Fort Simpson (June 13/03) - Cancer infiltrated Bill Laferte's liver. It attacked his lung and assailed his brain. But it never had a chance against his spirit.

Bill Laferte, also known as the Metis Rambler, is seen here in August, 2002, four months before being diagnosed with cancer of the liver and the lung. - Tracy Kovalench photo

Laferte, 72, is recovering from several intense sessions of radiation and chemotherapy.

"The side effects of chemo is terrible bloody stuff," he said, referring to the sleeplessness and loss of appetite. "Toward the end I was dreading it ... oh man, was I ever sick toward the end of it."

Nearly two months since his last treatment, Laferte still only weighs 150 lbs. -- 54 lbs. less than when the ordeal began.

"It's way too much (weight loss). That's why I feel rough today, weak," he said, his suspenders hugging his bony frame. His hand shakes as he grasps a cigarette between his fingers.

Like most chemotherapy patients, Laferte lost much of his hair, his eyebrows, eyelashes and even his whiskers, although some of it is gradually growing back.

When the liver and lung cancers were detected in December, the prognosis was grim.

"Virtually ever doctor that I saw told me that it's mortal," he recalled.

Further tests revealed two tumours at the back of his brain. That's when radiation treatment was ordered.

"They must have got (the tumours) because it's cleared up," he said, optimistically. "So far there's been improvement. The swelling in my liver went way down."

Finding strength

In facing this tribulation, Laferte has found solace in his experiences and the people closest to him.

After word of his diagnosis got out, he received calls and visits from countless well-wishers. His family helped sustain him, none more than his wife, Christina Holman.

"She's been the anchor," he said. "She's been a wonderful woman. I am very fortunate. There's not enough I can do to thank her."

Having been raised in a devout Roman Catholic family, Laferte has also continued to take comfort in religion during his dark hour.

"I've always had strong faith since I was a kid growing up," he noted.

Holman confirmed that Laferte's outlook and deep spirituality have bolstered him and his family.

"I think, all in all, Bill is the one keeping up our spirits by his attitude," she said. "No matter which way it turns out, we have to accept it ... it also makes you realize that you have to appreciate the new day when it arrives."

Laferte has nothing but good things to say about the care he has received in hospitals in Yellowknife and Edmonton.

"It's pretty darn hard to beat those doctors and medical staff," he said. "I have no complaints. They gave me all the help that they could possibly give."

A seven-year veteran of the Canadian Army Corps of Engineers, he has also called upon his military-ingrained discipline to fight this foe. He completed a United Nations tour of duty in Egypt's Suez Canal conflict in 1956. There, he witnessed hundreds upon hundreds of dead bodies, and children maimed and orphaned. It shook him up and it still haunts him decades later, he admitted.

"I like to call that experience the business of life and death," he said. "If (war) didn't get me maybe (cancer) will, but God darn not laying down. I'll get up when I can."