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How was it watching your wife undergo breast cancer treatment?
John: Your heart's in your throat – every time she went in for chemo, every time a test came back to see if the cancer spread. Honestly, in the beginning Elizabeth never complained the entire time.
How bad did her condition get?
I watched her get sicker and sicker from the chemo. Her hair came out and she got weak. It was hard for her to function, although she continued to try. There was a lot of pain. She had every side effect from every medication. I have such love and admiration for her. It was just an amazing thing to watch somebody you love go through that and to see (her) strength and courage.
Did you ever wonder "Why us?"
After our son Wade died (in an auto accident in 1996), we had a different perspective. This was not the worst thing that ever happened to us by a long shot. She could actually do something about it. She had something to focus on. In the case of Wade, it was over so fast.
Were you afraid she wouldn't make it?
We were all afraid. Cate (our eldest daughter) understood because she was older. It was hard because she watched her brother die. I don't think the two younger kids ever understood. Mom's hair fell out, but they didn't realize what was happening. Jack offered to shave his head. Both of us did. You know the danger, but now she's doing great.
