Shediac Man Pays Out-of-Pocket for Essential Radiation Therapy Treatment
A Shediac, New Brunswick man is forced to pay for treatment that his doctors say he needs to treat the side effects of radiation therapy he received while undergoing treatment for cancer. Jeff Leblanc was diagnosed with Stage 4 oral squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer, in 2013. He underwent 38 radiation treatments as part of his cancer treatment. He said he’s experienced negative side effects from that radiation therapy, including losing his teeth and having part of his jaw lock up, starting in 2015 and progressing over the years.
In 2019, Leblanc’s doctors referred him to receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the QEII hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. That hospital is the only publicly funded option for this treatment in the Maritimes. Leblanc underwent 40 treatments over several weeks in 2020, and said he and his doctors saw a positive impact on his health.
However, in March of this year, Leblanc noticed pieces of bone coming out of his mouth. His doctor diagnosed him with osteoradionecrosis, a rare side effect of radiation treatment that can be potentially fatal. Leblanc’s doctor referred him to MedicaLux, a private health clinic in Moncton that offers the treatment, thinking Leblanc could be reimbursed by Medicare. However, staff at the clinic told him Medicare wouldn’t cover the $17,000 bill for the 40 rounds of treatment he needs.
Leblanc has already started treatment at MedicaLux and is grateful for the support he has received from the community. However, he believes that all cancer patients should have access to the treatment they need, regardless of their financial situation.
