Linda seems fine, however I am hiding out in my office waiting for my eyes to dry. This shit is fucked up.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Fallen Soldier
Linda just called to tell me we lost another Pink Ribbon Cowgirl today. She was 29.
Linda seems fine, however I am hiding out in my office waiting for my eyes to dry. This shit is fucked up.
Linda seems fine, however I am hiding out in my office waiting for my eyes to dry. This shit is fucked up.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
829 Days
It has been 829 days since Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, I have shared 829 sunrises with her and 829 sunsets. We have tucked our kids in 829 times and told them we love them (at least) 829 times. I am thankful for every day I get to spend with her. I have stopped asking why and simply accept the gift that is given to us every morning. Tomorrow will be 830 and I will treat the day with the reverence it deserves.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Wonder Drug: Not Just For Hangovers Anymore
Incredible news, and applicable to TNBC, which in previous studies wasn't proven.
...It affected both estrogen-positive tumors and those not fueled by the hormone...
The study of more than 4,000 nurses showed that those who took aspirin — usually to prevent heart disease — had a 50 percent lower risk of dying from breast cancer and a 50 percent lower risk that the cancer would spread.
"This is the first study to find that aspirin can significantly reduce the risk of cancer spread and death for women who have been treated for early stage breast cancer, " said Dr. Michelle Holmes of Harvard Medical School, who led the study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
"If these findings are confirmed in other clinical trials, taking aspirin may become another simple, low-cost and relatively safe tool to help women with breast cancer live longer, healthier lives," Holmes added in a statement.
Holmes and her team studied 4,164 female registered nurses taking part in the Nurses' Health Study, an ongoing analysis of a wide range of health issues.
They started in 1976, looking at who took aspirin, watching for breast cancer and all causes of death until 2006.
Over this time, 341 of the nurses died of breast cancer.
Women who took aspirin two to five days a week had a 60 percent reduced risk of their cancer spreading and a 71 percent lower risk of breast cancer death. Six to seven aspirins a week lowered the risk of spread by 43 percent and the risk of breast cancer death by 64 percent.
Most of the women were taking low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attacks and stroke.
Ibuprofen and naproxen appear to lower risk too
Other drugs in the same class as aspirin also apparently lowered the risks, too. These drugs, called non-steroidal inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, include ibuprofen and naproxen but not acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol.
But there was not enough data on these drugs to give a clear answer.
The researchers said they are not sure how aspirin and other NSAIDS may affect tumors but it could be by lowering inflammation. Other studies have shown that aspirin and ibuprofen can lower colon cancer risk, for instance.
"Aspirin has relatively benign adverse effects compared with cancer chemotherapeutic drugs and may also prevent colon cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke," the researchers wrote. It affected both estrogen-positive tumors and those not fueled by the hormone.
Holmes' team stressed that patients should not take aspirin while undergoing radiation or chemotherapy because of the risk of side effects.
And aspirin can cause stomach bleeding so it should not be taken without a doctor's supervision.
...It affected both estrogen-positive tumors and those not fueled by the hormone...
Aspirin cuts death risk after breast cancer
Large study of nurses showed 50 percent lower risk cancer would spread
WASHINGTON - Breast cancer survivors who take aspirin regularly may be less likely to die or have their cancer return, U.S. researchers reported Tuesday.The study of more than 4,000 nurses showed that those who took aspirin — usually to prevent heart disease — had a 50 percent lower risk of dying from breast cancer and a 50 percent lower risk that the cancer would spread.
"This is the first study to find that aspirin can significantly reduce the risk of cancer spread and death for women who have been treated for early stage breast cancer, " said Dr. Michelle Holmes of Harvard Medical School, who led the study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
"If these findings are confirmed in other clinical trials, taking aspirin may become another simple, low-cost and relatively safe tool to help women with breast cancer live longer, healthier lives," Holmes added in a statement.
Holmes and her team studied 4,164 female registered nurses taking part in the Nurses' Health Study, an ongoing analysis of a wide range of health issues.
They started in 1976, looking at who took aspirin, watching for breast cancer and all causes of death until 2006.
Over this time, 341 of the nurses died of breast cancer.
Women who took aspirin two to five days a week had a 60 percent reduced risk of their cancer spreading and a 71 percent lower risk of breast cancer death. Six to seven aspirins a week lowered the risk of spread by 43 percent and the risk of breast cancer death by 64 percent.
Most of the women were taking low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attacks and stroke.
Ibuprofen and naproxen appear to lower risk too
Other drugs in the same class as aspirin also apparently lowered the risks, too. These drugs, called non-steroidal inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, include ibuprofen and naproxen but not acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol.
But there was not enough data on these drugs to give a clear answer.
The researchers said they are not sure how aspirin and other NSAIDS may affect tumors but it could be by lowering inflammation. Other studies have shown that aspirin and ibuprofen can lower colon cancer risk, for instance.
"Aspirin has relatively benign adverse effects compared with cancer chemotherapeutic drugs and may also prevent colon cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke," the researchers wrote. It affected both estrogen-positive tumors and those not fueled by the hormone.
Holmes' team stressed that patients should not take aspirin while undergoing radiation or chemotherapy because of the risk of side effects.
And aspirin can cause stomach bleeding so it should not be taken without a doctor's supervision.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Nothing to report
All is going as planned, no complications at all. Aside from some minor fix-up tweaks, the results are great. We are eager to get going on a running/exercise plan once we are given the go ahead and Linda feels up to it.
This central Texas winter has been extraordinarily long and cold (by Texas standards) and we are anxiously waiting for spring/summer to arrive. Life is good and it is full speed ahead :)
This central Texas winter has been extraordinarily long and cold (by Texas standards) and we are anxiously waiting for spring/summer to arrive. Life is good and it is full speed ahead :)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Null Process
If you've spent any time around a PC, at some point you've come across the Task Manager. The Task Manager tells you what processes are running on your computer.
You will probably also have noticed a process called the "System Idle Process" which seems to take up an inordinate amount of processing cycles. The truth is, most modern computers and operating systems *have* to be doing something all the time. When they have nothing to do, they do the "System Idle Process".
Your brain is pretty much the same. I call it the 'null process'. When you are not thinking or processing the task at hand, your brain reverts to the null process. If you were to come by office at around 4:30 in the afternoon, and I'm staring at my desk with a line of spit running from my chin to the keyboard, that would be the null process in action.
Everyone has different null processes and in all likelihood they have changed over time. At age 12 my null process changed from thinking about cartoons, comics, and Star Wars to thinking about other things that occupy a young man's mind...
Actually from age 12 to 25, thinking of vaginas and related accessories (butts, boobs, etc) was pretty much a foreground process the whole time. At 25, I married my favorite vagi...errr...Linda and the null processes started to lean towards family and career. How do we get ahead? Is this the right move? Should we have kids? Should we have more kids? How do we make more money? Getting started is pretty tough, so the majority of the early years were directed toward my career.
Then, around 35, after establishing myself in my career, I started to realize that we were not only supposed to raise kids, we were supposed to raise 'good' kids. That required a shift in priorities and my null processes started to flip-flop
and, I think you know where this is going. On Decemeber 13, 2007, my process table changed forever
and that's how it stayed for all of 2008. When all you do 24x7 is think about cancer, your mind tends to take you to some pretty dark places. What's worse, at least in my case, is there was no outlet. As the caregiver, I couldn't very well burden the caregivee with what I was dealing with. That's when I started writing about it. Sure I was still thinking about it *all* the time, but instead of letting my null process take me to those places where my fears and insecurities live, I instead focused on telling our story and hopefully injecting some much needed humor along the way.
I think 2009 was our way of coping with 2008. Our stated goal for 2009 was to have as much fun as possible and to make up for 2008. We surely did, and I have the scars to prove it! Subconsciously, or maybe consciously, I believe the unstated goal was to keep the null process at bay. If you are busy doing other stuff, the null process never gets a chance to run. When the cancer came back in July, we really overclocked ourselves, far beyond the manufacturer's (and definitely the credit card company's) recommended settings. It really was all cancer, all fun, all the time.
You will probably also have noticed a process called the "System Idle Process" which seems to take up an inordinate amount of processing cycles. The truth is, most modern computers and operating systems *have* to be doing something all the time. When they have nothing to do, they do the "System Idle Process".
Your brain is pretty much the same. I call it the 'null process'. When you are not thinking or processing the task at hand, your brain reverts to the null process. If you were to come by office at around 4:30 in the afternoon, and I'm staring at my desk with a line of spit running from my chin to the keyboard, that would be the null process in action.
Everyone has different null processes and in all likelihood they have changed over time. At age 12 my null process changed from thinking about cartoons, comics, and Star Wars to thinking about other things that occupy a young man's mind...
Actually from age 12 to 25, thinking of vaginas and related accessories (butts, boobs, etc) was pretty much a foreground process the whole time. At 25, I married my favorite vagi...errr...Linda and the null processes started to lean towards family and career. How do we get ahead? Is this the right move? Should we have kids? Should we have more kids? How do we make more money? Getting started is pretty tough, so the majority of the early years were directed toward my career.
and, I think you know where this is going. On Decemeber 13, 2007, my process table changed forever
and that's how it stayed for all of 2008. When all you do 24x7 is think about cancer, your mind tends to take you to some pretty dark places. What's worse, at least in my case, is there was no outlet. As the caregiver, I couldn't very well burden the caregivee with what I was dealing with. That's when I started writing about it. Sure I was still thinking about it *all* the time, but instead of letting my null process take me to those places where my fears and insecurities live, I instead focused on telling our story and hopefully injecting some much needed humor along the way.
I think 2009 was our way of coping with 2008. Our stated goal for 2009 was to have as much fun as possible and to make up for 2008. We surely did, and I have the scars to prove it! Subconsciously, or maybe consciously, I believe the unstated goal was to keep the null process at bay. If you are busy doing other stuff, the null process never gets a chance to run. When the cancer came back in July, we really overclocked ourselves, far beyond the manufacturer's (and definitely the credit card company's) recommended settings. It really was all cancer, all fun, all the time.
and then, just this past weekend, an interesting thing happened.
It wasn't a huge event, but enough so that I noticed. I think that is a pretty healthy sign.
My stated goal for 2010 is to devote some active and null processes to my career, which has definitely been a background process for the past 2 years. Thankfully, I have had more support from my company than anyone could ask for. 2010 calls for a healthy mix of family, fun and career, and who knows, if I play my cards right...
Friday, January 15, 2010
Breast Reconstruction with Implants
I found this video on Youtube which is similar to Linda's phase II procedure
Post-op update
The procedure was a complete success. The operation was about 1.5 hours long and after 24 hours, Linda is already off her pain meds and puttering around the house. Incredible!
Thanks for all the words of encouragement. As you can see in this pre-op photo from yesterday, with her great attitude, it is easy for me to support her in this journey.
Thanks for all the words of encouragement. As you can see in this pre-op photo from yesterday, with her great attitude, it is easy for me to support her in this journey.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Boobaliscious
Tomorrow is a big day.
Surgically speaking, compared to the mastectomy, this will be a walk in the park. It is an outpatient procedure and Linda will be home tomorrow evening. Recovery is measured in days, as opposed to weeks.
Psychologically speaking, tomorrow is a pretty big milestone and a very important part of Linda's healing, and mine too. Of course she knows I'd love her if she had no boobs or 3 boobs, but having the twins back (even if they are adopted) is a big deal.
Wish us luck!
(I hope this goes without saying, but I'm going to say it anyways. Linda and I tackle most things in life with a smile and a sense of humor. It helps accentuate the highs and take the edge off the lows. I can't imagine doing it any other way. Please don't interpret my sometimes off-color posts as anything less than complete respect for those women and families that have walked in our shoes)
Surgically speaking, compared to the mastectomy, this will be a walk in the park. It is an outpatient procedure and Linda will be home tomorrow evening. Recovery is measured in days, as opposed to weeks.
Psychologically speaking, tomorrow is a pretty big milestone and a very important part of Linda's healing, and mine too. Of course she knows I'd love her if she had no boobs or 3 boobs, but having the twins back (even if they are adopted) is a big deal.
Wish us luck!
(I hope this goes without saying, but I'm going to say it anyways. Linda and I tackle most things in life with a smile and a sense of humor. It helps accentuate the highs and take the edge off the lows. I can't imagine doing it any other way. Please don't interpret my sometimes off-color posts as anything less than complete respect for those women and families that have walked in our shoes)
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Merry bone scan and a happy CAT too
Monday is scan day as we try to squeeze in under 2009 deductibles. I thought these were supposed to get easier as time went on, but they seem to be getting harder.
Please send your prayers, positive thoughts, whatever you've got. Let's start 2010 with a clean bill of health!
Please send your prayers, positive thoughts, whatever you've got. Let's start 2010 with a clean bill of health!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
L@@K - 2 Foobies - NIB - W@W
Everything is coming along nicely. We stopped in to see the surgeon yesterday and make sure everything is on track. It is. We have an appointment in early January to have the final implants put in.
During every visit to the office, I would always look over at the various sample implants stacked over on the counter. Sometimes I would get up and play with them (I don't think 'fondle' is the right word here). I just figured Linda would be getting a pair of those. So, yesterday, as we discussed everything with the surgeon, he handed me one. When I said "So Linda is going to be getting some just like this?" he kind of chuckled. He said "No, that's the 300ml size. Go grab one of those big ones off the shelf, the 400ml ones". I did. I was liking where this was going. "Now add that to the 300ml one you have in your other hand. That's 700ml. That about right.". Shwing!
Did you know each foobie has a serial number? I guess they use it for recalls and such. Recently however, much to the dismay of her husband, they were used to identify the remains of a missing person. Linda said "There, you can't murder me now". I told her the implants wouldn't survive the wood-chipper.
During every visit to the office, I would always look over at the various sample implants stacked over on the counter. Sometimes I would get up and play with them (I don't think 'fondle' is the right word here). I just figured Linda would be getting a pair of those. So, yesterday, as we discussed everything with the surgeon, he handed me one. When I said "So Linda is going to be getting some just like this?" he kind of chuckled. He said "No, that's the 300ml size. Go grab one of those big ones off the shelf, the 400ml ones". I did. I was liking where this was going. "Now add that to the 300ml one you have in your other hand. That's 700ml. That about right.". Shwing!
Did you know each foobie has a serial number? I guess they use it for recalls and such. Recently however, much to the dismay of her husband, they were used to identify the remains of a missing person. Linda said "There, you can't murder me now". I told her the implants wouldn't survive the wood-chipper.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
More TNBC News...
Metformin demonstrates ability to kill cancer stem cells in mice
A positive turn of events for a "negative" tumor
Report Highlights Cancer Advances
University Hospitals begins trial to test vaccine for triple negative breast cancer
Turmeric component curcumin inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation
A positive turn of events for a "negative" tumor
Report Highlights Cancer Advances
University Hospitals begins trial to test vaccine for triple negative breast cancer
Turmeric component curcumin inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation
Monday, November 23, 2009
A Day In The Life
Telemarketer: Ma'am, I'm calling you today to raise money to help pay for mammograms for women who can't afford them.
Linda: Yes, I donated $xxx.00 a few months back and since then, you've called me *every* week for another donation.
Telemarketer: Yes ma'am. We have 3 levels of donations. $200, $100 and $75. How much can we count on you for today ma'am?
Linda: I donated my 2 boobs to breast cancer. Is that not enough?
Telemarketer: *silence*...how about $50?
Linda: Put me on your DO NOT CALL list!
Telemarketer: *click*
Linda: Yes, I donated $xxx.00 a few months back and since then, you've called me *every* week for another donation.
Telemarketer: Yes ma'am. We have 3 levels of donations. $200, $100 and $75. How much can we count on you for today ma'am?
Linda: I donated my 2 boobs to breast cancer. Is that not enough?
Telemarketer: *silence*...how about $50?
Linda: Put me on your DO NOT CALL list!
Telemarketer: *click*
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Ding! You are now free to play your cancer card
Linda's original cancer was staged as "locally advanced". This meant that the cancer had advanced past the breast tissue and had spread to the lymph nodes under her left arm, but not beyond. In treating the cancer, 19 lymph nodes were removed from that side for diagnostic and preventative reasons and the rest of the lymph nodes were irradiated. This left her with a less-than-perfect lymphatic system on her upper left side. I like to think of lymph nodes as gatekeepers which prevent infections from spreading throughout the body and keep them localized. In addition to being extra cautious and trying to avoid injuries (burns, cuts, bruises) on her left arm, we need also be aware of lymphedema.
Lymphedema is a condition where, due to blockages or deficiencies in the lymph nodes, the body can not properly drain lymphatic fluid to/from the affected body part. This can lead to pain and swelling in the limb and once it occurs, it has a tendency to become a chronic condition. It is definitely something we want to avoid. To date, Linda has had no symptoms *knocks on wood* of lymphedema but we are always weary of the potential. Such a case arose on our recent trip to San Francisco. In flight cabin pressure changes affects our bodies in odd ways and one of those is a movement of fluids to/from the extremities. With Linda's compromised lymph nodes, it was suggested that she wear a compression sleeve and glove to minimize that flow of fluids in her arm. She was fitted for both and we were ready to fly...almost. Today's heightened airline security means that the metal detectors at the airport have been set to "extra-sensitive". Sensitive enough that any metal such as a belt-loop, watch or perhaps a metal breast tissue expander port could set it off. With doctors note in hand, we headed to the airport. Turns out Linda's foobs didn't set off the machine.
If you've ever flown Southwest, you are familiar with their unassigned cattle call seating. Basically, 24 hours prior to your flight you can check in online. The earlier you check-in, the earlier you board and the better chance you have in getting an isle or window seat. As a frequent AA passenger, I forgot about the mad online check-in rush that happens @ 23:59 before your flight. Sadly, by the time I checked us in, we were in the last boarding group. 2 middle seats in 2 different rows was not how I wanted to start our romantic getaway and, with no kids in tow (remember: romantic getaway), we had little chance of family preboarding...but we did have the compression sleeve! With the sleeve, glove, some fumbling for the boarding passes, and a little extra gravitas on Linda's part, we left the check-in counter with a medical preboard envelope. I'm okay with the implications on my/our Karma. It's not like we ousted some really sick kid from their seat, we just got to board first...but just in case, on our return, I made a donation to the Humane Society of Williamson County for some balance ;)
And by the way...San Francisco is an incredibly beautiful city and is the perfect place to fall in love again. I recommend it highly.
.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Save it for a rainy day
We've all heard of that expression, and many of us live by it. What kind of bullshit advice is that? First off, why would I save for a rainy day? Wouldn't I want to save for a sunny day? Second, if it is considered a bad habit to procrastinate and put off things we DON'T want to do, why is it that we see value in putting off the things we DO want to, or saving money for our old age. If you are lucky enough to see 'old age', and believe me there are no guarantees, you may just find that you are too friggin' old to enjoy the things you always wanted to do. For every 75 year-old tennis playing grandma, I'll show you 10 bitter old men with bad knees or wives caring for their incapacitated husbands. Your golden years are NOW, not some mythical retirement age. Live it, enjoy it, now.
Is this a mid-life crisis? Crisis...no...mid-life...I can only hope. I turn 40 this week and that is very cool. I love my life and all those who share it with me, but I know all too well how fragile all this is. No regrets.
Is this a mid-life crisis? Crisis...no...mid-life...I can only hope. I turn 40 this week and that is very cool. I love my life and all those who share it with me, but I know all too well how fragile all this is. No regrets.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
No news is good news
Foobie expanders are now full. Now it is just a waiting game until we get the Foobie implants.
You only get a finite set of sunrises on this earth so spend them with those people/things that make you happy, avoid the haters, try and make a difference and enjoy every day.
You only get a finite set of sunrises on this earth so spend them with those people/things that make you happy, avoid the haters, try and make a difference and enjoy every day.
Monday, October 5, 2009
News you can use: Dispatches from the battlefront
- Metformin Selectively Targets Cancer Stem Cells, and Acts Together with Chemotherapy to Block Tumor Growth and Prolong Remission
- BSI-201 Enters Phase 3 in Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer
- National Cancer Institute Research Identifies Unique Mechanism of Brostallicin's Anti-Tumor Effectiveness
- Breast Cancer Discovery: Vitamin A Derivative Normalizes Cell Growth
- A Cure For Breast Cancer Within 20 Years? Researcher Says It’s Likely
- Liberate the Breast Cancer Genes
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
My husband wants to know how big we can make these funbags?
That was Linda's quote today as she prepared to get the fourth fill of her expanders. No, she didn't actually say that to the doctor, she was just mocking me as we both got dressed this morning. This is what I have to put up with!
She is doing great with no complications. Every Tuesday she stops by the office for a quick visit and a boost of 60 ml per expander. She is up to 590ml but is still a ways off from her final goal. She doesn't know what that number is but will know once she gets there. Who am I to interfere?
I do have to remind her that the expanders are not the final implants and serve a totally different purpose. She knows, but is eager to see more realistic results. Their job is to stretch the pectoral muscles and surrounding tissue. They are flatter and they are as hard as a rock (filled with saline). Once they are filled, they will remain in place for three months while her body adjusts to the stretched tissue after which they are replaced with the final silicone implants. So as it is shaping up, it looks like Santa will be delayed a bit and will be showing up in the new year, just in time for a fresh new set of insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.I must of searched the internet for 2-3 hours looking for the right picture to accompany this post. You'd be surprised what shows up when you search for 'huge melons'. As co-survivors, sometimes we must bear this burden silently.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Feel your boobies and get that yearly mammogram. Don't wait until you're 40, make that appointment tomorrow.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
My View of Health Care – Part 1
Okay, first off, if you think I should pay more taxes because I earn more money, you can probably stop reading now. My goal here is not to change your opinion, but if you are a socialist at heart, what I have to say likely won't resonate with you, but read on if you must. Also, these are just my 'at-the-moment' opinions and do not reflect my family's opinions, nor my employer’s (in fact it may piss him off). The kids are in bed, my wife is entertaining friends and I have run out of celebrity sex tapes to jack-it to. This post is a result of all of the above.
I've lived in a socialized health care system in Canada (for 28 years) and I've lived in a privatized health care system in the US (for 12 years). I can speak from experience. I've tried to educate myself on 'The Obama' plan (no I can't cite chapter and verse) and looked at it from left-leaning opinions as well as what free-market libertarians think. Of course I have biases because I am human.
*** rant-on ***
Okay, you republicans/conservatives/neo-cons, you had your chance. You had control of Congress for more than enough time to effect change. You did nothing but advance your own political agendas. Now that health care is up for public debate, you muddy the waters with propaganda and stupid shit like 'Death Panels'. You get to sit in the corner and shut up. Your opinion doesn't count. Let the grown ups have a sensible conversation about this.
*** rant-off ***
The Canadian System
Depending on which side of the aisle you sit, the Canadian system is either a super successful model for the world or 3 steps from Communism (maybe 2 steps). As with most things, I think the answer lies somewhere in between.
Basically, everyone who pays income taxes throws their tax money into a big pile in the middle of the country. The federal government sets aside some of that ‘general fund’ for health care. Every province gets some of the money to manage their own provincial health care system. How much they get depends on population, voodoo and who's giving whom a reach around on Parliament Hill. This is the 'single payer system'. There is a single entity that pays for your health care, the government. They also legislate how much the doctors can charge for services and what is covered (say what? that doesn't sound right? that sounds like a conflict of interest doesn't it?).
As a Canadian (or resident, legal or otherwise), when you get sick, you go to your doctor. And by *your* doctor, I mean you have 1. Your GP is your primary care physician. You basically have to see him for everything. If you need further specialized care, he'll refer you to a specialist (not unlike a HMO). As the system exists right now, many people do not have a GP (sorry I don't have a quote on the national numbers but it is pretty common). There is a dearth of GPs and a waiting list to find one. You can always go to a clinic or the emergency room so just because you don't have a GP doesn't mean you won't get treated. You will never see an 'explanation of benefits' form or a bill. From a sore throat to cancer, you won't pay a cent. The doctor bills the government at an agreed upon price and the government pays him for his services. No one dies because they can’t afford health care, and no one goes broke because they get sick. It is a reasonable system, but it does have plenty of warts, some serious.
First off, it is pretty expensive. The average Canadian pays 45% if his income back in income taxes (I read this somewhere and know it is pretty close). I don't know how much of that goes to pay for health care, but I'm pretty sure it is a large chunk of it (a basic problem with the 'general fund' approach). In some provinces, it isn’t enough, so they started charging a 1% health premium (it wasn't a *tax* because the elected party promised no new taxes...douchebags!).
Secondly, all that money still doesn't cover it. Not everything is covered. Prescriptions are not covered at all. Your employer may choose to cover you for prescriptions, but that's between you, them, and a private plan. Dental care is not covered. I think teeth are an import part of your overall health but that seems to have slipped through the cracks (just ask the front row of a Rita McNeil concert). More and more treatments are being cut back as costs rise. The government doesn't dictate your treatment to your doctor, but they do dictate what (and how much) they'll pay for. You do the math.
Thirdly, the system is not competitive. Prices are fixed (likely artificially low). If the system worked, we would be graduating or importing doctors by the truckload. Great government health care for all! The fact is there is an extreme shortage of doctors, especially in the rural communities. Governments are closing hospitals everyday. Seriously. An aging population that is going to require more and more health services and we are cutting them back? There are fund raisers every year just to help the Children's Hospital get a few more bucks to help the kids. What the fuck? This is a model for the world?
Fourthly, did I mention the lack of doctors and money in the system? That leads to delays. We've all heard the 'it takes 6 months to get an MRI' quote. I'm not sure if that is accurate, but they definitely aren't next-day like they are in the US. When you wake up paralyzed on your right side, you want that MRI next-day, not next-month. With all the available doctors treating sore throats and cancers, that doesn't leave a lot of room for 'elective' surgery. No I'm not talking about boob jobs and liposuction, I'm talking about 'elective' hips replacements, 'elective' back surgery, and 'elective' knee replacement. The government has deemed those as 'elective'. So you, who just slipped a disc in your back and are bed ridden popping Oxycontin all day just to numb the pain, back of the line for you bub. We'll try to get you to see a specialist in 4 months, then maybe schedule surgery 6 months after that. I shit you not. That *is* the system. But you'll never receive a bill.
Fifthly (is that a word?), with all that hard to get healthcare, it should make for a great market place for entrepreneurs to fill in the gaps. Doctors could open their own clinics, maybe even charge a few bucks extra so you can get prompt service. WRONG! That would be illegal. If you have done well for yourself and have a few extra bucks in your pocket and want to get a mammogram tomorrow, it is off the US for you. You can't buy your own health care in Canada, that wouldn’t be very socialist now would it?
Sixthly (now I know that’s not a word), I’m going to stop railing on the Canadian health care system. It really isn’t all that bad, and it really isn’t all that good. I speak from experience and familial experience. I’ll share some personal stories.
Seventhly, I just don’t think the Canadian health care system can be sustained for a long time. I don’t have diagrams, charts or projections, but logic says we have an aging population, more people taking out of the system, less putting into it, and a non-competitive government environment that stifles innovation and change.
Believe me, I understand what it is to be Canadian (and still am), and the great ideals that entails. The system has great benefits and serious flaws. When trying to figure out what to do with the US health care system, we can’t look to Michael Moore for the truth, nor can we look to Bill O’Reilly. We need to look at real people and how health care affects their life. We all pay for it one way or another; we should demand that it be the best.
Okay, so I didn’t propose any solutions. That wasn’t my intent…yet. My next post will detail this poutine-eating, beaver-tail loving Canadian’s experience with Big Medicine.
Now I have to go work on my other blog post – ‘BJs Prevent Breast Cancer’.
See you soon.
I've lived in a socialized health care system in Canada (for 28 years) and I've lived in a privatized health care system in the US (for 12 years). I can speak from experience. I've tried to educate myself on 'The Obama' plan (no I can't cite chapter and verse) and looked at it from left-leaning opinions as well as what free-market libertarians think. Of course I have biases because I am human.
*** rant-on ***
Okay, you republicans/conservatives/neo-cons, you had your chance. You had control of Congress for more than enough time to effect change. You did nothing but advance your own political agendas. Now that health care is up for public debate, you muddy the waters with propaganda and stupid shit like 'Death Panels'. You get to sit in the corner and shut up. Your opinion doesn't count. Let the grown ups have a sensible conversation about this.
*** rant-off ***
The Canadian System
Depending on which side of the aisle you sit, the Canadian system is either a super successful model for the world or 3 steps from Communism (maybe 2 steps). As with most things, I think the answer lies somewhere in between.
Basically, everyone who pays income taxes throws their tax money into a big pile in the middle of the country. The federal government sets aside some of that ‘general fund’ for health care. Every province gets some of the money to manage their own provincial health care system. How much they get depends on population, voodoo and who's giving whom a reach around on Parliament Hill. This is the 'single payer system'. There is a single entity that pays for your health care, the government. They also legislate how much the doctors can charge for services and what is covered (say what? that doesn't sound right? that sounds like a conflict of interest doesn't it?).
As a Canadian (or resident, legal or otherwise), when you get sick, you go to your doctor. And by *your* doctor, I mean you have 1. Your GP is your primary care physician. You basically have to see him for everything. If you need further specialized care, he'll refer you to a specialist (not unlike a HMO). As the system exists right now, many people do not have a GP (sorry I don't have a quote on the national numbers but it is pretty common). There is a dearth of GPs and a waiting list to find one. You can always go to a clinic or the emergency room so just because you don't have a GP doesn't mean you won't get treated. You will never see an 'explanation of benefits' form or a bill. From a sore throat to cancer, you won't pay a cent. The doctor bills the government at an agreed upon price and the government pays him for his services. No one dies because they can’t afford health care, and no one goes broke because they get sick. It is a reasonable system, but it does have plenty of warts, some serious.
First off, it is pretty expensive. The average Canadian pays 45% if his income back in income taxes (I read this somewhere and know it is pretty close). I don't know how much of that goes to pay for health care, but I'm pretty sure it is a large chunk of it (a basic problem with the 'general fund' approach). In some provinces, it isn’t enough, so they started charging a 1% health premium (it wasn't a *tax* because the elected party promised no new taxes...douchebags!).
Secondly, all that money still doesn't cover it. Not everything is covered. Prescriptions are not covered at all. Your employer may choose to cover you for prescriptions, but that's between you, them, and a private plan. Dental care is not covered. I think teeth are an import part of your overall health but that seems to have slipped through the cracks (just ask the front row of a Rita McNeil concert). More and more treatments are being cut back as costs rise. The government doesn't dictate your treatment to your doctor, but they do dictate what (and how much) they'll pay for. You do the math.
Thirdly, the system is not competitive. Prices are fixed (likely artificially low). If the system worked, we would be graduating or importing doctors by the truckload. Great government health care for all! The fact is there is an extreme shortage of doctors, especially in the rural communities. Governments are closing hospitals everyday. Seriously. An aging population that is going to require more and more health services and we are cutting them back? There are fund raisers every year just to help the Children's Hospital get a few more bucks to help the kids. What the fuck? This is a model for the world?
Fourthly, did I mention the lack of doctors and money in the system? That leads to delays. We've all heard the 'it takes 6 months to get an MRI' quote. I'm not sure if that is accurate, but they definitely aren't next-day like they are in the US. When you wake up paralyzed on your right side, you want that MRI next-day, not next-month. With all the available doctors treating sore throats and cancers, that doesn't leave a lot of room for 'elective' surgery. No I'm not talking about boob jobs and liposuction, I'm talking about 'elective' hips replacements, 'elective' back surgery, and 'elective' knee replacement. The government has deemed those as 'elective'. So you, who just slipped a disc in your back and are bed ridden popping Oxycontin all day just to numb the pain, back of the line for you bub. We'll try to get you to see a specialist in 4 months, then maybe schedule surgery 6 months after that. I shit you not. That *is* the system. But you'll never receive a bill.
Fifthly (is that a word?), with all that hard to get healthcare, it should make for a great market place for entrepreneurs to fill in the gaps. Doctors could open their own clinics, maybe even charge a few bucks extra so you can get prompt service. WRONG! That would be illegal. If you have done well for yourself and have a few extra bucks in your pocket and want to get a mammogram tomorrow, it is off the US for you. You can't buy your own health care in Canada, that wouldn’t be very socialist now would it?
Sixthly (now I know that’s not a word), I’m going to stop railing on the Canadian health care system. It really isn’t all that bad, and it really isn’t all that good. I speak from experience and familial experience. I’ll share some personal stories.
- I lived in Canada until I was 28 and was pretty healthy the whole time. Aside from a few visits to get ‘the clap’ cleared up and UPIs (unidentified party injuries), I think I stepped in the doctor’s office maybe twice from age 14 to 28. As a child, we saw the doctor when we were sick. I even had a house call once. Never heard Dad complain about the rising cost of health care. Perfect. Life is good.
- My daughter was born in 1996 at an Ottawa Hospital. At the time, I had a good job with the RCMP. My employer provided supplemental insurance carried a ‘room upgrade’ for the recovery room. We were privileged to move from a 4-person ward to a 2 –person ward. Living large! During Linda’s recovery, the family of 6 we shared a room with decided to have a fucking candle-light prayer/séance on the floor of the ward to welcome their new offspring. Not quite the way I had envisioned my daughter's first day. No, it wasn’t a life-threatening event, but it was life-changing. I never looked at socialized medicine the same way again.
- I have a relative who had thyroid cancer. Caught it, cured it, great service.
- I have a relative who pays into the system and has seen a doctor maybe 3 times in 20 years. The system likes him.
- I have a relative who had severe back problems. I think it took him 18 months to get it operated on, and he went home with an Oxycontin addiction for his troubles.
- I have a relative who endured 6 months of back pain before seeing a specialist. He rode the morphine dragon for most of it.
- I have a relative who had throat cancer. She had surgery, chemo and radiation and is cured. The throat cancer was a direct result of 40 years of smoking. I love her with all my heart, but I wonder if she should bear some of the financial responsibility for her actions. All (tax paying) Canadians had to pay for her treatment and she paid none. I don’t think that is right, but I’m glad we still have her nonetheless.
- I have a relative who died from cancer. Diagnosed at stage 4. He was basically told there is nothing we can do for you, please go home and arrange your affairs. It turns out there was a 5-10% chance that an experimental treatment could have cured him. He was never given the option because the Canadian health care system can’t bear the burden/cost of something with a low chance of a ‘return on investment’. Tell that to the family he left behind.
Seventhly, I just don’t think the Canadian health care system can be sustained for a long time. I don’t have diagrams, charts or projections, but logic says we have an aging population, more people taking out of the system, less putting into it, and a non-competitive government environment that stifles innovation and change.
Believe me, I understand what it is to be Canadian (and still am), and the great ideals that entails. The system has great benefits and serious flaws. When trying to figure out what to do with the US health care system, we can’t look to Michael Moore for the truth, nor can we look to Bill O’Reilly. We need to look at real people and how health care affects their life. We all pay for it one way or another; we should demand that it be the best.
Okay, so I didn’t propose any solutions. That wasn’t my intent…yet. My next post will detail this poutine-eating, beaver-tail loving Canadian’s experience with Big Medicine.
Now I have to go work on my other blog post – ‘BJs Prevent Breast Cancer’.
See you soon.
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