Home. The Only Place We Should Be for Cancer Treatments.
Published Monday, June 12, 2023
by Graham Strong
“Can I give you a hug?”
That’s how Samantha Frade felt towards everyone at our Cancer Centre after many difficult months of cancer treatment. Samantha now “lives in gratitude” to all those who helped her ring that bell after her final radiation therapy treatment in February 2023.
“I believe that the people who make up the Cancer Centre are angels who walk amongst us,” Samantha said. “They have a lot of heart. All of those people helped make my experience something I could cope with daily.”
Before she was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2022, Samantha walked right by the Cancer Centre every time she visited the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. She said that even though we’ve all been touched by cancer, she had no idea of the level of care provided here.
Samantha also has a greater appreciation for the impact donors have. Thanks to your help, we have the best cancer care possible, right here in Thunder Bay. That includes everyone who bought Thunder Bay 50/50 tickets. Proceeds from both the March and April draws went directly to cancer care.
“What a beautiful way to contribute!” Samantha said. “Your donation makes a really big difference. You’re touching lives that you don’t even know you’re touching.”
After her cancer diagnosis, Samantha underwent two surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. One of her surgeries was done right here in Thunder Bay, another thing she was grateful for.
“There is something about being at home that allows all your support system to be more accessible to you. It’s home. I don’t know how else to say it. It’s... home.”
Her main surgery took place in Hamilton at the Juravinski Cancer Centre due to its complexity. That’s where Samantha’s gynaecologic oncologist practices, coming to Thunder Bay once per month for appointments. She was impressed at how coordinated her care was between Hamilton and Thunder Bay.
“I’m so glad my gynaecologic oncologist and his team became part of my amazing healthcare team,” she said. “He continues to follow up with me in Thunder Bay.”
Many patients in Thunder Bay know the feeling of travelling for healthcare. It sounds like such a simple thing: fly to Toronto, fly back. But leaving home for treatment is not easy.
Ideally, getting the care you need closer to home feeds hope in so many ways.
“I had hope throughout my cancer journey,” Samantha said. “I compartmentalized each step, and in each step, it became less of the unknown. Having my treatments here definitely helped me have more hope. Beautiful, amazing, supportive family and friends. Faith, hope, sense of humour. All of these things combined are what helped me get through.”
For that very reason, our Hospital was the first in Ontario outside of Toronto to install a PET scanner back in 2008 – impossible to do, without the help of our donors.
“Fundraisers like Thunder Bay 50/50 help support equipment that I’ve been told cost millions. These funds are so crucial,” Samantha said.
Donor support helps keep our equipment up to date, too. During one of her PET scans, she experienced equipment breakdowns firsthand. During one appointment, Samantha was the first of four patients injected with the radioisotope, which helps “light up” the cancer in the body in the image. However, the PET broke down mid-way through her scan – not surprising, given that it is now 15 years old.
“I was disappointed, but I was more heartfelt for the three people behind me. Two were from out of town, and would have to come back again. Upgrading this equipment is really important,” she said.
Today, Samantha is thankful to be feeling good again, gaining back her energy and strength. She continues to receive follow-ups with her health team, right here at home.
“I’m so grateful that I could have my care in Thunder Bay.”
You can help replace this and other vital pieces of equipment to improve closer-to-home care for thousands of patients each year. Buy your Thunder Bay 50/50 tickets at thunderbay5050.ca, and let’s make sure patients like Samantha always have the care they need, right here at home.