A Campbell River woman recently diagnosed with late-stage cancer says she has fallen through the cracks of B.C.’s broken health-care system.
In September, Kristin Logan was diagnosed with an aggressive type of ovarian cancer at stage 4. The diagnosis came half a year after she first started reporting symptoms to doctors.
“I had no time at that point. I was past the point where we had any time to spare,” said Logan.
She says her oncologist assured her that her case would be viewed with priority, seeing as her type of cancer was aggressive, had already metastasized, and was pouring liquid into her lungs.
Logan says she was told to wait for a call from BC Cancer, where they’d set up her first chemotherapy appointment, but that call never came.
“Weeks go by, and finally, on the second of November, I call BC Cancer and I ask, ‘What’s going on?'” Logan recalled.
She says the Campbell River hospital told her they didn’t have any record of her doctor’s referral or anything indicating that she’d seen an oncologist.
“If I would have relied on BC Cancer, I wouldn’t be sitting here,” said Logan.
BC Cancer was unable to answer CHEK News’ request for comment before deadline.
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As a dual citizen and former US Air Force veteran, Logan decided she had a better chance of surviving and getting care in the United States.
“I felt seen. The minute I went into the VA (Veteran Affairs) hospital for the first time, I felt seen. I felt cared for,” said Logan, speaking with CHEK News from Olympia, Wash.
“I felt like my life mattered, and that was a direct contrast to how I had felt the entire year leading up to that moment in British Columbia.”
Logan’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment have caused her to lose not only her hair but also her job, causing significant financial strain for her family of three.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover some of the costs as she waits in Washington for surgery, a hysterectomy, which is already scheduled for December.
In the meantime, the quick chemo she’s receiving already is having an immediate positive effect.
Logan’s main concern now is for others with a new cancer diagnosis who are navigating B.C.’s system of care. She’s worried that by the time others get treatment, it may be too late.
“I think we should all stand up and demand better,” said Logan.
Kori Sidaway
