A mother's fight for her life and the system's struggle: an emotional journey.
The battle against time and a deadly disease.
Imagine being told you have cancer, but the journey to understanding its severity and treatment options feels like an endless maze. This is the reality Sara Gillooly, a 40-year-old mother of two, faced. Her story is a stark reminder of the challenges within our healthcare system, especially when it comes to cancer diagnostics.
It all began with a hysterectomy and a subsequent discovery of a lump in her breast. The initial response was swift, with a mammogram and scheduled ultrasounds and biopsies. However, the process soon became a waiting game.
"During my ultrasound, I witnessed the network of veins leading to the tumour. It was terrifying," Sara recalls. The tech's advice? "You shouldn't go through this alone."
The diagnosis came on July 2nd: cancer. Surgery was scheduled for July 28th. But Sara, a determined mother, wanted more. She sought tests to understand the cancer's aggressiveness, a common practice abroad but not in Canada.
"I considered flying to Turkey for quicker tests and treatment. My age and the potential for an aggressive cancer worried me," she explains. Ultimately, she chose to stay close to home and family.
But the delays continued. Post-surgery, she pushed for immediate imaging and Oncotype score tests to assess cancer recurrence risk. Doctors advised waiting for an oncologist appointment, assuring her of a good prognosis based on the removed tumour's appearance.
"Advocating for myself is important, but it's exhausting when you're already emotionally drained," Sara confesses.
It wasn't until late September that she saw an oncologist, who promptly ordered the Oncotype test. The results? A score of 45 out of 100, indicating a high chance of recurrence. Further tests confirmed the cancer's metastasis to her bones and lungs.
Now, Sara speaks out against these care delays. Alongside her friend, MLA Amelia Boultbee, she shared her story at the B.C. legislature.
"Sara's story is incredibly common," Boultbee emphasizes. She highlights broader challenges in B.C.'s healthcare system, citing statistics showing over 4,600 deaths on waitlists in the past year.
While Sara appreciates the kindness of her doctors, she feels the system has failed her. "The wait times were frustrating, especially when other jurisdictions seem to act more swiftly and provide more information," she says.
B.C. has launched a 10-year cancer care plan to improve diagnosis and treatment times. Premier David Eby acknowledges the strain on the system due to an aging population and longer treatment durations. He promises to reduce testing and treatment times, ensuring patients receive timely cancer care.
As Sara's story gains attention, the Ministry of Health, Provincial Health Service Authority, and BC Cancer have been approached for comments on cancer care delays, but no response was received by the publication deadline.
But here's where it gets controversial... Should we be doing more to ensure timely cancer diagnostics and treatment? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Let's spark a conversation and advocate for change.
