Cancer Patient Faces Disrupted Chemo Treatments Amid Kaiser Strike

Tom Bicknell, living with esophageal cancer, says appointments have been canceled as Kaiser workers continue picketing.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A 77-year-old cancer patient named Tom Bicknell says the ongoing strike by Kaiser Permanente workers has disrupted his critical chemotherapy treatments, leaving him worried about delays in his care. Bicknell, who was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and given 8-18 months to live several years ago, has now defied expectations and is nearing 78 years old. However, he says two of his chemo appointments were recently canceled due to the strike, putting his health at serious risk.

Why it matters

Bicknell's patient advocate warns that any lapse in his cancer treatment poses a grave threat, as 50% of patients with his diagnosis do not survive past the first two years. The strike has raised concerns that cancer patients like Bicknell may fall to the bottom of the priority list for care during the labor dispute.

The details

Bicknell, a former systems engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is now enjoying retirement by staying active with sports and fishing. However, he can no longer do more strenuous activities like bicycle riding and hiking due to his illness. Kaiser Permanente has stated that it is working to ensure oncology patients' urgent needs are prioritized, with physicians, nurses and staff providing care. The healthcare provider has also expanded contracted services and increased communication with affected members.

  • Bicknell was diagnosed with esophageal cancer at age 72.
  • The following year, he was told he likely had 8-18 months to live.
  • Bicknell is now nearing 78 years old, having defied expectations.
  • Two of Bicknell's chemo appointments were recently canceled due to the Kaiser strike.

The players

Tom Bicknell

A 77-year-old cancer patient living with esophageal cancer, who was given 8-18 months to live several years ago but has now defied expectations.

Rev. L.M. Sebastian

Bicknell's patient advocate, who warns that any lapse in his cancer treatment poses a serious risk.

Kaiser Permanente

The healthcare provider whose ongoing strike by workers has disrupted Bicknell's critical chemotherapy treatments.

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What they’re saying

“In an arena where, with Kaiser, 50% of the patients with his diagnosis are gone in the first two years, and he's now well into year five, so that's how important continuing the chemo was.”

— Rev. L.M. Sebastian, Patient Advocate (abc7.com)

“Yea, I can't do the really active things that I used to do like bicycle riding and hiking. I can hike on a flat path.”

— Tom Bicknell (abc7.com)

“One's like me that are already passed their expiration date and getting palliative care, we may be low on the ranking as far as getting chemo.”

— Tom Bicknell (abc7.com)

What’s next

Kaiser Permanente has stated it is working to ensure oncology patients' urgent needs are prioritized and that it is partnering with community providers to help minimize impacts from the strike.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious risks that cancer patients face when their critical treatment is disrupted, underscoring the need for healthcare providers and workers to find a resolution that protects vulnerable patients' access to care during labor disputes.