The Controversy Surrounding John and Elizabeth Edwards and Her Cancer
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Cyndy King, PhD, NP, FAAN
Since John Edwards announced his candidacy and Mr. and Mrs. Edwards announced the recurrence of her cancer, there has been a lot of controversy. The public seems to have many issues around John Edwards' candidacy while his wife faces cancer. These include:
- Will Mrs. Edwards having cancer raise more attention and possibly more votes for John?
- Will Mrs. Edwards having cancer raise concern over whether John Edwards could handle the Presidency and his wife's cancer?
- Is John Edwards an uncaring man for pursuing his ambition despite his wife's diagnosis?
- Did Mrs. Edwards push her husband to continue his pursuit of the Presidency?
- How will Mrs. Edwards handle being the first lady if she has cancer?
I have heard friends and announcers on TV talk about these issues. And I have a slightly difference perspective. I think it is admirable and courageous of the Edwards to go forward with the campain. Aditionally, they have been open and honest about Mrs. Edwards' medical condition. I also appreciate the fact that Mrs. Edwards is using her story to warn women of the importance of regular mammograms, which she did not have. Even though she was smart, insured and a well-connected senator's wife, with a history of late-in-life pregnancies, and fertility treatments, she did not have regular mammograms.
No matter what the final results are of the campaign, I believe that we should support the Edwards in their decision to go forward. And I believe that both Mr. and Mrs. Edwards will continue to be advocates for individuals with cancer, and advances in cancer research, and education.
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5 Comments:
At Fri Apr 13, 08:07:00 AM 2007,
Anonymous said…
I detest anyone using this medical site for political purposes.
Mrs Edwards certainly cannot be a spokesman for the American Cancer Society because she did not take care of herself when she first found her concern but waited to do anything. As a cancer survivor and a volunteer for ACS I personally know the needs of the cancer patient. Lack of rest and adding stress will only make the disease progress faster especially if the cancer is as serious as they reported on TV?.
Being a marytr is not what is needed for her children or the public!
At Tue May 08, 02:47:00 PM 2007,
Anonymous said…
About the Edwards candidacy, there is always the sympathy factor to consider. And, in our politically correct culture many
groups and individuals can surely benefit by being perceived as victims. Emotion trumps logic and analysis, just about every time!
Let's focus on Mr. Edwards' qualifications and experience, rather than his personal life!
At Mon Jun 18, 10:34:00 PM 2007,
Darlene Fields said…
Actually I admire Mrs Edwards for being up front and honest about the fact that although she is as the article said "well educated, insured, etc"., she was and is like so many women today - simply not getting the proper and necessary testing done. What better example than that of a normal human being who thought "this could never happen to me". As for Mr. Edwards, I don't have to agree with his politics or vote for him to feel sympathy for him, his wife and family for the ordeal they are going to face, having lost a niece to this horrible disease several years ago. My husband is facing liver cancer now and will begin treatment soon in hopes that a transplant will be possible. Where is anonymous's compassion for human beings in time of crisis. Kudo's to the author for seeing the human dimesion to the story and seeing past the politics.
At Wed Nov 14, 04:40:00 PM 2007,
Anonymous said…
Instead of focus upon mammograms--how about talks about prevention (and often cure)through use of Essaic Tea--made from four common herbs used for decades and responsible for saving thousands (including celebrities/politians and their loved ones--such as Patrick Kennedy--nephew to John F. Kennedy). I've just recently learned of this and in the internet researching found out incredible facts with much more promising cancer outcomes (even healing those who tried radiation and chemo therapy unwisely). I'm saddened that more isn't discussed for the nature remedies--our bodies CAN heal ourselves. But then there is a lot of money to be had by pharmaceuticals organizations, surgeons, oncologists, practicioners, and health care companies for keeping it the mess that it is. . .So many of us continue to be duped.
At Fri Jan 04, 05:29:00 AM 2008,
Anonymous said…
ESSIATIC TEA DID NOT CURE jACKIE KENNEDY, DID IT?
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