I don't think, if I were in the situation Elizabeth Edwards is in, that I could share her positive outlook on her husband's decision to continue in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination despite the return of her cancer. 
I think the idea of a grueling 20-month campaign might be more than I could handle, along with doing whatever it might take to treat the disease (her cancer has returned in a metastasized and incurable form).
"When this happens, you can go cower in a corner and hide, or you can be tough and go out and stand up for what you believe in," John Edwards said. "We have no intention of cowering in a corner."
Those are admirable qualities. I like to think that I have a toughness, a strength like that. But everyone has limits -- I just don't know that I'd be up to that same level of courage.
But, maybe they can do it. Their passion, not just his, is politics. Maybe being at her husband's side as he campaigns will be a tonic for her, giving her more strength. John Edwards has already shown a capacity for maximizing the impact of non-traditional means of campaigning, such as the Internet and the blogosphere.
Political strategists said it's unclear how voters will react, and that the announcement puts the campaign in uncharted waters, according to a Chicago Tribune article.
I have listened to all of the doctors on this. I can't believe that they didn't do a lung Xray right away. If the level 4 cancer is in the lungs, it is a different story. If that is so, I wonder, also about running, since the prognosis could be in terms of weeks, not years. Yet, what are they supposed to do each day? Weep. Reminisce? I guess you just go on.
I always find it interesting to see how different people handle these kinds of situations. I'm sure continuing the campaign is, for her, theraputic in it's own way. The idea that she's a part of something bigger than her cancer has got to be positive for her prognosis.
I have the honor of having a dear friend with a very rare form of leukemia. He is currently in a wheelchair due to the side effects of recent chemo, and a bone marrow transplant is imminent (when they find a donor).
Did I mention the fact that he's 29 years old and has a 10 month old daughter, his own business, and participates in countless community organizations and activities? This guy doesn't have time for cancer, and he lives each day with that attitude.
Being around him and his family is to truly witness vitality and grace. The Mrs. Edwards' of this world (and my friend) have the right idea. I like a quote of Jack Nicholson's character in "The Departed." When told that a friend's mother is "on her way out"(i.e.dying), he replies, "we all are, act accordingly." We should all live each day "accordingly."
I think that it is great that the Edwards' decided to continue on with the campaign. The cancer is a valid reason for any candidate to drop out from the race but the fact that they have decided to continue on shows that Edwards family is prepared to make tough decisions in order to do what they feel is best for the nation.
I recently learned that my uncle (who is like a father to me) just had a relapse with lung cancer. But instead of cowering and living in fear, he is more confident than anyone that he will beat it. Both he and the Edwards' family displayed a quality that is all too foreign to today's political world: courage. I admire people like Mrs. Edwards and her husband for having the courage to stand up to the plate. This is what a presidential family should be made of.
I had a friend who was diagnoised with cancer several years ago. She rented a hospital bed, climbed in it and waited for death to come get her. I hope if I ever face an incurable disease, I would have the courage to go on with my life and live it to the fullest. Death is going to have to chase Elizabeth Edwards down. I say "You go, girl!"
I think it's a mistake to continue with the campaign.If it were myself I would certainly not give in to the cancer but I would put it into perspective.The children are fairly young so dragging them around the country is not in their best interest.They need to be kids and spend whatever time Mrs. Edwards has left as a family, not a traveling cicus for the media.I question Mr.Edwards' motivation and ego.There is a lot more to think about here than ambition.Changing direction would not be giving in.It may open new doors and possibly give them a quality of life they may not achieve campaigning.If the campaign fails they may regret their current decision.I do not have cancer and this is only my opinion.I wish them the best.