Elizabeth Edwards Posts Apparent Goodbye Message

Elizabeth Edwards

/ Center for American Progress

Updated 5:33 p.m. Eastern Time

Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, has been advised by doctors that "further treatment of her cancer would be unproductive," according to a statement from the Edwards family.

A source close to the family tells CBS News, "She is dying." The source said Edwards would likely die within weeks and possibly days.

Edwards, 61, posted to her personal Facebook page a message to friends reading in part, "The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that."

CBS News has confirmed that the Edwards family, including husband John,are now  gathered with Elizabeth Edwards at the family home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

"You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces - my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope," Edwards wrote in the Facebook post. "These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined."

"...there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like," she added. "It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know."

Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2004, shortly before the presidential election in which her husband was the Democratic vice presidential nominee. In March 2007, at the start of John Edwards' presidential campaign, she revealed that the condition had returned and spread to her bones, and that she had been diagnosed as terminal.

The couple later became separated following revelations that John Edwards had engaged in an affair with a campaign videographer. Edwards wrote about her cancer and her relationship with her husband in multiple memoirs, including last year's "Resilience." 

Edwards was hospitalized last week with doctors saying the cancer had metastasized to her liver, according to People.com.

See Elizabeth Edwards' Facebook message below.

Elizabeth Edwards' Facebook Message.

/ Facebook

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Brian Montopoli is senior political reporter for CBSNews.com. You can read more of his posts here. Follow Hotsheet on Facebook and Twitter.

[listen_learn]

This is about Elizabeth Edwards saying goodbye. This article has been used as a soap box for hate and politics....... Hence the Title!

Women I know, are now getting screened that weren't going to. Another thing,people have taken out of this loss, a woman/mother prepared her children, family and friends for her own death, I can't even imagine the strength this took but different people will take something from this and learn, maybe love more,life is short,get breast exams,time with family and just being a good human with a open loving heart.
This is a mom-someone's friend and a human's goodbye, to her family and friends, because it is public, maybe some lives will be saved because they called this week to get screened and some children won't lose their mom. I'm one of them and pray that mine will be clear.

[ouchitatom]

You people act like she was the first woman to die from cancer. For the good evrything holy GET REAL she wasn't a martyr although she wanted to be. She was just another cancer patient with a soap box to which shout her grievences. BFD>

[sherryo7930]

To BFD: "Just another cancer patient" -- that comment is heartless and I doubt you would feel that way if you were riddled with cancer. Ms. Edwards was able to use her celebrity to make known that women everywhere should be screened for breast cancer. She reached more people, than most of us ever know in our lifetime. Be kind - everyone is fighting a battle.

[Maryaliece]

Elizabeth Edwards should be regarded as a source of strength and hope for her family and her country. I have no idea why I am so personally affected by her passing. I guess I actually admired this woman who was so publically shamed by her husband, yet shared her fight for life with all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with her children, her siblings, family and friends. You will be missed.....

[nannyrobbie]

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Edwards family. Elizabeth was a strong woman. RIP.

[coupon-bliss]

Elizabeth, you will be missed. You are now in the hands of almighty God, free from cancer. I pray for Elizabeth's family and that they have the peace beyond understanding as they go through this difficult time. God Bless You All.

[FunnyFace1111]

RIP, brave lady.

[Ms512Tx]

The world has lost a precious gift, an incredible woman. It's not often that we see a person live with the dignity, grace, courage and hope that Mrs. Edwards displayed. I will always admire her and continue to be inspired by her hope, her patience and her grace. I pray that you are at peace Mrs. Edwards and I know you will be looking down on this world. May we all make you proud by being the best we can every day.

[listen_learn]

Just heard Elizabeth Edwards has passed. Prayers for her children, family and friends. Thought she had more time, rest in Peace!

[Gloria_Blalock]

My thoughts and prayers are with the Edwards family at this time. Elizabeth lived her life with gratitude, hope, and faith till the very end. Her hopes were that her children would be o.k. when she was gone. Now that she is, I can only imagine her being their Guardian Angel from the otherside. The love a mother carries for her children is immesurable and never dies... even when we are gone in flesh... the spirit, love, and memories will last forever. I give thanks that although I never personally met Elizabeth, I was able to read about her and see numerous interviews where she inspired me to be a better person and mother May we all live our numbered days with such grace, dignity, and spirit! R.I.P. Elizabeth Edwards

[anne623]

This woman is as human as any of us. She has faults and strengths, just as each of us do. In the face of a terrible diagnosis, she has lived with grace - working toward things she believes in, preparing her children and friends for her leaving. This has been done in a very public space.

Which among you has never made a mistake, never made a judgment in error, never defended someone who had betrayed you in the hope of keeping a family together? Who among us has not changed our mind about something we previously supported?

It is not wise to demand perfection from public servants - it implies that they have never lived sufficiently to make mistakes and learn from them.