Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen is in high spirits as he prepares to battle cancer for the second time in little over a year.
Pettersen, who had a cancerous growth and a kidney removed last year, found out last month that the cancer has returned where his kidney used to be.
“I think I will defeat this cancer and I’ve got many years to live and accomplish what I want for the Flin Flon constituency,” he said Monday.
Pettersen, who turns 62 on Friday, said his doctors share his optimism, describing the cancer as slow-growing with several treatment options available.
He said he will either undergo surgery next month or begin a drug regimen designed to keep the cancer dormant.
“There’s no immediate concern,” said Pettersen. “I mean, it’s not like I have to have the operation tomorrow.”
In describing his approach to his cancer, Pettersen borrowed a political analogy.
“It’s like running an election – if you’re negative, you might lose the damn election,” he said. “And it’s the same with cancer. Yeah, I’m very optimistic. I’ve talked to the doctors. It’s slow-growing cancer. It’s something that can be dealt [with]. I’ve got a plan A, B and C, so it’s not just plan A.”
Pettersen was first diagnosed with cancer in the spring of 2013 after an ultrasound revealed a growth in his kidney. He underwent surgery in Winnipeg to have the growth and the kidney removed.
About six weeks ago, after a busy day at the legislature, Pettersen learned that the cancer was back. Either his surgeon had missed some of the growth or it had regenerated on its own.
“It was shocking because like I don’t feel unhealthy,” he said. “I haven’t lost any weight. There’s no signs at all.”
Pettersen said the hardest thing about his latest diagnosis has been telling people, including his family, colleagues and constituents.
He first went public with the news at a cancer-fighting fundraiser in Cranberry Portage last month. He also posted the news on his Facebook page, and word has gradually spread.
Pettersen said he has received strong support from the community, including all kinds of help he never asked for but certainly welcomes.
“I just appreciate the concern everybody has,” he said.
Pettersen has also found strength in a friend who has had cancer for years and has worked to control the disease.
“I’ll do the same thing,” he said.
Pettersen said his experience with cancer has made him all the more grateful for Canada’s public health care system.
That feeling is particularly potent when he watches one of his favourite TV shows, Breaking Bad, about an American teacher forced to sell drugs to provide for his family after he gets cancer.
While some close to Pettersen have suggested he retire from politics for health reasons, the MLA said his passion for his job won’t allow that.
“I love what I do and I’m not finished accomplishing what I want to accomplish for my community,” he said, “and there’s no way that I would step down. I’m committed to Flin Flon and the constituency.”
Pettersen is nearly three years into his first term as the NDP MLA for the Flin Flon constituency.
He won a landslide victory in October 2011, capturing 57 per cent of the vote. That was more than double the total earned by his chief rival, Darcy Linklater of the Progressive Conservatives.
Thomas Heine of the Liberals and Saara Harvie of the Green Party were also unsuccessful in their campaigns.
Pettersen is the latest in a long line of NDP MLAs for Flin Flon, which has been held by the left-leaning party since 1969.
