Colon Cancer Part 2

For those of you in the U.S. whose gov't is still debating the cost of "social" Medicare I wish to point out a few facts regarding the treatment of Elizabeth when she first visited her family doctor. He suspected that the problem might be greater than he could deal with and referred her to a specialist at the Ottawa General Hospital. Within four days she had a colonoscopy. The specialist then ordered a CT scan and an MRI. Three weeks after Elizabeth met with the anesthesiologist before her operation to remove the tumor. He commented on the fast tracking when he looked at her medical file. The operation took place two weeks later but was cut short because the doctors felt that the tumor was too large.
Elizabeth was then put on a program of chemotherapy and radiation. Pills were prescribed and while I can't remember all the names I know they were expensive. I remember the pharmacist telling us that one particular prescription cost $1,000.00. Her work health insurance would have covered some of the costs but since one of her medications was in trials we didn't have to cover her prescriptions. Three months of treatments and pills. All the visits to the hospital, the doctors, then the visits to Mt. Sinai and the operation and finally the air ambulance back to Ottawa. We never saw a bill. Her recuperation at home in a hospital bed provided by the Ontario Hospital Insurance Plan is covered including the home care of nurses which come and go almost daily.
The Medicare plan applies to all provinces in Canada. It is supported by the federal and provincial government. While often called a socialized-public system it is in fact merely publicly funded. Most services are provided by private enterprises, and doctors are not on a government salary, but operate as independent businesses.

Colon Cancer

We have all come to realize that cancer affects all of us since we know family, friends and acquaintances that have contracted this disease. For some it is a devastating event with dire consequences. For others, while going through an emotional roller coaster, a glimmer of hope. Such is the glimmer of hope for Elizabeth.
Diagnosed with colon cancer March 3 2007, she has always been a a pragmatist. She confided with friends (in comic relief) that I was supposed to die before her. "After all he has all the worst habits for being healthy and besides he's old. I was supposed to get his inheritance." she said in a deadpan manner Her girlfriends didn't know whether to cry or laugh. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, Elizabeth was told the tumor was inoperable. "Does that mean that I should prepare for God?" The doctors looked at each other without answering her.
An oncologist at the Ottawa General suggested a second opinion from a doctor at Mt. Sinai in Toronto. He made the referral and we left for the meeting with the medical file and a CD of her scans. After an hour's consultation of the medical file, the doctors told us that indeed they would perform the surgery. We asked who would do the surgery? The door to the room opened and we were introduced to the surgeon who had been reviewing the CD in another room .
She told us that the surgery would involve four medical teams, orthopedic,plastic and surgical oncology and a colostomy team. The doctor told us that it would last 16 to 18 hours. It would be performed as soon as the teams could be assembled for a date when all would be available. Dr. Carol Swallow, the team leader called another meeting a few weeks later so the we could meet the other team leaders and ask any questions about the operation. Congenial and obliging all our questions they gave us a sense of security. They told us that even though the operation was complicated they felt confident that given no unforeseen difficulties they would be successful. It was an experience I will never forget.
Elizabeth was admitted to Mt. Sinai on the 10th of August 2007. Saturday morning she was released from hospital for the day. We went to CN tower and then toured the shore events We enjoyed the day. It was like being on a picnic.
She was re-admitted Sunday and surgery began at 8:30 a.m. Monday morning.
Sixteen doctors, six nurses and three anesthesiologists in the operating room. The operation lasted about 14 hours as it went better than expected. Two weeks at Mt Sinai then back to Ottawa by air ambulance. A hospital bed was provided for the home.
Medical supplies including pharmaceuticals arrive almost daily and nurses visit the house regularly. Social services provide counsel. It is a miracle.
Dr. Swallow called yesterday and wants us back in Toronto for a follow-up. We're not quite ready yet as some sutures haven't been removed and Elizabeth still must be on her back for awhile.