Phil’s Journey – Living well with multiple myeloma
In 2019, at the age of 57, Phil – a retired pastor, teacher and avid runner started experiencing unusual fatigue and shortness of breath during his runs out in the great outdoors of British Columbia. Phil scheduled an appointment with his doctor immediately, where he discovered he was anemic and prescribed iron pills. However, a fractured rib during a routine run, led to further tests and a referral to a hematologist. The hematologist called Phil to tell him they would be able to see him the next day. He knew something must be serious, but Phil was not thinking about cancer at all. After a few more tests, including a bone marrow biopsy, Phil received his diagnosis: multiple myeloma.
When it came to Phil’s eventual stem cell transplant, he was surprised to learn there is only one place in the province that performs this treatment. Phil and his wife were fortunate to be able to make the journey from Whiterock into Downtown Vancouver. However, not all patients would be in a position to do so.
Phil’s message to British Columbia’s government in waiting – improve timely and equitable access to the treatments and therapies people in British Columbia living with cancer need.
Following his diagnosis, Phil underwent chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and has since remained stable through maintenance chemotherapy. Like many others living with cancer, Phil experienced a relapse. He will soon be starting a new line of therapy.
Phil’s journey has not been without challenges. During his remission, while on maintenance chemotherapy, his chemo medication was unilaterally changed to a generic version of the drug. This brought significant adjustment challenges. CAR-T cell therapy, a new and efficacious treatment for multiple myeloma is not yet approved across Canada, which would improve the lives of many people living with the disease.
Phil has been lucky to have the support of family and friends throughout this journey. When he was first diagnosed, a friend flew all the way from Colorado to be with him for some of his treatments. His wife has also been an immense support from day one. The support Phil has received has made a lasting impression on him. Having people show up for you can help you cope with the emotional and mental toll of living with cancer. This is why Phil got involved with advocacy as a patient advisor with Myeloma Canada.
Phil has compared cancer to running a marathon. It’s not easy, but it is conquerable. He continues to be a relentless advocate for improved access to care and treatment for people in British Columbia and across the country living with cancer.
There are far too many similar stories as people in Canada are waiting to be a priority. Cancer Action Now is working to bring forward challenges experiences by people in Canada living with cancer in accessing timely, high-quality cancer care, and calling on policy makers to make cancer care a priority.
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