I was so sorry to hear yesterday that White House press secretary Tony Snow's colon cancer has recurred; Snow had surgery Monday, and will be out for "weeks," he said in a statement.

More interesting was what President Bush said in HIS statement: Snow's going to whip this thing, and we'll keep him in our prayers. No discussion of his leaving or quitting his job. In fact, his replacement, Dana Perino, mentions how much the press office looks forward to Snow's return.

I know they are different people in different situations, but did anyone else notice how totally different the public reactions seem to be? With Elizabeth Edwards, folks, including Katie Couric on "60 Minutes," seemed to expect she'd call off her husband's presidential campaign, and go home to die. No such reaction for Snow, who, from what I've read, might have a tougher time of his treatment, and whose long-term prospects are much more uncertain.

Be sure to look for my story tomorrow in The CA. I talked to survivors of metastatic cancer -- they have LOTS to say about the country's reaction to Elizabeth Edwards. I'll look forward to your comments.