Patient denied chemotherapy due to housing
Homeless man can’t receive treatment because of compromised immune system
A cancer patient living in subsidized housing has been told he can’t receive chemotherapy because his living conditions pose a risk to his recovery.
Terry Willis, 50, has a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Since July 2017, he has been living in supportive housing at 844 Johnson St., a building managed by the Portland Hotel Society that houses many people who previously lived in the tent city on the lawn of the Victoria courthouse.
Willis was told by his oncologist that chemotherapy cannot start while he’s living in the building because his compromised immune system would put him at high risk of infection.
“Mr. Willis is in urgent need of suitable housing, as his oncologist will not initiate chemotherapy for his B-lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma while he is living in his current accommodations,” says a letter written by a doctor with PHS Health Care on Sept. 11.
The letter was provided to Willis’ social worker, Hilary Marks, who is trying to find Willis a home where he can receive treatment.
“I don’t want to die in there,” said Willis, who describes unsanitary conditions. “That’s what’s going to happen if I don’t get treatment. It’s a non-curable cancer and it’s terminal.”
Grey Showler, director of the Victoria Cool Aid Society’s health and support services, said they are aware of the dearth of housing options for people who are seriously ill or dying. “It is a gap in our housing system.”
They are working on turning two private apartments in the Rock Bay Landing shelter, previously used for families, into palliativecare beds. The society is waiting for funding to ensure medical staff is in place to care for the individuals living in those apartments.
Showler said he’s unsure when the funding will come through.
Willis said since losing his wife, Sandra, to cancer two years ago, he has been alone and trying to survive on the streets.
Before moving into 844 Johnson St., he spent a year and a half sleeping on mats at the First Metropolitan Church.
Willis was diagnosed with the stage 4 blood cancer in 2011. At the time, doctors estimated he had five years to live, but he underwent three years of chemotherapy and went into remission. Six months ago, the cancer came back.
At the time he was diagnosed, Willis had a well-paying job doing quality control in a warehouse. He and his wife lived in a nice rental home in Brentwood Bay with their four children.
“Then I got sick and lost everything,” said Willis. He has four tattoos with the first initial and birth date of each of his four children, but said he’s not in touch with his daughters and his son is living on the street. Through his employer, Willis only had enough extended medical benefits to get him through 17 weeks.
Willis has been waiting for an apartment through the Centralized Access to Supported Housing program. When asked about Willis’ situation, the Ministry of Housing said in a statement: “While we cannot comment on a client’s individual case due to privacy reasons, B.C. Housing actively works with health-care providers and our non-profit operators to ensure the needs of all residents are addressed. In a case like this, B.C. Housing would work with non-profit providers to find an alternate, suitable living situation for the tenant.”
With tears brimming in his eyes, Willis reflected on his situation.
“The last place I want to die is the f---ing street. I didn’t ask for this cancer. I was a good parent, a good husband and next thing you know, everything is pulled away from you. I just need a clean place to lay my head.”