When Mrs. Jonathan Edwards discovered she had cancer, many wrote her notes of encouragement. Cynthia was one of them. Here is her message.

Dear Mrs. Edwards~

First, our nation is so proud of you.

When you first came to the attention of the American people was struck by the enormity of your actions and responsibilites. Wondered at that moment how you were handling it all and if what you are facing now might become a reality.

Know that perhaps … you now have the opportunity to influence the World deeper than could previously have imagined.

You represent the heart and soul of what makes this country strong and better, as you are a woman. You are a mother, you are a wife.

Do hope all that you have shed on others comes back a million fold and warms you when sitting for treatment becomes too much.

Do hope you know your continued value on this Earth.

Second, a week ago attended a very special event for Coachart (www.coachart.org). A young man spoke of his experiences so profoundly. Made me think of you.

Deepest apologies if my words lack where my heart does not.

Wishing you and your family warmth, strength and love from LA~

Miss Cynthia Basinet

 

Mrs. Edwards was kind enough to respond to her well-wishers, and her words follow below.

From: Elizabeth Edwards
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 2004 19:32:15 GMT
Subject: Thank You

Dear Friends,

First, thank you for the overwhelming support you have given me. I had this pleasant notion that each day I would respond to the emails I got, but then you blew me away with the number of emails, with the thoughtfulness of each one. I am answering each one of you individually but it won't likely be the day or even the week that I get your email. Trust me: it's coming.

And although I am tolerating the chemotherapy well, I do get tired. I am not used to getting tired. My brother laughs that I used to say that rest was over-rated. Well, my head might want to keep going but the body needs a nap. As I give in to that nap (about every other day), my mind is racing about what I could and should be doing with that time other than nap.

I have just finished the third of eight rounds of chemotherapy. I have one more before Christmas. After Christmas, the chemicals change but the routine doesn't: every two weeks I spend the better part of a day at the hospital with a lively nurse named Mercedes. And I feel lucky every minute I am there.

During the two weeks in between, I get blood tests, maybe see a doctor, maybe have an MRI, always take a regimen of pills and shots at home, and model my wig or my scarves on the street, at the children's school, and now at holiday events. And, you won't be surprised, since we all "met" through politics, I talk with John and our friends about what is happening here in Washington and across the country to the thousands of people we met who were so desperate for change. I think a lot about a lovely woman who was on one of my roundtables who had breast cancer herself - and no health insurance. And I think about the women survivors who - a week after I found the lump - gave me a breast cancer survivor pin after church the Sunday before the election.

I have the great good fortune of good medicine, good support, and good worthy things other than cancer to think about in the months ahead to keep me busy and focused on something other than the little Monk's rim of hair I have left - and that only for a little while longer.

Thanks again for your support and your patience as I have the immense pleasure of savoring and responding to each of your emails. I do have the sense that, as with our past and future battles, you are with us in this one.

Elizabeth Edwards