage in conversation about, that we MUST embrace as a part of the natural cycle of life, that we MUST, dare I say it, love and respect.

It's only then can we learn to truly live.

Sent by Karen Eckberg | 11:17 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Dear Laurie,

What an exquisite tribute and insight to Leroy Dr. Meyer offers. His suggestion that Leroy remains alive in this world through the continuation of "Leroy's Lessons" is so very true. While Leroy's physical absence is everywhere present, I agree with the doctor that his spirit does not rest, but is vitally infused in the heart of LIFE.

So, today, here's to life and love and laughter and a few (?) tears ...

I look forward to hearing more remembrances of Leroy. He is such a vibrant life's mentor to us all.

Fondly, and with gratitude,

Kim Forester

Sent by Kim Forester | 11:26 AM ET | 08-25-2008

Laurie'

Another way to view the poem that Dr. Meyer quoted is that eventually other things fill that empty place. It's not the same, maybe not even as good, but "nature abhors a vacuum." If this were not the case, we would all die from grief and loss. When I was coping with a huge hole in my existence, I was told to pick and choose carefully what I filled it with. That seems like good wisdom to me.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:27 AM ET | 08-25-2008

You are so right! Leroy's legacy is one of HOPE, support, help, encouragement, sympathy, empathy, wisdom, selflessness, etc. I could go on with the superlatives to describe him and his contributions for the betterment of his fellow man! He is missed but his memory and his legacy lives on!!!

Blessings and prayers to Laurie and family.

Sent by Al Cato | 11:28 AM ET | 08-25-2008

What a wonderful tribute to Leroy. He was lucky to have such a wonderful Doctor. Laurie, hang in there.

Becky from Va.

Sent by Becky | 11:39 AM ET | 08-25-2008

eventually. eventually the tears will stop when i read this blog. but not yet. as a cancer survivor and as one who has lost friends to cancer, i know this is a process. how thankful i am that this blog has continued. we are in this together. this process of walking through cancer, of mourning the loss of leroy, of encouraging laurie.

Sent by anita - pittsburgh | 11:50 AM ET | 08-25-2008

What a blessing! To still have this blog on Monday morning...and to read your honest feelings, Laurie, and to hear from Dr. Meyer, and to get glimpse of your last times together, watching the Olympics. Somehow this blog/NPR column will find its continuing voice. I think that's already happening...so much to continue to share and learn. Thank you so much. May peace find you each day.

Sent by Sally in Spokane | 12:03 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dr. Meyer - wow. I am so hoping that you are this way with all of your patients. What a lucky group they are.

Sent by keri | 12:05 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dear Dr. Meyer and Laurie,

There is more than just a patient/doctor relationship in your message. There is a willingness to listen to and learn from your patients. Truly and unique quality for a physician.

In the week plus since Leroy left his earthly existence we continue to check the site and to post. There continues to be learning and sharing of information.

We must and should continue to do this because it is so very important.

Thank you.

Sent by Sue Chap | 12:07 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dear Laurie,
This is my third attempt at posting. Just wanted to thank you for staying in touch with us and as always, prayers to all.

Sent by sasha | 12:09 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Thank you Laurie and thank you Dr. Meyer. I am wodnering what will happen to this blog. If it could go on with a small group of people making contributions. People who have different perspectives and different roles in the cancer battle. Patients/survivors, spouses and other other "cosurvivors", medical people (doctors and nurses and technicians), friends. I amde this suggestion before when Leroy asked the question about what should happen to the blog.

I thought at the time maybe it wouldn't get past him being gone in terms of holding together, but so many people have postd here talking about how muich it means to the issues they are fgacing in their own lives. Is there a way to keep it going?

Sent by N.R. | 12:19 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Thank You Dr. Meyer, you are trully a compasionate and caring physician. As you said for as long as we remember the lessons Leroy thought us, looking at the beast in the eye and continue foward, we will keep him very much alive with us.
Thank you for sharing may you continue to give peace, comfort and understanding to your patients.
Thank you Laurie for sharing and continuing this blog.
Peace be with you.
Marelly

Sent by Marelly | 12:22 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Thank you Laurie and Dr. Meyer for the care and comfort you gave to Leroy. I, too, cannot anticipate finding space in my heart for Leroy's absence. His essence will live on inside my heart and soul and his lessons can be passed on to others as we continiue finding our voices and telling our stories. Dr. Meyers, you have to be an outstanding physician; Laurie, may you experience more peace each day, which is wished for you by all of us. Joyce

Sent by Joyce Hughes | 12:44 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Amazing.
Words don't come easy, though an image does. Leroy tapped into an energy and grew it and it spread and evolved and touched more and more lives.... like the porch lights in small towns flickering to life as the sunset fades and they shine across the fields to push back the darkness.... we are blessed to have been touched by his grace and so many others. Laurie is helping to spread the light, love and comfort.

Sent by Stitches | 12:44 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Good Morning Laurie, Dr. Meyer and all,
Once again reading about Leroy and how he has helped so many of us in so many ways has brought tears to my eyes. He has touched so many of us life givers and those living in cancer world. We all need to continue to spread the love, hope and togetherness this blog of Leroy's has started. Let's make him proud.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 12:53 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Wonderful wise words from a wizard!

Thank you Dr. Meyer for reminding us that there are people of medicine that appreciate all that it takes to provide all that we can for the body and the spirit.

Hugs to you Laurie,
Loyal lifter.

Sent by eaf | 12:54 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dr. Meyer,
Leroy always spoke so highly of you, and of the care that he received from you and your team at Hopkins. I know that he had had just about every treatment option that there is for cancer before it took him. He wrote often about how
honest the relationship that he and Laurie had with you was. I know as a nurse that not everyone gets that level of excellent physical care married with honest, compassionate, and respectful communication and emotional support. I know that there are doctors and nurses out there who failed compassion. There are those who treat patients as though they had a mental illness rather than a physical one, and speak in a condescending way, withhold information, and don't offer all the options and explain them so that patients have a clear picture of what their choices are, what those choices mean, and what the pros and cons are. Leroys' reportage of his time with you and the rest of the medical staff at Hopkins was a primer on how it should be.
I've read recently that there is now an agreement about national standard on what procedures and treatments for cancer care, that there was a great deal of argument about coming up with even those basic standards, and that many patients all over this country aren't getting the complete and good quality treatment that they need to have the best chance at a cure or remission. That's a pretty shocking state of affairs.
Personally, I learned from Leroy. I've not been in hospital medicine for many years, and was unaware of radiofrequency ablation for tumors. Oddly enough, I myself had that procedure in November to get rid of a tumor that turned out to be neuroendocrine mets from an undiscovered primary site. Having read Leroys' account of his lung ablation made it less anxiety-producing for me to have the tumor zapped in my liver.
I believe that by telling us his story, he's informed thousands of people of what good cancer care is...not only good comprehensive medical care, but good emotional support, good communication, and being seen and treated as a valuable person, and not just another name on a chart.
When I was in training, I heard Elizabeth Kubler-Ross speak. She was a pioneer who guided our culture into the discussion we needed to have about death, dying, the needs of the dying patients, and how to cope with it all. Her work changed our culture in a fundamental way. The hospice movement may not have been possible without her laying the groundwork.
I believe that Leroy and Laurie have provided a similar service by opening up their experiences and lives to the world at large, and creating a conversation about how we all feel going through Cancer World, what is helpful, what is hurtful, and how we can honestly talk about it to our families, friends, and caregivers. Many have told Leroy and Laurie about what a powerful impact that has had on the way they treat an ill loved one, on how they communicate and listen better now. Medical educators have written that they assign this blog to their students, and many doctors and nurses have expressed gratitude for Leroys' helping them to understand their patients' needs much better and for helping them to be better at their jobs. I think that Leroy was right to be more proud of this accomplishment than any other in his career. I know that what he did will live on. I truly hope that a book of this blog, and the DVD of his and Ted Koppels' special will be released, so that their work can continue to be found by many others who would benefit. That question or request has been voiced by many here, and no answer has been forthcoming thus far, so I'd like to add my voice to those who want his work to be published.
Thank you Dr.Myers for being who you are, and thanks Laurie for continuing the conversation. Blessings to you both.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 12:56 PM ET | 08-25-2008

When my husband had Colon Cancer 3 years ago I prayed they wouldn't find it in his lymph nodes so he wouldn't need Chemo. They found a small trace in one Lymph Node. Now I am so thankful they found it. He had a treatment that was not the standard at the time but now it is. We originally decided on the standard treatment but the charge nurse called him and convinced him to do the more agressive approach. I am so thankful for her. The chemo he had is now the standard.

We met with the onocologist on a Friday and left feeling numb. This was probably our lowest point. I'm sure the doctor we met with is very good and his approach works for some people. We knew this was a life altering decision so we talked about it over the weekend we decided to request a different doctor. We are so glad we did. Dr Wang and his staff were wonderful.

Richard still meets with Doctor Wang every six months. As he did throughout his treatment he brings homemade goodies to every visit and they take a few minutes to talk about familes and life.

Sent by Rose | 1:03 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dear Laurie - thank you so much for continuing to share your heart and soul with us - I hope it brings you some peace, and I constantly hope you can feel the love, hugs and energy that is channeled your way!!
I too have been more than fortunate to have some of my medical team become true friends. Dr. Meyer's words are perfect and describe how wonderful Leroy's legacy and your efforts have been to help so many people dealing with this disease and everything related to it!
Thank you for being there every day to share your wonderful Leroy with us - he will always be in our hearts.......

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 1:04 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Thanks Dr. Meyer. Your writing not only honors Leroy and his legacy but reminds me that, even in the role of patient, which can feel pretty disempowered, we can hold onto our humanity, identity, and ability to teach others, including our doctors.

Sent by Victoria Hendricks | 1:05 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Thank you Dr. Meyer for the relationship you established with Leroy and Laurie, and for doing everything you did for him. I know you tried a lot of things and did your best for him. Thanks too for the thoughtful posts you contributed today and in the past.

Sent by Nichole in FL | 1:07 PM ET | 08-25-2008

I beg more doctors to speak with this kind of honesty and respect to their patients.A good and kind doctor for a great man.

Sent by suebee | 1:08 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Lovely post today. Thank you.

Sent by Karen | 1:25 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Laurie and Dr. Meyer, First of all thank you so much for allowing us the honor of sharing your thoughts. I think it's pretty safe to say that we will not have to fill the space caused by Leroy's absence. His words will always remain with each of us. Prayers go out to both of you.

Sent by Jeanne Stevens | 1:32 PM ET | 08-25-2008

I thought ABC's naming Leroy Person of the Week was very nice; but think he probably should be named Person of the Decade....maybe even more.

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 1:40 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Thank you.

Let us keep our community even after the last cancer is conquered, years from now. We know. We have lived it.

Sent by Scott S. | 1:54 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dear Dr. Meyer and Laurie,
Leroy certainly did change things! Thank you for your post and for your compassionate and caring relationship with Leroy and Laurie. We all should be so lucky.

Through this blog I have learned so much about being honest and compassionate in relationships, especially when there are difficulties involved. I thank you all for that.

Laurie, continuing to send you prayers and lifts.

Sent by Laura | 1:59 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dr. Meyer,
As a "lucky" stage lV cancer patient, I've lived to have (so far!) 8 years of treatments, tests, and scanxiety. I've also met many, many men and woman in your speciality.
I asked my oncologist once how he managed to go on when he lost so many patients. He said that it was all about quality of life. His answer sounded trite, until I began my volunteer work for my local hospice. My dear oncologist was absolutely right. You sound as though you have the same depth of kindness. Leroy and I are both lucky.
Because I still look well and have yet to feel even a twinge from my metastatic breast cance, newer (to me) specialists are beginning to ask me to what I attribute my survival-as though I had a secret. Actually, it's just dumb luck.
Cancer treatments are barbarian; "Slash, poison, and burn." I've had all of the above more than once.
My only permanent adverse/painful side effects are from treatment. However, there was no choice in my mind. Treatment has given me 8 extra years.
Thank you for remembering to personally care about your patients. Because doctors are human, many of your collegues treat their patients like the disease rather than holistically. I've "fired" more than one surgeon. There just wasn't enough room in the OR for them, me, and their egos.
Continue doing your best for every patient. I have every confidence that Leroy made it easy to care about him. It would destroy you emotionally to care this much about every patient. However, it is easy for me to see that you have respect for your patients and have not lost sight of their humanity.
Thank you for this!
Sue

Sent by Sue Mersic | 2:05 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Laurie, I knew Leroy from San Marino, we were classmates. My husband David was diagnosed with lung cancer in Feb 2008 and passed away suddenly on July 8 of complications. A very dear and best friend Bruce Nolan (also San Marino) during the 5 months Dave was ill, told me many times about My Cancer and Leroy. He encouraged me to read everyday. I was too afraid and regret it now. There are no words that I can say that will give comfort during this terrible time. Just know that I pray for you to be brave, strong and find rest for yourself. With very warm regards.
Wendy

Sent by Wendy Wilson Feldman | 2:20 PM ET | 08-25-2008

"...it is a lovely testimony to the fullness and integrity of an experience or a stage of life that it intensifies toward the end into a real frontier that cannot be crossed without the heart being passionately engaged and woken up...."("Thresholds" in To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue)

As Dr. Meyer's post reminds us, Leroy's stories show us a way to find our way across a threshold we cannot know we'll face, we can't prepare for. In Leroy's telling - of anger and confusion and fear, of excitement and sadness, of hope - there is such affirmation. And so: continue the telling.

Maureen in Arlington, Va.

Sent by Maureen Doallas | 2:21 PM ET | 08-25-2008

I remained silent for 30+ years...

WIth Leroy's and others help... I have indeed found my voice and will be silent no more!!

Leroy will live on in and through ALL of us!

Thank you Dr Meyer for this wonderful tribute to an amazing man who did indeed change the world.........

Sent by Ron Bye (NH) | 2:22 PM ET | 08-25-2008

AWESOME POST TODAY!!!!

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 2:26 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Hi
I have followed Leroys story from almost the beginning. I miss him, I miss the daily blog post in my inbox. I am hoping that Laurie will continue to post for a while and not let us all down with a bang. Although if she does not I am sure we will all understand.

My sister died 2 years ago from Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. She went into hospital for a routine minor surgery and that is when it was found. Her passing has taken away my zest for life. She was my best friend and I miss her terribly. I went to a John Edward (phsychic) show the other nite but did not get a reading. That is how desperate I am. Sad eh, I feel like such a fool.

I read online the other day about the amount of people dying in this country every year from cancer. That amount was around 650k. All of those people were getting chemo or radiation or a variation of both. All of which costs God knows how many millions of dollars. Why is there no cure for this disease. All I hear about are people dying from it and not many surviving. I personally have known 10 people in the past 20yrs who have died from cancer. Why is there no cure, is it because it generates so much money for the pharma companies??? The online site I visited went on to say that it is not cancer that is killing people, but the chemo/radiation. When a nurse is administering you with an iv full of chemo material and is wearing gloves so that none spills on her because it is so toxic, then what chance do we have of surviving it when it is being pumped into our bodies.

Sorry, but I feel so strongly about this. 64 of the 79 top Oncologists in this country said they would NEVER have chemo if they got cancer. What does that tell you???
Peace to all who are fighting this disgusting disease and may a cure be found soon, I am not holding my breath though.

Sent by fay in az | 2:27 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dear Dr Meyer,
I am a nurse at Johns Hopkins. I am a cancer patient at Johns Hopkins. I met Leroy and Laurie while we waited for scans. I enjoyed their company, honesty and kindness. I know the doctors at JHH are excellent. I know everything possible was done for Leroy. Thank you for your work and your dedication. Please kept it up.
Sincerely,
Patty

Sent by Patty Fitzgerald | 2:39 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dr. Mayer,

You are a good man and I suspect, a fantastic doctor. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We, in cancer world, are still trying to cope with that space left by Leroy. I hope that Leroy is prodding all of us to continue with our lives, honestly and with courage. I hope he is hovering around Laurie helping her with her pain. I hope that at some time soon, the beast itself will be put to death for all the lives it has taken and for the pain it has caused. Thank you for all that you do in Cancer world. God Speed.

Sent by Kathy B, | 2:41 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Laurie, Dr. M, and all:

If we live a life that remains disconnected with anything or anyone, then loss is easier to bear, although life beomes meaningless and regularly devastating. Yet to risk loving when we know we will eventually lose everything is also a devastating thought. I know from personal experience what it is like to live life both ways. Sometimes, just being human, is too much to bear.

I felt connected with Leroy Sievers. I feel his loss in my life, along with the immense gratitude for what he was able to share. I am in the complicated position of missing someone I counted as a friend, although we never met.

Arundhati Roy, in her wonderful book, "The God of Small Things" described in exquisite and beautiful detail what it is like to experience such loss as all of us describe here. I have found no better way to say it then to borrow from her work, and so with great respect I can only say: There is now a Leroy Sievers size hole in the universe.

Sent by Cory from Cowboy Country | 2:46 PM ET | 08-25-2008

First, thank you, Dr. Meyer, for your insight today--and for everything you did for Leroy and Laurie. Pat and I were very fortunate to also have a great, compassionate oncologist. My hope would be that everyone who enters 'Cancer World' could be lead by the likes of Dr. Meyer and our wonderful dr.

I would hope that the entirety of this blog would be published somehow. But, please, if it isn't to be published, let us know ahead of time so that we can download and print the archives. It's too valuable to just disappear.

Laurie, still lifting...

Sent by Kathy Barney from Michigan | 2:55 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dr. Meyer, I have participated in Leroy's Blog for more than two years now. My story is very much like his. Renal Cancer in 2000, removed Left Kidney, Stage 1, clear margins. I was clear on scans for 6 years, and then some shortness of breath, it was back. Since then Radiation, Chemo both Oral and Infusion worked for awhile ,but have moved to a new Infusion Chemo and waiting for Scans. It is in my Abdomen, Lungs, and Brain. I know the prognosis is not good, and like Leroy I will try anything and have. The choices get fewer the further along the road you move.

I will miss Leroy greatly, he had a special ability and opened a great wealth of feelings about Cancer. I hope the site continues, it helps so much.

Thanks for your insight. Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 3:06 PM ET | 08-25-2008

When my son was diagnosed with cancer at 18 months, he was rushed to the emergency room. We met his oncologist, Dr Zimbleman (kids refer to her as Dr Julie), at 6 am the following morning at the hospital. Dr Julie is a beautiful thirty something tall blonde. When I first met her, I didn't want her to be my son's oncologist because she just seemed way too young. But she is the best doctor we could ever ask for. My son have been in remission now for 5 years, we have changed insurance 3 or 4 times. But everytime, I make sure that I pick the insurance that included her. From the beginning, we not only have Dr Julie's office phone number, we had her cell and home phone number. She was there to cry with me, to settle my nerves, to comfort me when I was hysterical, etc. Oncologist doctors and nurses are the most amazing people, especially the ones who actually treat you like a person not just another patient. THANK YOU!

Sent by grace | 4:20 PM ET | 08-25-2008

I feel certain there are many in the medical field who have read and continue to read Leroy's blog and perhaps the special articulation of
Dr. Meyer will help them participate in the blog themselves on an infrequent basis. There is much to be learned from all concerned within and about the cancer field. Inner feelings are a huge part of it. Leroy has provided the map and the vehicle. The doctors, researchers, pharmacists, nurses and patients and caregivers have a safe avenue of learning and sharing.

Sent by Lucy Groh of Alaska | 4:31 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Excellent post and comments today.

Sent by Susan | 4:41 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dr.Meyers,
What an eloquent and thoughtful post today. We are still turning in to see what has been written on any given day, and today was no different. Also it was a wonderful insight into a life we all loved. If everyone could have such a kind/considerate Doctor. If only.
Prayers,
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 4:43 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Laurie,
Thank you for bringing Dr. Meyer to us today. Another wise man with words that will touch many.
Neil's oncologist was an amazing woman. It does not stop there. It goes without saying all the staff at Baptist are amazing. They all care....they are truly the "lifegivers".
Thank you for giving us yet another piece of Leroy.
I wish you peace....

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 5:00 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Thanks, Dr. Meyer...
Leon also had caring doctors..they not only cared for him but I received lots of hugs also. A good, caring doctor is indeed a special person.
Kathy Barney, I certainly agree about this blog.
Stan...prayers are with you and your family.
Jane

Sent by Jane in AR | 5:27 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Laurie, my colon cancer and I dance together every day....some reports are good, some difficult. I know that my ladylove struggles mightily, but also know that you are a wonderful model for her...and many others. She quietly suggests that she thought measuring love was impossible, but that you offered heaps of it...and it gives her strength that she doesn't talk about too often. Thank you...having it help her really helps me.

Sent by Mark Chambers, Portland, OR | 5:56 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Stan, love to you my friend.
Kathy B says it best...there is a hole left by our fearless leader Leroy. I think we all come here to try to fill it. It is a comfort to be here in Leroys Cancer World. I will always be a LLF (loyal Leroy Fan).

Liz Z

Sent by liz Zimmerman | 6:11 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Laurie, thank you so much for bringing Dr. Meyer to us.I am sure that both you and Leroy felt so much better having Dr. Meyer be part of your team. My husband had a very wonderful oncologist also. Dr. Bigler I am sure was a very busy Dr. but never gave us the feeling that he was too busy to deal with us. Even after my husband chose no more treatments he still continued to have us come see him every couple of months, allways telling us that if in between we needed him to call him and he would see us immediately. During every appointment after checking Jerry out he would always interject something personal into our appt. He sharred his love of old cars with my husband, discussed wife and son graduating from med school, golf. He allowed my husband to have a relationship with him on a level other than Cancer. Was a special touch. He walked the journey with us.

Laurie, I hope each day will get a little easier for you though I know it is hard. I will continue to keep yu in my prayers.

Thanks to both you Laurie and Dr. Meyer.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 6:58 PM ET | 08-25-2008

I did not know about Leroy until I heard about him on ABC news. I'm sorry. I went thru "it" also. There isn't anything I can say as he has already said it. I applaud him for that. I wish I had know Leroy earlier.

Sent by Lorraine Brammer | 7:54 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dear Laurie,

You have my deepest sympathy. Leroy was an amazing person. His blog posts inspired me. His honesty was so important. A friend, dealing with terminal cancer, was so inspired by Leroy's blog that he began his own: http://facingcancer.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Laurie, for sharing Leroy with all of us. I hope our love shines a light on your darkest moments.

Warmest regards,
Donna Gephart
www.donnagephart.blogspot.com

Sent by Donna Gephart | 7:59 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Thank you, Dr. Meyer, for giving us your perspective on Leroy and his cancer. He was fortunate to have such a caring doctor. And, like you said, we were fortunate to have his stories these past couple of years.

For anyone who didn't see ABC World News last Friday, Leroy was Person of the Week. You can see it online at http://abcnews.go.com/WN/PersonOfWeek/story?id=5636872&page=1. It was really great and heartbreaking at the same time to see and hear him. Laurie, we will keep lifting out here as long as you need it.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 8:03 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dear All,
Maybe there should be a reality show on TV about an ordinary family dealing with cancer. Maybe instead of being depressing, it could be instructive and have some different people from the medical profession weigh in on treatment vs. quality of life, hospice and survival of caregivers. Maybe it would prepare us all a little better than the shows that are currently popular.

Sent by Elaine | 8:18 PM ET | 08-25-2008

My husbands' oncologist will not call us by our first names, he always refers to us as Mr. & Mrs. I understand why, he doesn't want to get too close, but I wish he would come to know us as you did Leroy.

Sent by Kathy | 8:39 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Dear Laurie,
I think of you everyday and hope you are getting through the day. It is very hard and I understand. We are all here for you. I always ask God to help Laurie just as I ask him to help me.

Dr. Christian Meyer wow what a great doctor. I wish everyone that has to go through this battle had someone like you on their side. This is something that truely needs to change. I know it is hard because doctors have to see so many people in a day. But they have to remember to take the time with them. They have to remember why they became doctors. Which I hope is to help people. In this cancer world that is something that needs to change. We need people to care. Leroy was so lucky to have such a great team on his side. Thank you for doing all you could for him.

Sent by Aurella | 11:21 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Very moving. Dr. Meyer we all lost a great friend. I'm so glad you were able to share the lighter moments of the Olympics - I can only imagine, no I can't imagine, what Leroy said about the costumes!

Sent by Dorothy - Los Angeles | 12:22 AM ET | 08-26-2008

First of all:1-2-3 LIFT.
Before I had lung cancer, I was an Emergency Room nurse, and while I could handle blood, guts, and Code Blues, I knew that I could never have the emotional courage needed to take care of cancer patients.
Now I am the "terminal" cancer patient, and my admiration continues to grow. My oncology doctor and my oncology nurse are intelligent, concerned, and kind. While I know that I am a "patient", I also know that after almost 3 years of treatment, my husband and I have become real people to them.
They have many patients,many real people, who die, and their caring must take an emotional toll. Yet these oncology doctors and nurses continue to work and continue to care. Thank all of you for what you do. It matters so much.

Sent by Sherri Beadles | 1:51 AM ET | 08-26-2008

What a fine tribute from Leroy's doctor. His comments speak highly for both men. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Laurie.

Sent by Laura in Texas | 4:22 AM ET | 08-26-2008

Thank you for sharing this. I started to read Leroy's blog last year. I was stuck in some terrible traffic, bad rain storm and some roads were closed. Listening to NPR, hearing about this disease,my disease, our disease in a most wonderful comforting way. My goodness, Leroy, Laurie and all of you in sharing helped me through some really rough times over this past year or do. Sending you and prayers and peace.

Sent by anne lumberger | 6:29 AM ET | 08-26-2008

Dear Laurie,

Thanks so much for continuing. I was away from the Internet for a week, and during that time you lost Leroy. We all lost him.

I am so sorry for your/our loss. Thank you and bless you for staying with those of us out here in the distance. You both have given us so much.

Please take care of yourself.

My heart sends you warmth.

Nina

Sent by Nina in OR | 6:40 AM ET | 08-26-2008

My husband also has a caring doctor. I believe that too is part of his recovery along with all the medications.

Laurie, Tropical Storm Faye kept us without power and off the web. I missed the daily mail from Leroy. It took a bit to realize, that loss will always be there. I hope that you are finding comfort from all our caring.

Sent by Karen | 8:26 AM ET | 08-26-2008

What a lovely memory...thank you

Sent by Theresa Lovin | 4:31 PM ET | 08-26-2008

my thoughts and prayers are with you Laurie...sue

Sent by sue | 4:48 PM ET | 08-26-2008

Dr. Meyer,

Thank you for sharing your wonderful insight today...if I ever need an oncologist, I'm looking you up...

Sent by Faun | 5:37 PM ET | 08-26-2008