'Tired and worried': Two time cancer survivor highlights wait list issues in Saskatchewan
CTV
Saskatchewan's NDP opposition shared the story of Lyndia Kakakaway to highlight the need for systematic reform on how the province deals with long wait lists for diagnostic and surgical care.
Saskatchewan’s NDP opposition shared the story of Lyndia Kakakaway to highlight the need for systematic reform on how the province deals with long wait lists for diagnostic and surgical care.
Kakakaway was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986. In 2002 she was diagnosed a second time when the cancer spread to her back. She successfully beat the condition twice.
However, three months ago Kakakaway’s doctor discovered a lump in her breast and recommended an assessment as soon as possible.
Kakakaway’s only option for timely care is to travel to Calgary. However, she cannot make the trip due to mobility issues.
“It's not an option for me to go to Alberta … It's too far for me I can that drive will be too much for me,” she told reporters on Monday. “And I don't know why I should when the services are offered here in Regina.”
The province announced in late November that it would send women in dire need of mammograms to Calgary to minimize wait times.
The 70-year-old is also on the waitlist for a much needed knee replacement. The province has also drawn criticism from the opposition on its handling of surgical wait times – especially surrounding knee and hip replacements.
