Reply #137: I wish my brother had the same experience

[OnlinePoker]

After showing symptoms for 9 months, he was given a colonoscopy in Oct 09 which showed cancer. After further tests and chemo to shrink the tumor, he finally had surgery in May and is still doing post op chemo now. Sure it didn't cost him anything, but the worry of not knowing for 8 months after the initial diagnosis stressed both him and his family needlessly.

Do we want the U.S. style health system in Canada? No, of course not. But I should have the right to spend my own money for medical care should I choose to get treated in my own community, not in another country. It would be a win/win for the health care system as I'm not burdening it with the expense of my treatment and takes me out of the queue to allow someone less fortunate quicker access there. I'm not rich by any stretch of the imagination, but I look at it that we only have one life and if we aren't allowed to access the best possible care that is a travesty.