Behchokǫ̀ family says cancer went undetected despite multiple visits to health centre, Stanton hospital
CBC
Be it through sheer wit or flattering imitation, Tammy Steinwand says, her mother Ernestine loved making people laugh.
She liked spending one-on-one time with her grandchildren and doing puzzles. She also had a passion for teaching her language, Tłįchǫ Yati.
In July, Ernestine died from uterine cancer, which her family said went undetected despite multiple visits to the health centre in Behchokǫ, N.W.T.,̀ and Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife.
The family says they only learned of Ernestine's cancer after they drove to Edmonton, at their own expense, to get her care.
Tammy said her mother started having pain "on and off" in the side of her abdomen and calf in February.
Over the following months, Tammy said, her mother made multiple trips to the health centre in Behchokǫ̀. Meanwhile, her pain grew worse.
On June 2, Tammy's daughter Tyanna brought Ernestine to the emergency department at Stanton hospital. Tyanna said they were at the hospital for nearly 10 hours. Most of that time was spent waiting.
Tyanna said the doctor identified that Ernestine's liver test results were abnormal, that she had a high white blood cell count, and needed further examination.
On June 15, Tammy said Ernestine called her at work because she was in pain.
"My mom doesn't call me during work hours unless it's really important," said Tammy.
She said she brought her mother to the ER again. That visit resulted in an ultrasound on Ernestine's leg, which ruled out a blood clot.
Ernestine had another ultrasound scheduled for a few days later, on June 19.
While waiting at the hospital that day, Tammy said her mother got a call from the Behchokǫ̀ health centre telling her the appointment had been cancelled. They decided to go to the emergency department because Ernestine was still in pain.
Tammy said they waited about an hour and a half in emergency before her mother decided she wanted to go home.