On Cancer, Climenhaga and Irony

On Cancer, Climenhaga and Irony

I have, just this second, become a blogger. Oh my!  The irony of my foray into this adventure must be shared. I am sitting in the privately owned imaging centre, with radioactive goo pumping through my system waiting for a MUGA scan to map the activity of my heart. And I have just read David Climenhaga's blog post about "expedited" health care. I am here because I am a breast cancer patient, ten months into a very costly regimen of surgery and treatment, affordable thanks to Alberta Health Services, and the public dollar. 

For 62 years, I was hardly a burden to the health care system at all. But a little 2 cm tumor can certainly make up for all that, and more, in a hurry.

I have come to understand a few things this year: 
1. Red Deer's Breast Health Clinic is an amazingly efficient and effective system, and has served me to perfection in terms of my care. 
2. A cancer diagnosis has brought out the best in the people who matter to me, and to whom I matter. 
3. Cancer treatments are not fun, but one can usually rise to the challenge. 
4. It doesn't do to dwell on the why's of the past, or the what if's of the future. It does do to explore and follow through on healthy lifestyle choices. 

And I have come to recognize that there are some things I shall never understand: 
1. Why aren't we going after the causes of cancer with the same vigour we expend searching for the cure?  Who would you wish to go through this "cure" process?  
2. Why aren't we insisting on finding the real answers to the high cost of our health care system before we settle for a government that would systematically tear it down?  I would be penniless, and likely unable to receive all this care had it not been for our "flawed" system. 
3. How can anyone in this province stand quietly by and tolerate elected officials who feel more entitled than the rank and file, and who would therefore use their positions to further flaw an already  troubled system. 
4. Why is my hair coming back straight? Someone promised me curls. And what is with all this grey?  Where do I go for a refund?

That's it from here today. Go and hug someone who loves you.