As the Dean of Student Life at Upper Canada College, Scott Cowie spent his entire career prioritizing the well-being of others. But as he approached retirement, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and was forced to prioritize his own.
“I experienced difficulty swallowing and some indigestion,” Scott recalled, noting that the symptoms were initially manageable with over-the-counter medication. The discomfort was attributed to an ulcer, but a biopsy later revealed a cancerous tumour in his distal esophagus, and it was growing. The diagnosis of “adenocarcinoma” left Scott in utter shock.
Under the care of Dr. Elena Elimova at The Princess Margaret, Scott embarked on a curative treatment plan made up of a combination of therapies. “We were taken aback when my scan showed a second lesion on my spine,” he said. “If cancerous, treatment would have shifted from curative to palliative.” Fortunately, the second lesion was benign.
After five weeks of rigorous chemotherapy and radiation, Scott’s tumour had significantly decreased in size and was successfully removed along with two nearby lymph nodes.
During recovery, Scott participated in The Princess Margaret’s Psychosocial Oncology Support Program. At the same time, Dr. Elimova initiated a newly-approved immunotherapy drug that taught Scott’s immune system how to detect and attack cancerous cells. “My counsellor helped me mitigate the emotional impact of cancer, the support was invaluable,” he said, “and the care I received was outstanding. The Princess Margaret team offered so much, but most of all, they gave me hope.”
Today, Scott is living cancer-free. And while he still checks in for regular scans, he is extremely grateful to be making plans for his retirement. He hopes that by sharing his story, he will contribute to the development of new treatment options for those diagnosed in the future. “Five years ago, the treatment that saved me was not available. I am living proof of the innovations made possible through programs like Princess Margaret Home Lottery.”