Let’s Chat: Give me strength

By Linda Tooth on December 17, 2025.

Sometimes I wonder what I am going to write about and then something comes across my desk that hits close to home and it becomes obvious. So here we go, according to cancer statistics with the Canadian Cancer Society, “two in five Canadians will hear the words ‘you have cancer’ during their lifetime.”

For those who were following my journey last year with my partner and his colonoscopies and subsequent surgeries to remove part of his intestine due to a cancerous polyp and removal of his left kidney due to a questionable growth, we have lived a year of relative calm. He has been going for routine colonoscopies, CT scans and blood work to monitor the areas affected.

He took it upon himself to check his Alberta Health Services app on his phone after his latest blood work and found out that his CEA levels were elevated. For those who may not know what CEA is, you are not alone.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein normally found in very low levels in the blood of adults. When those levels become elevated you need to seek medical attention to find the cause and that is what my partner did.

I was quite angry at him for checking that app because he is not a medical professional nor am I, but I am so very grateful he did. Through phone calls with his GP and surgeon here in Medicine Hat, they booked him for a PET scan at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary.

A PET scan defined by the CCS is a “nuclear medicine imaging test.” That test took place Nov. 19, which weirdly enough is the day my dad died 13 years ago from small-cell lung cancer. I remember sitting in a cafeteria at the Foothills Hospital thinking, ‘please God do not let this be fatal.’

The results from the PET scan found a lesion on his liver. He has now had an MRI done here in Medicine Hat with those results being shared with a doctor in Calgary. This doctor has spoken to my partner and has now booked him for an ultrasound abdomen with contrast test for Friday of this week. I am thankful I used to live in northwest Calgary and am confident driving and getting around in that part of Calgary, as it can be a lot.

Doctors have referred to my partner as being “special.” In my mind and using my voice I have said, “You have no idea how special he is.” For those who know me well, I am sure you have picked up on the tone of that message.

Anyway, that is where we are now. Heading back to Calgary, more tests and probably surgery. Someone asked me recently how I was doing.

Some days I am not so sure. I do try to find humour where I can because the sadness and unknown are overwhelming.

Have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading!

Linda Tooth is a philanthropy and youth support worker, YMCA of Southeastern Alberta