Canadian Health Care

Healthcare is just so complex in the US, and getting even more so with all the changes happening.  I can't keep up with everything -- it is extremely stressful and worrisome for our American sisters -- for all of us that wish them well.  It is just one more stressor on top of all the other BC BS.  I am relieved that I am leaving the mess, but also worried for those I am leaving. 

Now I must be strong -- gotta unplug the modem soon...

Good bye Elizabeth!!! See you on Tuesday!!!! God speed....

Happy Saturday everyone!

I'm going to title this post "Canadian Medical Discoveries at PMH/OCI to Make us Proud":

1.  Drs. E McCullough and J. Till first identified the stem cell, the basis for all current stem cell research.  Still waiting for the Nobel Committee to award its prize......

2.  First used radiation therapy in the tx of Hodgkin's Disease, improving survival rates from 25% to over 75% (unfortunately, some Hodgkin's patients are now developing BC some 20-30 years later)

3.  Dr, Vera Peters first advocated the use the combination of radiation and lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer

4.  Designed and developed the Hemitron machine to deliver full and half-body rads

5.  Designed and developed first ultrasound device to produce images of the human eye at microscopic resolution

6.  First hospital to use digital mammography

7.  Discovery of the T-cell receptor, considered the "holy grail" of immunology

8.  Discovery and identification of the PTEN gene, whose mutation is linked to several cancers (breast, brain, ovarian, prostate, thyroid and skin)

9.  Discovery of the CD45 gene, the "off" switch for several disease signals, including cancer, heart and autoimmune diseases

10.  The Cobalt machine, the root technology for many radiotherapy machines still in use today

There are several more, and they are continuing, but I just want to remind everyone that the researchers, physicists and engineers who are responsible for these life-saving discoveries were employed by Princess Margaret Hospital/Ontario Cancer Institute, and not by for-profit corporations......

Cheers, Linda

I know this is premature but have there been any sightings of Konakat?

I expect you ladies to take good care of her. Our loss is your gain. 

Yes - I am enjoying your contributions to the Healthcare Bills thread as well. Do you ever feel you are banging your head on a brick wall?

You are part of our family.  We do care.  You have put up a good fight over there on the other thread, but it is what it is.  I am very worried for so many of our American sisters.  

Layne, so sorry about your mom.  I hope that time is kind to her.  My Dad also refused testing when they thought he had cancer.  They didn't push the issue since he would not have been able to survive any tx.  It is hard to understand sometimes when we are fighting so hard. 

I have a picture of Konakat driving along the highway singing to her favourite songs. Chloe is looking out the window meowing.   

Just noticed in the Globe & Mail today that Ontario will extend Avastin tx -- for up to 24 two-week tx if medical evidence shows the disease hasn't progressed.  The gov't negotiated a better price with the drug's manufacturer, Roche.  Ah, the power of government negotiations.  Credit is also due to the province's ombudsman who lobbied on behalf of cancer patients.  Another example of the people's power over their elected officials......

I see that there is an interesting conversation about the constitution going on.  Seems odd that, in some's interpretation,  it would protect one's ability to carry a gun but not save their life. And for the person who suggested that Canada doesn't have a constitution to follow, I would suggest that they check out other countries.  Even small businesses have constitutions.  It is not an American invention.

We would be honoured!  But you'll have to start putting a u in several words -- that's the first step!!!

Hugs, Linda

I'm baaaaaaack!!!!!  I had a hard time tearing myself away from my b/f -- never left until late afternoon, arrived at Mom's 11:30PM Sunday.  The drive was good -- Chloe (cat) slept most of the way on the seat beside me.  The customs guy was young and gorgeous -- if I wasn't so tired I would have volunteered for a body cavity search!  Hahahahahaaaa!!

I'm in my teeny weeny apt -- Chloe's wandering around and meowing -- probably saying "WTF -- where are the rest of the rooms, where's the yard...".  A girlfriend dropped by with a care package -- included coffee, chocolate and wine!

The 2 day stay with Mom was OK -- still haven't told her about the BC -- but that's another thread.

Hugs to all,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth -

I laughed out loud when I read about the customs guy.  My daughter and I have always said that Canadian men are better-looking.  Must be the water.

E

Welcome home, Elizabeth!

Canadian men are Canadian men are yummy!  So are American men, Italian men, etc.....lol

Welcome Rico! 

Welcome home Konakat! 

This seems like a friendly thread, so I thought I'd wave a quick "hello" from the U.S. side of the border.  (Which means that when I'm at work, I'm waving south, and when I'm home, I'm waving east.  And when I go for my morning run, I can look across Lake St. Clair at your country and think, gee, everyone over there has health care.)

 Konakat, glad you and Chloe are settling in.  Layne, loved your comment about where the real America-bashing on this board is coming from - so on target.  Enjoyful, I'm curious where your daughter will be going to school, and what led her to pick a Canadian university.  (My daughter's a junior in high school and just starting to think about colleges . . . we've talked in a general way about looking in Canada as well as the U.S., but haven't looked into it seriously.)

Linda

From one Linda to another;  So happy to see you here!  I look east out my window and see Fort Niagara, NY across the river!  And I'll bet we see the same lakers and ocean-going vessels too!

Cheers!  Linda