Need Advice and comments from Canadians

[dawn]

Hi Rupali,

Im from Newfoundland Canada and did live in Toronto for years. About minutes from Mississauga. Canada's medical care is second to none. I was dx in March.06. When I found my lump, I had a mammo the next day, the results the following day and saw the surgeon the next day. He scheduled my biopsy and I had that 1 week later. So this was all done within 10 days. It took three weeks to get my results. When it came back cancer, I got the call on Tuesday, In hopsital on Wednesday, Masectomy on Thursday, out of hospital 5 days later. I began 6 cycles of chemo three weeks later. When I finished chemo I began 25 rads 6 weeks later, tamoxifen 4 weeks later and began taking herceptin 3 weeks after finishing rads. No waiting, no fighting to get things done. The onc's, nurses, specialists, you name it have been very caring and helpful. I havent had any problems with insurance or medical care. But in Canada,you are covered under the provincial health plan. In Ontario its OHIP, they cover all hospital and doctor visits, xrays, specialists. The only thing it doesn't cover is drugs, glasses, prescriptions and your personal blue cross will cover that. When you go to the hospital for Herceptin infusions, they will give you the tylenol or other medication you require. If you need to see a doctor, you'll see one in Canada. Have your specialist refer you to one in Toronto, which is pretty much the same area you live in. AS you said, you will be living on the outskirts of Toronto. Princess Maragaret is a fantastic hospital, its in downtown Toronto, and has a great reputation for its canacer facilities as well as sunnybrook hospital. Canada is right on the tail of US when it comes to approving new drugs so I dont see Tykerb as being any type of problem. Get set up before you come with an onocologist in Ontario, maybe have a couple of telephone conversations to get familiar. You should be in great hands.

All the best, you'll love it in Mississauga,

Dawn