Dear Robin:
I recently finished breast cancer treatment. While going through treatment I was affected by its costs. Even though I am on disability, the costs were great and I had to research to find out where to get help. I feel more patients do not get enough help with costs, even with other funding. With all the money going to research, some of it can be going to patients who pay out of pocket for many things, like lunches, taxis and medications. Please make a fund available to help patients out with the millions raised for research. I am sure some of that money would be so life saving for people during cancer. -- Frustrated With Lack of Funding
Dear Frustrated:
I can completely understand your frustration, and I agree with you 100%, which is why I am publishing your letter and jumping back on my soapbox du jour. While I know the funds are primarily allocated for research, I also wonder if a little more could not be coughed up to help patients.
The cost of uncovered medications for some types of cancer is disgusting. What is even more shocking is that from what I have read, some patients need to make the choice between treatments or keeping a roof over their heads. Last time I checked, we live in Canada, so what is the deal?
There has been some headway as far as covering certain medications (like avastin), but there is a long way to go. From personal experience, the full cost of an anti-nausea drug works out to around 13 dollars per pill, and that is cheap compared to some other medications. I am one of the lucky ones who has some drug coverage, but what about those who don't?
As for other support, I can only state what I know of in Alberta, so I encourage those in other provinces to contact their regional cancer board, or the Canadian Cancer Society. In Alberta, there is emergency funding available if need is established by referral from a doctor or social worker.
I know our major cancer centres offer services such as wig loans, personal counselling, and rides for patients, all free of charge. There is also financial aid available for travel and accommodation expenses. However, you have to apply for it.
There are also various not-for-profits as well as foundations for site-specific cancers that offer help to those in need. One such foundation, called “Haying in the 30's” (www.hayinginthe30s.org), fundraises every August, with 100% of the proceeds allocated to local cancer patients in need. I know of this because I was the recipient of a monetary gift from them last year. I want to take this opportunity to thank “Haying in the 30's” from the bottom of my heart for their kindness, and the work they do to help take the burden off patients undergoing cancer treatment.
There are resources out there; you just have to look for them. Unfortunately, when you are stricken with this disease, the last thing you need is more stress in your life. One would think that would be recognized, and that a little more help would come from the “big guns,” rather than the little guys scraping it together.
Readers, if you know of aid/foundations/resources in areas other than Alberta, or even some I missed, email me and I will post them on the blog.
Poll results
How much rudeness do you encounter in your day-to-day life?
Lots - we are becoming more rude and less civilized 35%
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A lot, especially in younger generation 24%
None, I think it is on the decline 3%
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