When Cancer Comes Calling

Greetings to friends old and new. In November 2024 I was diagnosed with Type III Cancer. More specifically, non-small cell carcinoma in my left lung as well as in my lymph nodes. I am under the care of several Oncologists at the BC Cancer Agency who wasted no time getting me into treatment which comprises of Immunotherapy, Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy. As I also have severe COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) making it impossible to perform any type of surgery on the cancerous growths. Oncologists don’t mince words or sugar-coat anything. I was plainly told that this type of cancer is very difficult to cure. It’s often been said that things happen in threes, so before I get ahead of myself, here is my story.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is a progressive disease that causes bronchial tubes to be inflamed which reduces airflow and makes it difficult to breathe.It also produces a lot of phlegm. There is a direct correlation with COPD and several decades of smoking cigarettes. As is common with most smokers, I was in denial always thinking it would never happen to me.

In the summer of 2022 I was riding my very heavy custom bikes and beginning to find it more and more difficult. Vancouver is full of short steep hills which becomes quite apparent when you have large bikes with few gears, a breathing disorder or both. One day as I was riding to meet a buddy for coffee, I encountered a hill and started panting uncontrollably like a demented basset hound. I lit a smoke when I arrived at my destination.

I was out of breath when I took showers in the morning, so I thought that if I showered quicker it would go away. True smoker’s logic. Not yet having a family doctor, I went to a walk-in clinic. Eventual X-rays showed hyper-inflation of the lungs ( which is pretty much COPD). I was prescribed a few different types of inhalers. One of the doctors who would call me to follow up berated me and told me that these puffers weren’t a green light to keep smoking. Which is exactly what I was doing. The hedonistic mindset of a smoker hard at work.

I eventually became unable to inhale cigarettes as the COPD got progressively worse. I eventually quit smoking in March 2023.

Here is an interesting side effect of COPD they don’t tell you about until after the fact. A COPD exacerbation or flare-up is a frightening component of this disease and an its worst, could land you in the hospital. A regular one can best be described as putting a plastic bag over your head and jumping in a swimming pool.

Your breathing pretty much stops as you gasp for air in vain. The sheer terror it induces is hard to describe.You reach for your rescue inhaler, but the panic makes it difficult to inhale it. Also your bladder goes simultaneously. On several occasions, I had to whip it out and pee on the spot as I gasped for air. After 10 or 15 minutes and many puffs of the inhaler it settles down.

Another type of episode is when the excess phlegm gets stuck in the airways.This is equally as frightening because it is very difficult to clear. This can also induce panic because breathing pretty much stops as the airways are blocked. A bunch of industrial strength “ ahems” eventually clears the passages, and that requires a lot of work.

Some of the main triggers are physical exertion, bending down or reaching up. These episodes mainly happened while I was still working as a delivery driver.

These exacerbations can be managed to a certain degree with Prednisone, which is a steroid, as well as a couple of antibiotics, Doxycycline and Moxifloxacin. These antibiotics are required because COPD makes you very susceptible to infections. Doctors are reluctant to have you use steroids for an extended time as the side effects can be debilitating such as cataracts, osteoporosis and any number of weird infections. Too bad, because you feel pretty good on Prednisone.

Cancer.

Here is where life threw me a curve. Nothing quite gets your attention like a cancer diagnosis. Almost instantaneously your perspective and priorities change. It drags you against your own will to come face to face with your own mortality. The cold hard reality of speaking to Oncologists makes it even more palpable.

I was very fortunate to eventually find Dr. Yoon, my family doctor. He ramped up my COPD treatment and eventually connected me with Dr. Chou, a Respirologist. I did a lot of breathing tests on special machines. I was prescribed inhalers, ( which I will be using the rest of my life) Salbutimal to clear the airways and Breztri a 3-part medication which pretty much keeps me breathing. Dr. Chou also had me do CT Scans, bone scans, echocardiograms, x-rays etc.

Here is the key factor: one of the CT scans revealed what an x-ray could not; a 5 cm dark spot on my left lung. Dr. Yoon called to tell me this. I was pretty pragmatic about this news, as a black spot can only mean one thing. This was October 2024. Dr. Chou has good connections, because on November 5 I was lying in an OR getting a biopsy. The result was non-small cell carcinoma, still Type II at this point.

A few more trips to St Paul’s hospital for various scans were necessary. I was then transferred to the care of the BC Cancer Agency. In order to expedite results, I then had to travel to the BC Cancer facility in Victoria BC for a PET scan. This the most precise way of pinpointing cancer. By mid-December, I was already meeting with three doctors. Dr Laskin and Dr. Curry, Chemotherapy Oncologists and Dr. Chen, Radiation Oncologist. The PET scan revealed that the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes and has progressed to type III. It’s moving fast.

By December 31, I was already getting my first Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy session. I have to take 4 separate and hellishly expensive anti-nausea medications. Even with these meds, it kicked my butt. About two weeks after the treatment one of the more disconcerting aspects of chemo began; my hair started falling out. My scalp is still sensitive, and my comb is a frightening sight. One has to be careful as well, because Chemo also attacks the immune system leaving one susceptible to infections.

This is where it reality sets in. According to Dr. Chen, because of the COPD, surgery is not even close to being an option. Chemo can only manage the symptoms. Radiation is the other additional option and it comes with high risks. Even with careful calculations and calibrations, the radiation beam can cause even further lung damage. Even a few percent less lung capacity can have dire consequences for me; either a portable oxygen tank for the rest of my life or worse, a face to face meeting with the Grim Reaper.

Dr. Chen and Dr. Laskin want to get this procedure done as soon as possible, as a result, I will have to get Chemo and radiation simultaneously. That will kick my butt into the next time zone. The radiation is a daily procedure done over the course of six weeks. In other words, every day except weekends. It’s hard on your body and leaves you very weak. Other side effects of the radiation include burning of the skin, even more shortness of breath, lots of coughing and difficulty swallowing. I’ll be out of commission for at least 8 weeks, if not more.

A subsequent meeting with Dr. Chen revealed that there are two mystery spot on the lung that will be dealt with later.

I am well aware of the risks and agreed to radiation therapy. The alternative is a slow, painful demise as the cancer gains the upper hand. I am not scared and am keeping a positive attitude. One can only face this one day at a time and deal with as-yet-unknown outcomes.

Retirement.

Many of you might know me as an old greaseball, but many of you didn’t know that I turned 65 in November 2024. It’s a little surreal waking up one morning and realizing that you are a senior citizen. You also realize that it is time to retire. I had been working as a delivery driver which I enjoyed, but the COPD was making it more and more difficult to do my job. All the breathing exercises and inhalers weren’t making the boxes weigh less. Even with a lot of help from some young guys, the last six months of 2024 were getting more and more difficult (COPD is a progressive illness).

Combined with ever increasing frequency of medical appointments it had become untenable. I thought I could tough it out a few more months, but it was getting to the point where I could barely walk to the coffee shop next door to work for my morning coffee. One particularly intense exacerbation, which scared the hell out of a customer, was graphic reminder that it was indeed time to retire. I made it to December 27 and that unceremoniously ended my working days. On a more important note, it also ended all my coverage for medication and eyeglasses.

Unfortunately retirement is a double-edged sword. It does entail a certain amount of freedom and in my case, freedom to take care of all the medical requirements and appointments attached to my cancer diagnosis. However retirement also entails a dramatic drop in revenue.

Admitedly it was a strange twist of fate that a cancer diagnosis and retirement occurred virtually at the same time. I now have time to care of my health, but the cancer diagnosis as well COPD have suddenly and unexpectedly burdened me with some hefty expenses well above the basic requirements of rent and groceries.

The first thing that I had to deal with is twisted government logic. As well as giving out a pension that is a mere pittance, the federal government will have me wait until March 2026 when I do my 2025 taxes to be eligible for GIS (guaranteed income supplement) which adds a few bucks to your pension.

The provincial government will have me wait until march 2027 to be eligible for the euphemistically called Fair Pharma Care, as they base eligibility on your previous TWO years revenue. Bottom line is that I’m on my own to pay for medication until then. Even when that kicks in, they only cover a certain percentage.

I also have to wait a year to be eligible for other old guy stuff, like affordable accommodation through BC Housing, free bus pass from Translink etc.

Over the years, I gave this little thought. I was aware of sad state of affairs with Canada Pension, but when one in his 40’s or even 50’ s, one gives little thought to these things. 65 years old seems like such a long way off that it hardly seems a pressing concern. I also think that we all have a tendency to get caught up in the day to day aspects of our jobs and we fail to appreciate the fleeting nature of time. Einstein was right; time does go by quicker as you get older. Then one day 65 years old bites you in the ass.

Financial.

As anyone currently living in Vancouver is painfully aware, rents have reached extortionate levels. Fortunately I am locked into a rent that is reasonable by Vancouver standards, but still outrageous from a pensioner’s perspective. Presently I am able to cover the rent which leaves me with a minuscule amount to cover groceries and nothing else.

I will have many one time expenses incurred by the cancer diagnosis and COPD as well as fixed monthly expenses related to medications to treat these illnesses.

I am writing this Go Fund Me proposal in order to raise funds to help me acquire items required and even more importantly, pay for medications. There more than likely will be unexpected expenses connected to radiation treatment and chemo because at this point in time the number of treatments required in the future is unknown. This is why it is important to have a small cushion in the bank for these unforeseen events. Ultimately this cushion should be able to get me through the desolate two year period that will happen until Pharma care starts paying for medications.

I currently have a 15 year old car that gets me around. Insurance and plates currently cost $ 95 a month. I use it to do small errands and go to all my medical appointments. As anyone with an old car knows, it’s just a matter of time until it needs some kind of major repair. Repairs that I won’t be able to afford. At the expense of my mobility, I more than likely will have to get rid of the car. I’ll hang on to it for now. After chemo and radiation treatments, one is unable to drive a car. I am signed up with BC Cancer Volunteer Drivers, so I’m usually able to get a ride. I am also eligible for Handy-dart bus service.

Here a break down of various expenses. These include Amazon prime membership , I get NEC pills and other necessities through Amazon, as well as movies to prevent me from going nutso.

I also go through prodigious amounts of toilet paper as I am always blowing my nose and spitting up because of the excessive phlegm.

Regarding the meds required for Chemotherapy, the exact amount of sessions is unknown for now. I have two more coming up, and possibly another set of 4 in the near future. I will give estimated costs.

Monthly:

ICBC for car $95.00. per month $1140 per year

Phone $45.00 per month. $540 per year

COPD:

Every Month :

NAC supplements for phlegm $23

Bretzri $161.45

Salbutamol $ 20.23

Prednisone $13.80

Doxycycline $19.54

Auro-moxyfloxacin $24.60

Total $262.82

GST/PST $31.54

Grand total per month. $294.36

Grand total per year. $3532.00

Toilet paper for phlegm $40 per month

$480 per year

Concession Compass card

For Handy Dart bus and public

Transportation $40.00 per month

Aero chamber for inhalers

every few months $40.00 ea. $120

Aerobika device for clearing

airways two or three times a

year

$95.00 ea $190

Total $310

GST/PST. $37.20

Grand total per year. $347.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy:

Prochlorazin $20.50

Ondansetron $133.43

PMS-dexamethasone- $67.53

Emend-tri-pack $137.84

Total $359.30

GST/PST. $43.11

Grand Total. $402.42

5 sessions $2012.10

Laxative required

with Ondansetron approx. $40.00

As the COPD progresses as well as the added strain of Chemo and radiation, I find myself unable to do certain tasks. The hyper-inflation of the lungs cause by COPD prevents me from bending over or reaching up. I bought some grabber sticks, which are awesome, but am unable to do simple tasks such as changing a light bulb or putting on a contour sheet on my bed. Repetitive gestures that require arm motion such as vacuuming are virtually impossible for me. This an essential task as dust is very bad for me.

I am also unable to do the contortions required to clean a toilet bowl. I am also unable to do the arm motion required to clean a bathtub and tiles. There are some reasonably priced cleaning services that can help me out. Even covering myself with a heavy duvet has become a difficult task. Since I pee about 12 times a night, this has become an issue.

When I rented the apartment that I am currently living in, the large space suited me, but the lack of laundry facilities was an inconvenience. I have been going to a laundromat. Dragging heavy bags of laundry around has become increasingly difficult for me. It’s gotten to the point where it is simply not possible for me. There are laundry services out there that will pick up your laundry, wash it , fold it and return it to you. However these services don’t come cheap.

Laundry Services Approx. $100 per month $1200 per year

Cleaning services such as Mopify. $69.95 per session $78.34 incl taxes $940 per year

Grand Total of monthly expenses for the year; $10.231.10

Here is list of one time expenses related to COPD and Cancer:

Lightweight Hypo-allergenic wool based duvet $ 224.00 incl taxes

Hypo-allergenic bedding $155.68 incl taxes

Electric razor as per doctor’s orders $ 89.60 incl taxes

Toilet safety rail to assist me getting up $109.76 inc taxes

Wool blanket for uncontrollable chills

various times of day and also for

chemo sessions $112.00 incl taxes

Warm hats due to hair loss from chemo. $224.00 incl taxes

Slide sandals for chemo sessions. $50.40 incl taxes.

Rechargeable flashlight $39.20 incl taxes

Total $1000.64

There is a possibility of expenses that I had not anticipated such as the possible use of an oxygen concentrator, or even worse, the rental of oxygen tanks for the rest of my life.The illness seems to be affecting my eyes as well, and I may need new eyeglass prescriptions ( 3 separate eyeglasses) .These possible outcomes are in the hands of the doctors at this point.

The radiation therapy and simultaneous chemo will severely limit my autonomy it seems. At this point, my mom is around to help me out, but at 85 years old and with deteriorating health there are limitations as to what she is able to do. There is a possibility that I may have to fly my sister in from back east to stay with me for several weeks and help me out. Flights are usually in $880 to $1000 range. The future is still uncertain at this point.

This my story. I am staying positive and taking it one step at a time as I follow doctors’ instructions. I am facing these challenges one day at time. I started this Go Fund Me fundraiser to help me extricate myself from an impossible financial situation. Having the funds to cover necessary medications and other basics will certainly alleviate a lot of stress and leave me free to concentrate on my health.

I would like to thank you for reading this long post and will certainly appreciate any help that is given via this fundraiser. I am looking forward to getting through a difficult treatment and hope to be out and about this summer to see my friends person.

Serge Lotosky