From Diagnosis to Hope: Mike’s Cancer Journey

In August 2022, my life changed forever with a single diagnostic procedure. 

That procedure was a colonoscopy performed at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH). Immediately following the procedure, I learned there was a good chance I had cancer.  

Two weeks later, I met Dr. Sandra de Montbrun, colorectal surgeon at OTMH, for the first time. She confirmed my worst fears. I had stage 4 colorectal cancer that had spread to my liver. But she also had a treatment plan and was able to answer all of my questions. 

It only took 30 minutes with Dr. de Montbrun for me to realize I was in great hands. 

Perhaps you remember my story from Dr. de Montbrun’s recent letter. She and my entire team at OTMH provided me with top-notch care throughout my cancer journey. But there’s something else that filled me with comfort and hope during the biggest challenge of my life: the hospital itself. 

As you may recall, my treatment plan started with surgery to remove the tumour in my colon. That was the scariest day of my life. But Dr. de Montbrun and every person who cared for me that day were amazing. They reassured me they were going to do everything they could. 

And, they did. I’ll never forget waking up and the huge relief I felt when Dr. de Montbrun told me the surgery had gone well. She got everything. My tumour was gone. 

Of course, that wasn’t the end of my journey. Chemotherapy was the next step, followed by more surgery to remove the cancer from my liver, then more chemo.  

I’ll admit I was nervous walking into the cancer clinic for my first round of chemo. But, thanks to my team at OTMH, I knew what to expect. There were no surprises waiting for me – just plenty of reassurance and lots of compassionate care. 

My wife and I were taken to a private room for each of my 12 treatments. When you’re at your most vulnerable, I can’t tell you how much it means to have your own space – to talk, cry, sleep – to do whatever you have to do to get through it. 

I know how lucky I am to call OTMH my hospital – to have access to such excellent care close to home. When you’re going through chemotherapy, every minute of travelling time that stands between the hospital and your front door makes a difference. 

That’s why I’m so grateful for this opportunity to share my story with you. It gives me the chance to thank you personally for the impact you’ve made in my life.

It also gives me the chance to tell you just how important those 6 additional chemotherapy spaces are. Our community is growing rapidly and so is the need for world-class cancer care. The cancer clinic needs your help to expand and ensure every person facing cancer can be accommodated and have the same amazing experience I did. 

As I write this letter, I have a new appreciation for my family – my beautiful wife and 6 incredible kids. I’m doing everything in my power to live my life to the fullest. 

I’m so appreciative of everyone who supported me on this journey – including caring supporters like you. And, I hope you’ll give again today. Your gift funds the equipment and care that saves lives and gives cancer patients like me immense hope for the future.

With my deepest gratitude,

Mike Schiller

P.S.      When you’re fortunate enough to have a state-of-the-art hospital like OTMH in your community, you must do everything you can to support it. Please make your special holiday gift today and help ensure every person gets the care they urgently need.