Dear Elizabeth Edwards: Thoughts from Breast Cancer Patients, Survivors

Featured

Elizabeth Edwards: Missed Mammograms and a World of Hurt
"It’s with aching regret that I recently read an online report in which Elizabeth Edwards detailed her initial breast cancer diagnosis. Edwards, the wife of Presidential candidate John Edwards, said that her tumor was 9 centimeters at the time of her diagnosis 3 years ago; her cancer has since recurred, and is considered incurable," writes Expert Patient PJ Hamel.
Elizabeth Edwards' Cancer Recurrence Strikes Us All
"When I heard the news about Elizabeth Edwards’ cancer recurrence, I felt what I’m sure so many of you felt: shock, pain, and a great, great sadness. One of our own has been struck again by this evil, random disease," writes Expert Patient PJ Hamel.
Run, John, Run!
Expert Patient PJ Hamel writes, "I’m sure that Elizabeth will be energized by helping her husband continue the good fight, and that she’s anxious to remain a part of the Edwards team as long as she possibly can. Any of us with cancer would do the same. Because what’s the alternative? Giving up, that’s what. Giving in. Telling cancer 'OK, you win.' The hell with that!"

Elizabeth Edwards' Recurrence and the Importance of Breast Cancer Screening
Community Member Judith Rosenthal Schwartz writes, "As all of us who've had breast cancer will agree, Elizabeth Edwards' news hits us hard. I think it's important to say, once again, that a clear mammogram cannot be relied upon for women with dense breasts."
Risk Factors, Causes and Judgments: The Elizabeth Edwards Story
"When I found out that Elizabeth Edwards had not gone for routine mammograms and her tumor size was 9 centimeters, my first thought was, Hey, haven’t I already observed that self-sacrifice usually backfires?" writes Expert Patient Mary Blocksma.
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. 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," writes Expert Patient Mary Blocksma.
About Courage: The Edwards' Decision
Expert Patient Mary Blocksma reflects on courage: "When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and pretty much continued with my life, friends often told me how much they admired my courage. It always puzzled me, because what were my choices? I could go on with my life as it was, as best I could; I could take time off to heal; or, I could…what? Kill myself?"
Cancer Recurrence: Our Private Nightmare on a Public Stage
"For those of us with cancer in our past, seeing and hearing our own private nightmare projected on the national screen can’t help but bring back our own fears," writes Expert Patient Beth Brophy.
The Media and Cancer Overkill: Suddenly, Having Cancer is "In"
"While I was undergoing breast cancer treatment, I was not invited to a social event given by a friend’s wife because she did not want her happy event marred by a guest who looked visibly ill. While her behavior was extreme, obviously I haven’t forgotten about it. And I can’t help thinking about it, this week, as cancer seems to have become the newest hot media topic," writes Expert Patient Beth Brophy.
Elizabeth Edwards: A Model of Courage
Expert Patient Beth Brophy recalls how she became a "big fan" of Elizabeth Edwards, writing, "There’s never a good time to hear a cancer diagnosis, but it’s hard to imagine worse timing than for Edwards, who found a lump in her breast in October, 2004, two weeks before her husband, vice presidential nominee John Edwards, and his running mate John Kerry, conceded the presidency to George W. Bush. She went straight from the grueling campaign trail to seven months of treatment--chemotherapy, lumpectomy and radiation."
One Year Since Diagnosis
Community Member Esther Kowalski responds to the announcement of Elizabeth Edwards' cancer recurrence: "I am more distressed today as I realize that being told I was cancer free in Sept. after the chemo was finished, doesn't mean I will necessarily stay cancer free. I just heard that Elizabeth Edwards who had breast cancer in 2004, just found our that it has returned. I am feeling really depressed."