Bob Riviere’s positive, cheery demeanour barely changes when he describes the health challenges he experienced throughout 2021. “The year of hell,” he says with a laugh. “That’s what I call it.”
Leading a healthy and active life, at 79 years old, the Oakville resident had never had any health issues apart from two knee replacements in 2015 and 2018. That’s why when he started experiencing frequent indigestion in the latter part of 2020, he went to see his doctor in Oakville immediately. A colonoscopy uncovered the problem: a mass on his colon, close to the rectum. Cancer. He was given a treatment plan that included oral chemotherapy and radiation at Trillium Health Partners’ (THP) Carlo Fidani Regional Cancer Centre at Credit Valley Hospital (CVH). His fast-paced life slowed as he committed to getting better, embarking on an intense, five weeks-long radiation treatment plan that had him coming five times a week to CVH, the only radiation site for the entire region.
“On my first day I noticed the hospital was busy… I’ve been a part of a lot of operational activities throughout my career and I thought, ‘Wow, the logistics behind this operation is incredible,’” Bob recalls of those early days. Despite the sheer volume of people coming in and out of CVH each day, Bob recalls never being late for an appointment. “I don’t think I was ever so much as five minutes behind schedule.”
Throughout his experience Bob was particularly struck by the extra care THP staff took to keep him informed and comfortable every step of the way. “There was not one technician that wasn’t courteous, polite or compassionate. Everyone very much made sure I was comfortable. I came away from that with the feeling, ‘Boy, these people really know what they’re doing.’”
Bob was working with oncologist Dr. Anthony Brade and a nurse practitioner, Charmaine Lynden, who were always attentive and courteous. When Bob began experiencing some skin irritation, a side effect of the radiation, Charmaine was very understanding, immediately explaining the cause and providing him with treatment solutions.
“Radiation did knock the hell out of me,” Bob remembers of his fifth and final week. At Dr. Brade’s recommendation he had a period of ‘R&R’ as they colloquially called it, so he could regain strength before his surgery which would remove the remaining tumour at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in May. By June he was recovered from the surgery and back on oral chemotherapy, seeing his doctor in Oakville for monthly blood tests. Bob felt like he was in the clear, and with the warmer months looming, he was excited to get back to a normal routine. Unfortunately, Bob began experiencing shortness of breath, presumed to be a side effect of the chemotherapy. Months crawled by and Bob continued to struggle, some days worse than others until in October, during Thanksgiving weekend, he felt like he could barely breathe. He went to the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Emergency Department and from there was swiftly transferred in a non-emergency vehicle to Mississauga Hospital for an angiogram.
“When I arrived to Mississauga Hospital there was a group of nurses ready and waiting for me when I checked in. They did all the pre-angiogram stuff, wheeled me into a room and within minutes a doctor arrived, did the test and I had my results.” Bob couldn’t believe the efficiency, bracing for an update. The results were in. He had four arteries that were 80 per cent blocked. He’d need surgery as soon as possible.
Within 48 hours he was in the operating room, a team of nurses waiting for him upon arrival. It would be a long, serious operation, Bob knew, but he channelled that same sense of confidence that had carried him through so many other challenges in his life. It helped that his health care teams at THP remained extremely organized and informative throughout the entire process.
“I knew fully in advance what to expect from the whole thing,” Bob says of the lead up to his open heart surgery, just as he did with his cancer treatment mere months earlier.
Today, Bob continues to attend cardiac rehabilitation and does workouts at home on his treadmill.
“The doctors say I’m a model patient because I do everything they tell me to,” he smiles, 80 years old now but appearing much younger.
Thankful for the care received, Bob was inspired to give back in support of the oncology and cardiac programs that saved his life more than once.
“At Trillium Health Partners our dedicated staff work tirelessly to deliver exceptional care but we are often faced with challenges, like aging equipment, global health crises like the ongoing pandemic and extremely high patient volumes,” says Dr. Brade, radiation oncologist, Credit Valley Hospital. “The generous support of our community members, including grateful patients like Bob, help ensure we have the resources we need to face these challenges head on so that patient care never suffers.” Charmaine, the nurse practitioner who also worked closely with Bob echoes Dr. Brade’s sentiments. “Many people aren’t aware that we rely on donor support to fund 100 per cent of equipment costs. Put simply, it’s because of our generous community that we can continue upgrading our equipment and tools and deliver the care we are known for.”
Bob adds, “The system we have in this country needs as much support from anyone who can afford to give. Every little bit helps.”
Inspired by Bob? Consider giving by visiting: trilliumgiving.ca/honour-a-health-care-champion-today/