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Elizabeth Edwards
Two and a half years ago, the day I was told that I had breast cancer, I came home stunned, only to hear the news of Elizabeth Edwards’ same-day, similar diagnosis. Breast cancer suddenly became a media focus. Her treatment, closely followed, along with information pieces and long interviews with experts, resembled mine but happened much sooner. It was almost as if the whole world knew about me too, supporting me, making me feel that I was not alone in this. That is why, beyond my real admiration for her, I’ve felt a special kinship with Elizabeth Edwards, and feel particularly devastated now.
Despite the fact that she has clearly received the best treatment available, yesterday she—and we—learned that her cancer has returned. It has been found in her bones. A positive spin has been put on this, that it is “manageable,” but metastatic breast cancer is about as scary as it gets. My heart goes out to her. I can’t seem to find out what her original diagnosis was, but she did go through chemotherapy. Now she will go there again.
This morning’s New York Times reports that Elizabeth Edwards’ husband, John Edwards, who is running a second time for president, has announced his intention to be with his wife whenever she needs him and also to continue to run for president.
Huh? Hey, I’m a John Edwards fan too, but wasn’t he running for president the last time his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer? Has it occurred to anyone that being the wife of a presidential candidate is one of the most stressful jobs on the planet and stress is a recognized risk factor for breast cancer? Edwards always struck me as a man with good priorities and I’d have voted for him. But this? What is he thinking?
I’m thinking that this new turn of events is too shocking for the Edwards family to absorb in just a day. It’s not just her life turning on a dime—it’s their world too. I believe that John Edwards is a good man and a young man, and he will have his time to shine. Now is not that time.
Despite the fact that she has clearly received the best treatment available, yesterday she—and we—learned that her cancer has returned. It has been found in her bones. A positive spin has been put on this, that it is “manageable,” but metastatic breast cancer is about as scary as it gets. My heart goes out to her. I can’t seem to find out what her original diagnosis was, but she did go through chemotherapy. Now she will go there again.
This morning’s New York Times reports that Elizabeth Edwards’ husband, John Edwards, who is running a second time for president, has announced his intention to be with his wife whenever she needs him and also to continue to run for president.
Huh? Hey, I’m a John Edwards fan too, but wasn’t he running for president the last time his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer? Has it occurred to anyone that being the wife of a presidential candidate is one of the most stressful jobs on the planet and stress is a recognized risk factor for breast cancer? Edwards always struck me as a man with good priorities and I’d have voted for him. But this? What is he thinking?
I’m thinking that this new turn of events is too shocking for the Edwards family to absorb in just a day. It’s not just her life turning on a dime—it’s their world too. I believe that John Edwards is a good man and a young man, and he will have his time to shine. Now is not that time.
Read related SharePosts on Elizabeth Edwards:
Dear Elizabeth Edwards: Thoughts from Breast Cancer Patients, Survivors and Families
Regardless of your politics, I cannot help but wonder about John Edwards' priorities. Reports I've heard indicate that the cancer could indeed be serious, and that treatment options could be limited. Seems to me that time would be too precious to spend away on the campaign trail for days or weeks on end, but then again, I am not a trial lawyer who built a fortune on the backs of disabled children.
Beautiful watercolor, though, and my prayers are with Mrs. Edwards!