Dear Prime Minister,

Dear Prime Minister,

I’ve written to you in the past regarding Employment Insurance and Cancer patients.

Again, I find myself to be very concerned at the way you are handling the Haiti event; leaving sick Canadians in your own country begging for benefits that cover cancer patients.

Not only do we have to struggle with the shock of being diagnosed with cancer; we have to face operations, treatments, stress, and the worries about where to turn for financial help in order to keep our heads above water.

Doctors tell us not to stress as this is not a good thing for a cancer patient; yet we are forced to borrow from more fortunate individuals in our surroundings, weather it be family or friends, near or far in order to pay our medications, rent, and daily items such as food, etc. – and we have to let our other, not so important bills accumulate and face penalties and other financial burden when not covered by a private insurance.

I was not fortunate when diagnosed with cancer – I had just begun a new position; and the employer did not and does not to this day offer insurance. I had to personally battle with Employment Insurance – which finally gave in – but for only 15 weeks. With everything I’ve been thru in the past year, 4 times to the operating room, radiation both internal and external, I am still without employment and have turned to my extended family yet another time in order to help me with paying the rent.

I see, according to a CBC news article, that my federal government is earmarking up to $50 million to match Canadians' donations to charities aiding relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

How about helping those here at home who helped you into power instead of those abroad?

I can see helping out Haiti, sending them our troops, help them rebuild, etc… but lets face it, our government is already in a poor financial state according to reports – and I stongly urge you to make a difference in the lives of your fellow Canadians.
I do not know if you or your family have ever had to face cancer, you are sad then you start to worry. "What if I die"? "How will my family keep our credit and finances together if I can't work and EI only covers 15 weeks"? "What do we do once our financial future is ruined"? My doctor says recovery from cervical cancer can take over a year, 15 weeks is a drop in the bucket. These and other questions will plague your family. And now add the fear and stress of recovery. (If you recover at all…)

I have been volunteering my time and efforts in order to raise HPV and Cervical Cancer Awareness within my community – in a way to give back to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, a California-based grassroots organization, which I turned to in order to get information about cervical cancer when I was diagnosed as I knew nothing about this when diagnosed, nor did I find an organization whitin the limits of this great land of ours who could offer the same information and support as the NCCC did.

I strongly urge you to please step back and take a moment of reflection, and try to put yourself in our shoes. You say there is no money to help cancer patients in their financial drain, however you can clearly open up the federal checkbook for a country that was already in financial ruin because of their own government.

It’s difficult to sit back and not say a word about this situation. It really upsets me to the point that I will strongly reconsider my political views next time the federal elections come around. You sit back and do nothing for us – yet you are so free to give our money away – instead help those in need in your own country. And I lay emphasis on the word “our” money; as it is our tax dollars that keep this country afloat.

If you want to donate to Haiti, fine, do it with your dime, but keep my dime out of it, as I need every penny to stay alive.

Karen Eryou
Sherbrooke, QC

Blog Jan. 2010

It may seem like it's been awhile since I've written – and yes, you would be correct. It seems that I have been concentrating my energy on my Facebook page (http://tinyurl.com/qcnccc) updating it on a regular basis.

I was scheduled to have my six-month checkup with my oncologist this past November. I called back in July to try and set up an appointment, only to have been told I would receive a letter in the mail.

I waited. And I waited. And I waited some more… every day I would check the mail for this infamous letter that would never arrive. Finally on December 7th I was fed up and gave them yet another call to find out what had happened and why I did not receive my letter for my November appointment.

The receptionist who answered my call stated that my oncologist had been running behind in his appointments and that I would be placed on a list. I took a deep breath and responded with "what is your name please?" Upon her reply, she then asked me if I had complications or if something was wrong. I was quick to answer "I was diagnosed with cancer, and I want to know if I am still in remission or if there are any other remaining or new traces. Is that enough of a complication?"

She said I would have to wait until January, but would see what she could do. Funny how once I asked for her name, things changed; and two days later I received the letter in the mail, dated nonetheless December 7. How ironic is that.

My appointment was scheduled for January as she had mentioned.

On Friday, January 8, 2010 was my six-month appointment (a few months late, but better than no appointment at all) with my oncologist.

Chad was home on Thursday that week, and took me to my appointment. We arrived early, just in case he was ahead of schedule – no luck, we had to wait. There were a few people ahead of me, including one older gentleman who was furious that he had not seen the doctor already.

When it came my turn – I was greeted by a student intern who was quite kind, and asked me my history, and how I was feeling. I answered him that I was still very tired with a low energy level and he said he would go thru my file and also mention it to my oncologist prior to my examination.

A few more minutes pass, and my oncologist entered the room with his student intern – a few questions, then up onto the cold but lovely white paper covered black examination table. The nurse then entered the room. And yes, you know the routine… ugh. Not the best of times, or the nicest of positions, but something that you can not go without.

After a few pokes, jabs, and conversation, the examination was over.

My oncologist said that it was normal for me to be tired on account of everything my body went thru in such a short amount of time. He said it takes time for the body to heal. He also told me to go about at my own pace, and rest when I felt the need.

Upon his exiting the room, he said "I will see you again in June or July."

When I was getting dressed, I made a mental note to myself, call in April to make sure I give the receptionist enough time to get me on the June or July list!

One must take care of oneself.

Two days later, after this visit to the medical center, I came down with a very bad cold – and had to resort to codeine. I don't get it. I am so anal about using the hand sanitizers, not touching anything, and I still get sick. Thank goodness for codeine.

Karen Eryou

January 18, 2010

Note: Codeine based cough syrup and pain reliver is available OTC in Canada.