I love the super-rich and how they speak of their doctors as the best in the world, or words to that effect, as did the Edwards' yesterday. So, what are mine, chopped liver? I am sure it makes them feel better to pretend they are receiving the best medicine money can buy, but the reality is: the playing field is finally level; you gotta love the 'big C' for that.

Sent by Reid Feltmate | 7:08 AM ET | 03-23-2007

As a fellow breast cancer traveler whose dealt with metastisis, I truly feel for the shock and fear that I'm sure the Edwards are experiencing. Some lucky ones like me make it to remission, and some never do.I surely hope that Mrs. Edwards is as fortunate in that regard as I. I can't imagine having to make a public announcement about so private an issue. I wish her well.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 7:30 AM ET | 03-23-2007

Leroy,
you have once again eloquently expressed my sentiments concerning not only the Edwards family but the analysts as well. my heart dropped like a thud when i to heard the news conference. i , too also suffer from stage 3 breast cancer. currently i have the final stage of my treatment, radiation. i have "comfort" to go by knowing that i am doing everything possible to prevent mets. after i finish this current round of treatment i will have positive thoughts and faith to rely on...i will attempt to not allow fear to enter my daily life but at the same time i need to be realistic. sometimes i think that being diagnosed at stage 3 vs stage 4 i have the good fortune to have some "control" over the quality of the rest of my life. i can actually have "time" to plan ahead.
i love how the word "terminal" has now been replaced by "maintenance". i can only hope that when my time does come that i will face it with the dignaty that we all deserve in the face of death.
you are so very correct in your observation of the commentators ...that do not have a clue..not one single clue ...but how could they? it is a clue i wish i didn't have either.............

Sent by marianne dalton | 7:32 AM ET | 03-23-2007

Hi Leroy. I had the same feeling watching the news stories. No one who has experienced cancer that has spread could be so upbeat (unless they were a very public family with their public lives at stake). I only wish metastatic cancer really was like diabetes!

Sent by crow | 8:02 AM ET | 03-23-2007

It is very sad that anyone has to go through cancer. But I must say that I found it incredibly inspirational that they have decided to LIVE their lives with cancer, not go to a corner and wait.

A couple of months after my diagnosis my husband and I had to decide whether or not we were going to move our family halfway across the country for work. When we discussed it with my nurse she told us "You cannot let cancer run your life." We did move and it has been hard in some ways. I know many people were shocked by our decision to move while I was still undergoing treatment. We were lucky to go from one incredible center of care to another. I think our family and particularly our children are stronger because we were able to incorporate cancer into a new and different life rather than let cancer be the only thing in our lives.

Everyone has a unique set of circumstances and experiences that influence their choices and it makes a huge difference to have resources and a large support system. I realize some people have virtually no options. With cancer so widespread now, I am encouraged to see others - such as Elizabeth Edwards and yourself - incorporate it into their lives. I hope her strength and openness increases the choices, options and opportunities for others.

Sent by Cathy | 8:22 AM ET | 03-23-2007

Hearing the emphasis on Mrs. Edwards disease being "treatable" brought back the pain of hearing that for the first time when my cancer came back after surgery. Regardless of some of the incorrect information being put out there I'm glad people are becoming more aware. I got most of my information about the Edwards on line but I had dinner with friends last night and they were telling me that they had heard a report talking about how many folks function daily with metastatic cancer. However, it also brings us back to regardless of who you are, what your resources are cancer can and does become a part of your reality.

Sent by Dona | 8:29 AM ET | 03-23-2007

Leroy,
Although I am an Independent, and don't think much of most of the presidential canadates, I was appalled at some of the conservative talk radio bottom feeders, saying the Edwards coming out to the public about Elizabeth's cancer, had a nefarious meaning, sympathy votes.

Beyond political theatre, here's a woman fighting for her life. Bone Cancer from Matastasized Breast Cancer is one heck of a diagnosis. My prayers and thoughts are with them.

Sent by Laura | 9:09 AM ET | 03-23-2007

I don't think a press conference about Mrs. Edwards cancer was appropriate or necessary. I know what their motive was they were overcompensating for not revealing the first time until after the campaign was over. I think they could have released the bad news to the press but not through a press conference, that just makes me think that he is using his wife's cancer to help with his campaign. I agree with you about what she expressed as far as her emotions go, but she could have expressed that through a different venue.

Sent by Ruth White | 9:42 AM ET | 03-23-2007

Edwards has my vote!

My wife's breast cancer affects me more than any other experience of my short life. I'm sure, as President, Edwards will advance the fight against cancer more than any other candidate. I could easily be a cynic, but I think they stayed in the race for all of us.

Sent by Art johnston | 10:07 AM ET | 03-23-2007

Elizabeth Edwards comes across as a sincere genuine person. No remission, no cure are frightening words to hear. Living your life, perhaps with more meaning and purpose are one thing you can do while thumbing your nose at cancer. I'm just a school teacher with stage 4 biliary cancer - on chemo for the rest of my life - and I have an awesome medical team caring for me. And awesome people I work with who cheer for me everyday. Elizabeth sure has my vote as someone who represents a role model because she is genuine - she has so many tough days and months ahead. Leroy, thank you for this column, and columns every day.

Sent by CherylM | 10:30 AM ET | 03-23-2007

I feel great sadness and admiration for both of them and also have hope that she will do well. I would guess that she strongly encouraged Edwards to stay in the race, that she believes in him and thinks he would be a great president. However -- they have two very young children. In the next months and years, they could probably use a dad with time for them. Presidential candidates are generally pretty consumed by the race, I imagine.

Sent by Doris | 10:50 AM ET | 03-23-2007

I don't have cancer, but have learned alot from this blog. While I think I would have been sympathetic before, I think this blog gives me more understanding.

I couldn't stand the talk radio slams of the Edwardses. As this blog shows, there are so many different paths that cancer and the families affected by it travel. This is their private and personal choice to make and we should endorse whatever decision they have come to - and if they change their mind as time goes by we should all endorse that too.

This isn't about politics.

Sent by Geoff | 10:59 AM ET | 03-23-2007

Hearing the news over and over last night was a real shock for me as well, and I was caught off guard by what I felt. I think it hit me like it did because Terry would have been 46 today and I was already a little down and dreading today.

I thought about this space and wondered if everyone here was feeling the same. Regardless of the reason for coming forward like they did, it must be terribly hard to get that kind of news and then stand in front of television cameras and discuss it with such dignity and poise. Whether he wins or loses the party nomination, I'd bet this will have a powerful effect on any future legislation he's involved with in health care funding.

Sent by Bruce | 11:14 AM ET | 03-23-2007

Leroy,
Telling or not telling is a highly personal issue. I respect Elizabeth for being able to tell the entire world. I'm not sure I could have done it.

I really don't believe any thinking person is going to give a sympathy vote because she has cancer. Most of us want someone who can run the country, regardless of health issues in him/her or the spouses.

They are both pretty stand up people, whether you agree with their politics or not.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:16 PM ET | 03-23-2007

My heart sank and I cried when I read the Edward's news. After recovering from the shock, I applauded their decision. Yes, I did momentarily wonder if John Edwards was using his wife's cancer for sympathy votes but quickly overcame that thought. That was my distrust of politicians speaking. I quickly understood that this couple are looking at the cancer head on. Cancer should never, ever run our lives. Change our lives: yes, but never dominate. The public life this couple lead has been their choice. True to their life path decision, they are sticking to it as they should. And let's face it. Our cancer society needs leaders like LeRoy, Elizabeth Edwards, Betty Ford, to name a few, to help the rest of us expose cancer for what it is and to also inspire us to keep fighting. Without this exposure, how will the cure ever be discovered? Let's just be sure to support Elizabeth Edwards and her family when they need it.

Sent by Kathy B. | 12:34 PM ET | 03-23-2007

Leroy, I've dealt with bone mets from breast cancer for ten years, and I don't thing Mrs. Edwards is a great role model for a cancer survivor at all. The attitude was she'll have a little chemo for the rest of her life, but we're not going to miss a beat; it's business as usual.....on to the white house. I would have more admiration for her if she had put herself first for a change for the sake of her young children, if nothing else. But on a campaign trail, getting little rest and eating rubber chicken while cramming chemo in between is not going to lengthen her life. For me the news of mets was a wake up call. I knew I needed to put myself first by eating healther, walking and listening to my body. But the biggest, hardest thing did was to tell the people around me "No", I can't be there for them at the expense of myself. this is especially difficult for women to do I thing and sometimes I felt guilty putting myself first, but I'm here, raising my daughter. You can't give into cancer but business as usual is a form of denial. I hope she finds a healthy middle ground. She needs that more than he needs the White House, and so do those lovely children.

Kate

Sent by Kate Fuehrer | 1:24 PM ET | 03-23-2007

I don't know where people get the sympathy vote angle from. If Elizabeth Edwards were not to publicly reveal her cancer recurrence, there would be endless rumors since she is a "public" person.

She could have had the "sympathy vote" before when she was initially diagnosed but choose not to reveal her diagnosis until after the election.

Getting a terminal prognosis is probably the most difficult thing for anyone (rich or poor, liberal, independent or conservative) to deal with. We should all be more understanding.

Sent by Pete C | 1:33 PM ET | 03-23-2007

So this is where I am. I met with the radiation oncologist last Wednesday, where I learned that 1 out of 3 women whose breast cancer is estrogen positive have a recurrence within 2 years. That's a lot.

And my good friend calls me to tell me it's time to enroll for the fall semester in law school. (After completing 1 year, I took administrative leave when the chemo hit me, didn't enroll in the spring & won't go this summer.) But I was thinking, do I really want to do this if I'm just going to get sick again? After watching the Edwardses yesterday, I'm going to enroll on Monday and put it in God's hands.

Sent by Pamela | 1:49 PM ET | 03-23-2007

As I listened to the report about Elizabeth Edwards' re-occurrance of cancer, I had a physical reaction to that of someone hitting me. My mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer, announced cancer free for 5 years before a pain in her hip was diagnosed as bone cancer. She too, was told it was treatable, but not curable. I quit my job to spend with her what turned out to be her last year of life because something told me that this time, she would not be so lucky. She was 61. I want Elizabeth and John Edwards to understand that their time together now has a limit and they should not have to put our nations priorities above their own. Although I think he would make a great president, I will not vote for him because I believe he should devote his heart and mind to his wife and family at this time. My heart goes out to them.

Sent by Elizabeth Alvarez | 1:55 PM ET | 03-23-2007

Hi Leroy:
I was disappointed (though not surprised) that the Edwards would be criticized for their joint news conference. I think their public discussion took tremendous courage and poise but I guess it's a sad fact that many political types will use any perceived weakness to gain points on a rival. I have no inside knowledge but I believe they chose the news conference route, so they could be open and honest about the challenge Elizabeth and her family face. Sure, they could have kept it to themselves but this way, they have some control over the message/information conveyed rather than having the media speculate about her health by scrutinizing her appearance, event attendance et al. They're doing it 'their way' and I applaud them for it. From her book and TV appearances, Elizabeth strikes me as an intelligent, sensitive and brave woman who could probably teach the public a lot about grace under fire. I'll be rooting for her recovery, just as I've rooted for yours for all these months!

Sent by Nancy | 2:11 PM ET | 03-23-2007

Hi, Leroy, Thanks for speaking of the Edwards' new reality in your entry today, and for doing so with such empathy. Like others, my heart was in my throat as I saw Elizabeth choosing her words with care, and I especially appreciated her globalizing things, acknowledging the many who live with uncertainty, hyperawareness of each new pain or lump, etc. That graceful acknowledgement that while she had the unwanted spotlight that day, the things she faces are faced by many, and gotten through by many, the best way they can be gotten through. I felt that her optimistic outlook spoke of her heart, and of her intention, and of giving her body and mind a positive indication that she is not ready to fold up her tent. And I hope she, and all others facing challenges, get their positive wishes to come true in spades. If that is not to be, we each learn over time how to adjust either suddenly or incrementally, as our situation demands -- easing up on the schedule or expectations, in order to conserve energy for priorities. The humility of their statements, the hopefulness, and the giving credit to a trusted physician -- I was in pain at their need to dislose so quickly such personal, life-altering news, -- and at the same time humbled by their grace.

Sarah

Sent by Sarah | 3:02 PM ET | 03-23-2007

Leroy - Thanks for your words about Elizabeth Edwards. A lot of (particularly breast) cancer survivors including me were really struggling yesterday...perhaps just because her situation breaks through our various denial or coping mechanisms. Here's my (Stage 3, finished treatment Sept06) take on the Edwards' decision to stay in the race. Cancer presents us with many losses, large and small. When we have the opportunity to preserve something precious to us - our relationships, our work, our life goals, even a trip or a meal - we try to seize that opportunity, for as long as we can. When I was diagnosed, I first thought that I would just take the year off, do yoga, have treatments...instead, I continued to work, to travel when possible, and to 'manage' my treatment in that context. I was blessed to be able to do it. The Edwards' are doing what they are able to do now, with the resources and realities at hand, in the context of their family life and their public life. May they find that they can travel that road for many years to come...

Sent by Leigh Hough | 3:05 PM ET | 03-23-2007

Have any of you read Elizabeth Edwards' book "Saving Graces"? She writes about how the grace of family, friends, and strangers helped her cope with the death of her son and with her breast cancer. She writes about the importance of making connections with others. It's a beautifully written book, worth reading just for the language and the insight. I read the book a couple of months ago, and when I heard on the radio yesterday morning that John and Elizabeth Edwards were going to hold a news conference about her health, I knew that it couldn't be good news. And it's not good news. Stage 4 noncurable cancer is not good. But the way she chooses to respond to it is her business. Why are we questioning her motives? Does it really matter how she told us or for what reasons? We can't know what's in her heart. I can say that in her book she writes that the fear she felt during the first cancer diagnosis was tempered by the thought that she had already gone through something much worse than her own cancer could ever be--losing her son. The fact is, she has a really bad diagnosis and is coping with it the best she can. I have no idea whether I would or will vote for John Edwards--I don't care right now! What I care about is the fact that one more person out there received bad cancer news, and she needs our prayers and good thoughts.

Sent by Tina Barbour | 3:07 PM ET | 03-23-2007

At work today I have overheard three different conversations about Elizabeth Edwards' breast cancer. (And all were positive.) I applaud her willingness to make her diagnosis public in hopes it makes cancer a topic more people will discuss and not treat as a shamful secret. Remember the positive impact of Katie Couric and her husband's colon cancer? While sharing personal health issues is a very private decision I believe this exposure will help all of us in the end.

Sent by Leslie | 3:18 PM ET | 03-23-2007

Leroy and all,
I tuned into John Edward's body language yesterday...what wasn't said. I could see in the way Edwards looked at his wife...with deep respect and love that this was no charade. I have no presidential predelictions now but I ask the question: Would a man who has had a son die and a health-challenged wife make such a bad president? Where would Abe Lincoln have fit into this? What, instead, if such "trying" realities gave him more empathy for the common man...and less inclined to start a war?
Of course, there is also the old school of dealing with cancer which is to say nothing. I have a great many aunts and uncles who never spoke about their cancer, and in some cases, were never told what was going on.
I applaud both of these people. May we add "Empathy" to Love, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's what the world needs more of.

Cathi

Sent by Cathi | 4:01 PM ET | 03-23-2007

I was saddened to hear the news of Elizabeth Edwards' cancer returning and repulsed by the spin of the conservative talk show circuit and their lackeys. I hope someone they know and love will never have to make the decision of weather or not to go public about their incurable illness days after learning of it. 6 years after successfully fending off breast cancer my mother was diagnosed with a different cancer. No cure or chance of remission this time, but one that they hope to 'manage'. After dealing privately within the family we gradually began telling friends and extended family, something we all found difficult but necessary. I cannot begin to imagine what it must take to tell the nation. She decided that as long as she could she was going to live her life as close to normal as possible. This involves so much more planning and at times last minutes changes or cancelations, but she is not going to wait quietly at home while there is so much else that needs to be done. My Mom is not one to hide or keep to the sidelines. Everyday she can she goes to work, she does. She will not wear a wig, she feels she looks silly in them and losing her hair from chemo is nothing to be ashamed of, it happens. I have so much respect for Elizabeth Edwards and her family, I suspect they had a conversation about leaving the campaign trail and gave it some serious thought. Whether her husband wins or not isn't relevant, it's that they decided to keep living their lives as they know it, unfortunately there will be many more appointments on the calendar for them. It's nice to see a politician obviously so close and committed to his wife, unlike some 'family values' politicians who have left their wife while recovering in the hospital from cancer surgery. To question their reasons for disclosing her illness is despicable and speaks to the character of the people doing so. Elizabeth Edwards and her family deserve our thoughts and prayers, not judgmental questioning of their decisions.

Sent by Eric | 4:04 PM ET | 03-23-2007

My friend Lisa died yesterday of colon cancer that had spread to her liver. She was a loving, gentle soul, a warm and devoted mother, a middle school science teacher, my running partner and a comspanion and caregiver to her her husband of 24 year, who died of brain cancer just 5 mos ago. They were lovely people and now they have two grown kids, 18 and 20 years, wondering where their family went and how this happened. I refuse to remember Lisa as the almost weightless, skeletal and jaundiced body she was in the end. I''ll remember her as the lively, interesting and interested conversationalist she was, the runner she was, the dedicated teacher and "soccer mom", the loving wife and mother who always taught her kids lessons, every single day simply by the way she lived her life and loved nature and her family. I'll miss her terribly and am angry cancer robbed her and her husband from us, her friends and family. She was unlucky, she couldn't beat this disease, but some can. I think you can Leroy. I think for whatever reason, the winds have blown in your favor and your body is purged of the cancerous cells. Keep fighting the good fight Leroy...for those that can't anymore, like Lisa, and Dave.

Sent by Caroline | 4:06 PM ET | 03-23-2007

I don't have any problem with the public announcement or with what I'm sure was their joint decision that he stay in the race. How we each choose to deal with our disease is our own business. He has said that she will come first when he needs to be by her side and we can hope for her sake he means it.

There was a discussion here some time ago about how we don't see cancer patients in the media doing ordinary things--going on with ordinary life. By going public in this way (which I really don't think they had any choice but to do when he is on the campaign trail), Elizabeth Edwards gives us that image and more power to her. What I wonder is whether voters drawn to Edwards will stay with him given this. Could we have a first lady with cancer? Would all the healthy voters who are scared of the C word allow that to happen? I'm not so sure, but if it did happen, wouldn't THAT turn around the image of cancer most people have?

Sent by N.R. | 4:17 PM ET | 03-23-2007

To Reid, from the first comment today: if it makes you feel any better, I am neither super-rich nor a public figure, but I have the same oncologist as Elizabeth Edwards. And all I did to get her as my doctor was to live in Chapel Hill and make an appointment at UNC once I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Maybe it is presuming too much to think they are "pretend[ing] they are receiving the best medicine money can buy" - maybe, like me, they just feel fortunate to live in an area with well-respected cancer doctors and programs. I know that is not the case across the country, or even across North Carolina - whenever I am at UNC for various treatments and appointments, I meet people from all over the state, who drive hours to take advantage of the excellent care offered. So it is not just the "super- rich" who look for the best possible doctors, etc. - it is also people like me, just regular people, scared to pieces about having cancer.

And to everyone questioning Elizabeth Edwards' decisions and choices about how to deal with her cancer - haven't we all learned, through this hell of cancer diagnosis and treatment, not to judge our fellow cancer club members? I may not agree with any decisions that other cancer patient have made about their care, but I would never presume to know what it feels like to walk in their particular shoes, and I guess I have come to expect the same courtesy. I would like to think we could extend that courtesy to Elizabeth Edwards as well.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 4:30 PM ET | 03-23-2007

Painful yes, but thank goodness for Elizabeth's honesty and courage! Every time someone goes public about their cancer experience, I believe alittle of the fear is erased. The fear of cancer, of the unknown, of death, of the entire experience!Ignorance is not bliss in my mind,the more we all know about this dread disease, the better. I am also consoled that we are calling cancer treatable , if not curable.I know the cancer cells are still in my body,but I want to live as fully as I can - and still not be in denial about. Hurrah for you, Leroy and Elizabeth!

Sent by karil | 5:11 PM ET | 03-23-2007

Caroline, my heart goes out to you at this sad time.....I wish you peace as you go on without your dear friend. I wish strength to Elizabeth as she moves forward, in public, on this very difficult journey,....and I wish you all a warm and comforting spring. For those of us in the northeast, the sunshine sure feels good on our faces!
As for me, tomorrow we will get Dad out of the house, one way or another, for a haircut and some fresh air. He has been "housebound" for over a month and we all need to take a deep breath of fresh air. Blessings to you all!

Sent by Karen | 5:52 PM ET | 03-23-2007

iT DOESN'T MUCH HELP TO GET PLAIN MEAN WHEN DOCTORS FAIL TO SOLVE A CANCER PROBLEM.

I sympathise with Mrs. Edwards and the Edwards family. However, times have improved we do not call her condition "terminal" anymore. Be it a fantasy or reality we say that Mrs. Edwards is now a chronic cancer victum.

A dose of reality is occassionally needed, Mrs. Edwards is unlikely to be with the living for long. Is cancer intelligent? Does it know it is being attacked and then takes refuge in the fortress of the skeleton. Is it really the same cancer that her doctors have been fighting? Many of the same questions Lindberg had as he laid accross three seats of a 747 on the way to die in Hawaii in 1971.

iT DOESN'T MUCH HELP TO GET PLAIN MEAN WHEN DOCTORS FAIL TO SOLVE A CANCER PROBLEM. CANCER DOCTORS ARE TOP LEVEL "HIT-MEN" AND THEY CHARGE EVEN MORE THAN MOB HITMEN. HOWVER, HOW MANY MOB HIT-MEN WOULD STAY IN BUSINESS IF THEY CONTINUALLY MISSED THE TARGET. WHAT DO CANCER VICTUMS WANT OF THEIR HIT-MEN, THEY WANT THEIR CANCER OR CANCERS DEAD AND THEY WANT THEIR CANCERS TO STAY "DEAD". GOD WILLING.

Sent by jOSEPH LYONS | 6:32 PM ET | 03-23-2007

I have Stage Four breast cancer and have had this diagnosis since 2000 when both the breast cancer AND the liver metastasis were discovered within one month of each other. I did chemo in 2000, and then had a year remission while I took Tamoxofin to control the estrogen in my body. I had a recurance that ended that wonderful year, did chemo (Taxol - neuropathy !) for 6 months and then had a fantastic remission of THREE whole years while I did the anti-estrogen Faslodex. Remissions of any length are certainly possible w/Stage Four breast cancer, but......I also tell myself CURE is ALSO possible. Who can possibly say what's down the line in terms of treatment and response to treatment. Currently we have Radio Frequency Ablation the efficacy of which Leroy can testify to, an anti-angiogensis called Avastin with others being tested, Chemoembolism - directing chemo by injection directly into the effective organ, radioactive seed implants, etc etc etc..........these were not options when I was first diagnosed in 2000 and was told solemnly by my doctor (and OVER THE PHONE....shame on her !) that my cancer was incurable. I tell everyone I am a "study of one" and so... who knows how I will respond to this or that treatment.

I know of quite a few women w/breast cancer recurance - not Stage 4 disease -(where it's traveled to a distant organ) who have not had cancer return in ten plus years. Mrs. Edwards could be disease free in ten years by which time we WILL have found a cure.

I think it was a sign of the goodness of the Edwards to say they have the "best of doctors." Doctors work very hard like so many of us in our various professions, and need to be told how GREAT they are just like the rest of us. What a great attitude the Edwards have. I admire them and hope Mrs. Edwards and all other women (and those few men diagnosed) with recurences have a long, long time of being cancer free (after they do whatever treatment they chose) to take them right up to the CURE !

Thank you so much Leroy for this column.
Nancy O.

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 6:45 PM ET | 03-23-2007

To Gretchen. Thanks, of course, for a bit of a reality check, but through the course of my own experience I have become slightly cynical. I have reasonable respect for the specialists which have contributed to my survival so far...the pulmonologist, thoracic surgeon, the pathologists, various radiological folks, and indeed my oncologist and the wonderful nurses...anyway, about $60,000 worth...but they are simply well-trained technicians playing the numbers, and Thor knows we got numbers. This is not rocket science, as we used to say. To single out players on the stage of this medical cash cow for hero status is possibly naive. Are our "fears" exploited by this professional community? If you respond "no," you can check that naive box one more time.

Sent by Reid Feltmate | 5:11 AM ET | 03-24-2007

Personally, I'm glad that they did the press conference for selfish reasons. This whole notion of "incurable but on maintenance" is one that I have trouble explaining to my boss, coworkers and others. Folks are used to thinking in terms of cured/not cured, and maybe remission. A different cancer, but maintenance is where my husband is. Yeah, it means his life is likely to be shortened by it. Yeah, it means his and our family's life is different -- by a lot. But, hopefully, he's not dying tomorrow. I keep hoping that he stays alive long enough for a more definitive cure, but meanwhile I'll take "maintenance."

Sent by Teri | 6:49 AM ET | 03-24-2007

When I heard the news about a press conference my heart sank. I knew. We all knew. Watching the press conference I cried. Many of us cried.

Whether or not John Edwards should stay in the race is their decision. I am sure one that was not taken lightly. I am sure that they had many heart felt discussions.

This family has been through hell and back with losing thier son. They continue to live despite the pain.

Yes, she will need help. I guarantee you that a lady as fantasic as Elizabeth, she will have a pool of support. My husband took care of the family and his job while I went through treatments. My best friend was with me through all the treatments.

I think G*d every day for those who share their fight with Stage IV cancer.

Sent by Janis | 7:42 AM ET | 03-24-2007

I have both cancer and diabetes, I shoul say I had cancer; my doctors have declared me cancer free. I can tell you that cancer and dibetes sre different, when I take my insulin I feel better in a few minutes, perhaps an hour but the chemo made me feel worse for long periods and in fact I still feel the effects three months after ending the chemo treatments. The numbness in my hands and pain in my feet is still terrible but of course that's now due to the diabetes since the chemo is over. Ihave increased arthritis pain and DVTs that cause pain, but the cancer is gone so I'm supposed to just live with the rest and be sure I get sufficient exercise so I can get over the effects of the chemo sooner. I'm sorry to sound like a whiner but in my case, at least so far the cancer is a short term inconvienience and not the everyday pain for decades that I have lived with. So, no cancer is not like diabetes; it is horrible and depressing and inconvenient but multiply the nine onhs since my diagnosis with stage 3 colon cancer by the years of arthritis and being told that effective pain relief causes more damage to joints and organs and I'll take the cancer.

Sent by John | 2:14 PM ET | 03-24-2007

One thing I think we should keep in mind was the timing of that press conference -- aprox. 24 hours from the devastating news they received. I remember when I got my bad news (stage 3 melanoma) I desperately sought to retain "normal" parts of my life, keep my daily routines, and keep the cancer part as compartmentalized as possible. Slowly, and sometimes painfully, I had to let go of some of the normal parts while I was in treatment. The Edwards are at the very beginning of this difficult journey, and this is just the first of many decisions that will determine how they will deal with this horrible news and incorporate it into their lives. Having young children, as I did (and do) certainly helped me cling to my routine -- they don't care if you feel crappy from your chemo, they want their cheerios. And that is a blessing.

Bear in mind she has been a political wife for many years, and spent lots of time involved in campaigns. That's her life. She wants to stay in that life. That's her choice. Sounds like a wacky life to me, but maybe she wouldn't like mine.

Most of all, I loved what Elizabeth said when confronted by the press the evening before the press conference: "I'm still here." Amen. I hope Elizabeth and all of us are here for a long time. And if not, we're here today. That's a blessing, too.

Sent by Eileen | 5:02 PM ET | 03-24-2007

There's a new cancer-blogger in town - James Morgan, paleontology writer, has just received a diagnosis of lung cancer. His blog is honest and delightful.

Sent by Kay Simmons | 6:13 PM ET | 03-24-2007

"Going public" with one's cancer diagnosis can be difficult on many levels. How should one act, react? Coming out of the cancer closet, historically, is relatively current. It is only recently that cancer (formerly, "the Big C") is now a quasi-public discussion topic.

What choice does Elizabeth Edwards have? She is a captive of her public situation. She will become a spokesperson, a helpmate with cancer, will be judged and actions debated. And it is a shame.

I hope Elizabeth Edwards will be able to do what serves her first. Cancer treatment is usually challenging; I hope she gets the time to rest and the time to campaign and work--her time, not public time.

In healing,
Deborah

Sent by Deborah | 9:15 PM ET | 03-24-2007

I was saddened to hear of Elizabeth Edwards cancer returning. I was also saddened to hear of Tony Snow having a growth that needs removing since he has had colon cancer. It doesn't matter what your politics, cancer is a beast.

As to the Edwards going forward and living their life as if Elizabeth didn't have cancer, I whole heartedly agree. My wife has fought a 3-1/2-year plus battle with stage four colon cancer and we would not have maintained our sanity if we had given up on living. Sadly, it is not ending well for us, but we are glad we went forward all the time.

God's blessings to you, the Edwards, the Snows and all the others out there.

Sent by chuck | 1:20 AM ET | 03-25-2007

My comment is only to thank LeRoy for his beautiful writing about cancer. I read your entry everyday, and I am awed each day with your journey, your fears, your hope and your pure understanding of others who have received "the diagnosis". You just have the most beautiful way of expressing your feelings and understanding and sharing other's feelings. I am a breast cancer patient that has been in remission for several years. I pray that gift continues. I have learned so much from your writings and I thank you kindly for each entry. They're pure and so deeply painful at times. Always from your heart - who could ask for anything more? Wishing you a very long and happy life Mr. Sievers. Thank you again.

Sent by Ruth Berlien | 1:04 AM ET | 03-26-2007

Having a political background as well as a spouse with Stage 4 breast cancer, I followed with interest the "controversy" regarding Elizabeth's press conference. If I were advising them, I would have regretfully advised them to have the press conference. If they would not have, there would have been a huge story about a "cover up".

I agree with some of the other respondents that her story will help us describe what we are going through.

I have long been an admirer of Elizabeth. She has shown humor and grace through all of the barriers she has faced. Frankly, if she was the candidate, I'd vote for her over her husband every time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her.

Sent by Steve | 11:09 AM ET | 03-26-2007