Comments on: Exclusive: John And Elizabeth Edwards

Edwards Open About Cancer, Unconditional About Couple's Decision On Presidential Run

[mpaninop]

I think you really only need to know two things:

First, their oncologist has said there is no medical reason for her to stop campaigning.

Second, Elizabeth observed %u201CMy feeling is, if we gave up what we have committed to as our life%u2019s work, wouldn%u2019t I be getting ready to die? That%u2019s what I%u2019d be doing. This cause is not just John%u2019s cause, it%u2019s my cause.%u201D

What else does anyone need to know to understand that they have made the right decision for themselves and their family? Now, please, think good thoughts or pray or send good vibes or whatever it is that you do and stop judging these good people.

Thank you.

[mpaninop]

I think you really only need to know two things:

First, their oncologist has said there is no medical reason for her to stop campaigning.

Second, Elizabeth observed %u201CMy feeling is, if we gave up what we have committed to as our life%u2019s work, wouldn%u2019t I be getting ready to die? That%u2019s what I%u2019d be doing. This cause is not just John%u2019s cause, it%u2019s my cause.%u201D

What else does anyone need to know to understand that they have made the right decision for themselves and their family? Now, please, think good thoughts or pray or send good vibes or whatever it is that you do and stop judging these good people.

Thank you.

[mpaninop]

You only need to know two things:

First, their oncologist has said there is no medical reason for her to stop campaigning.

Second, Elizabeth observed %u201CMy feeling is, if we gave up what we have committed to as our life%u2019s work, wouldn%u2019t I be getting ready to die? That%u2019s what I%u2019d be doing. This cause is not just John%u2019s cause, it%u2019s my cause.%u201D

That is all that any rational person needs to know to understand that they have made the right decision for themselves and their family. Now, please think good thoughts or pray or send good vibes or whatever it is that you do and stop judging other people.

Thank you.

[mpaninop]

You only need to know two things:

First, their oncologist has said there is no medical reason for her to stop campaigning.

Second, Elizabeth observed %u201CMy feeling is, if we gave up what we have committed to as our life%u2019s work, wouldn%u2019t I be getting ready to die? That%u2019s what I%u2019d be doing. This cause is not just John%u2019s cause, it%u2019s my cause.%u201D

That is all that any rational person needs to know to understand that they have made the right decision for themselves and their family. Now, please think good thoughts or pray or send good vibes or whatever it is that you do and stop judging other people.

Thank you.

[k48bkr]

I am a one year breast cancer survivor and also underwent chemo and radiation. I know no one knows but Elizabeth what is right. Each of us are entitled to those personal decisions even tho she is very much in the public eye now. I hope she realizes the importance of her children and her personal life at these moments. We should not judge her decisions for her previous treatment nor her decisions now. I would have felt differently about some of her decisons had I not gone through this horrible experience myself. Let's don't be too critical of this brave woman who life has dealt a second dose of an extremely bad situation to.

[jstrucko]

I am a Republican, but what Mrs. Edwards is doing and her feelings on the issue, my Vote goes to John Edwards as President of the United States.

Good Luck to you, John Strucko

[mrconservative]

My Mother died 50 years ago of the same situation in which Elizabeth finds herself. However, she lived just over five years from the original radical mastectomy. Most likely Elizabeth will live much longer due to 50 years of advancement in cancer treatment.

If you pray for public figures who have cancer, please also pray for Laura Bush, and Tony Snow.

[joan209]

I have been wowed by Elizabeth Edwards since the previous Presidential campaign. My very positive impressions of her were solidified after reading her book.

As with so many others dealing with this beast of a disease, I was devastated to learn of its recurrance in Elizabeth.

Her bravery and positve attitude in the face of what must have been devastating news have been awe-inspiring to me.

As for those who disagree with how she and her family are handling it, in my opinion the Edwards's are doing what is best for them, and I am convinced what she prefers.

I too would not want any of my family's plans or goals to be "sidetracked" because of my illness. That would only give the disease more power -- and add to my dismay.

In watching the press conference this past Thursday, I became convinced that the Edwards's priorities are family and country.

Yes, Elizabeth will be challenged during the demands of the campaign, but she does have tremendous support and resources.

I can not imagine how any of this will undermine her prognosis -- as a matter of fact, thinking, and acting, positively can only help it.

I will certainly be rooting for her throughout this, and wishing the best for her and her husband.

Joan

[cvilledem]

Couric's sister a State Senator from Charlottesville, Virginia was also a cancer victim. I can see why this is very relevant to her. Having a husband and a sister both pass away makes this a priority in anyone's life.

[tootsiesilve]

My heart goes out to Mrs Edwards. As a breast cancer patient, I know what she is going through. I also want to cry for her children, who will lose a mother when they are at an age to really need one. I only hope her husband understands the sacrifice she is making for his career.

She signed her death sentence the last time around by waiting so late (after the Kerry concession), to get treatment. Believe it or not, days can make a difference in the successful treatment of this type of cancer.

She may be brave to face the rigours of a presidential race while receiving cancer treatments, or she may not know yet just what is going to happen to her.

Regardless, her "Bravery in the face of Illness" helps no one but her husband. Actually, it makes other cancer survivors think less of him. His place now is by her side along with their children - not running around the country raising money. It plainly shows where his priorities stand: Politics, job, children, wife. He should be ashamed!

It tends to make us mortal women suffering from the same thing look like slugs when we cannot get out of bed due to extreme fatigue and other debilitating side effects of cancer treatment. Now, husbands, children, bosses, etc. will insist that, "If Elizabeth can do it, why can't you?"

Toots - a real cancer survivor who doesn't know yet how long she will survive.

[c2371010]

I will be watching 60 Minutes and I admire John and Elizabeth's dedication. I think John Edwards is a good presidential candidate. I like what he believes in and stands for. However, I can't help but think what I would do in Elizibeth Edward's place and I know that I would definitely be spending my time with my children. Please understand that I don't mean to be critical. I admire and like Elizabth Edwards, but I guess I don't understand the dedication that it takes to run for president and the support needed. Does anyone else feel this way?

Sorry. I don't watch Katie Couric. Not even for John and Elizabeth.

[scott4261]

I am deeply saddened by the news of Elizabeth Edwards' recurring breast cancer. I will be praying for her health and I greatly admire John's dedication to her above all else.

Not since Bobby Kennedy's run for the presidency in 1968 have I seen a candidate with as much genuine interest in the issue of poverty as I see in John Edwards. Since that is an issue I'm very passionate about, he has gained my support.

I certainly glad to learn that the Edwards have decided to continue his campaign. If elected, he will make a fine president.

[jebby_one]

I thought Katie Coric's specialty was colon cancer? Isn't Tony Snow scheduled for a precautionary operation for colon cancer?

Why isn't Katie planning to interview Tony Snow?

Oh, never mind. I already know the answer :)

[ronmwanga]

will be appearing on CBS' "60 Minutes" on Sunday to discuss the return and spread of the cancer that is unfortunately no longer in remission. Katie Couric is particularly well-suited to this important interview for many reasons evident, we believe, in the above "Reporter's Notebook" graphic.

One, Katie has a long history reporting on cancer, from its devastating effects to advocating preventative screening. Colon cancer, in particular, has been a major subject to her since her husband Jay died in 1998.

Two, health reporting, in general, is Katie's strength. No other anchor has increased health reporting as a staple of the Evening News. If there is any discernible difference in CBS Evening News since Couric took over -- at this early date -- it would be the noticeable addition of health reporting.

Three, Katie is unique in that she reports on stories like this with compassion.

[msmartin_99]

The Edwards family is a study in strength, grace, and courage under difficult circumstances. I wish them both the best.