A man from Shediac, N.B., named Jeff Leblanc, is facing the financial burden of paying for treatment to address the side effects of radiation therapy he received while undergoing cancer treatment. Diagnosed with Stage 4 oral squamous cell carcinoma in 2013, Leblanc underwent 38 radiation treatments that have resulted in negative side effects such as losing teeth and jaw issues. In 2019, he was referred for hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the QEII hospital in Halifax, the only publicly funded option for this treatment in the Maritimes. After undergoing 40 treatments in 2020, he saw positive results in his health and overall well-being.
Despite feeling better, Leblanc experienced a setback when he discovered pieces of bone coming out of his mouth in March of this year. He was subsequently diagnosed with osteoradionecrosis, a rare side effect of radiation treatment that can be life-threatening. His doctor recommended more hyperbaric oxygen therapy as the best course of action. Due to the long wait times at QEII, his doctor referred him to MedicaLux, a private health clinic in Moncton, where he could receive immediate treatment. However, Leblanc was informed that Medicare would not cover the $17,000 bill for the 40 rounds of treatment he needs.
Leblanc is determined to do whatever it takes to continue his treatment at MedicaLux, even if it means taking out a loan or maxing out his credit cards. He has already started treatment at the clinic and has received over $20,000 in aid through a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs. The Canadian Cancer Society emphasizes that cancer patients and their families should not have to worry about how they will pay for or access necessary treatment, especially when it is not available in their province or territory. However, due to various factors such as staff shortages and increased demand, accessing hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be challenging for many patients in the Maritimes.
Nova Scotia Health cited factors like staff shortages, treatment capacity reductions due to COVID-19, and population increase as reasons for long wait times for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Emergency situations require fewer treatments, but chronic conditions like Leblanc’s require 40 treatments, limiting the number of patients who can receive treatment annually. The current hyperbaric chamber is over 40 years old, leading to delays in providing care to patients. A new hyperbaric unit is scheduled to be built as part of the hospital’s expansion project, but completion is not expected until at least 2028. The Health Department of New Brunswick has not provided a statement on the issue.
Despite the challenges he faces, Leblanc is focused on raising awareness about the financial burdens that patients like him have to bear when seeking necessary treatments. He believes that no one should have to pay out of pocket for essential care and hopes that by sharing his story, he can advocate for better access to treatment for all individuals facing similar circumstances. Leblanc’s determination to receive the care he needs and his willingness to speak out on behalf of others highlight the ongoing challenges faced by patients navigating the healthcare system in Canada.
