Edwards will continue presidential run

[oberliner]

Source: Associated Press

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - John Edwards said Thursday his wife's cancer has returned, but said he will continue his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

"The campaign goes on. The campaign goes on strongly," Edwards told reporters, his wife by his side.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070322/ap_on_el_pr/edwards2008;_ylt=AmXzyJp2fXKl85qv.OhbSfOs0NUE

[Catherine Vincent]

1. What?

I missed the press conference. CNN said earlier that he is suspending his campaign.

[dEMOK]

108. That's the "libral" media for ya... n-t

[Fresh_Start]

2. expect something nasty from Coulter

like Elizabeth and John are taking advantage of this to get the cancer-survivors sympathy vote

[Cha]

5. she's so fookin'

preditable.

[Carni]

7. OMG I misread your post at first

I thought YOU were saying that and then reread and saw that you said Coulter would say it (she probably will)

I almost launched a nasty missile I am glad I did a double take!

I cannot believe how together Mrs Edwards is she is truly remarkable.

[Fresh_Start]

20. I think John should pick Elizabeth as a running mate

that would be a helleva ticket

[Carni]

27. I agree!

They make me asahmed of my own lack of focus and purpose!

[RobertSeattle]

15. The Edwards' have more character in their pinkies than AnnCoulter...

... has in her entire Adam's Apple.

[Ken Burch]

24. Yes, Ann Coulter will say something vicious.

Not being a woman, Coulter can't be expected to understand.

[tavalon]

89. Not being human you mean.

[Ken Burch]

119. Actually, I SHOULD have said "Not being a carbon-based life form"

n/t.

[peacetalksforall]

50. Why settle for Coulter - why not Rove - didn't he say 'fair game'

over a career and espionage leak and outing that broke a Federal law? Elizabeth Edwards is an easy target - no legal issues - as easy as talking about John McCains wedlock issue a few years back in the same State (or the more southernly one).

[Spiffarino]

71. Anything that comes from her haughty, snarling rictus...

...should immediately be wiped up with toilet paper and flushed.

[smoogatz]

3. Seems about right. Life goes on. Best wishes to Elizabeth & the kids. n/t

[still_one]

4. You have to admire Elizabeth Edwards, an amazing woman with a lot of courage

[Omaha Steve]

6. Great news

I voted for him the 2004 Nebraska primary. I met him and shook his hand in Council Bluffs after the convention. Gore remains my first choice. Edwards is my favorite of those with active campaigns. I will support whoever gets the nomination. I'm glad this was better news than many expected.

[DesertRat]

8. They are such strong, positive people.

My prayers are with Elizabeth and John and their family.

[wisteria]

9. If this is true I have to question why it was necessary to hold a huge press conference

to just announce that his wife has had a recurrence of cancer,If the campaign continues as usual.
Don't misunderstand me, I wish the Edward's well, but this announcement as it appears now could of been said in a press release. I am sorry to bring this up, but I question the motivation behind all of this PR.

If this was done just to gain attention and sympathy than that is just wrong.

[TwilightGardener]

12. I disagree--I think it's fine to hold a press conference

when you have something you want to tell supporters or constituents.

[Janice325]

19. Thanks for that comment. I agree with you.

Elizabeth was there with John to answer questions. If they're in front of a live audience explaining what's going on instead of issuing a press release, I think it would help squelch some of the "negative" spin that's going to come out of this.
Tony Snow just appeared live on CNN after John and Elizabeth Edwards. :puke:
Just my two cents.

[femmedem]

17. If they hadn't held a press conference

the right wingers would have said he was trying to hide something.

[FuzzyDicePHL]

67. That's for sure.

Plus, Elizabeth herself said the reason for a conference over a release is that it gives folks the chance to see for themselves that she's otherwise perfectly healthy & energetic (as I now see someone says downthread). :)

She looked awesome, actually. She truly does rock.

[meuniermr]

112. Uh, NSFW picture much?

[FuzzyDicePHL]

114. No, not much at all!

:)

[peaches2003]

22. Better to have speculation?

Of course they should have a press conference to answer questions and give the medical diagnosis and treatment. Would you rather than issue a press release saying she has 'incurable' cancer, have her begin chemo where she has said she will lose her hair, and make a big mystery of her condition. They did exactly what they should do as public figures with him running for the Presidency.

You must be a Freeper or worse. This is exactly their line of the day. Disgusting.

[TwilightGardener]

29. To be fair to Wisteria, they could have issued a press release...

but that wouldn't have been the best way to handle it, IMO. Supporters have a right to know what you are going to do in a campaign, and a press release wouldn't give them enough media coverage or ability to answer questions. I am the only one who won't beat up on Hagel (my Senator) for doing a presser on his decision to hold off on a pres run right now, for the same reason--his constituents and anyone who supports him needs to know. Pressers are the best way to let people know what's up. If the media feels like it wastes its time when it doesn't get a good headline out of it, then why do they waste our time with endless Anna Nicole Smith coverage and whether Geffen loves or hates Hillary? I'd rather hear what the candidates have to say.

[wisteria]

100. Thanks for sticking up for me, but I was wrong to suggest what I did.

The Edwards' handled it as best they could.

I pray for the entire family, but especially for Elizabeth- she is a wonderful woman.

[TwilightGardener]

107. No problem--you didn't say anything that bad--you were just being

skeptical earlier--that's not a crime. I will admit I usually assume the "darker" motivations first myself when it comes to politicians.

[jobycom]

25. There are a lot of Edwards' supporters who will want to hear first-hand

what's going on. Releasing a press statement wouldn't be as personal. Seeing them make the statement, seeing their mood and attitude, reassures people.

Edwards is an experienced campaigner, I'm sure both of them are fully aware that this will boost his visibility and maybe even garner a sympathy bounce in his polling numbers, but I do not believe for a second that was the motivation behind the press conference. Although I am sure Coulter and her Bloodsucking Band of Republicans From Hell will try to spin it that way.

[AngryOldDem]

26. Best to be as upfront about this as soon as possible

So that you're not spending the rest of your time clarifying, reclarifying, debunking rumors, etc. It also sends a message that they aren't going to let this stop them and that they are still focused on 2008. Most important, it shows hope.

Of course the Coulters of the world will swarm down and assign any number of motives to this. But now the Edwardses can move on.

I don't think this was a "sympathy grab" at all. I applaud them for being upfront about something that, really, is no one else's business, except for the fact that he is running for president.

[Carni]

30. A direct statement from them

Illuminated exactly what is happening from the source.

I believe it was totally appropriate of them to dispel rumors and directly let the press and public know exactly what is going on. If they had not taken this tact we would still be listening to the conjecture of every pundit, blogger and Tom Dick and Harry out there.

I think they are very brave and positive people and I wish them well.

[Kare]

31. press conference vs press release

They did what they did so that everyone could see how well Elizabeth looks/feels.
They said as much themselves.
A press release could lead to speculation that she is not truly well, so they showed everyone that she is bright and healthy despite the cancer.

I don't think that they were doing this just to gain attention and sympathy, if you saw the press conference there is no way that you could infer that from what was said.

[wisteria]

101. I didn't have an opportunity to do so, however, after reading excerpts from the press conference,

I have to agree with you. I was wrong.

[Vanje]

36. Its news

Its big news. Its life or death.
Why should The Edwards family keeep the cancer a secret?
When Elizebeth shows up at a future campain stop with no hair on her head, dont you think someone might suspect?
Surely there would be wild WILD specuation about the campaign as soon as Elizbeth's recurrence became known or guessed at.
The Edwards announcement douses such speculation.
Its cynical and even Coulteresque to think that Edwards would use Elizabeths recurrance for political advantage.

[MistressOverdone]

52. I understand your reaction in light of

the nature of politics, but I think that the return of her cancer certainly warrants a press conference, if for no other reason than to break the news to supporters. And I also think that many men might have dropped out of the race, so a chance to explain his reasons for not doing so was a good opportunity.

She certainly looks great to me, younger and healthier than during the last campaign. I wish her well, as I know we all do.

[wisteria]

102. Absolutely. n/t

[BonnieJW]

58. She said they preferred a press conference to a

press release so everyone could see that she is fine and has no symptoms.

[yardwork]

63. This is more than a simple recurrence of cancer - her cancer is fatal now

Elizabeth Edwards's cancer has spread into at least her bones. It may have spread elsewhere. It is no longer curable. She will eventually die from this.

During the press conference she was incredibly upbeat, positive, and strong. She said that she will continue doing what she did last week and the week before. She will continue to campaign when she is able. She intends to live the rest of her life to the fullest.

Since none of us know when our time will come, I found her message to be inspirational.

[Gloria]

79. I think she wants to use her time doing something meaninguful...she

and John share a real concern for this country and the people in it who are slipping through the cracks as well as the middle class.

This campaign could well be her legacy....

[progressivebydesign]

96. Life is fatal. Some diagnoses just make the timetable more obvious. n/t

[surfermaw]

84. If this is True, All you have to do is look at the woman during the first reports

My daughter passed away with cancer 2 and one had years ago, and the look on Elizabeth's face was the same look I saw in my dear daughters face, just after the doctor told her she had terminal cancer.

[Olney Blue]

87. I'm sorry about your daughter.

:hug:

[wisteria]

103. My condolences on the loss of your daughter. I was wrong. n/t

[progressivebydesign]

90. They did it for the very reason you're doubting them...

They did it because already there were rumours and half-truths out there about it. I could not be said in a press release because it's about a human being.. not a typed word on a paper. Seeing Elizabeth standing there was a testament to how well she's doing. A press release would have caused more questions...

[wisteria]

104. Your correct. I have since changed my opinion. I was wrong to suggest this. n/t

[tavalon]

91. They did it because in a campaign, hiding such a thing

dooms the campaign. The motivation was to keep the other side from "finding out" and using that as political fodder.

[alcibiades_mystery]

97. You're an idiot

If the cancer has returned at this stage, that means it's terminal. They're telling us THAT.

[wisteria]

105. No need to be so harsh. I was expressing my POV at the time.

You will be happy to know, no doubt, that I have since had a change of heart and I admit I was wrong. I wouldn't go so far as to call myself and idiot for thinking it though.

[Jacklyn75]

10. I'm very happy he will continue his campaign and I love Elizabeth Edwards!! n/t

[xthetylerx]

11. I'm glad he's still running

Sad to hear that Elizabeth's battle with cancer will continue, but I'm glad that she still supports her husband's presidential run.

Where can I send a sympathy card?

[merci_me]

43. A sympathy card?

Please DON'T!! Having been through my own cancer and twice with my husband, I can tell you the last thing they need is a sympathy card. If you want to send a card, send a "thinking of you" or something cute and sassy. What she need is cheers from her supporters, not sympathy. She didn't die!

[eridani]

99. Send money to the campaign

That's what Elizabeth specifically asked for.

[Haole Girl]

13. I love Elizabeth....I spoke to her, thru the first blog I ever used...

...several times, during the 2004 primaries....

this is so sad. But, I know Elizabeth is a fighter...and she knows how much many of us love and need her.

Please take care of yourself, Elizabeth...
wishing you, John, and your family all the very best.

My hopes, dreams, and of course..many, many prayers..will be with you!!

Sharon

:hug:

[Deep13]

14. I read the attached report.

It has spread to her ribs. The story candy-coated the facts, but my reading of it is that once this happens, it is pretty much terminal.

All I can do is express sorrow for this news and indicate that the Edwards family has my sympathy for whatever that is worth.

[karynnj]

18. MSNBC has a doctor who was a previous director at the NIH

and she was saying that people can live with this for 20 years - that it is something that you treat as chronic.

[Deep13]

35. Well that's encouraging.

[MistressOverdone]

53. And in 20 years

they'll have something to just eradicate it. Let's think positively for her. I'm 57 and 20 years sounds pretty good to me!

Another positive thought is the number of women who today will remember to schedule a mammogram or check their own breasts. National attention to this scourge of women is at least something good to come out of this challenge for her.

[cyr330]

61. I am pessimistic

My mother had intraductal invasive cancer in 1977 and had a recurrence in 1981. She had a complete, radical mastectomy where they stripped her chest muscles and even went under her arms to strip out lymph nodes.

She had a recurrence in 1981 and died in 1982. Once you have micro metasteses, you have no clue where in the body it is unless or until you have verifiable spots as she does on her ribs. The suspicious spots on the lungs worry me. I'm an RN, and I've seen it up close, not including my mother, many, many times before. The fact that she's had a recurrence in only 3 years is very bad news.

My sympathy is with her and her family. They have already gone through hell with their son.

[yardwork]

64. I'm sorry about your loss.

Cancer treatment has improved a great deal in recent years. It is possible that Elizabeth Edwards will live many, many years. Perhaps they will even find a cure.

[cyr330]

66. I will most certainly hope for the best.

You are right about the improvement in cancer care. Who knows? Maybe they will come up with a cure. Look at how AIDS was so devastating in the U.S., and now that we have anti-virals, the death rate has really plummeted, although AIDS remains a terrible disease. Perhaps with new treatment, some cancers can become chronic, manageable diseases, even if there is no actual "cure."

[MistressOverdone]

65. I know that nurses tend to be pessimistic because

they have seen it over and over again. That is a burden, I guess?

It's strange how we respond differently to this kind of news. Some look on the bright side, but you really don't know what is in their mind. Some say the unthinkable. And when it comes down to it, we are so ... damned....mortal.

Damn.

[tavalon]

95. Well said

I can't even imagine how she is doing this, or how they are doing this. So mortal indeed.

[karynnj]

86. It's actually closer to two years - it was detected in Nov 2004

I don't know whether the time period is taken from when it was detected or when it was treated. It might be that as a nurse, you are more likely to see the people who have the less fortunate cases than those fortunate enough to be seen at the hospitals only for ongoing treatments.

[Haole Girl]

21. ...

:cry:

[RamboLiberal]

28. Are you a doctor?

All the quick reading I've done so far indicate very good 5+ year survival rates.

Look at it this way - we're all terminal - we just don't know the date!

So IMHO can the pessimism for now.

[Deep13]

34. As I said, I read the report.

Even if I was a doctor, I would still only have that story to go on since I lack the Fristian powers of long-distance diagnosis.

IMHO I have a right to my feelings and ask you to but out of them. Your sacrasm is not helping at all.

[RamboLiberal]

44. Well I felt your pessimism doesn't help either

I wasn't being sarcastic but I hate when people jump in to forums with so much pessimism especially when they have no more medical knowledge than most of us!

The Edwards sounded optimistic and I just feel it they thought it was short-term terminal John would be out of the race now. My most fervent wish is that Elizabeth will survive to see her two youngest at least graduate college. I worry for her youngest children.

[Spiffarino]

74. The same thing killed my sister

She lived about a year after it spread to her bones. She died in 1980, but there has been much progress in cancer treatment since then. I wouldn't be surprised if she lives a good while longer with appropriate care. And she'll get it, because they know John can sue their ASS off if they screw around.

:evilgrin:

[Ayesha]

37. Not necessarily

I spent the last year facilitating cancer support groups and there was a woman in one of my groups with breast cancer that had spread to the ribs. She took drugs and did a couple of vaccine clinical trials that halted the cancer - it is still there but dormant, essentially dead. With medication and monitoring, she is able to lead a full life. She is considered healthy enough that she was even able to adopt a child from Eastern Europe.

Thanks to the new drugs, for many people cancer is now a chronic illness that they can live with for years. Mr. Edwards is making the right call by not letting this stop them in their tracks. The fight must go on, for Elizabeth and for our country.

I do have to wonder if the fertility drugs Elizabeth no doubt took to have their two youngest kids could have triggered her cancer. My mom's side of the family has at least a 3-generation history of breast cancer, and hormone replacement therapy seems to be the trigger.

[Deep13]

40. Glad to hear it. Guess we will just have to wait and see.

[MistressOverdone]

54. I seems like the picture

has changed quite a bit in the last few years, when we would hear about metastasis and start hanging crepe.

[Sukie1941]

117. About Hormones and Cancer

In response to Ayesha's comment yesterday (sorry I am running behind) wondering if the fertility drugs Elizabeth took to have their two youngest kids could have triggered her cancer.

I think you are right on. I was wondering that myself.

I had a friend age 31 who had four pregnancies over eight years with two surviving births. She died from melanoma when her baby was 18 months old. She went to see the doctor with pain in one leg and thought it had to do with running. Six months later she died. Her father also died at age 43 from melanoma. At the time my sister suggested it might have been the hormone changes during pregnancy that triggered the melanoma. Who knows, but I hope the medical community is looking at this phenomena.

[tavalon]

92. Life is terminal

She just knows, short of a bus hitting her, what will eventually end her life. But it could be quite a while.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

16. Flowers.

Flowers.

[Dora]

23. My good wishes to Elizabeth Edwards, and to her family. n/t

[Hekate]

She's wonderful. They both looked shaken--as one would expect--but so determined

I was sure this was the end of his campaign, and I know if the prognosis were different it would have been. But this cancer can be managed, and that's news to me -- wonderful news. Like everyone else here I was prepared to doubly grieve: for both Elizabeth and for the Edwards campaign.

They're a great couple and I wish them all the best.

Hekate

[rodeodance]

32. the cancer has spread to the BONE---NOT a good prognosis at all.

John Edwards said a biopsy of her rib had showed that the cancer had returned.

The bone is one of the most common places where breast cancer spreads, and once it does so it is not considered curable.

But how long women survive depends on how widespread the cancer is in the bone, and many can survive for years. The longer it takes for cancer to spread after the initial tumor, the better the prognosis. She was diagnosed in 2004.

Chemotherapy and radiation are standard treatments, along with use of drugs that specifically target the bones called bisphosphonates. Other treatments include hormone therapy if the cancer is responsive to estrogen.

Dr. Lisa Carey, Elizabeth Edwards' physician, said that initial tests showed some very small suspicious spots elsewhere, but that the therapy focus would be on the bone. Asked where else, she said "possibly involving the lung."

[TwilightGardener]

39. I agree, I don't know that it can be compared to diabetes in

terms of managing a chronic disease. Very few cancers are so non-aggressive and slow-spreading that they can be "kept in check" indefinitely, from my nursing experience--prostate is the only one I can think of right now. All it takes is a few cells to spread somewhere else, by blood or lymph. I am worried for her.

[liberalhistorian]

42. Oh, God, no. Damn. Damn, damn, damn, damn,

damn, damn, DAMN. :cry: :cry: :cry:

I helped my best friend fight cancer for seven years, and saw first-hand what she and her family went through. She won, thank God, but it was really awful at times. This family has already been through so much, with the loss of their son ten years ago. They really shouldn't have to deal with this, as well. Actually, no one should, I wouldn't wish any form of cancer on ANYONE, no matter who they are.

I have to wonder, though, (let me put on my flame suit here), why he's continuing with the campaign, in this case? It seems to me his focus should be on his wife and his family and not on a political campaign, and her focus should be on fighting this and her family. A political campaign should really be their last concern right now.

[TwilightGardener]

46. I'm with you on that--I think it's a sign of Elizabeth's selflessness

that she wants John to continue, but I can't help but think he should turn his energies elsewhere now, both for her and their family--campaigns are difficult enough, I can't imagine him being away and giving speeches and having stupid BBQ's and fundraisers when a possible terminal diagnosis is looming over the family. If I were him, I wouldn't be able to care about hardly anything else right now, really.

[primavera]

49. Not necessarily

I can imagine that for many people, the opportunity to be involved in a national election at a pivotal time in history would hold particular appeal to someone approaching a potentially terminal illness. If you had, say, six months to live, would you rather spend it out promoting progressive politics or lying around in bed watching the soaps? Given her choice of husbands, Elizabeth may well be one of those people who would consider being part of a campaign a really satisfying way to spend whatever time remains her.

[MistressOverdone]

56. Excellent point.

A campaign really gives you no time to feel sorry for yourself. Personally, I'd probably take to my bed and cower. This sure is a better way to spend your time. And she really has a "pulpit" now where she makes a difference, whether he is elected or not. That has to help.

[merci_me]

68. I have to agree with that

I'm not a John Edwards supporter politically, but on a human level, I think they are doing the best thing. Realistically, circumstances could change, but a positive attitude it paramount.

As a 25 yr cancer survivor married to a man who has had cancer since 1993, with a full recurrence in 2003 and still going strong, though we agonize through all the tests every six months. I know for a fact that having future goals, unrelated to the cancer is the best thing. Not just uplifting, but imagine the negative vibes Elizabeth would very probably hold somewhere inside, as she watched the other candidates campaigning and thinking her illness has derailed her husband's campaign.

[MistressOverdone]

55. I rather think that his continuing the campaign

might just be their first reaction. It is a positive and life-affirming step and I would think that it might actually help her in her battle. Time enough in the future to make other decisions if the situation warrants it. But a campaign is all about the future and that is what she needs to be thinking of.

[19jet54]

33. Amazing couple...

You both are in our thoughts & prayers!

[Nicole Lambeth]

38. oh man...

My heart breaks for both of them. It's going to be hard to
handle both cancer and a campaign, though I have no doubt they
can both handle all of it with grace and aplomb. I'm just
worried that this is essentially a death sentance - incurable,
but treateable. I hope that whomever Mr. Edwards runs against
(both inside and outside of his own party) don't use this as a
reason to get nasty. Ms. Coulter excluded, we KNOW she'll
do/say/be something horribly regrettable. 

Just sending lots of prayers for health and peace their way.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

41. Oh, no.

This is so sad, it's spread to her bones. I'm so very sorry for the Edwards family. May they find the strength to face what lay ahead of them.

[Ken Burch]

45. Good luck to the Edwards' as they face this situation.

God give John strength. And let's wish all the best for Elizabeth as she faces this battle.
At a time like this, politics isn't really quite so important, is it?

[OhioChick]

47. Prayers to Elizabeth and Her Family

She's one tough woman.

[Imalittleteapot]

48. 13 years ago breast cancer spread to the

bones of a friend. She is still living. She's had marrow transplants and has been on and off chemo and radiation all these years. Another friend started with breast cancer 4 years ago and is now being treated for colon cancer. I am currently doing chemo for breast cancer and it's no day at the beach. There are no facts and no promises for cancer patients. It's all about hope, luck and prayer (if you do that). You do what the docs recommend to have a shot at living. Elizabeth is so positive and such a fighter that I'm confident she will get through this.

I'm glad they had the press conference because I am interested in her health.

[progressivebydesign]

98. Be well, Littleteapot...

sounds like you have a good support system, which is so wonderful for you. I wish you the best in your treatment :grouphug:

[Gothmog]

51. They have made great progress here

I have a friend who has had breast cancer in the bone marrow for almost 9 years. When I first learned that the breast cancer had reappeared in the bone marrow, I did some internet research and found that this normally meant a six month survival period. That research was wrong and my friend is doing well. The bone marrow is there but the chemo and drugs keep it from growing too fast.

[EFerrari]

57. Good. When you are faced with something like this

continuing your normal routine can be very helpful.

((((((((((((The Edwards Family))))))))))))))))

[cyr330]

59. Poor Ms. Edwards

This is really awful news. When it was announced in 2004 that she had been "cured", I said that they were pronouncing that too quickly. With breast cancer, one can have a recurrence years after the initial diagnosis, and she had lymph node involvement.

I am certain she'll be receiving prime medical care, and we can hope they will be able to buy her lots of good, quality time. She's an amazing woman.

[Vidar]

60. Best wishes to Elizabeth for recovery.

[Dr Fate]

62. My guess is this was at Mrs. Edward's insistence.

Damn- I wish them all the best- this is so awful

[Bigmack]

69. I know you're not supposed to compare....

the person who is sick to friends of yours who defeated the disease, but....

I have two friends who beat breast cancer twice.

Hang tough, Elizabeth. They did it, and you can do it.

[Castleman]

70. If that fat fuck Rush says she's faking it for sympathy....

I will have him devoured by sharks with fricken' laser beams.....that walrus could feed them for months...:-)

[McCamy Taylor]

72. I heard someone on the radio say it was a campaign ploy. I can't tell the RW crazies apart.

[HuffleClaw]

83. it IS, in part a campaign ploy imo

did he NEED to call a press conference to announce the news? if he was withdrawing from the race i can see a press conference.

[progressivebydesign]

93. What a jerkish thing to write!. Do you want to rethink your post?

The woman is facing incurable cancer and you accuse them of staging a PR stunt? Where the fuck is your humanity? Are people that cynical now that they can't just watch the conference and think how utterly fucking sad it is that someone as wonderful as Elizabeth is facing a incurable cancer and how she must be wondering if she'll live to attend their weddings.. see her grandchildren born?

A press release causes more questions and rumours and suppositions than a press conference. I am grateful they did the conference because it was important to see how she is, see them together, and hear their words.

Sheesh. If they had put out a press release people like you, and Rush Limbaugh, who are complaining about this being a stunt.. would be complaining that he was COLD or hiding something by not doing it in public. Sad, just an incredibly sad day all around.

[libnnc]

109. She explained the reason to call the presser

She stated that she wanted reporters to see her and how well she looked and felt.

[Spiffarino]

75. All I want

...is for Limbaugh to be attacked by SHARKS WITH FRICKIN' LASER BEAMS ATTACHED TO THEIR HEADS!

:rofl:, Castleman.

[progressivebydesign]

94. I'd pay to watch that spectacle! n/t

[w4rma]

73. Good. I hope to see them as President and First Lady.

(standard disclaimer: if Gore doesn't run)

It's really bad news about the bone cancer, however. I really really really hope the treatments can help contain it and extend her life for many many years. She is truly a great person and I'm sad that this has to happen to her.

[Chemical Bill]

76. Best wishes to Elizabeth and her family.

From what I saw today, she has a great attitude.

Bill

[BlakeB]

77. We're all behind you Elizabeth

What terrible, terrible news this is for John, Elizabeth, their beautiful family, their friends, those close to them, and indeed for the entire nation. I was up rather early this morning listening to CNN as I prepared to leave for class. It was then that I heard John and Elizabeth were going to be giving a press conference about Elizabeth's health at 12pm eastern. Like everyone else that has followed John Edwards, this news touched with me an uneasy worry for what may be happening to the Edwards's family. Still, I thought to myself "perhaps the announcement won't be as grimm as it seems it could be."

I was in class at 12pm eastern, but by the time I got out, and into my car around 1:30 eastern, I tuned into Rush Limbaugh (as it was my only sure source of political news on the radio and I figured he'd be talking about the press conference) and of course he was discussing the ordeal in his typical insensitive, ridiculous manner. Just as he attacked Michael J. Fox, he went after the Edwards family saying that this was a politically motivated move, that he wouldn't be surprised if it was calculated to unfold the way it has to boost Edwards' campaign, and that his wife's cancer, which is part of their private lives, should be kept seperate from the campaign and media (imagine that... Rush saying that one's private life should be seperate from their political career when it benefits his point-I seem to remember a different stance when Clinton was in office). Basically he just made numerous insensitive, unnecessary, and mean spirited presumptions about the whole situation, once again attacking an ill person who has done nothing to him other than differ ideologically.

Either way, this isn't about Rush Limbaugh's dumb ass... this is about Elizabeth Edwards. About how incredibly strong she is, and how impressed I am by John and Elizabeth's resolve to continue the campaign; not to mention how easily you can tell that John and Elizabeth's love is as deep and profound as love can get. Watching that press conference and seeing Elizabeth's strength, seeing how much John sincerely cares about her, seeing their joint resolve in the face of tragedy... it was really touching. I'd be lieing if I said watching John speak about how Elizabeth's concerns upon hearing the news (her concern was first for her kids, then her husband, and finally the nation) didn't make my eyes tear up a bit. Just thinking about the possibility of John's wife of 30 years not being able to be there for him or their kids anymore really gets to me. Yet, seeing Elizabeth's strength, not to mention John and Elizabeth's deep connection, makes this tragic event easier to swallow.

Elizabeth seems to be a very strong and positive person, even in the face of something as alarming as uncureable cancer. I'm glad that the Edwards family isn't backing down from their race to the white house. I've been a supporter of John Edwards since his senate days, and even though I back Barack for the Democratic nomination, John is my 2nd choice and it is always a pleasure to hear him speak. A Barack/Edwards ticket would be amazing because John and Elizabeth are true progressives. It is an honor to have them as members in our Democratic party. May God bless John, Elizabeth, and their entire family. The battle Elizabeth faces is a difficult one, but Elizabeth is strong and is certainly a fighter. I would not be surprised if Elizabeth continues to live on for years and years, all the while maintaining a relatively normal life. But no matter what happens, I hope she knows that she has the support of millions of people she'll never meet and will be in the hearts and prayers of a nation for quite some time.

God bless Elizabeth Edwards and her family, may she continue to stay strong, and may she and her husband achieve the positive change they seek for this country.

[lse7581011]

78. Amen! n/t

[earth mom]

80. Damn! Why does this have to happen to such great people?!

Who have already endured so much with the loss of their son?! :cry: Why the good people and not the evil ones?!

I so admire the Edwards for their strength and commitment to each other, because I'm sure that John wanted to give up the Presidential race and Elizabeth wouldn't hear of it! If anyone can fight this and win it is Elizabeth, because of the love, devotion and support she gets from John.

Sending Elizabeth loads of hugs and positive vibes! :hug:

[AnnieBW]

81. Blessings to Elizabeth!

John and Elizabeth, you have my blessings. I'll send you some healing energy.

[Morgana LaFey]

82. CNN was dead wrong nt

[xchrom]

85. for elizabeth and john edwards and their family

The Lord Is Thy Keeper
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord thy keeper: the Lord thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth,
and even for evermore.



- Psalms 121: 1-8

Traditional Blessing and Healing Chant
Just as the soft rains fill the streams,
pour into the rivers, and join together in the oceans,
so may the power of every moment of your goodness
flow forth to awaken and heal all beings--
those here now, those gone before, those yet to come.
By the power of every moment of your goodness,
may your heart's wishes be soon fulfilled
as completely shining as the bright full moon,
as magically as by a wish-fulfilling gem.
By the power of every moment of your goodness,
may all dangers be averted and all disease be gone.
May no obstacle come across your way.
May you enjoy fulfillment and long life.
For all in whose heart dwells respect,
who follow the wisdom and compassion, of the Way,
may your life prosper in the four blessings
of old age, beauty, happiness and strength.



Buddhist
source: Holistic Living

Prayer for a Sick sister
O Lord, holy Father, creator of the universe, author of its laws, you can bring the dead back to life, and heal those who are sick. We pray for our sick sister Elizabeth that she may feel your hand upon her, renewing her body and refreshing her soul. Show to her the affection in which you hold all your creatures.


- Dimma, a seventh century Irish monk


Christian
source: Holistic Living

[aaronbees]

106. Great thoughts...

My heart goes out to her and her family today. :( :grouphug: That family has been through so much and shows so much decency and humility. It's heartbreaking but they are resilient, as John's pledge to continue the campaign shows.

[NoodleyAppendage]

88. Not good. 7% 5-year survivability rate for Stage IV breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Prognosis (Expectations)
The clinical stage of breast cancer is the best indicator for prognosis (probable outcome), in addition to some other factors. Five-year survival rates for individuals with breast cancer who receive appropriate treatment are approximately:

95% for stage 0
88% for stage I
66% for stage II
36% for stage III
7% for stage IV

The axillary (armpit) lymph nodes are the main passageway that breast cancer cells must use to reach the rest of the body. Their involvement at any time strongly affects the prognosis.

Chemotherapy and hormone therapy can improve prognosis in all patients and increase the likelihood of cure in patients with stage I, II, and III disease.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

110. Keeping Elizabeth and the Edwards family in my thoughts

and prayers...

[PATRICK]

111. I heard the press conference

while driving into dark territory(between AAR affiliates) when I lost the the end, but having the full description of the tragic recurrence of malignant cancer.

Then I picked up CNN saying Edwards was SUSPENDING his campaign completely!(Did anyone else hear that radio gaffe or was it my imagination?) I drove for an hour before NPR straightened it out with that courageous statemment of Elizabeth Edwards. An unbelieveable Dewey beats Truman Twilight Zone moment.

This is a sad blow to wonderful family who once again display a passionate committment to this country totally incomprehensible to some of the criminals on top. Already some of the talking skulls are grouching that Edwards didn't take the hint of the CNN spin which totally misread the committment of Elizabeth Edwards for one thing. Despicable, heartless crony tools who can't even take a breather for a moment of humanity.

It hads been a moving, uplifting and sad day and I realized what a loss it might have been had Edwards been removed from the picture.

[SquireJons]

113. Lipstick on a pig

Any way you slice it, one thing is for certain; this really sucks.

Obviously it is a tragedy for the Edwards family, but since I really like Edwards as a candidate, it is also tragic for me and the country.

That's because Edwards is the anti Hillary Obama. He can win the Presidency where it is my opinion that neither Clinton or Obama can, so this really hurts.

However, in their current circumstances, politics should be their last consideration. For all of the brave talk, she may have months or only a couple of years to live and they are both still young. If it were me, I would withdraw to spend as much time with my family as possible. To me, this sends the wrong signal about what is truly important. There should be nothing more important and relevant than your immediate family.

[Haole Girl]

116. In your world, and through your own eyes and mind...

...it might seem like it's "sending the wrong message" (your words).

The Edwards are not ordinary people.

I will not pass judgment on them...or decide, for them, how they should or should not live out their lives.

I am positive about one thing: John's political campaign means more than just "politics" to John and Elizabeth.

[SquireJons]

118. There will be a high price to pay

Campaigns are very rigorous and draining. A person with cancer would not likely survive the ordeal.

[Lena inRI]

115. Dear Elizabeth and John. . .

I'll tell ya up front. . .I'm a Clarkie. . .and I will only support Clark and Gore in any combination ticket. . .so much conviction that I will write in their names if they never run for '08. . .hopeless I know. . .but it's my seriously honest intention. . .

BUT

I'm sending you both my most positive-healing thoughts. . . yah, I've been through and still am supporting my husband as he gets treatment for his mantle cell lymphoma diagnosed in 1996 . . .it's a looooooong road to travel but never give up HOPE. . .ever. . .

Here's a thought that pulled us through our recent 2-month hospital stay. . .I'm sending it your way with love:

BE AT PEACE. . .
Do not look forward in fear
to the changes of life;
rather look to them with full
HOPE that as they arise, God,
whose very own you are,
will lead you safely through
all things; and when you
cannot stand it, God will carry
you in His arms. Do not fear
what may happen tomorrow;
the same everlasting Father
who cares for you today will
take care of you then and every
day. He will either shield you
from suffering, or will give you
unfailing strength to bear it.
BE AT PEACE and put aside all
anxious thoughts and
imaginations. ~~~~St.Francis de Sales



:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[cadmium]

120. Elizabeth---I hope and believe you will do what you feel in your heart

is right for you. You have the support of millions.