B C Cancer Clinic, Victoria

This past February I was diagnosed with advanced, invasive cancer and had treatments (chemo, two different kinds of radiation) at the BC Cancer Clinic.
Initially I felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of appointments and the organization of it all (cancer drive line, blood tests, MRIs, CTs, PET scans, etc.), but within the first couple of days I realized that the lovely ladies of the admin figured out all the planning for me, all I had to do was show up. Everyone I’ve encountered at the clinic has been nothing but helpful, supportive and kind. And I really do mean everyone. From the people doing the screening/greeting at the entrance, over all of the staff, be it administrative or treatment related, doctors, nurses, janitors, etc. I couldn’t imagine being in better hands. As weird as it may sound, it has been a positive and at times heartwarming experience. Whenever I had a question or needed something, I was called back/attended to right away. I've been about 5 weeks out of treatment now and have been having many follow ups from both my oncologists, nurses and counselling staff.

Good and bad experiences. Firstly, the chemo nurses were wonderful (except one). The waits were fine. However, I have definite issues with most of the oncologists I saw. One was straight up loonie (she was about to retire), next one was cold, rude and didn’t want questions. The third was not too bad but slightly flippant. There was a gp oncologist who was amazing but unfortunately he stood out because he was and the others weren’t. This is a place where every patient should receive the most compassionate care and follow up. Zero follow up here. I realize we have too many cancer patients for the size of the clinic, but if you can’t put your best foot forward, find another job.