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Update: From the comments: Thank you, Jane. And all the commenters here. You all inspire us. Now, back to work. -- Elizabeth Edwards
I was discussing the prospects for the Edwards campaign this morning with some friends after hearing the rumor that following the press conference, Edwards still had a full schedule booked. Someone mentioned that if in fact Elizabeth's cancer had returned, it didn't mean that Edwards would necessarily drop out -- he might elect to stay in the race anyway. She might want him to.
"That's what I'd do," I said.
It would be perfectly understandable if she did want him to drop out -- it can't be easy watching your husband take cheap shots like this (published, in truly horrible taste, today of all days. Everyone knew as of yesterday that something like this was probably coming). All I can say was that it was really important to me to stay in the game following my surgery, to know that this "thing" hadn't beaten me and I had a life that it was not going to derail. Even though Christy, Marcy, Pach, Swopa, Jeralyn and Arianna practically had to prop me up and my brainpower was marginal when I was in DC, I was at the Libby trial. Every. Single. Day. I needed to know, for myself, that even though accomodations had to be made, I was still living my life on my terms. I fully understand why Elizabeth made the decision she did. I can't know what it's like to be in her shoes -- her cancer is now incurable, but treatable, which must be really, really scary -- but I like to think I would've had the courage to do the same thing. It's awfully brave.
Elizabeth has always been really supportive. She called me the day before my surgery in January to wish me luck. It meant a lot. I wish her the best of luck as well. The willingness to fight, to not back down in the face of the disease, even when the stress level must be extraordinarily toxic, is worthy of tremendous admiration and certainly bodes well for her continued well being. For me personally, and for all women who face what she is facing, she is an extraordinary role model.
And to all those who will undoubtably be callow enough to claim that Edwards is exploiting his wife's cancer for political gain? Don't turn your back, because the daggers will fly. And that's a promise.
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Elizabeth!
Elizabeth! John!
Best wishes…stay strong!
Fitz!
Best wishes Elizabeth Edwards. Thanks for your perspective on this Jane.
May God bless the Edwards family.
“And to all those who will undoubtably be callow enough to claim that Edwards is exploiting his wife’s cancer for political gain? Don’t turn your back, because the daggars will fly. And that’s a promise.”
Indeed. At the first callous or noxious comment, we should be at the throat of the culprit.
I watched the Edwards press conference. Elizabeth was cheerful, optimistic, determined, and full of spirit and courage. What a woman! John Edwards is very lucky to have such a terrific companion and partner.
Right behind you with my dagger drawn…
I just called his campaign headquarters and wished them all the best. I don’t know a lot about him but he is so refreshing after listening to all the
BS coming at us 25/7 from beyond the beltway. He seems to be a stand up guy and I like him. And the best to you also Jane
Go Elizabeth and John! The country REALLY needs you!
Best wishes and all prayers to the Edwards’ family…
Damn straight.
Well said
All of it
My mother had a long history fighting cancer
As a result, I have a good understanding of what Elizabeth is facing
Such courage and determination are admirable, and…
the most effective way to fight.
It is refreshing to see genuine ‘family values’, patriotisn, courage and determination.
What a remarkable news conference!! I loved Elizabeth’s description of the chain of “coincidences” that revealed the second occurence and her determination that she and John will go forward as before. Best to them and their family!
that was an inspiring press conference. what courageous people.
Jane, none of us would have had it any other way. As for the Edwards’ family, they are in thoughts and prayers today for a whole lot of folks. Elizabeth is not just feisty, she’s a kick ass woman, and she’ll beat this back just like she has everything else.
Just like you do, Jane. :)
Quzi @ 9
Fitz for AG under President Edwards.
A silver lining from this is the demonstration of support for the Edwards candidacy. A lot of people who haven’t endorsed spoke about how seriously they are taking Edwards. It shows the media is focused on their pet peeves and not on what is going on in the campaigns.
I, too, admire the Edwards and wish them the best.
On a personal note, I have a condition which causes me to be ill every once in a while. Nothing life-threatening, just a nuisance condition that keeps me in bed occasionally. My co-workers know now that I don’t want to be asked how I feel. I want to ignore it, forget it and not let it interfere with living.
So, Elizabeth, I understand why you are refusing to let this interfere with your dreams and I will be praying for you.
light a candle for can-do Elizabeth.
Thanks Jane.
You and Elizabeth are really remarkable women and my best wishes and thanks are extended to you.
The millions of others who travel this scary road draw strength from your example.
Wishing Elizabeth every positive force in the universe.
anyone contacting the Chicago Tribune on their very snotty column? how much bad taste must these guys possess?
Warmest thoughts to both Elizabeth and Jane today. So grateful for all you give us.
Shallow snipes like Kathleen Parker seem to be trapped in high school. Like the man says, Why can’t we have a better press corps?
Amen Jane.
I actually think that’s one of the blessings about having cancer (I can say this because I’m four years removed from the poisonous chemicals they’re pumping you full of now–I’m sure if the tubes were still in my arm, I’d say, “Blessings?!?!?!”). It raises the stakes for living life on your own terms.
Kudos to the Edwards for living their lives like they mean it.
Tough I don’t seem to remember propping you up. Must have been the week I was gone?
John Edwards:
Immediately fire all paid “consultants” and just listen to Elizabeth and yourself, and you got another sure vote here, and an active campaigner!
Betty Ford and Nancy Reagan had breast cancer while in the White House.
Other first ladies suffered from epileptic fits…or seizure disorders…during State dinners.
I think Elizabeth Edwards will be an asset as a First Lady with cancer. Think of the focus on better health care for ALL!
Elizabeth, LIVE your life.
My email to Kathlee Parker @ the Trib
Way to go Kathleen.
While the mainstream media is busy reflecting on Edwards’ vanity and tripping over their own feet getting the story wrong on his candidacy, the Edwardses managed to communicate total genuine cojncern for each other and the nation in todays press conference.
In the future, I suggest that you confine your commentary and ‘analysis’ to video game consoles and avoid matters of substance.
Jane,
As usual you find a silver lining in every cloud…as does Elizabeth. You both are an inspiration to all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Family Values a Reality. Thank you Edwards Family and Jane.
My best wishes to Elizabeth and her family. I have never met John or Elizabeth, but John is a very distant cousin and from the same town as my grandmother, so I feel an affinity toward them.
My father and I saw her speak late last year when she was in Northern California about her book and her fight with cancer. Two weeks after seeing her talk, my father was diagnosed with cancer. He is doing very well now, but I think Elizabeth is an inspiration to everyone fighting cancer. She is so honest and never loses her spirit or sense of humor. God bless her.
((((Elizabeth & Family))))
That ChiTrib piece was fucking disgusting.
How you doing today Jane?
Treatable is the operative word. (I’m not sure what curable means for breast cancer or any other disease..life is an incurable condition.) As I posted in the last thread, my aunt lived with incurable breast cancer for >25 years; it finally killed her last month at age 91. Two weeks before her death she still had a full social schedule. Attitude is a huge factor, Jane, Elizabeth and many others show the way.
OT, sorry.
If anyone doubts Carol Lam was sacked for investigating corruption, check out this article that DIRECTLY connects Cheney AND Bush to Bajagua, a corrupt water treatment deal in Lam’s District. Lam and the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct were both asked to investigate Bajagua on March 1, 2006, the DAY BEFORE the Senate approved the USA Patriot Improvement Act. Did I mention that Duke Cunningham, who plead guilty on November 28, 2005–two weeks before the USAttorney bit was added to the bill in committee–was also involved in the deal? Hmmm. I WONDER why they wanted her gone?
Best Wishes to Elizabeth and John…
Also to you too Jane…
I was reading your post and what you say serves notice to us all to live our lives each day to the fullest especially in the face of the most difficult of circumstances….
Thanks Jane, I understand entirely what you mean about getting back to your own life.
I was surprised to find myself bursting into tears at the initial conference, then so reassured and impressed at their committment.
Good News: tried to contribute immediately and the site is overloaded. Apparently lots of people who found out they really cared at the same time as me.
I’ve got the tv on in the other room, and it sounds like they had written their story this morning, and they’re sticking with it, despite the actual content of the announcement.
But I’m not watching or listening closely. Do I have that wrong?
Daggar my ass, I’ll rip open thier throat with my teeth
Best wishes to Elizabeth and John. As will be noted by many others here, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care and be well.
Jane, it’s often said [and is true] that it takes someone who’s been there to really understand. Your connection to Elizabeth, and hers to you is remarkable. Thank you for sharing.
As I noted on the prior thread, my husband and I also had a child die [22 years ago, at age 3]. It is, as one might imagine, an experience beyond description, and so I have a small piece of understanding for what the Edwards may have gone through.
I value your thoughts and postings. My — well, not exactly “prayers”, but “karmic messages” perhaps — go with you and Elizabeth, and with our country, which needs them.
I’ve spent the morning since the presser reading about metastatic bone cancer. Anybody who thinks these two are being anything more than the utmost of brave, or are using this for political purposes, is nuts. This is very serious s**t.
OldCoastie @
22
Yep, just sent that hack an email.
I did have the good fortune to see John and Elizabeth at rallies and functions here in NH during the campaign.
They are genuinely mesmerizing and captivating in person.
elizabeth is an inspiration. john is lucky to have her. i add my best wishes and prayers to those of what i like to think is a countless army of them.
i agree, jane, that the worst repugs will be sniping mightily. they feed on this sort of personal trauma. that’s why we must call them out and show them for what they are.
jane, never doubt that you too are an inspiration. and a blessing.
ot: “WASHINGTON, March 22 — The Senate Judiciary Committee today authorized the issuing of subpoenas that would summon Karl Rove and several other top Bush administration officials to Capitol Hill to testify under oath about the dismissals of eight federal prosecutors.
“The step, taken on a voice vote of the committee, came a day after a House Judiciary subcommittee passed a similar measure.
“The Senate panel’s action appeared to make a constitutional confrontation between Congress and the White House more likely, at least for the moment, although some on the committee said there was still room for negotiation.”
I see no reason to wait until their backs are turned…
emptywheel @ 24
You were so busy doing your thing you didn’t notice me sleeping in the back or the media room, or hear me calling your name…
(dum de dum dum dum…don’t mind me…sitting here at the bad author detention center…)
There are many people floating around my universe right now with BC. To a one, they are strong, determined, and full of life.
Blessings to Elizabeth, to you, Jane, to Elka, and Joy (neither of which the FDL family knows). You have been our strength and we will do our best to be there should you need us to be yours.
emptywheel @ 24
Marcy - can you tell me what it means when folks say “incurable, but treatable”? I’m confused about that. . .
Mauimom—
I’m sorry about the loss of your child.
Bless you Elizabeth! Be good to yourself. Hope it all goes smoothly and don’t forget about second opinions in all aspects of your treatment. Peace to you & yours.
Jane, thanks for this post. When news like this comes out, all the scandals, lowlifes, and crooks who run this administration all seem so small. I supported John Edwards’ campaign from the beginning-even more so now. His wife, and he, personify the traits we want, and need, in our leaders.
I’m sending along a link that lovers of music, and life, may find interesting:
http://www.myspace.com/cinnamongirltribute
Elizabeth is an incredibly classy woman. I enjoyed meeting her briefly when she first published her book.
Best to her, to John and to the Edwards family. I think John is carrying on with their mission and I’ll wager that’s precisely what Elizabeth wants.
For them, I get the sense this campaign is bigger than them. I’m not endorsing any candidates here, just saying what I sense and see.
Just read that hit piece by Kathleen Parker. Good God. I was compelled to write her and let her know what I thought of her. I now consider this an open letter:
Kathleen,
Nice timing for your snarky hit piece on Edwards. Who cares how many time Edwards combs his hair before an appearance? GW Bush was filmed giving the finger to the camera before one of his. You know, Kathleen, I honestly prefer a primper to an out an out lying sack of arrogant crap who shows so much disrespect for others. The difference speaks volumes to me, but given the nature of political reporting in the “liberal media” I’m not surprised that writers like yourself gleefully pounce on yet another “Gore invented the Internet and wears khaki” type smear while screaming “LA-LA-LA, I CAN’T HEEEEEAAAAAR YOU!” as Bush sets out to systematically destroy us, one outrage at a time. All the while getting the kid glove, mint on the pillow treatment from the GOP excuse factory from the MSM.
Yep. Nice timing on the day Elizabeth Edwards announced her incurable status with her breast cancer. But then, I suppose writers like you will say John is trying to win by a hair on the pity vote.
By the way, I am an Obama supporter. But The Edwards’ deserve better than this. And so does America.
I lost my best friend in the whole world two years ago, I sat with him everyday while he fought his illness. He exhibited a courage and acceptance that was and is truly remarkable. I say this because I want you to know the gauge by which I say that Elizabeth and you Jane are very courageous and you have my complete admiration. What I saw today filled me with sorrow and that remembrance. I hope you don’t think I am just saying these words to listen to my head roar, I mean them and had to say them.
I can’t stand Kathleen Parker. I remember reading her editorials. She was the reason I stopped home delivery of the Tampa Tribune.
I got EPU’d last thread: OT: Help! The “o” key on my laptop at home doesn’t work. I can’t access my email because my provider has an “o” in it. Does anyone know what can be done and if I can replace it. It’s a toshiba. I’m at work now…..It sucks because I can’t even google anymore…
With Jane and, no doubt, Elizabeth, ready to take on all comers, woe to anybody who takes a cheap shot at Edwards for continuing the campaign.
For the second time today, I must comment on the juxtaposition of stories here. Christy discussed sick-wives-leaver Newt and the Edwards in the same post this morning. Now, I see a picture of Elizabeth Edwards just above one of Victoria Toensing. Talk about a study in contrasts.
Jane, your expression of compassion and good will for Elizabeth and John Edwards was on the mark. We,as women of” common history” pull our prayers and focus together to beat back the clouds and revel in the light. John and Elizabeth deserve their fair shot at their personal goals, and a hundred years more.
While the Parker piece is repreesible (I sent my comments) We need to let the editorial board have it, the determine the timing of publication, que no?
It’s the sad state of the media and some in this country today. John and Elizabeth were very impressive. They are true class.
Of the untold legions of women who suffer from this miserable malady, Jane is a shining beacon and an unstoppable voice among the many who:
Will.NOT.Surrender!
Jane Hamsher’s Flying Daggers…hmmm…ya’ll can take that to the bank!
Someone suggested on the last thread that I copy and paste an “o”. Thanks again.
Think about the strides that have been made in treating AIDS since the 80’s. We have not found a cure, but there are drug regimens that are keeping people going with a decent quality of life.
Interestingly, Drudge had the red headline today: Edwards suspends campaign. It has since been changed. Hm.
“And to all those who will undoubtably be callow enough to claim that Edwards is exploiting his wife’s cancer for political gain?”
Coulter, Hannity, and Limbaugh are preparing their “commentaries” as we speak.
egregious @ 48
Thank you. My husband & I did stay together, we have two beautiful [now college age] children, and our daughter’s death inspired us [and others] to get enacted significant state & federal vaccine legislation [with huge help from Henry Waxman].
Our candle to her.
Thank you, Elizabeth and Jane for your courage and grace. Best wishes and good thoughts to you both.
“And to all those who will undoubtably be callow enough to claim that Edwards is exploiting his wife’s cancer for political gain? Don’t turn your back, because the daggers will fly. And that’s a promise.”
Absolutely right. You can hear the snide comments starting now about the cocktail weenie crowd and the bush-bots. Lord, these are horrible, horrible people. Something Bill Maher said something the other day that struck me “Evil thrives when good men do nothing”. Let’s fight them tooth and nail.
Made Matthews want it more, you know.
Heh.
Now if he would just cover the rest of reality like he did the Plame case.
Kathleen Parker, I have one word for you: codpiece.
Exactly. Earlier today, when people were discussing this, I was telling people that she’d react just like you would.
I’ll bet you dollars to doughnuts that she spent most of the last day telling John “Don’t you DARE pull out, dammit!”
I love her. She’s a tough, smart, classy gal.
I have a friend that had bone cancer diagnosed last July. He underwent experimental treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix - chemo for 4 months, then “stem cell” harvesting and then insertion. As of this time, he’s completely free of all cancer and feels wonderful. This procedure was a bit pricey, but I believe that Elizabeth could afford it. Ask her to check it out.
sent a little note to K. Parker with a compare and contrast of “class” and “no class”
can you tell me what it means when folks say “incurable, but treatable”? I’m confused about that. . .
Edwards did a good job of explaining this. He said it’s like having diabetes. You’ll have it for the rest of your life, but it can be treated so that you can live your life normally. In this case, it means, I’d say, that the cancer is going to remain in the bone indefinitely, but that they can keep it from growing with treatment. The treatment wasn’t specified.
Professor Foland @ 44
I second that.
Plus, I’ll throw in free dagger sharpening with every order.
emptywheel @ 67
I did think about that.
Coulter, Hannity, and Limbaugh are preparing their “commentaries” as we speak.
Seeing as how I’d prefer to have my eyeballs impaled by hot needles as opposed to listening to or watching any of the above evil, I think it will mostly fall on deaf ears.
Gutsy, real people. Elizabeth–you keep fighting.
I have a few chronic conditions…A doctor once commented: “You are healthiest sick person I’ve ever seen!”
Elizabeth, keep up that sort of attitude and you’ll be with us when John is elected President and well beyond!!
Jane Hamsher @ 74
It’s been a while. But I think I used to be really good at playing hard to get.
katherine graham cracker @
17
Exactly.
Thank you Jane for being who you are and doing what you do. I thought about you while watching the Edwards announcement today. I’m sending out my admiration to you both and my hope for your continued good health.
I sent something different to Ms. Parker at kparker@kparker.com
I’ve just read your column and I was absolutely floored by what a shallow, vile human being you are. For the life of me I can’t figure out why you have your own column. Your ridiculous notion that Americans vote based on grooming is both lazy and mean spirited. Maybe your next column could slam him for not protecting his wife from cancer.
Disgusted in North Carolina,
Jim Jenkins
Kathleen Parker is an under-educated troll who has been misplaced in the journalism field. She should have stayed at her level of competence as a palm reader.
Her syndicated column comes out of the Orlando, Florida, Sentinel. Where else?
I just think that the contrast between how the Edwards have handled her illness and how Newtie kicked his own wife to the curb during her bout with cancer is illustrative. And we ought to illustrate that every chance we get.
And by the way Jane? MMMMWWAAAH! (smooch)
emptywheel @ 77
You and Tweety? Am I hearing what I think I’m hearing?
eeeeeeeeeek!
taylormattd @ 47
According to most doctors I’ve known, there is no “cure” for cancer, ANY cancer.
It can be put into remission, usually by a combination of treatments — surgery, chemotherapy — but it can return.
This is why those who have been treated for some form of cancer must have frequent check-ups.
One thing you don’t want to hear is that the disease has metastasized, not only does this mean the cancer has come back, but that it has spread, and it can be much more virulent in this form.
My best wishes and healing energy to both Elizabeth and John.
conniptionfit @ 81
Yup, yup and yup.
incurable but treatable in breast cancer terms, means that the b cancer has metastized into, usually, the bones, where it can be treated by various therapies for up to ten yrs now; if, however, the b cancer reappears in a major organ, like the liver or lungs, then the metastases
are not very treatable , since the liver is the filter for the body and one has only one liver, and lungs, well one has two lungs, but they interconnect and need to function, then the treatability is not too good; ; without oxygen, we don t exist.
and also it depends upon WHAT KIND of breast cancer , elizabeth had to begin with; was it pre menopausal or post? i believe it was pre, and they are more aggressive cancers than the cancers of old age. see SUSAN
LOVE’s wonderful books on breast cancer.
i wish you well jane and elizabeth; b cancer is a journey not a battle;
a lifelong chronic illness which can be very manageable ( i have had it for seventeen yrs, pre menopausal b cancer at age 46).
ccmask @ 54
I blame Clinton.
A great piece, Jane.
My best friend had multiple myeloma. Diagnosed in 1995…died before 2000. In those years, he accomplished so much and benefitted so many individuals in so many walks of life, that they ended naming a bridge after him in Boston.
I’ve never seen anyone burn as bright as my buddy. He worked tirelessly in many areas of endeavor right to the end. While it was hard to watch his physical fade, those five years were some of the most beautiful of my life.
We may not know the specifics but all of us have death sentences. Each and every one of us. This should just give us cause to burn as bright and with as much nourishing heat as we can for as long as we can.
ccmask @ 54
ccmask, you should be able to get it fixed. I broke the T on my Compaq laptop (it plumb wore out) and I can get it fixed, under warranty even as I sprang for the extended. Problem — they say 2-3 weeks and so far Mr. HotFlash hasn’t been able to get enough stuff onto a backup computer for me to go 3 weeks without it :(
ccmask @
54
For a short-term solution, go to Start | Accessories | Accessibility | On-Screen Keyboard.
For a more permanent solution, you can try cleaning around the key with a q-tip, or popping the key off the keyboard and resetting it. The latter needs to be done *very*, *very* carefully.
Alternately, you can try searching the net for a keyboard reassignment utility, and map the ‘o’ key to one of the ‘alt’ or ‘control’ keys.
I like Elizabeth’s decision- hopefully she has many exciting years left- if not- what’s a better way to go out- In the heat of a campaign for the US presidency- or locked up in the family mansion?
No question in my opinion!
Warm and caring thoughts to Elizabeth and John and all their family. And friends like Jane [nyc] who commented in the last thread. You are all enriched by your closeness to such a remarkable woman.
Like many, I had been going along, on the email list of 3 candidates, thinking well, there’s time to decide, and isn’t it incredible that the Dems are so enriched in all their candidates…and then, today, watching the press conference, it feels right to me to say: I’m making my commitment to the candidacy and campaign and values of John And Elizabeth Edwards.
sidebar: Dr. Bernadine [?] Healy had a powerful commentary on MSNBC right after the presser. Hopefully that’ll appear on MSNBC again. She nailed it on the medical side of their challenge.
I was watching MSNBC and Tweety and the female blonde anchor (couldn’t tell who she was, the sound was turned down) were smiling, and in a non-vicious way, when discussing John and Elizabeth’s decision. They were floored, as we are, by the guts and class of the Edwardses.
mayan @ 88
Great perspective. Thank you for your thoughts.
Jane, you and Elizabeth are setting standards that the rest of us will probably not be able to reach. Heck, when I feel a little sore throat, I take to my bed. Thanks to the two of you for keeping me motivated.
ccmask
I mentioned on the last thread.
You can get a cheap keyboard- a friend may have an old one sitting around- just plug it into your laptop!!
Jane, thank you for writing about this. I heard Elizabeth Edwards on the radio talking about her book and was incredibly impressed by her intelligence and compassion. Like others in the comments, I know a number of people who are living (well) with breast cancer and other incurable illnesses. I hope you are feeling well, and I thank you for all that you do.
OT
It looks like the House is finally going to give representation with a vote to DC. I don’t know what the Chimperor will do with it, but it looks like it has support on both sides of the aisle. It’s baing talked up on the floor now.
val in canada @
85
My mom’s identical twin had pre- that metastisized into bone cancer and then spread to the organs. She died from it. My mom spent years caring for her until her death.
It’s a very scary prospect.
The Edwards’ have real class.
Hopes and prayers to Elizabeth, she’s got so much strength and courage, we all learn from it.
Thanks to you, Jane, for acknowledging that this moment rises above the political game. You and Elizabeth Edwards and millions of other women (and men) share more than an affliction, you share a kindred spirit that only someone who has gone through such an ordeal can fully understand.
The rest of us can only hope we have as much personal dignity and fortitude when we inevitably face our own fears.
taylormattd @ 47
They always speak in terms of 5 year survival rates, particularly with something slow-growing like breast cancer, since it usually recurs in the first 5 years, but it can still linger and come back 10 years down the line. But if the cancer was originally limited within the breast plus a few lymph nodes, and you make 5 years clean, you’re not considered cured, but you can breathe more easily.
But once the cancer has spread (most common metastases are to bone, liver, and lungs, followed by nervous system), then they say they can’t cure it. THat’s because boobs are, for the most part, non-necessary organs (I know, I know), but the rest aren’t, and it’s a lot harder to make it disappear entirely at this point.
Obviously, bone mets are the least dangerous of the most common mets, because you can put reinforcement into bones. But I think the strategy changes, to just trying to keep cancer from growing/affecting your life quality. I’ve known a lot of women with bone mets, and some of the chemo they do for it is relatively mild (think pills rather than tubes in your arm).
tbsa @ 75
I think it will be a huge mistake on their part, but, hey, have at it, boys. Dig your own graves. I’ve got a shovel in my backyard if ya’ need one.
RevDeb @ 98
Chimpy said he’d veto, not sure on what grounds. Sorry, I can’t source it. I also seem to recall hearing that giving the vote to DC, but not Puerto Rico, was discriminatory towards Hispanics. I’ll ry to find the sources/links
mayan @ 88
Beautifully put, mayan.
I’ve lost a friend to cancer, 2 friends & an older brother to AIDS. W/out exception they all chose to live their lives to the fullest, pursuing their goals & aspirations to the limit in spite of physical pain & hardship, & to the very end.
I’m so lucky to have that kind of inspiration as a model for my own life.
God Bless the Edwards Family…
Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, you have so much grace and dignity, it is awe inspiring. Both my wife and I have gone through serious health issues, past and present. You and your family are in our prayers, Hang Tough, Tap.
I can only hope that the Edwards family and Jane can feel the energy of the many good thoughts and healing wishes we’ve all whispered for them…
-S
Mauimom @
39
Me too, Mauimom. In fact next saturday is our little Rosies’ birthday. 20 years ago, oh my! It’s amazing to me to look back on the days when every minute was a day long, and not even know how you were going to take your next breath, much less live to a day when you can even contemplate again having a living, breathing, fulfilling life. And Joy!
conniptionfit—
We’ll be thinking about you and your daughter Rosie on Saturday. Let us know how you’re doing.
Clusterfuck seems to have stepped in it again. He could have just said “My people are not going to testify” and claimed executive privilege. By saying that he would allow em to testify- but not under oath- and not if there was to be any record of what he said- he has told the american people that he demands the right to lie.
What an idiot.
I don’t know who is advising him now- but he may be missing Andy Card BIGTIME!
Jane –
You fight with grit, determination, and grace. It’s a great example for all of us. Thank you, and thanks for your words about and support of Elizabeth and John Edwards.
ccmask @ 60
how about the on-screen keyboard. Go to ‘Accessibility Options’ it is easy to use.
ccmask @
54
If you are using windows, call up the online keyboard. Start-Programs-Accessories-Accessibility-On-Screen Keyboard
Prayers for all cancer survivors.
half a trillion dollars for an insane war. What if that same money had been dedicated to finding cures for cancer, AIDS,.. you name it? What if..
Congress will haggle over every buck for anything good but spend until the Chinese own everything for anything that makes them look like tough guys.
The Chicago Trib syndicated columnist was trying to be funny. But she wasn’t. She failed at humor and also at writing.
Hannity regularly features Newt Gingrich on his radio show. Maybe he’ll ask Newt about how a manly man is supposed to deal with a sick wife, rather than how the unmanly John Edwards handled it.
Just thinking about the Newt after watching the Edwards family, reading the Chicago Trib piece, there are no words…
Biodun @ 115
hopefully, she will give up “humor”…
egregious @
108
You’re very kind. Mr Conniptionfit says that as long as I’m pissed off he knows I’m alive. *g*
Thank you, Jane. And all the commenters here. You all inspire us. Now, back to work.
Wow Gabriel. You’re good. Want to get married?
{{{Elizabeth}}}
Elizabeth Edwards!!!
What an honor. THANK YOU.
((((((Elizabeth & family))))))
this story is deeply saddening.
And may I say, Jane, that if that was you on “marginal brainpower,” the wingnuts should be even more afraid than they already are!
Wow!
Thanks for the visit Elizabeth!!!!
Elizabeth Edwards @ 119
Right back atcha, Lizzy!
I’ll be damned! Never knew ’bout this here onscreen keyboard.
heck, I can almost type as fast with that thing as I normally do with the two finger hunt-n-peck.
I never knew about that keyboard either.
Ed*ard Teller @ 116: I suggest you do NOT visit the Freeper site on this! It’s just dripping with Newtonian Irony.
just delurking for a second to suggest ccmask may be able to plug a regular keyboard into her laptop and use that. I know I can.
On topic,
Best wishes to Elizabeth Edwards and Jane. I wish I had even a fraction of their courage and strength.
I watched the Edwards’ presser with tears in my eyes, a smile on my face, and pride in my heart. They have all my support, my prayers, and now a white candle sitting beside the one always lit for Jane.
Sign me up for the Flying Daggers Legion.
dmg @
43
Um… Yeah, what she said, on both counts.
My aunt turned 57 this week, about the same age as Elizabeth Edwards; she celebrated her birthday one week after surgery for breast cancer.
I’m sitting here crying because my aunt has been trying to be brave, but I know she was down this week. Can only hope that she sees women like Elizabeth, Jane and Marcy as reasons to be joyful today, and set aside some of her anxiety.
If only my boneheaded dweeb of an uncle was more like John Edwards in intellect and commitment, I think my aunt would have much better long-term odds.
Elizabeth Edwards @ 119
Thank you, Elizabeth, for honoring us w/your presence.
Prayers & positive thoughts for you and yours…
Elizabeth, I honored to be on the campaign’s e-mail list. Just in case I miss it my son also forwards his copy to me. Thank you and John for your continued service.
this message typed with on screen keyboard. hope my mouse doesn’t die. almost as bad as texting.
Mabel’s Wig Shack @ 124
This story is deeply moving, too.
I don’t think Mr. Emptywheel has anything to worry about
Oh yeah nervous @131…that’s also a good idea. That’s why I love this place. It’s like Alice’s Restaurant.
Last night I was emailing my boss and before I read it I was wondering why my spelling was so bad. And then I realized it was my O’s. Thanks everyone. Sorry for the OT.
Elizabeth Edwards @
119
Best wishes, Elizabeth. Stay strong.
Elizabeth Edwards @ 119
Please take care of yourself. Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
(((((((Rayne and Rayne’s lovely aunt)))))))
OldCoastie @
22
Just to let you know, she is a syndicated columnist who works for the Washington Post Writers Group, so it’s not just the Tribune.
I have sent her the following e-mail:
Way to go Kathleen. Your timing is impeccable. Good to see that with a war going on, you are focusing attention on the important stuff. Keep it up and some day you’ll be as relevant as Ann Coulter.
Loving post and comments. Lovely day to walk the dogs.
Jane,
That was a wonderful post. I agree with every word in it
RevDeb
DC Vote Veto link:
CBS News link
I am goig to retract the PR comment, must have been a comment somewhere, not an article
Thank you, Elizabeth.
And, yeah, we’re working, you and John continue to amaze and inspire us.
I always feel that I’m with such a group of classy people when I read this blog.. Thanks all.
I am wishing John and Elizabeth Edwards the best. Since it’s been pretty tense with Jane and now Elizabeth diagnosed, I thought I’d inject some humour a La General. He claims Khalid Sheikh Mohammed knows where the 18 days of email is.
A layman’s perspective on cancer;
Corporate greed has driven the leap in the incedence of cancer in the modern era.
If you do full-spectrum chemical analysis on bodies buried before the advent of synthetic chemicals, VOC’s and heavy metals, those bones show no trace of anything terribly pernicious, except possibly lead and mercury in miners and metalworkers.
But after about 1920, every “body” in the world, no matter how remote or protected they might have been, contains heavy metals, and the list grows longer the further the 20th Century progresses. The chart of these poisons directly correlates to the rise in cancer rates.
In this age of Dow and Monsanto having so much influence on our government, is it any wonder the cancer rates have skyrocketed?
Mitosis is such a fragile process, just the tiniest molecular magnetic deviation at the moment of cell division and replication can skew the code. I don’t think we fully comprehend how those tiny electrical charges attract and repel so perfectly as to form our DNA strands a billion times over, identical each time, without a corrupting influence.
I’m not sure if this is right, just a theory, but if the “skew” directly affects the “growth” gene in the DNA molecule, then it is a malignancy, but if it simply skews the structure of other genes, it is benign? When the growth factor is directly affected, though, the deviation is accelerated exponentially.
Heavy metals, and chemicals like aluminum chlorhydrate in deodorants, and many of our worst bad habits (tobacco in particular) all affect that fragile process of cell division.
If the RNA template is deformed by chemical and environmental influences, the results are cancer cells.
We have obviously poisoned ourselves, in the mad grab for wealth, and as with Elizabeth Edwards and Jane, some of our most precious members become innocent victims of this patent culture of unchecked corporate greed.
Elizabeth, you are one inspirational woman. The strength, compassion and love you have in spades shone through like a beacon today.
Kick that cancer’s ass!
ccmask @ 54
Can you copy and paste an O?
I want Paul Bremer tried for crimes against humanity for his murderous connections to Blakwater in Iraq. This evil man must not be allowed to escape accountability.
ccmask @ 140
ccmask,
You have cats I think. You may have fur in yr kbd. Try setting the kbd on end and tapping/shaking it to get the grunge to fall somehwere away from under the keys. If that doesn’t work you may be able to *carefully* vaccuum it out. Use a *very weak* vac (likt the little battery ones) or break the power with your fingers or something, many kbds have a membrane under them that the vac can suck up and break.
I can’t get the lump out of my throat. I’m so sad about Elizabeth and John’s news, but heartened he’s staying in the race. That could be the best possible medicine for Elizabeth.
What a nasty disease breast cancer is — no nice, neat cure after five years. Just an uncertain wait to see how you can stay cancer-free. Me, I’m almost 17 years out, and my doc still won’t say all is well.
My best to you, too, Jane.
ccmask @ 129
I was once the proud owner of a Vaio laptop that survived my many spews and splashes with my eggwhite shakes. Half of my keys wouldn’t work so I had to use the onscreen keyboard. Then I spilled a cup of tea…… and it was curtains for my laptop, now I have a new one and have made rules about having liquids close by. So far so good.
Yah, it is somehow perfectly acceptable to sling mud at public figures (as long as they’re Democrats) dealing with potential life-altering decisions regarding cancer reoccurrences and such, but don’t dare even hint at questioning the Cheneys about their unmarried, gay daughter’s artificially inseminated grandchild. That’s just simply “out of line, Wolf!”
[Mod Note; please remember to close blockquotes, thanks. The Margin Faerie]
Shorter Tony:
Only Republicans can take advantage of issues to score political points.
Republicans make the truth possible.
The rationale will become more and more unhinged as they Bush White House becomes more desparate. The game is on. Will responsible parties (ROVE) for obstruction of justice in the US Attorney purge case be held accountable?
My letter to the ChiTrib:
Sirs,
I find the timing of the piece by Kathleen Parker’s criticism of John Edwards’ “vanity” beyond reprehensible.
It was widely known yesterday that Mrs. Edwards was aing some sort of health problem, more than likely a recurrence of her Breast Cancer. Your decision to publish toay was insensitive and utterly lacking in compassion for the Edwards family.
Well, have to get ready for a stupid interview
For some ungodly reason I went over to politico.com to see what they were saying. I feel like I need a hazmat shower. I must have some strong Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm gene in me - thinking they would surely be sympathetic about the Edwards family - even if just for today. Nope. They’re despicable.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 154
Hadn’t heard about the Viceroy’s ties to Blackwater. Link?
tbsa @ 75
Wow! Ann must be SOOOOOOOOOOOO thrilled by today’s news. She must be giddy at the potential “jokes” to be made here. I mean surely Ann can come up with at least three or four
rantscolumns from something as rich as a Democratic presidential candidate’s wife having cancer. There’s got to be five or six zany zippy zingers to be had at the expense of the Edwards family, huh? Right, Ann? You’ll have ‘em rolling in the aisles with cancer jokes at the next Reich-wing revival meetin’. Oh, come on, Annie! Don’t dissapoint us! We’re counting on you to show the same juvenile judgement and lack of class with which you have awed us in the past.ITV news link
Just thought you would all want to know that ITV News has posted a story erroneously that Edwards has suspended his campaign.
Wil @ 160
Good luck on your stupid interview, Wil.
Dear Ms. Parker,
That was quite a hatchet job on John Edwards. I don’t remember reading a piece like this when Wolfowitz was caught on camera licking his comb.
And choosing today as the day to let fly shows that you have exactly no empathy whatsoever for the human beings who stood in front of cameras today to announce that Elizabeth’s cancer is back. It was obvious yesterday that something like this was coming, but your exquisite sensitivity and compassion allows you to justify the timing of this stupid attack, apparently.
And his crime? Horrors: making sure his hair looked good for TV. Do you think this man became a millionaire trying cases by paying no attention to what the jury would see when he talked to them? I am not an Edwards supporter, but I think he is a decent and smart man who cares about those pesky poor people, which is more than I can say for a lot of politicians on both sides of the aisle. Your snarky childish tone, and wallow in the superficial, says more about you than it does about him.
Kathleen Parker’s a real prize; she’s the same one who wrote that Paul Wolfowitz makes weekly visits to a military hospital (Walter Reed?) to see Iraq veterans. She suggested that we all ought to take that into account when judging him. But he has bad hair, which I guess trumps all on the right.
Elizabeth Edwards @ 119: Your courage, grace, and class are an inspiration. Listening to you and John this afternoon, I was struck with how blessed we are to have people like you putting it on the line for what’s right. Prayers and warm wishes to you and your family.
White Hot Rage
commondreams link
Best wishes Mrs. Edwards. Medical science does work miracles these days.
I recall the day (announcement of the campaign I think) Mrs Edwards worked the comments of a dkos thread with clarity and patience and it left a strong positive impression with me. She looked good today and sounds like a fighter who gets the big picture as well as so many of the devilish details, so does John.
They represent so much of whats good about our society and demonstrate they are the kind of folks who can lead us down a much better path.
Elizabeth looked wonderful today.. Goodness I don’t know how she managed that.
Best wishes indeed.
“It won’t be cured, but its treatable — I didn’t see the press conference, but it sounds like the cancer has spread, and not a good sign :(
I never thought of it just like that, but by Jove, you’re right. What a wonderful crew. Bless you all, you make me smile.
egregious @ 143
Thanks, egregious. My aunt has 6 great reasons to fight and hard; her oldest is a nurse practitioner in his 30’s who is doing a great job of coaching her in her care and therapy. What a blessing.
And FDL is our blessing; how marvelous to have such a rich locus of role models that attracts even more of them like Elizabeth Edwards.
I’m constantly amazed at how our world has collapsed from 6 degrees to 2 degrees or less of separation. We all know someone personally who’s been impacted by breast cancer; with 1 in every 8 to 10 women affected directly in their lifetimes, it’d be unusual to find someone who is not in someway impacted. But now to know through our virtual community members of this “sisterhood”, and to be visited by other “sisters” like Elizabeth Edwards? It’s personal, for all of us now; we are all of us touched personally. We’re family.
It’ll be my personal privilege to use my personal dagger to defend this family.
OK Kiddo — want some more of that rage?
Go here and check out the interviews with Jeremy Scahill on the 20th and 21st. Everyone in America should read ‘em and weep.
democracy now link
Biodun @
115
Since that “columnist” is since intrigued by You Tube, I got another one for her to watch.
youtube link
It’s J. Edwards on a radio show talking about the “new media” in general, and this “hair” video. The guy gets it big time, and his response is textbook for how to respond to this nonsense. He knows how to quiet the Noise Machine.
It really seems like Edwards and Obama are gaining while Hillary’s numbers keep going down. How encouraging!
angie @ 175
Thanks.
Some people are a little slow on the uptake.
Maybe we should be more understanding about Novak’s inabiity to get Harlow’s gist, twice, back when Valarie Plame’s identity was a still a classified state secret.
We’ve been through a trial and a hearing of the Judiciary Committee and Novak still doesn’t know the answer. I didn’t understand that journalists, and I use that word loosely, who write to the level of an 8th grade reader, don’t necessarily have the comprehension skills of an 8th grade writer.
Class of ‘97 myself. Best wishes and prayers to all! And here’s to early detection - it is *not* insignificant.
angie @ 175
I’m lost, what am I looking for?
Warm wishes for bright times to come for Elizabeth Edwards.
And you too Ms. Jane Hamsher.
Both of you show that there is a lot more to strength than bulky muscles.
There are still reports out there (ITV from Google’s home page) for one, that Edwards is pulling out of the race, bet there are some red faces in the editorial rooms right now.
…”politicoup” is no doubt upset, they got fooled today, as did a few other media outlets, seems as if someone leaked a story from “inside” that was obviously inaccurate.
Wonder if the Edwards campaign just found their disloyal leaker(s)?
Whoever took the bait and ran with it got caught.
One good thing about digital journalism, you can always revise your story online. But if it gets printed up in a hundred thousand dead-tree media outlets, there’s no correcting mistakes.
Interviews with Scahill on his book “Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army”
The AP explains “not curable, but treatable”:
SWOPA in da house!!
I watched the announcement from the Edwards and was truly impressed with their dignity and obvious love towards each other. I am sure that they both will continue with the strength and courage they exuded. My thoughts and prayers to them both. (and Jane).
Elizabeth (and everyone who either has or had cancer),
Blessings and best wishes for strength and a long life.
Neil @ 159:
Wow. Only God can do that. Facts are one thing. Truth is something else.
Yes, thank you Jane. Thank you too Elizabeth, you are ferocious fighters. The truth is Elizabeth, as well as John would be an outstanding candidate for President. I salute you all for demonstrating what real courage and decency look like.
Jane’s post and these comments are a wonderful outpouring of positive thoughts, feelings and wishes for Elizabeth and John Edwards. All I can do is add my own.
I am not a John Edwards supporter–yet–but he is racking up points on my scorecard, including his focus on poverty, his call for universal health care, and his being the first candidate to boycott the Faux News “debate” in Nevada. The way he and Elizabeth are handling her illness by continuing to pursue a worthy goal speaks of courage.
Best wishes also to Jane, whom I admire for her courage and for speaking out for the Edwardses and putting their despicable critics on notice.
The Dawg @ 167
Yeah, and he sucks on his comb before combing it.
Indeed, best wishes to the Edwards, Jane, and all the fine folks who fight the battles on many fronts every day.
It would be interesting to compare the number of people attacked by cancer to the number attacked by terrorists.
The Dawg @ 167
Oh yea! Speaking of “Wolfy” Ya wanna talk about weird hair fixations, Ms. Parker?!? I’m sure you were all over this one!
youtube link
The dude sucks on his comb before combing. There are many video of this. It’s really gross. (Hey, is that Crony Snowjob applying his own saliva to Wolfowitz’s hair?)
Swopa, did you ever get that coat back?
bonkers @ 194
Wolfowitz also has holes in his socks: Holes found in Wolfowitz’s style
Cure means to completely eradicate the tumor and all malignant cells.
Incurable just means that this isn’t able to be 100% effected.
Treatable means that the malignant (out of control in cell differentiation and growth - they have no brakes and don’t respect cellular laws, if you will) cells and tumors can be reduced in size, or have their growth controlled to varying extents, as well as treating symptoms which cause distress.
Just a thought: with all of the discussion of power, courage and bravery, it is also just as appropriate to experience and acknowledge feelings of powerlessness, fear and sadness. Tears are wonderful things - they are healing, they bring relief and they are signals of distress that others can respond to. All shoulders are water-proof.
All of these emotions are part of the experience, and one is not better than the other. Just sayin’.
Some people are really s**ts. Check out the comments on NYTimes. I entered two, but in their infinite wisdom they didn’t post them (though there may be a lengthy lag).
link NYT
Mandrake quoting The Dawg But he has bad hair, which I guess trumps all on the right.
Which is why I have asked people to criticize Byron York on his work, not his hair [which is better now btw].
One of these days, many of the more logical and politically aware conservatives might consider coming over to a more moderate point of view. But not if we demonize them based on such trivialities as hair.
/rant
From the American Cancer Society
“In 2003, there were 556,902 cancer deaths in the US.”
How do we make Americans safer?
What’s funny about Parker’s scribblings, is that as someone that works in TV and has shot countless live shots like that, I can tell you that there is nothing unusual about Edwards’ behaviour in that clip. I always expect people to be extra into hair, clothes, something in my teeth and so on when appearing live on TV. It’s also a way to release nervous energy while you’re waiting to go on. This video is very normal and I wouldn’t have thought twice about it unless these fools tried to make something out of it.
OOoooo…I gotta go get me daggers sharpened.
Preserve the BUSH presidency PICKLE IT!
speaking of Cancers and their recurrance:
Tony Snow on ABC TV this morning:
The executive branch is under no compulsion to testify to Congress, because Congress in fact doesn’t have oversight ability.
Chief Justice Warren Burger, in his opinion on United States vs. Richard Nixon:
Neither the doctrine of separation of powers, nor the need for confidentiality of high-level communications, without more, can sustain an absolute, unqualified Presidential privilege of immunity from judicial process under all circumstances. The President’s need for complete candor and objectivity from advisors calls for great deference from the courts. However, when the privilege depends solely on the broad, undifferentiated claim of public interest in the confidentiality of such conversations, a confrontation with other values arises.
N=1 @ 197: Well said. Thank you.
It’s a self-pickling presidency
rwcole @ 202
Okay, I am confused. I just had surgery for the non-invasive type of breast cancer Elizabeth had in 2004 (which was invasive). My understanding was that she was getting regular check-ups (mammos, I assume) which I would assume would detect if the cancer was spreading. I am curious as to why she had to break a rib before medical professionals had any idea it had spread to that area!
Now sucking on your comb….that’s weird!
OT via Froomkin the WaPo editorial backs a compromise to let Karl Rove lie. Way to go, Post.
If lying to Congress is a crime, why is it necessary ever to place anyone under oath? Has anyone ever been prosecuted for lying while not under oath? The Post seems to be advancing a scenario where Rove can lie but claim that whatever he says has the weight of testimony under oath. It seems another example of the “Trust us” strategy put forward this time by the Bush shills at the Post.
suckin someone else’s comb is weirder.
Wow, Elizabeth Edwards!
I will be voting for any Democrat for President in 2008… but my first choice would be Elizabeth Edwards.
Please, wonderful lady, know that we all wish you the very, very best.
comb? I, uh, m’lord; comb? I, uh…
egregious @ 199
But his hair can stand up to criticism, egregious.
His work can’t.
;-)
Ed*ard Teller @
203
Tony Snow equals Constitutional Scholar?
Mandrake @ 206
There are no good markers for breast cancer. So for example, my brother went through testicular cancer. And with a blood test, they coudl tell if he was clean. But with breast cancer, they might be able to tell if your liver function is off, but not if you’ve got cancer cells present.
So the only way to discover mets is with extensive testing (xrays, cat scans, blood tests, etc) or wait for symptoms.
Can ANYONE explain why Rover should be allowed to testify without an oath? What’s the benefit to him? Why does Clusterfuck insist on it?
Ot - From the Muck
Snow: Congress “Doesn’t Have Oversight Ability”
because of the xray of the bones… wouldn’t show up in a mammo…
Kathleen Parker is STILL writing for the Chicago Tribune never mind the way she bends facts the RIGHT WAY even if they don’t support her conclusions. Her reasoning is cloudy REALLY CLOUDY if she went to private school then you would want to send your kids to public school. Ever since Mike Ryoko died the Tribune has begun hiring small school bus Righty Writers that and their papers Circulation has gone down a lot. They can’t even get a buyer for all or part of the company now. Trib managment really should hire Jane, Christy etc and fire Kathleen Parker.
I can’t even find the words to say how moved and inspired I was by John and Elizabeth’s press conference today.
They are very brave people, and I think they are exactly the type of people we need to lead this nation in our time of peril.
John Edwards now has my vote, and Elizabeth Edwards has my respect and admiration, along with any positive thoughts I can send to help her in this difficult time.
For Mandrake at 206:
Cancer may spread via single cells. They may be found in the blood cells, lymph (drainage system), solid organs and bone. If it spreads - disseminates - by a single cell or non-tumor route, it may not be easily picked up until a tumor has formed, or a body part has a partial decompensation.
Let me know if you need more info - it’s very confusing, and I’m not sure I explained it well.
OT-I just went and read the Parker piece which led me to the youtube video. The article was not worth printing. But the video-I didn’t think it was so bad. Actually, I chuckled here and there. I mean, let’s be grownups. If you’re running for pres and you’re going on TV, you better spend some time grooming.
Bonkers @ 201: And it’s a damned good bet that Kathleen Parker, who’s been on TV once or twice, knows it too.
I just blogged about this myself.
The Trib link is now behind a reg wall, so I went looking for another source on the piece. The Orlando Sentinal has this same column with a byline of March 21st, so it looks as if this piece may have been published yesterday. If this is the case, then it’s the editors of the Trib’s op-ed page we should be going after.
And please don’t take this as a tacit defense of Parker (yech!).
egregious @ 199
If anyone is “fair game” for demonization it would be Wolfowitz. He pulls a bit more weight than Edwards. The World Bank is not particularly concerned about the fact that he sucks his comb so I can’t see the harm in poking fun at him for that.
Ed*ard Teller @ 203
Glenn Greenwald yesterday posted some of Snow’s criticisms of executive privilege from the 1990s when Clinton was President. I wish someone would confront him with what he himself has said previously on this subject.
Ed*ard Teller @ 203
wow. Snowjob has NO idea what he’s talking about. It is a matter of settled law that Congress has an inherent (granted by the Constitution) right to conduct oversight. Heck, one of the first Congressional hearings was an oversight hearing.
Mandrake @ 224
Come Jan ‘09, Edwards might well be pulling quite a bit more weight than that combsucker.
they found a spot on her rib when she had an Xray. They then did a bone scan and a biopsy.
put victoria toensing next to elizabeth edwards and she would shrivel up and blow away.
elizabeth edwards rocks!
Hugh -
Harry Smith took a shot at that this morning on CBS.
Someone did. Snow brushed it aside as simply something only the lefty blogs would care about.
Elizabeth Edwards @
119
Elizabeth, there are no words that can express my admiration of you. ((((hug))))
Dear Elizabeth and John - thank you for showing us and leading the way with your courage, strength and commitment - to each other, to our country and to life! I prayed for you all through the night after I heard about the press conference being held today.
Can anyone here tell me where I might write Elizabeth, other than here?
Bless you, Jane!
Words cannot express how proud and in awe I am of Elizabeth and John, and all (you know who you are) who are afflicted with this challenge and at the same time graced by such bravery and the courage to stand strong. If people start attacking the Edwards for their decision to continue to campaign, it should be noted that there are at least two other major candidates who are also living with and dealing with issues arising from their cancers. We are all at risk of experiencing all kinds of unforeseen life-threatening events affecting our loved ones and ourselves — no one knows what the future will bring. As time marches on there will be more and more treatments available to manage cancer in all its forms. It is so encouraging that medicine has already come such a long way and that recurrence is no longer viewed as the death sentence it once was.
Elizabeth - The deep love, regard, and respect that you and John share came through so clearly in your oh-so-brave press conference today, in your gestures and body language toward each other. Bless you both, and may you beat the odds.
[In line with JEP’s important comment @ 151 and the obvious work we have to do to reform and downsize back to a natural balance our industrial food supply, I hope that Teresa Heinz Kerry will share with the Edwards family, if she hasn’t already, some of her knowledge about 100% grass-fed meats, and other pre-war, live/raw food wisdom.]
http://eatwild.com/
Thank you, Jane.
Miss P. @
179
My sister is at 3 1/2 years now. But she fell into a little area of limbo. She missed her regularly Mammogram schedule by a few months. When she had it done, the cancer was discovered. It was an aggressive strain that her doc said would not have shown if she’d been on her regular schedule and it would have been too far advanced by the next year. There are no coincidences…
Hugh: I believe Snow’s comment, on being confronted with his past article, was that the current situation “isn’t entirely analagous” to the Clinton situation he was writing about.
Yeah, right.
The best to Mr. and Mrs. Edwards. I hope that I display that much grace if I, or my loved ones, ever get that kind of diagnosis.
If,as Tony Snow absurdly claims, Congress has no oversight authority over the executive branch, then I would like to know how he thinks we the people are supposed to hold the president and his minions accountable. Does he acknowledge the power of the courts, the other co-equal branch of government? Or has he become just a shameless shill for Bush’s unconstitutional claim of a “unitary executive,” code for “unlimited power?”
I am deeply touched by Elizabeth’s email and Jane sharing it as an update up top. And sweet punaise giving us the candle link. I love this place and weeping happy tears such an extraordinary place as FDL exists.
My very best to Elizabeth Edwards. I went and donated blood today in her honor.
Didn’t somebody do that in the presser yesterday and he kinda blew it off or was I just hallucinating?
I want to convey my deepest respect and best wishes for Elizabeth, John, their children, and their immediate family. I also think the same way about Jane and every other woman who is knocked down by this scourge and gets up off the canvas and does her best to go on and be what she can be. I can’t tell you how much I admire the grace of women who gracefully deal with problems like this.
I am not 100% in Edwards’ camp, but I have him in a top three with Obama and Richardson. Any of them would be such a dramatic upgrade for this country and the world.
new thread (we’re way late)
Awesome!
I think that “cure” with regard to cancer is a layman’s term. Physicians tend to look at these things in terms of prognoses and recurrence and in terms of staging and grading.
There are two kinds of treatment. Adjuvant treatment is aimed at eliminating the cancer. It is measured by long term non-recurrence of the cancer. This is the closest one comes to the idea of “cure”.
Palliative therapy does not have the goal of eliminating the cancer but by slowing it or reducing the mass of a tumor, it aims to improve the quality of life of the individual and possibly increase their longevity.
A normal course to pursue with a possible rib fracture is an X-ray. At that time, an abnormality in bone structure on the opposite side could have been picked up and this is what led to further studies and a biopsy, giving the definitive diagnosis.
moe99 @ 241
Damn good idea, moe99. Time to donate some of the red stuff, & don’t forget those platelets.
My friends & I made like pincushions during my brother’s AIDS ordeal. Just wanted to do something physical to help somehow…
CD @ 237
It never is, is it? Perhaps the most significant difference is that Clinton was President then and Bush is President now.
Kathleen Parker wrote,
“Americans are pretty forgiving of most sins. Gluttony, lust, greed. We forgive them because we’re all guilty by degrees. But vanity is of another order, especially–and perhaps unfairly–when it comes to men.”
How about brutal, malicious insensitivity? Are Americans forgiving of that? Let’s hope that Kathleen Parker learns they are not.
Good luck, Elizabeth and John. Our prayers will go with you every step of the way.
Elizabeth and John,
I will be thinking good thoughts about you every day!
JEP @ 182
I was wondering that myself. Kinda like flushing a pipe and seeing where the faulty solders are.
If this is correct, I hope we find out what the aftermath is.
Prayers, virtual hugs, and healing beams to brave Elizabeth and to Jane. Go, girls!
I imagine this thread will be kept open for people to express their good wishes to Elizabeth Edwards.
My best wishes are with Elizabeth.
egregious @
254
let us hope so - and HOPE!
ccmask @
54
I recently had the keyboard on my laptop replaced, along with another part that affected the video. Fortunately, I had purchased the retailer’s warranty (and this was for a pre-owned laptop).
In the meantime, can you bring it down via your mouse from the browser? Or copy and paste from somewhere else?
Kathleen Parker is so dumb that if you filled her head with a brain it would still be half full.
Jane and Elizabeth,
You are both heros in my book. Best wishes, and keep on truckin’!
Karen M @
257
I use a wireless USB keyboard with my laptop. I realize it’s only a temporary workaround, but it will solve your problem.
Rayne @
134
Sorry to hear about your aunt, Rayne. You can submit a prayer request for her at unityonline.org. Request are honored 24 hours a day, for a month. (Then you can put her back on.)
I added Elizabeth and her family and friends earlier today when I heard the actual news.
At a minimum, it will help you to feel better, and very likely your aunt, too.
I do believe Molly Ivins and my own mom–both of whom fought like tigers–would agree that Elizabeth’s spirits, so important to her health and quality of life, are bolstered by keeping their dreams alive about this campaign. Having a goal, having a vision, is crucial to being alive–especially when you’re facing a battle with cancer. Because it’s the spirit that cancer saps from you first–from the moment you hear the word. Once it gets your spirit, it saps your strength. So, Elizabeth and John and their family are doing what is the most important thing they CAN do in the circumstances: They’re keeping their vision, their hope, in their hearts. That gives sustenance and strengh to their bodies to fight the battle they have to fight, on all levels.
God bless you Jane, and God bless Elizabeth, John and their family.
This whole thing makes me so nauseous, sad & angry all at the same time. I truly hope that she is okay and that she has a happy eight years in the white house with her husband.
Thank you Jane and Elizabeth for showing us how to do really hard things with a lot of class.
We should be glad Kathleen Parker’s pathetic dig at John Edwards was published today. It just emphasizes what a petty little attack dog for conservatives she is. Coulterlite.
And all best wishes to Elizabeth and Jane. Rock on, you two fighters!
Thanks Jane for getting us focused on what is important. I made the right decision in liking John Edwards in 2004 and I am even more convinced today. Class act both of them.
From upstate South Carolina, I would like to convey my best wishes to John and Elizabeth Edwards.
JGabriel @
90
If you have an open USB port on the laptop, you can also pick up an inexpensive USB keyboard and use that…awkward but doable. (Did that with my old iBook when I was having trouble with one of the keys…)
Oh, and my thoughts and prayers are with the Edwards family…
I have no doubt that John let Elizabeth decide whether he continued or dropped out. Someone with cancer does not become an invisible “victim” of the disease unless they choose to. Neither Elizabeth nor Jane are the victim type.
John has my full support and my thoughts and prayers are with them now and in the many days to come. It is very courageous to carry on with the additional burden they now have.
There willl be many who castigate this “political” move as opportunistic. That is an unfair charge, however, and not germane to any intelligent discussion among supporters or potential supporters of Edwards ‘08. There are creeps everywhere-especially on the right wing blogs and right wing radio. Let them define themselves as the slime merchants they are-in the meantime the quality of character shown by John and Elizabeth will shine through.
This puts my energy even more in John & Elizabeth’s camp. I’ve a relative and a dear friend fighting the same cancer. Thank God they’ve outlived the first grim predictions by four years.
Blessings and prayers for both Jane & Elizabeth.
Just delurking long enough to send along hugs to Elizabeth and Jane from Raleigh NC.
{{{Elizabeth and Jane}}}
I wish I a tenth their class….
so far, the Edwards’s have my vote. If my wife were ill in like sense, and was telling me to keep fighting, I’d be in the ring swinging away…count on it.
John Edwards got a rare woman in Elizabeth….
I am 3 years cancer free and counting, I am amazed at the strength and courage others have to face. I feel very lucky so far. Good luck to the Edwards family, here’s hoping for a miracle cure very soon.
I had the opportunity to meet John Edwards at a book signing last November. He signed two of his books which I had specifically intended to give as Christmas presents… It was a thrill to give them as gifts just as it was a thrill to meet him. I cherish the photo that was taken during that moment.
I have loved Elizabeth since I grew to know her (as we all did) through her campaign stops and interviews. She is a beautiful, strong woman and my admiration for her just continues to grow.
In a nutshell, today my heart broke…but when they announced the campaign would continue…my heart soared with gratitude.
Thank you for standing tall for us.
Daggers will fly, indeed. I even threw a few myself today over at dkos. What kind of creep could attack the Edwards family right now? Hard to believe, but they are out there. One of the things I like best about the netroots is that we have made it one of our causes to defend against aggregious attacks. I abhor bullies and hate-filled attacks, and I simply can’t just stand there when they are in action.
I have always admired Elizabeth and John Edwards and after this I’ll admire them even more. For anyone who has doubts about dealing with severe illness and being a good president, we can cite FDR. I hadn’t thought about the parallels between Edwards and FDR very much before today, but that’s what has been on my mind. People keep using the Kennedy comparisons, but I’m seeing FDR.
After a week of feeling sorry for myself (carcinoid cancer with livers mets), I watched the class and caring of the Edwards this afternoon. Then after reading the posts and stories of yours and others, I am thankful.
It just reminds me once again that we travel this world with others, not alone. The path is well worn with the foot prints of those before us. Follow the path, keep your head up, and your eyes open. My best wishes to the Edwards and to our family here at FDL.
So with the words of Warren Zevon-”enjoy every sandwich”, I add Elizabeth Edwards-”get back to work!”
Keep the faith for the Edwards family. John and Elizabeth Edwards gave everyone today an example of what a marriage is: two people together for better or for worse, keeping each other in the care of their shared love.
What an example of how a family - for that matter a nation - should be. Together, nothing can keep us down.
Prayers and strong healing thoughts for Elizabeth and all others here.
Wow, I feel so humbled and grounded by these wonderful individuals. I am truly honored that I can even read these comments and statements from you all. You all are inspirations for me, and really put things into perspective. It’s so wonderfully refreshing to be around people who truly get it even when facing such daunting situations… . Classy doesn’t even begin to do justice to your words and actions. Love, hugs, prayers to you all.
As a Cancer patient in partial remission it’s sometimes hard for people to understand what it’s like to be told you have Cancer. It cannot be easier the second time around, it’s just “not unexpected”. However, Kudos to the crowd at FDL, I think you guys get it! My prayers and best wishes are with Elizabeth, Jane, and all Cancer patients….
this is sad news for our country and certainly for the edwards family but it in no way overrides who elizabeth is and remains to be for many of us, a true inspiration.
she embodies a kind of american woman who represents everything so many of us strive to become, smart, successful, beautiful, a great mother and wife, involved w/her husbands career but not to the exclusion of her own. she has always carried herself w/so much grace without sacrificing her backbone, really the epitome of womanhood that i envy frankly.
elizabeth, if you are reading this i just want you to know you touch so many lives. simply by being an example of courage, strength, honesty and transparency. you are a true inspiration and i support whatever choices you make. thank you, truly, thank you for honoring us w/your contributions. it is people like yourself that make us all proud to be american.
Bless you Elizabeth and John, you are both a real inspiration. And thank you for working so hard to make this world a better place! Between you and Jane and a friend of mine who is on her second time around, I am just in awe of your vibrant will. You are going on to work damned hard on this campaign for America’s heart and soul, Jane is keeping the fire within us burning, and my friend has just formed a band which is going to be performing all over the pacific northwest in the next several months!
You have my prayers and blessings, as does Jane … and if you have a chance to see Tricky Pixie (my friend’s new band) play, grab it! They’ll bring even more joy to your life.
Hi. I listen to right-wing AM. Limbaugh, who I sense is losing influence, took up the political gain meme. But Medved whose Townhall station seems to be gaining influence, at least in Atlanta, took a different road. He interviewed a woman that studies children and their fears. Greatest fear losing a parent. Obviously exaggerated many degrees when parent has cancer. How could a mother not spend her last days with her children? This is going to damage the children for life even in the best of circumstances.
We’ll see how far into the MSM they can push this. Hopefully this shit-smeared dog won’t run. For the Edwards’ sake.
Also, and I hope this is in no way insensitive because I don’t know scratch about people fighting cancer, but I just read a short thing in Harpers about something called DCA that was used for metabalic disorders and had been found to kill all cancers but that since it wasn’t patented anymore no company had an interest in doing the clinical trials.
I recently heard Sister Prejean speak in Hawaii. She spoke of the journey that led her to action. How the bells went off in her head and she received the call to minister to the poor. This by chance led her to minister to those on Death Row. Many of us in this country have been on the sideline tricking oursleves into believeing that our words and thoughts we worth something. This includes myself. While seeking the truth internally is important, we are all called to action. How easy it is to give up. The example of Elizabeth and Jane continuing to fight the good fight in the face of an enormous challenge is hopefully causing many bells to ring across our country today. Let us all get to work. The stakes are high and the enemy is fierce. They love power and we seek justice and opportunity for all. Hopefully the courage of Elizabeth and Jane will light the way for many years to come.
I have BC myself for the 2nd time and doing fine. US and their Fascist Medicine with everything else. I’m sending info to Elizabeth too. Jane Ck these things out. I’m taking Essiac too.
https://essiac.readyhosting.com/secure/order.htm
DCA RESEARCH INFORMATION
http://www.anticancer.net/vaccine.html
http://www.depmed.ualberta.ca/dca/
http://www.newscientist.com/ar.....ncers.html
DCA and Cancer
http://www.thedcasite.com/
750 mg every 12 hours (a total of 1500mg or 1.5 grams per day) Rather than trying to prepare your own, you can purchase Sodium DCA from a pharmacy in Edmonton, Alberta called Market Drugs Medical. You will require a prescription from a medical doctor. The phone # is 780-422-1397. The cost is approx. $2.00 per 500 milligram capsule. Ask for Ron in pharmacy.
http://www.depmed.ualberta.ca/dca/
http://www.dichloroacetate.org/viewtopic.php?t=21
Remember the treatment Paul Tsongas got? Watch out for Edwards’ political opponents to claim that he deviously misled the entire nation about his wife’s true prognosis, which is probably rather grim. (The New York Times might even do an “expose,” as they did to Tsongas.) Then they’ll say that his wife’s cancer will distract him so much that he wouldn’t be able to do a good job of running the country, if elected.
Hi Jane,
So glad to know that you held up through that trial… I knew you were under strain. But I would bet, that for both you and Elizabeth that continuing to participate in what you love is just as important for your health as the treatments your body needs. We are more than just tissue, blood bones and sinew. We need emotional support, but we also need to feel useful, especially while we are still able to, and I think that helps in keeping one’s health. I know it’s helped me when I was dealing with Lyme disease.
If Elizabeth were to just give in to this and give up the campaign, my bet is that her health would deteriorate much faster. Following one’s passion is just as important for health as is the drugs and proper diet and rest. So I’m really glad that the Edwards decided to stay in the race, for their sake as well as for our country’s. As long as she’s feeling good she should pursue this path.
I think it’s important also for Elizabeth and John to know that they are supported, and if these wingnuts try to spin things or attack John or Elizabeth that they know we have their backs and will fight back.
If Elizabeth is reading, I admire your character and courage ma’am and eagerly await the day I can say “First Lady Elizabeth Edwards” for the title couldn’t go to a more deserving woman. Your husband will make a fine and honorable and effective President.
Joy
To Jane ( And Elizabeth)
The courage of women like you 2 helps sustain lucky healthy women like me from quitting and just being cynics!!
If you keep living life to the fullest ( which you both do every day) then women like me blessed have an obligation to participate in this democracy every day.
I call upon all women and challenge all men to do something EVERY day to keep this American DREAM alive!
This is the link to the Kathleen Parker column:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/.....319.column
Registration is required. More importantly, this is Kathleen Parker’s e-mail:
kparker@kparker.com
Please send her a note and let her know how utterly tasteless her column is, and that you intend to protest to any newspaper that has the unmitigated gall to publish it henceforth.
Then, send an e-mail to the public editor of your local newspaper, telling them the same thing.
My sister is going through this very same thing, breast cancer metastasizing to the bone. The rest of us must pick up where she left off and defend her during this awful time. The timing and substance of this column are beneath contempt. Parker and her editors absolutely knew there would be an announcement today about Elizabeth Edwards’ health; it’s obvious it wasn’t going to be good. To launch an ad hominem attack at that moment was really as despicable as it comes.
Best to you Ms. Edwards and your husband too. You both make me proud of my family’s North Carolina roots. Stay strong.
Elizabeth Edwards has always been one of John Edwards’ best assets. I hope and pray this lovely family will beat all odds.
Our prayers are with Elizabeth and the Senator. Your poise, calm, and grace today were inspiring.
Dear Elizabeth and John Edwards,
You are the bravest of people. You are wonderful role models and made me proud. I wish you the very best Elizabeth. Get well soon!!!!!!!
Here was my letter to Kathleen Parker:
Dear Kathleen,
I can’t believe the Tribune pays you to write such drivel. You’d think
they could hire a 16 year old for minimum wage to randomly punch a
keyboard and spend the rest of your salary on the Cubs. At least then
it would be well spent.
MS
I’ve been trying to tell people all day how awesome John and Elizabeth Edwards were today, and I keep failing to capture it. They showed such courage, hope, and humor. Not to mention commitment and love, not only to and for each other, but to and for this country. I was in awe by a minute into the press conference.
John Edwards was already my favorite candidate so far; such evident decency and bravery on both their parts just solidifies my admiration.
I’d offer my services as dagger-maiden with Jane, but on some level I don’t think the Edwardses even need that. The snipers and the liars just look so small compared to the picture of a truly loving, functional, and resilient couple.
Admiration, prayers and thoughts for long life and happiness, Elizabeth. You are truly an example for all — you really know how to live. I hope you and your family find loving comfort and strength in one another.
Thank you for sharing such a personal issue with me and the public. Much love to you.
Elizabeth, I wish you didn’t have to fight the dragon in public but I know you have freely chosen to do so. We are all pulling hard for you and will definitely kick the crap out of any skanky politician or journalist who knows only how to smeer, not debate your husband in this critical upcoming election. Please get the R and R you need whenever you need it because your immune system benefits from that. I know we are all shing a shite spiritual light through all the treatment and recovery and the same to all on this blog facing health crises.
I really like Senator Edwards, and I’m very glad he’s running for President. . . .
But sometimes I wish Elizabeth was instead. She is just so very amazing.
praying for the Edwards family.