Elizabeth Edwards, who has battled cancer publicly since 2005, said in a statement Monday that doctors have no hope that further treatment will ward off her cancer.

Edwards, who is separated from former U.S. Senator John Edwards, is resting at home with her family.

She posted this message on her Facebook page to friends Monday.

"You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces - my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know."

mandy.locke@newsobserver.com or 919-829-8927