It's really interesting to see the realities of the U.S. situation.

I was really interested in seeing what my total, all-in treatment costs had been as well. Since we have a socialized health insurance system, the cost of treatment is shared between the Provincial health care system, and the Alberta Cancer Board (a separately funded Provincial enitity)

Additional comprehensive health insurance, and disability benefits are paid by my employer and cost me nothing, however they pay roughly $130 quarterly for my family to be covered.

All of the Doctors visits (over 100 in the last 12 months), countless lab tests, MRI's, PET scans, bone scans, xrays, my 17 hour sugery, 10 days in ICU, an additional week in hospital, 6 weeks of radiotherapy, and physio/occupational therapy 3 times a week are included.

total cost of my personal battle with the Beast to the system?

$617,488.00 to date. I have another MRI scheduled immediately after my one year anniversary on June 5.

total cost out of pocket has been roughly $200. for parking, and $1200 for prescriptions ( insurance pays 80%)

Our system is far from perfect, and I am well aware that we pay for it through taxation, but I am very grateful it functions the way it does. The nonsense that Petey went through just doesn't happen here. if you're sick, you are treated, and you're treated just as well and just as promptly, be you a CEO or a street person.
Wayne