Still Fresh

I wrote this post last year when I was just at the start of my cancer treatment journey. I was aware then that I was very grateful that I lived in Canada and that my care would be covered even though my work didn’t offer any extended health benefits. I had admitted to doubts that at maybe my care could have come a little faster but now that I am on the other side of it all I can say with complete confidence that my treatment was excellent. My doctors were caring. The nurses and technicians were wonderful without exception. Because I had to go on disability as I could not work all my prescription medications were 100% covered by the government. Even the $175 per day Neupogen shots. Yes, because healthcare is gov’t subsidized I didn’t get those shot preventively right from the beginning like some patients do but I got them fast enough when my blood counts went down. I am ok with that. Let me assure you that cancer medications are not cheap. Neither is chemo. I continue to go for check-ups without paying a dime. I am seeing an excellent surgeon for reconstruction that is entirely covered for me including at home nursing visits after my surgery. I was able to get a preventative bi-lateral mastectomy without argument even though it was only medically indicated that my right breast be removed. I felt supported by the health care system.

I honestly do not take these things for granted. I truly believe that because I didn’t have to worry about whether I could afford treatment my recovery was easier and far less stressful. I am so incredibly thankful and consider myself blessed.

Having gone through this health adventure so recently when I read this at Amanda B’s site I almost wept. This poor man, Chester, isn’t getting his basic needs taken care of like pain relief or proper nourishment or medical care and attention when he needs it most. His situation is absolutely heartbreaking. The fact that it is happening in a rich country like the US freaks me out. Yes, we Canadians have really high taxes but I can say we happily pay them knowing that it relieves us of worry when worry about money is the last thing we need. Being sick is hard and stressful enough.

Please go and donate any amount you can possibly spare to help this man. Because my own experience is still so fresh in my mind I cannot emphasize enough how offering Chester and his mom a little support so that he can relieve his pain, feed his body, rest in a clean, warm and safe bed and see a doctor will help him far beyond physical limits. It will ease his soul which all humans in his situation deserve.