Breast Cancer Advice Center

Edwards - running with a dying wife, a doctors perspective...?

How do you feel about Edwards running when they know her time is limited? According to them, she has metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Edwards I have cared for many patients with metastatic cancer, and their time is unfortunately quite limited. From UpToDate (a respected review of the latest clinical data, written and edited by experts in each field: "Prolonged survival — Despite the disappointing cure rate, treatment prolongs survival in women with metastatic breast cancer. The average survival duration for women treated for metastatic breast cancer has improved over the last 20 years [2,3], and is approximately 24 months" http://patients.uptodate.com/topic.asp?file=cancer/5162 I feel horrible for anyone with cancer, and I think it takes a lot of courage to face cancer every day. But does anyone have any concerns with her husband running? What do you think?

Public Comments

1. Maybe I'm just old and cynical but I think he was hoping to gain support because of the cancer. I feel less in favor of him for not automatically dropping out of the race to spend his time with his wife. Just a personal opinion.
2. Sorry...actually had the press conference in March '07.
3. I think the decision was made by both of them so I have no problems with it. Now, if she didn't want him to run and he still went on ahead..then I would think twice about what he is doing.
4. He pulled out of another race because of it...
   
   She obviously wants him to run or he wouldn't be. I'm no supporter of Edwards, but if she wants him to continue can you blame her or him. They get to make decisions on how they live what's left of her life...if she thinks its right who am I to judge her?
5. If she is up for the tough fight than so be it. At this point, that may be all she has to stick around a while. According to what I have read she could be treated but not cured. That is sad. I think it will get Edwards a lot of votes. I think he's a better candidadte than Hillary personally. He has more charisma, charm, and guts. I would not want to work if I knew my wife's time on this earth was limited. I would want to savor every moment.
   I think he should have dropped out and spent the time with his wife and family doing everything to make her time the best it can be. I have always believed quality of life is more important than quanity.
6. It was HER decision to let him run. He wants to make her happy in her last months. If is continuing to run makes her happy than run he shall.