Elizabeth Edwards

[Karen]

I am not at all a political person, but just watched the press conference of John and Elizabeth Edwards announcing her breast cancer had returned as a metastesis to her bone. She will be on chemo for the rest of her life as treatment, and a cure is not possible for her at this point. The positive attitude and courage she displayed in the face of this recurrance was inspiring for all survivors and all who continue to fight cancer. Worth a watch if you can replay the video.

This is a TC site, but maybe you guys can remind the women in your lives to go for a mamogram every year.

[dadmo]

I was hoping it would be some other news. Perhaps once he gets his wife settled into a treatment schedule he can redirect his energy into becomming an advocate for the cause.

[Fed]

After my grandmother was diagnosed and treated with breast cancer in the late 80s, she made sure she told her four daughters to get screened every single year. Since then, my mom and my aunts have been getting mammograms on their birthdays, just like Abuelita used to. My wife began doing the same this year.

When I heard in the news today in the morning that there would be an announcement from the Edwards campaign regarding Elizabeth Edward's health, I immediately feared the worst (this type of recurrence is quite similar to the one Abuelita had after she relapsed). Although it is disappointing that Elizabeth Edwards can only be treated and not cured, I echo Karen's sentiment in noting that it is quite admirable that she will keep on fighting no matter what.

[Karen]

I was hoping it would be some other news. Perhaps once he gets his wife settled into a treatment schedule he can redirect his energy into becomming an advocate for the cause.

His LiveSTRONG bracelet was prominent throughout the conference...and I understand her book is about survival and support.

[dadmo]

I'm going to have to read her book. It helps me stay on task when I read stories about strong people.

[Chris'Mom]

Karen, hearing that news makes me once again realize not to sweat the small stuff.....have to live every day like it is your last.....Mary Ellen

[dt22207]

I can't even think about it without getting sad at this point. She just looks so sick to me. All I can think about is the choice she will face.

The way they talk about "living with cancer" makes it sound like it's no big deal. One of the many lasting memories I have of chemo is talking with a lady who was in to start a new drug. She had over three years of "living with cancer" and when the nurse brought in the new bag, they asked if she was ready. She said, "I guess I have no choice." They told her that she did have a choice and left to give her a few moments to think about it.

This poor exhausted soul had to dig down and find the will to tell them to hook her up to that bag of crap and take all the ugly side effects that come with it or else give up hope. It was obvious she truly didn't know which course to take.

I talked with her about her plans for the future and she said she'd like to see her daughter again, but that she had just seen her and that some visit was bound to be the last. We finally agreed that she would try it and stay with it until her azaleas bloomed. I figured maybe when she was in her yard surrounded by the flowers she'd be glad for the choice she made.

But in truth, what the hell did I know about her struggle, and where did I get off even trying to influence her. Six weeks of chemo just about knocked me down for the count. When the doctor was telling me I might need another cycle, I wondered to myself if I would even be able to take that. I can't imagine having the strength to do it for years with no hope of a cure. Talk about a no win situation. Anyway, sorry for being so negative. I'm just having some trouble processing everything these days.

[Scott]

Lance's blog links to some great articles about Elizabeth Edwards. Her attitude is spot on.

Elizabeth's speech at the LIVESTRONG Summit last fall is also available at this link.

[dadmo]

We have a friend who is going to be taken by the disease. Her and her husband stayed with us a few times in the past several weeks (her treatment is local to us), her courage is amazing but I often wonder when she will make the decision that enough is enough. It's hard for me to see my wifes reaction to our dear friends slow death.

[Fed]

The Edwards were on 60 Minutes earlier today. You can watch the video of the interview at this link.

[Hopeful]

I believe it's a personal decision to make and an individual decision.

When you're told there is no treatment, it's very personal and an individual thing. It is up to that person as to whether they go forward with any treatments available, some treatments or not at all.

I do know that my husband, wonderful person, kept going with treatments when we were told there was nothing else to be done for his testicular cancer. Our philosophy was you never know what the right treatment is for him. We didn't look at statistics or anything like that because for him, it could be the Cyberknife or the last chemo he was on. Everyone is an individual and you don't know what can work for them. But that's us.

I am thinking of their family and everything their going through. I do know they have an amazing support group.

patti

[Scott]

When you're told there is no treatment...

I'd like to distinguish between "no treatment" and "no cure." In Elizabeth Edwards' case, treatment may extend her life for years. It's also possible that during those years, additional treatments may become available.

[dadmo]

I just watched the interview. This is one powerful woman, with a wonderful husband. As a couple they will certainly continue to live despite her disease. Some of their thoughts are quite powerful, you have a choice you can either keep living or start dying and we choose to live our lives fully with strength and optimism.