This is an ongoing discussion in many press articles and political circles as to how society needs to deal with the underprivileged that are in need of housing.

We all agree that the essentials in life are Food, Clothing and Shelter. Everything else comes to play only when you are fed, warm and cozy.

My years in construction witnessed some 600 plus housing units over time and in one instance Fording Coal Ltd needed apartments at Elkford to house their employees. The employees preferred detached housing but subdivisions take time and Verigin built three (3) separate apartment buildings that yielded 80 units to do just that.

The subdivisions were eventually constructed and the families moved from the apartments into the single family homes and the apartments became empty. The costs of maintaining an empty apartment are substantial. Fording Management decided to stratify the buildings and offer them as low as $15,000 purchase for a 3 bedroom apartment.

Try as they would with extensive advertising throughout British Columbia and Alberta with no success. In the end the apartments were demolished and taken to the landfill

Meanwhile Intertech Construction were Contractors to redevelop the Woodwards Store area in east Vancouver. One of the requirements of the Developer was to construct about 70 condos for the Homeless at a cost of over $450,000 per unit.

Yes, it is obvious, why could not the Homeless be appropriated a unit in Elkford at a cost of $15,000 rather than $450,000 a unit? Perhaps, the rights of the underprivileged were at stake as they did not want to leave downtown Vancouver?

Peter Rezansoff and I shared a few bottles of wine talking about this. Peter was even more dismayed as the condition of the $450,000 condos he built so well, deteriorated very quickly with time due to abuse by the Users.

My next story is about the Grandview Housing site in Castlegar, B.C. The Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative (KCSHC) developed a 60 acre site. try as they would, B.C. Housing could not establish a program to assist them within their guidelines.

One day a call came from B.C. Housing with the news that they had a Manufactured Homes incentive. “Would Grandview accept funding for about 50 Manufactured Homes?”

The former Calamida Stadium site would suit this funding as the program required free land and only the municipality could receive the funding.

The KCSHC wholeheartedly agreed to donate the subject about 4 acre site and called the City of Castlegar to meet officials from the BC Housing for a meeting on site to exercise the funding.

The City never showed up!

With the BC Housing Officials on site, calls to the City were responded by “no one was available to meet them at this time!”

The funding went to another community that would cooperate.

So what is wrong with our governments?

In both instances, partnership with private ownership would have easily provided affordable housing for the underprivileged.

What is missing here?

Under construction by E Verigin August 29, 2017. Completed August 30, 2017

This a personal experience that I thought I could share with my Readers as there just may be parts of my story that may benefit some of you.

It all started with a discovery of blood in my urine. Should that happen to you, do not ignore that and pass it off as coincidental. Your body is providing you with a warning that something may be amiss.

I made an appointment with my family doctor and he took this very seriously as this may be an indication of Cancer somewhere in the urinary tract.

So he prescribed the following tests with results noted:

1. Blood work (no indication that I am aware)
2. Ultra Sound (something “inordinary” within the bladder)
3. Visual inspection within the urinary tract (a tumour was discovered that appeared cancerous) on July 24, 2017.

Dr Livingstone immediately expedited the following:

• Extensive and directed blood work August 14, 2017.
• CT Scan August 16, 2017.
• Operating Room reservation at the Trail Hospital August 21, 2017.

That was a professional achievement to provide that scheduling in our health system as we experience it.

As it all unfolded, somehow my granddaughter’s wedding on August 19, 2017 at Whatshan was spared enjoyed by Marilyn and I and fitted well into the above schedule.

A “small” tumour was surgically removed in five (5) minutes. The tumor was confirmed cancerous and a biopsy is taking place to determine the type of cancer and what may be require further treatment. I will know better on September 12, 2017, when I meet with Dr. Livingstone.

It was discovered that I have two (2) “tiny” stones developing in one of my kidneys. Dr Livingstone prescribed two (2) litres of water intake a day and they will pass the stones through the urinary tract on their own. The alternative is to wait until they develop and they could block the urinary tract causing excruciating pain on their way through.

I guess I will drink the water!

It seems I heard about water intake before:

1. In grade four Health classes, it was recommended that everyone drink 8 glasses of water a day which I rejected
2. My doctor recommended that I drink 8 glasses of water to control gout. He suggested that my Chemical Engineering training would confirm that the crystals in Uric Acid can be easily dissolved by water and that medications would not be necessary. Well I was not drinking water and so prescribed medication was the result. What did he know about Chemistry?
3. My son graduated from Human Kinetics and suggested that if my urine showed color that I was not drinking enough water. I guess I liked color and continued my aversion to water.
4. I was having constipation and again my son suggested drinking more water. Stool softening enhancements were easier to take than water.
5. Now Dr Livingstone is suggesting this remedy…………………
6. What next?

Guess what, I am finally drinking water and my gout and constipation is gone and perhaps my stones will disappear.

My Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist suggested that the nagging pain in my calves and thighs would go away after removal of my bladder tumour. He was absolutely correct! Where do all these people obtain this knowledge?

Wow, what a fringe benefit!

No one ever tells Elmer what to do and they just did!

I am listening………

Posted August 24, 2017 at 0930 hours

Notations September 11, 2017 at 1315 hours. I will use this post as my blog to note my treatment progress. If this helps someone who has yet to be diagnosed or may have people close to them who may be suffering, that is my intent with these notes.

So my visit with Dr. Livingstone on September 05, 2017 went like this:

1. The sample is positive with cancer
2. The removed tumour was in the early stages of cancer
3. The location was on the inside of the bladder lining and was successfully removed
4. The treatment now is to ensure that no cancer cells are allowed to penetrate that inner lining and enter the muscle area beyond
5. Such a penetration would allow the cancer cells to readily attack that layer and quickly make the bladder a victim of cancer
6. With that taking place the only solution is remove the bladder and utilize an outer “bag”

So the treatment is like this:

1. Every Monday, which started today, go to the Oncology Department at the Trail Hospital and take a treatment:
   1. Insert a catheter
   2. Drain the urine
   3. Insert BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) OncoTICE(R), IMMUCYST(R). It is essentially a virus that feeds on cancer cells
   4. Catheter is removed
   5. I lie on my stomach for 15 minutes
   6. I roll over to my right side for 15 minutes
   7. Then my left side for 15 minutes
   8. I finally lie on my back for 15 minutes
   9. This is to ensure that the chemical thoroughly is distributed about my bladder
   10. I go home
   11. I urinate at 2 hours after the chemical has been inserted
   12. It is a dangerous chemical and I need to ensure that I flush 2 times
   13. I need to wash my hands and private parts for 6 hours after I get home
   14. Drink 2 litres of water every day to flush the stuff through
2. Sounds simple, right?
3. Well I need to repeat this for 6 times after which Dr Livingstone has a look
4. There may be changes after that
5. If all stays on course then this process continues for a total of 27 times
6. The prognosis is that 85% of those treated are able to become Survivors

So that is where I am today. I can eat whatever I want and at this time I feel good and my intention is to cooperate and beat this thing

Posted at 1335 hours by Elmer

Chemo Treatment #2 this morning and I find out more facts about my treatment:

1. The Chemo mixture is prepared in the Hospital Lab about 15 minutes after I arrive at 0800 hours
2. It is a very potent mixture of viruses that have an appetite for cancer cells and must be activated just before insertion into my bladder
3. The nurse ears protective clothing and a mask
4. Insertion is via a catheter which firstly empties my bladder and then inserts the mixture
5. The process is absolutely painless and relatively no discomfort
6. My joke to the nurse was “there is nothing romantic about this is there?”
7. Their response “strictly professional”
8. Although, I drank no coffee this morning and cut back on liquids, the most difficult part of the process is holding back for the hour that I arrive home. The bladder wants to release and again I was unable to “hold” for the recommended total of 2 hours

So I need another four treatments before Dr Livingstone makes his inspection and will report signs of any new tumour forming which may require removal.

Stay tuned….

Posted 1200 noon, Monday, September 18, 2017 by Elmer

Treatment #3 September 25, 2017

All as before except that I prepared myself better:

• No coffee the night before or breakfast in the morning
• No water drinking the night before nor morning

I was able to keep th medication in me for 2 hours. Success!

I also took a brochure on Cancer and from I have read I have the initial type for which my treatment is correct. I will stay with the program and see what Dr. Livingstone finds after Treatment #6 and we can go from there.

I am not surprised that the Doctor has not commented on the Nathurepatic recommendations, so I will wait until I see him

Reported 1350 hours September 25, 2017 by EWV

I completed Treatment #6 on October 16, 2017. The Nurse tells me that all my reports will now go to Dr Livingstone. He will contact me when an follow up inspection may be required. Otherwise the Hospital will contact me when I start my next sequence of treatments in three (3) months.

So I wait…………

Posted October 18, 2017.

I completed my Inspection Procedure on January 10, 2018 at the Trail Hospital by Dr. Livingstone.

1. No evidence of any new cancer growth!
2. He took a biopsy sample
3. He spoke with me after that:
   1. I will take another 3 Chemo Treatments ASA the Hospital can schedule same
   2. He will get results on the biopsy which should be good in his opinion
   3. His office will call for a follow up appointment
4. After the 3 treatments, I will need another inspection
5. Should the results be the same as this last one, I will need to comeback every 6 months for 5 years
6. With no evidence of Cancer at that time, I will be “Cancer-Free”

There are reasons to be excited and full of hope.

Thank you medical science and all the staff at the Trail Hospital.

Thank you for such a supportive family and their direction to have a positive attitude.

Posted by Elmer Verigin January 11, 2018 0930 hours

January 16, 2018

Treatment #7 was essentially routine.

I stopped all liquids at 9:00 the night before and did not have breakfast. This provides the ability to retain the Tubercolosis ‘cocktail’ that they inject to into the bladder to counteract any Cancer cells. The objective is to retain for a total of two hours from the time of entry. I did it!

After it is a lot of water and yes, a bunch of peeing!

Okay for now!

Posted 1520 hours, January 16, 2018

Treatment #8

Much the same as Treatment #7 but a considerable amount more pain when peeing. The need for a Pee was about every 15 minutes until about 3:00 A.M.

Treatment #9 dated January 30, 2018

The Treatment was routine but the process of getting up to pee every 5 minutes became a real challenge. When I would get some sleep, I had visions of pockets of pee in all nooks and crannies of my body which I had to get eliminate.

It was very trying! I was essentially knocked back all the next day and week the third day. It is Friday, February 02, 2018 and I finally went for a 2 km walk.

I had a call from Dr Livingstone yesterday to report that the biopsy he had taken indicated some cancerous cells. He did not want anymore treatments for now but would schedule another Inspection in April 2018 and determine what else may be required.

I need to consider that the biopsy was before the last 3 treatments and so he did not seem concerned.

We will just have to have a positive attitude in the interim and see what happens in April.

Posted 1700 hours, Friday, February 03, 2018 by Elmer Verigin

I just returned from the Trail Hospital where Dr Livingstone conducted an inspection on my bladder as part of the six (5) month periodic inspection for the next five (5) years.

He advised me that he could not see any visage signs of Cancer but took a sample to send away for analysis. He will advise me in fourteen (14) days as to the results. Should there be any then a series of Chemo Treatments will be prescribed.

Of course, I was very elated with results as is my family. We are collectively thankful for the prayers and all that all people have made in this regard. We never know for sure what works in instances like this but we do know that prayer is a significant part of that process.

Posted April 11, 2018 1810 hours by Elmer Verigin

April 26, 2018

Dr. Livingstone called me to advise that the biopsy should no evidence of Cancer cells. Very good news indeed!

He advised that I would need three (3) treatments every six (6) months followed by another inspection. This will repeated until I have had 27 treatments. They wantr to make sure the Cancer does not return.

I have since had treatment #10 yesterday, May 09, 2018, followed by May 16 and then May 23, 2018.

There is a stressful time till I pee out the TB Virus at 2 hours. The urge to pee continues almost incessantly until the early hours of the following night. Uncomfortable but the options are not too acceptable

Posted May 10, 2018 at 1310 hours

Treatment #11 was as usual for the exception that about 8:00 P.M., I noticed my right testicle was enlarged and painful to the touch. Later, there was pain in my lower abdomen. I lost my instructions that I had received before Treatment #1 (bad habit) and so I looked it all up on the internet. Just as I remembered, the instructions are very clear. If there any side effects or undue discomfort; seek medical attention immediately.

Castlegar Emergency Clinic closes a 8:00 P.M., and so I went to Trail and got here about 1000 thanks to Lawrence Popoff as Marilyn does not drive and my children could not be reached. There were a few drug overdoses that took priority and I waited till midnight. By this time daughter Lori spared off Lawrence and we played Crib.

The attending Doctor could not recognize the symptoms but took an ultrasound. His diagnosis was no active infection and suggested that I take no treatmentas it did not appear to be getting worse. He would send in a memo to Dr Livingstone and let him handle it in the morning. I was thus dismissed.

By morning the situation normalized but I did not hear from Dr Livingstone by 1000 hours that morning and my instructions was to call him as a follow up. The Receptionist said that he would call and right up to the night before Treatment #12, I had no call.

I arrived at the Oncology department for Treatment #12 and reported to the Nurses my experience with Treatment #11. They shrugged their shoulders and admitted that they never heard that story before and directed me to my favorite bed.

Treatment #12 went ahead as usual. I did have a brief encounter with the same situation with my right testicle but not as severe.

I am up and about this morning after!

Life as usual1

Posted May 24, 2018 at 0940 hours by Elmer Verigin

It was a few days later that I noticed what appeared to be a visible surface infection on my right testicle. Alarmed, I called Dr Livingstone’s office and the Receptionist directed me to go to the Castlegar Hospital Emegency.

After a four hour wait, the attending Doctor diagnosed an “Absyss” which he immediately treated by draining and directing me to soak myself in a tub with Epsom Salts, three (3) times daily. I was to continue this until the swelling and internal lump subsided.

There was some drainage during the soakings.

I discussed this with my family doctor Ackenbauer and his comment was the same a the attending Emergency Doctor that this had nothing to do with my bladder cancer treatment. That “Absyesses” occur and their sources are difficult to determine.

Finally I stopped these soakings November 05, 2018 when there was no sign of a testicle enlargement nor internal lump.

My regular six (6) bladder inspection came about November 08, 2018 and it was the last by Dr. Livingstone as he was retiring. This inspection was conducted at the Trail Hospital with local anesthetic.

I watched on the screen as the probe entered my bladder. Dr. Livingstone commented and directed my attention to the appearance of a tumour growth on the inside of the bladder. His diagnosis was that it required removal and that it should take place within two (2) weeks by his replacement. I would receive direction from the Trail Hospital of exact time and other directions.

Dr Livingstone did not seem concerned as this does occur and will happen in some cases. This is why the treatment process continues every six (6) months with three (3) injections of the TB virus so that a total of 27 treatments take place. Once surgery takes place we will know if there is any malignancy.

I am taking a appositive attitude to this event and I will quote the exchange of texts with my family

“…..Seeing as this contacts all of you I will let you know that the Tumour growth has come back in the bladder

The hospital will schedule that removal process that was done 1 1/2 years ago

It will be tested if malignant and we carry on with treatments

I have complete 12 treatments and I need a total of 27

From what Livingstone tells me this not unusual and that is why the treatment process is for 5 years

He did the finger trick on my rear end and informed me that the prostate is fine……”

“….from my son Kim Verigin….Sent from my iPhoneGramps: As Wayne Gretzky says you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take so take the shot and you have a much better chance than not. Translation: All will be good if you think it can be. All positive

“……..from my daughter Tamara…Sorry to hear Dad but sounds like dr Livingston is most optimistic. We also have a lot of love, positive energy and prayer in our family to help you heal

Sent from my iPhonee thoughts from here on in!…..”

There were other messages of support from my family which were just as important and supporting as the above. Thank you all!

Posted by EWV at 0930 hours, November 09, 2018

Update January 05, 2019

Transurethral Procedure January 04, 2019 by Dr Robinson at the Trail Hospital

Here is the writeup on the Procedure

the procedure was much more intense than my first one. I was able to go home with no catether but I suffered all night with the urge to urinate. Now at 1240, I am finally in control.

The sample was sent to the IHA Lab to analysis. Once known, follow up treatment will continue. Dr Robinson diagnoses definite Cancerous but not known as to aggressive nature.

We will keep a positive attitude going forward.

Posted 1445 hours Saturday, January 05, 2019

 

 

Recently, I have been reminded by Medical Science that I am a mortal with a body that does wear with age and sometimes has parts that fail.

It was so with my diagnosis of a Tumor in my bladder. Preparations are under way to remove it, analyze and recommend treatment should that be required.

My friend Lawrence Popoff was quick to suggest that I read a book called “Dying To Be Me” by Anita Mooriani. He knew Anita selected a choice vocabulary to describe a phenomena that hereto was personal to those who had a NDE. Anita did just that!

Anita is an Indian living in Hong Kong who survived a Stage 4A Cancer near death and came away a much different person with an entirely different view of life on this world.

Her opening statement forewarns of the contents:

“…………I believe that the greatest truths of the universe don’t lie outside, in the study of the stars and the planets. They lie deep within us, in the magnificence of our heart, mind, and soul. Until we understand what is within, we can’t understand whi is without.

I share my story here in the hope of touching your heart in some way and reminding you of your own magnificence………..”

I spent a lifetime with the understanding that I need to look up to others and be subservient as well as accept that others have a special place in this world. Anita went though that phase as a result of the customs and traditions of her culture.

In her afterword, she writes:

…Always remember not to give away your power—–instead, get in touch with your own magnificence. …..The only universal solution I have is to love yourself unconditionally and be yourself fearlessly! This is the most important lesson I learned from my NDE, and honestly feel that if I’d always known this, I never would have gotten cancer in the first place…………..

I found inspiration in this literary creation by Anita.

Thank you Anita and I hope that those who choose to read this book will share my opinion and gratitude.

Elmer Verigin

August 13, 2017 1250 hours

I met George many years ago in Benito Manitoba while visiting my mother and sister. George just walked up and introduced himself and that was the beginning of many instances where George became a good friend.

The Negraves farmed in the “shadow” of Thunderhill near where the former North Colony of Doukhobors first settled in 1899. George was ever a strong supporter of the Doukhobor “Way of Life”. George farmed while Tannis taught school.

In retirement, the Negraves moved to Kamsack and both Tannis and George became very much involved with the National Doukhobor Heritage Village, serving in all capacities and in a constant volunteer mode.

I recall many times when people from British Columbia asked me to access the Village in off season. I would call George and he graciously volunteered to open all doors and show the displays, narrating with his intricate knowledge of the Doukhobor history.

George will be missed by all who knew him.

Rest in Peace

Elmer Verigin, posted August 12, 2017.

People come and go though our lives and most touch our hearts in some way. I doubt that anyone can ignore the fact that Fred made a difference to all that he was in contact with. It was his ever present sarcasm that made us distinctly aware that we had just met Fred. The smile always followed.

Those of us who lived at Grandview with Fred and Elsie know that Fred was always ready to apply all his strength and wisdom to move Grandview to success and we were successful for exception moving into Grandview Manor…………………………our dream. Fred was there in all capacities wherever it was necessary.

We watched as he became the Care-Giver when Elsie needed it and cheerfully fulfilled all the love he promised her in his wedding vows. That was so beautiful to observe as it unfolded.

It was obvious that Love was a fundamental part of the Houghton household as we watched children, grand children and great grand children visiting Fred. He would break out in smiles every time he was able to introduce his family that he loved so dearly.

Where this love there is God!

Fred accepted all that God placed on his plate and was thankful and cheerful to the end.

Elmer and Marilyn, July 2017

The Writer found these other photos in that “suitcase” I mentioned in “There Was a Time When…….”

Let me explain about this “suitcase”.

I had a hand-me-down suitcase as a teenager that came from some relative. It is sized about 16″ wide x 24″ long and 6″ deep. It was this total baggage that I had when I took the bus from Pelly, Saskatchewan to British Columbia in 1956, to travel to work with my brothers Lawrence and Russel in Trail British Columbia at their fledgling building construction firm. It was a sacrifice that my parents loaned me so that I could earn enough money to buy my clothes and essentials to continue my schooling from grade 10 and onwards through University.

So into this “suitcase” went all my essential belongings. So you can imagine how many clothes changes, this boy must have had. Into this “suitcase” also went anything of a personal keepsake. It was in this fashion that I accumulated pictures and many personal letters which I have retained to this day.

When I met my future partner Marilyn, she convinced me that two people could live as cheaply as one. One thing was for sure, I could not pack all her stuff into this special keepsake and Marilyn allowed me to keep all that was within it which included many “special” letters from girl and boy friends as I migrated from Saskatchewan to British Columbia for seven (7) years. Her stuff needed moving vans.

Yes this also included all the letters from Marilyn which were written as we communicated from the schools that she taught while I was in Saskatoon. Our grand children will have a ball when they get their hands on it.

I met Lorne Tamelin as he became another employee at L.W. Verigin Construction Ltd in 1959. It was not long before we became good friends and he invited me to join him on  weekends as he taught me how the Doukhobor Youth associated with each other in those days.

Lorne had this fabulous car and handsome looks that was an easy attention-getter should we find a bunch of girls out for a walk in their Sunday best. These photos suggest that the “boys” were priming themselves for the upcoming “shopping spree” that would take us to Pass Creek, Ooteschinia, Thrums, Slocan Park, Taghum and any other place where there was an opportunity to meet girls.

I admit that looking was so good but at times we ended the Sunday with no girls. Not because there was a lack of interest but basically we had trouble with “closing the deals”.

Oiyayoi!

Oh how nice it would be to take another trip with Lorne who is now deceased. Strangely enough we both married school teachers and they were never part of the shopping excursions. We also had four children and remained family friends through many years that involved building projects for the extended community.

Another nostalgic moment for Elmer…….

Written August 08, 2017 1500 hours

I was looking for something else and came across this picture of four dangerous young Doukhobor Youth “searching”.

We came to know each other as a result of the Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth (SDY).

From left to right: Keith Taraoff, Alfred Kabatoff, Michael Ozeroff and Elmer Verigin

Keith and Michael grew up on farms near Langham, Saskatchewan while Alfred came from a farm near Blaine Lake. Elmer was an “Easterner” came from a farm near Pelly.

We all sang and socialized in the SDY which was a gathering place for Doukhobor Youth from across Saskatchewan.

At this time I boarded with Keith’s family in Saskatoon and Alfred boarded with his grandparents while the three of us attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. Mitch was a farmer then near Langham and drove in to Saskatoon to be our choir director.

This time in the Spring of 1960, Alfred invited us to meet his parents on their farm in Blaine Lake. I am not sure if Alfred’s parents were impressed with his friends but his friends sure enjoyed the hospitality and food that Alfred’s mother had prepared for the “Hoistyee Daraheeya” and ate as only four young men could.

For whatever reason, the four of us liked to sing a happy Doukhobor Folk Song “Paslednee Chas Razlohee”, loosely translated “My Last Hours on Earth” that a young heart broken maiden was singing to her girl friends about her beloved who had chosen to love another and would not even appear at her funeral. The youth of today are missing something……………look at the choices of song that are available for all to enjoy!!!

As you can imagine we would have been a great quartet in singing as well as in play. We managed to entice a few young girls to socialize with us. We thought we were dashing but the opinion may not have been mutual to the girls.

We had many memorable times together and today I am sad to report that Keith and Alfred left Mitch and I to remember those times when we were young and the World was waiting for our contribution.

From my perspective, we earned our place on Earth with the many people we associated and participated in all that we achieved.

Elmer Verigin , August 06, 2017.