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Squamous cell cancer & agent orange
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Apr 06, 2005 - 9:58 am
I am a Vietnam Vet (1965-66 DaNang) diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the mouth, neck and lung. I have been reading some of the postings about cancer related to agent orange and wondering if there is a connection. My question is how can one determine if he was exposed to agent orange? Is it possible that one was exposed without knowing? |
Joined: Dec 2005
Jimmy,
I sent you a private message tonight.
My Best to You and Everyone Here
Joined: May 2010
Hi Everyone: My brother got extremely sick about 5 years ago with dermatomyocytis. Dermatomyocytis is when your own immune system attacks your muscles and renders them useless. In people greater than 40 y of age this disease can be triggered by a cancer (In approximately 70%). We could not find it then because he was so sick. My brother with in a week became paralysed, unable to breathe on his own, ventilated for 4 months. During that time he experienced a heart attack, 2 head bleeds, renal failure, chronic lung disease, and we were asked to end his life. He got a trach, a tube to feed him etc... We did not end his life and I took off from work to remain at his bedside and 15 months later he came out of rehabilitation to home. He had to learn to walk and talk again. Once discharged they found squamous cell carcinoma of his throat. My brother never smoked. By the time they found the cancer it had already spread to his lymph nodes, lung. He has had resection and radiation to his neck, wedge resection of his lung, and recently they found another source in his lung. He decided that he wanted to have radiation instead since he could still play golf.
I believe that his squamous cell carcinoma was due to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. He was a SeaBee. He would clear land and build on it. My borther is alive and drives but he has a family that he/I would like to see taken care of, a wife and 2 sons. He is not working. We do not know how long he has... what ever time it is, it is a gift. I am wondering if any of the people on this site won an appeal to get their deserved disability paid for? It is very strange that all the people on this site were in Vietnam and most likely exposed to agent orange. I am very much interested in where people are in their appeals.
Thanks-you so much for listening to me....
a caring sister.
Joined: Jun 2010
Dear ESPO1217,
My husband was diagnosed w/Stage 3A Squamous Lung Cancer in September, 2009. He had three tumors in his left lung and was not a candidate for surgery. He received 36 radiation treatments and 5 chemotherapies. The tumors did shrink consierably. However, the dr. could not tell from the CT scan if there was any more tumors due to the scarring from the radiation. She put him on Tarceva, and as of his last CT scan, there was no new activity, and one of the spots they were watching has disappeared. He applied to the VA for benefits. He finally received a letter telling him to report for an examination in August, 2010. Just last week, he received a letter stating that he was rated as 140% disabled (100% for lung cancer, 20% for diabetes, and 20% for partial loss of feeling in the feet). He received a check for benefits dated back to September, 2009 and will receive approx. $2800/month thereafter. He is also eliglble for medical treatment through the VA if he needs it, but so far our hospitalization, which I carry for the family, has covered all of his treatments. He also has to be re-evaluated by the VA every year to find out of there is any improvement in his condition. It is a long and drawn out process and is very frustrating. There definitely is a relationship between Agent Orange and the cancers that the Vietnam vets are getting. Please tell your brother to keep calling the VA and following up on his claim. You are in my prayers.
Joined: Jul 2010
Dear puppy2010,
Your post has shed a ray of hope to us. My husband, Dennis, was diagnosed with extensive sclc, with mets to his liver, and now in his bones, on April 28, 2010. He is a Viet Nam Veteran and spent several weeks at times " in country ", as his detachment's, in the Phillipines, primary mission was to support the troops in country. He began his claim to VA about a month after his diagnosis, and we are still waiting... One of the huge obstacles was to find documentation that he was in fact "in country". as the Air Force would send them on 28 day TDY's, as to not have to give the tax free pay and shorten their tours. Have to just say this, documentation in those days by the Air Force sucked!! Fortunately, he was able to find 2 forms of documentation. The VA has not said if they are acceptable as of this posting. In fact, all they have done is send letters requesting the same medical records over and over, and letters telling us that they are still reviewing his claim! He has been working with a VA counselor, and she is very kind and is trying to "push" the folks in Houston. The Doctors have given him 11-12 months. Of course, he is fighting this monster and we pray that the statistics are wrong! Why is VA dragging this out? What are they waiting for? I know that there are so many Veterans in need of the benefits that they have so honorably earned, but I just can't help the frustration. We are blessed that he did retire from the Air Force, so his treatments have all been covered by Tricare. And his doctors are wonderful.
If you know of anything we can do to help ourselves, please let us know. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Prayers and blessings for you and your husband.
Lucy
Joined: Jun 2010
I read your post and can sympathize with you and your husband. It took 11 months before my husband received a letter telling him to come in for an examination by the VA. He had to make that appointment at the specified time --no excuses. He went for the examination by a VA dr. They put him through the same tests that his oncologists had already done. The VA also asked for his medical recordsfrom his oncoligists two or three times. He was successful in getting the service connection, but it took over a year. My prayers are with you and your husband.
Jan
Joined: Jul 2010
Thank you for your response, Jan. I pray that your husband is doing well. My husband is experiencing fatigue from the brain radiation treatments he received the past two weeks. Now we know that it is not "just us" with the VA! We will keep calling them, sending them copies of copies, and never stop. Doesn't VA get it? These are Warriors and their Warrior Wives that they are dealing with!! Take care. Will post any up-dates on the issue.
God bless you and your husband,
Lucy
Joined: Jun 2010
Dear ESPO1217,
My husband was diagnosed w/Stage 3A Squamous Lung Cancer in September, 2009. He had three tumors in his left lung and was not a candidate for surgery. He received 36 radiation treatments and 5 chemotherapies. The tumors did shrink considerably. However, the dr. could not tell from the CT scan if there was any more tumors due to the scarring from the radiation. She put him on Tarceva, and as of his last CT scan, there was no new activity, and one of the spots they were watching has disappeared. He applied to the VA for benefits. He finally received a letter telling him to report for an examination in August, 2010. Just last week, he received a letter stating that he was rated as 140% disabled (100% for lung cancer, 20% for diabetes, and 20% for partial loss of feeling in the feet). He received a check for benefits dated back to September, 2009 and will receive approx. $2800/month thereafter. He is also eliglble for medical treatment through the VA if he needs it, but so far our hospitalization, which I carry for the family, has covered all of his treatments. He also has to be re-evaluated by the VA every year to find out of there is any improvement in his condition. It is a long and drawn out process and is very frustrating. There definitely is a relationship between Agent Orange and the cancers that the Vietnam vets are getting. Please tell your brother to keep calling the VA and following up on his claim. You are in my prayers.
Joined: Jun 2010
Dear ESPO1217,
My husband was diagnosed w/Stage 3A Squamous Lung Cancer in September, 2009. He had three tumors in his left lung and was not a candidate for surgery. He received 36 radiation treatments and 5 chemotherapies. The tumors did shrink considerably. However, the dr. could not tell from the CT scan if there was any more tumors due to the scarring from the radiation. She put him on Tarceva, and as of his last CT scan, there was no new activity, and one of the spots they were watching has disappeared. He applied to the VA for benefits. He finally received a letter telling him to report for an examination in August, 2010. Just last week, he received a letter stating that he was rated as 140% disabled (100% for lung cancer, 20% for diabetes, and 20% for partial loss of feeling in the feet). He received a check for benefits dated back to September, 2009 and will receive approx. $2800/month thereafter. He is also eliglble for medical treatment through the VA if he needs it, but so far our hospitalization, which I carry for the family, has covered all of his treatments. He also has to be re-evaluated by the VA every year to find out of there is any improvement in his condition. It is a long and drawn out process and is very frustrating. There definitely is a relationship between Agent Orange and the cancers that the Vietnam vets are getting. Please tell your brother to keep calling the VA and following up on his claim. You are in my prayers.
Joined: Nov 2010
http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files5/0940472.txt
http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files5/0940472.txt
this is a recent case where it was decided as follows
In accordance with the medical
definition:
The respiratory system includes the
nostrils, nasopharynx, oral pharynx,
glottis, trachea, bronchi and
bronchioles.
Oropharynx (as part of the respiratory
system) includes base of the tongue, the
soft palate, tonsil and the side and back
wall of the throat.
Having determined that the tonsil and base of the tongue are
part of the respiratory system, service connection for this
disorder is presumed under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e).
Accordingly, his claim for presumptive service connection for
throat cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue
base and tonsil is granted.
please repost this link anywhere u can and lets all copy this case and turn it over to our case worker.
Joined: Nov 2010
http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files5/0940472.txt
http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files5/0940472.txt
this is a recent case where it was decided as follows
In accordance with the medical
definition:
The respiratory system includes the
nostrils, nasopharynx, oral pharynx,
glottis, trachea, bronchi and
bronchioles.
Oropharynx (as part of the respiratory
system) includes base of the tongue, the
soft palate, tonsil and the side and back
wall of the throat.
Having determined that the tonsil and base of the tongue are
part of the respiratory system, service connection for this
disorder is presumed under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e).
Accordingly, his claim for presumptive service connection for
throat cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue
base and tonsil is granted.
please repost this link anywhere u can and lets all copy this case and turn it over to our case worker.
Joined: May 2010
sir my heart goes out to you and your family.i am a daughter of vet.when he first was told he had cancer he called the vet center for help with a power bill or something,I'm not sure what they are called where you live.he spoke with a wonderful women he explained to what was going on .then she asked him a question that took us all by surprise had he stepped foot in Nam and he had but when he called back when the whole agent orange deal came to light they told him he was not in the area's sprayed.she told him that he needed to come in and start a claim.my dad was in areas that our government to this day won't admit.i am fighting to this day for my dad.please don't take this the wrong way.but you need to get started now.talk to your doctors,find doctors who deal with not only agent orange but agent white.the government tried 4 different agents before orange. the five together are called the rainbow herbicides.I'm giving you this info because each one used different compounds.each one is on the net pink,purple,white,blue,and orange.start writing everyday what meds you take how bad the pain was what treatments you had,what you ate,anything a Dr might have told you.if your not able to do it have someone in your family get pics of any kind of skin rash you might have come home with.my dad had one on 3/4 of his back and we have no way to prove it.but if i were you Tuesday morning i would be on the phone to the VA and find out where in your area you can file a claim.PLEASE do not try to do it yourself.i have been trying for three years just to get my dad's medals...i will keep you in my prayers.
Joined: Aug 2010
My husband was sent to the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT to begin getting ready for radical surgery due to this cancer. I had asked his VA Primary care doctor and the Resident in the ENT Clinic in Salt Lake City, if Agent Orange could be a contributing factor. The Primary Care doctor said is could be, and the Resident said he can't say it is and he can't say it isn't. I've been told and told he should definitely file a claim which he will do.
I am going to investigate the relations of Soft Cell Sarcoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I'm mad as a wet hen that our guys can serve and put their lives on the line and then snubbed when they need help.
Thanks for letting me share. We're just getting started on his treatment, radical surgery on 9/16/10 and then the rest four weeks later gets under way.
Joined: Apr 2006
Welcome aboard Jacqlyn. Hope the best for your husband. There is a possibility it may be Vietnam or Agent Orange related. Where specific is the SCC?
Joined: Sep 2010
I'm sorry to hear about your husbands diag. I'm 4 years out from head and neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cancer of the base of the tongue. I flew in Vietnam, my aircraft (UH-1D) was used to defoliate, I drank the water ate the food and breathed the air.
My oncologist at the VA Medical Center in Portland said my Cancer was from AO. He thought it absurb that if it was 10cm one way or the other it would have been SC. My 14 weeks of radiation and Chemo Therapy were done jointly by the VA and the Oregon Health and Sciences University. The OHSU doctor and Professor said he is seeing an alarming increase in head and neck cancers from Vietnam Veterans. I tell every Vietnam Veteran I know to keep up on your medical exams, and if something doesn't feel right get to a doctor.
I am Mad too, there is an epidemic of cancer of vietnam veterans, three of my good friends are battling right now, prostate, larynx, and lung cancers. Another good friend is in his second round and has had recontruction in the area.
I am greatful for the medical tech, but there needs to be more done. I am considering fighting the VA for Service Connection, my prayers are with you all,
Rick Sciapiti Roseburg Oregon 114th Assault Helicopter Co, VN 68-69 US Army.
Joined: Nov 2010
http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files5/0940472.txt
this is a recent case where it was decided as follows
In accordance with the medical
definition:
The respiratory system includes the
nostrils, nasopharynx, oral pharynx,
glottis, trachea, bronchi and
bronchioles.
Oropharynx (as part of the respiratory
system) includes base of the tongue, the
soft palate, tonsil and the side and back
wall of the throat.
Having determined that the tonsil and base of the tongue are
part of the respiratory system, service connection for this
disorder is presumed under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e).
Accordingly, his claim for presumptive service connection for
throat cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue
base and tonsil is granted.
please repost this link anywhere u can and lets all copy this case and turn it over to our case worker.
Joined: Nov 2010
http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files5/0940472.txt
http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files5/0940472.txt
this is a recent case where it was decided as follows
In accordance with the medical
definition:
The respiratory system includes the
nostrils, nasopharynx, oral pharynx,
glottis, trachea, bronchi and
bronchioles.
Oropharynx (as part of the respiratory
system) includes base of the tongue, the
soft palate, tonsil and the side and back
wall of the throat.
Having determined that the tonsil and base of the tongue are
part of the respiratory system, service connection for this
disorder is presumed under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e).
Accordingly, his claim for presumptive service connection for
throat cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue
base and tonsil is granted.
please repost this link anywhere u can and lets all copy this case and turn it over to our case worker.
Joined: Mar 2011
For brevity sake I will just list facts related to my experience with squamous cell carcinoma, Vietnam and Agent Orange.
Avoided unnecessary exposure to the sun growing up due to being light skinned, and had a mother who was a bear about exposure to the sun.
Vietnam was my first prolonged exposure to the sun, and a month into my tour of duty I developed several severe sun burns to my face, ears and neck. Our medic reported the festered burns and due to the ever present low resistance to germs/bacteria in country; the Battalion medical doctor advised that I might have to return Stateside if the cream he provided did not clear up the open and raw burns.
The cream/ointment was affective and I remained with my unit.
I began to brown up for the first time in my life, and I thought I was actually building up a resistance to the sun (dumb me).
I served with the 101st Airborne (66-67) and because of the unusually high exposure to Agent Orange; have been on the Agent Orange Registry for the last twenty years.
Fifteen years ago I developed Basil cell carcinoma when one of several entry wound scars opened and refused to close for over six months. The wound resulted when a hail of enemy chi-com grenades filled the air above my squad in our attempt to close the last ten yards in taking Hill 52 in II Core.
When I was medi-vaced, four out of six fragments were removed. One in my arm worked it's way out six weeks after the incident. One was left in my shoulder and worked it way out when the wound opened years later. My wounds were judged non life threatening, and I was returned to duty to recuperate. My wounds were still oozing serum and needed changes of dressings until they closed up. During this time I was exposed to Agent Orange which we had no reason to believe presented any danger to us at the time (dumb again)
The biopsy showed Basil-cell carcinoma. When the biopsy was sent to DC to render a final determination, it was found that a false negative as relating to squamous cell carcinoma. I was never notified, and did not discover the new cancer until I checked in to a Va hospital in Alabama with renewed problems with the basil cell site.
By this time the cancer had metastasized to the limp-nodes, and I was given six months to live. Fortunately the Oncology Radiation
Department in Atlanta Georgia had a new radiation machine that is affective right up next to a vital organ. That and the mercy of God has spared me for eleven years. Although the cancer has returned in the last month, and seems to be the aggressive type; I am thankful for the 11 years as my wife and I have four teenagers, and it has been worth every minute of my extended life.
Reading all these postings, I wonder if there would be any reason to file a claim? It's not that I don't believe my situation warrants it; it's just that the system appears to be full on into a defensive stance. They have the big guns and money is their ammunition.
I hope this is of some help as you attempt to understand the impact of Vietnam/Agent Orange, and other environmental affects on our troops having served there. Scoat
Joined: Dec 2005
Scoat,
1st Welcome Home. 2nd, Please reply to me with a private e-mail through this site. You can go up to the left corner of the page in the block that is labeled CSN. In that block, click on CSN Email. Type in MarineE5 as the person you will be sending the message to.
I want to reply, but it will be a long reply, so no need to take up allot of space here.
My Best to You and Everyone Here
Joined: Jul 2010
Dear Scoat,
First, I am sorry to hear that the cancer has returned. I pray that they are able to treat and either defeat the beast or at the very least, put it at bay for many years to come!
Your question about submitting a claim? Here is my answer, yes, do it for your sacrifice and honor to this nation! Yes, do it for your wife and your children! And finally, yes, do it for all the other Vietnam Veterans that are also affected or may have already lost their battle with the beast!
It is not an easy journey, I can testify to that. Apr. 2010, my beloved husband, AF retired and Vietnam Veteran, was diagnosed with extensive small cell lung cancer. He was given 11-12 months, with treatment. In May 2010, he filed a claim with VA, lung cancer, agent orange, Vietnam. He passed away in Dec. 2010, eight months after diagnosis. He fought like a warrior, but it was his time. He asked me to promise to continue the battle with VA, I promised, and I continue! He died never having received justice! I am moving heaven and earth in my quest for justice and honor for him. Contacted Congressman, searching everywhere and anywhere for evidence, information, buddies, witnesses. I've requested an entire copy of his personnel records, TDY and Travel pay records. I am working with my local VSR with all the filing of the claims. Have submitted 4 pieces of evidence, have been given the run around... But I will not stop! Only when and if God says, that's enough, you have done everything you could have possibly done, will I give it a rest, maybe...
I have also registered onto several Vietnam Veteran's locator sites. Met many awesome Veterans that have begun to spread the word around their communities! Someone out there will be the "key that unlocks the door".
Should you decide to submit a claim or even want to know about the process, do not hesitate to post comment or PM me. In any case, my prayers are with you and your family. Take care, and welcome home!
Lucy
Joined: Mar 2011
My husband was walking past other soldiers who were cooking over drums with orange stripes that were cut in half and they were using them to grill food. He had no idea what the drums were then.
Joined: Aug 2010
Sir,
First and foremost, WELCOME HOME!!!! Thank you for your service. Right now I am a Pit-Bull on a misson for you all. My husband (we were married 1/29/2010), and I had the honor to marry my best friend. On July 15, 2010, he found out he had a cancerous tumor in his left jaw, which turned out to be malignant Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Right off the bat, everyone said because he "chewed", that was the "contributor", not necessarily AO. A claim for him was filed though as he is an AO registered Viet-Nam Vet.
He had to have his entire left lower jaw from just below the ear to center front removed and re-constructed.
I'd love to know how they'd have reacted if he'd never had chewed, since he'd never smoked. Where would they have put the cause since. I would love to know how many of the guys here who have this horrible horrible monster did and didn't chew.
I don't know how to get a list of you all who have filed claims to begin a research profile, but I think we should work together to do a profile. I am not only fighting for my husband, please understand that....I am fighting for all of you. We were at supper in Billings, MT the other evening, and an active duty Soldier after I'd gone to his table and thanked him and his wife for their service, came over and when he found out my hubby was a Viet-Nam Vet, thanked him for his service, and the fact it was what you all endured when you came home that has made all the welcome homes for all the soldiers since your era soooooo much more pleasant and painless to them and their families.
Our fights for your dignities at funerals is still on going, but we are die hards and won't give up, and trust me, I'm not giving up on this AO Fight either.
Please feel free to e-mail me at jacqlyn46@aol.com
My regards to you and yours.
Jacki
Joined: Jan 2012
The effects can carry on for decades to come with children, etc....and I believe as a military brat was exposed to it on our own US bases. TCDD dixoin was noted in the ATSDR report on NAS Whidbey, pesticide resinate area. I lived there during the Vietnam war. My family has all had very strange health symptoms, especially my mother who became totally disabled with lyme disease. From my understanding, TCDD has been used in the US and Canada as well, not just Vietnam. Used to clear airfields, clear brush for railways, and testing in forested areas...i.e., Lyme Ct. Agent Orange was a huge mistake. Not only does TCDD cause cancer but diabilitating arthritus as well. I was diagnosed with juvinille RA while living there. Huge lumps on the knuckles and deformed fingers? It's calcified infection...bartonella...another bacteria as well as babesia used in Agent Orange, I believe.
Joined: Jun 2012
ON May 8, 2012 I discovered a lump in the right lymphnode in my neck. Since then I have had biopsies my right tonsil removed and teeth pulled to begin Radiation and Chemo. I was a Marine in Vietnam 1967-1968 I was also a smoker. My email address is tpmmarine@verizon.net I have gathered much information and have just begun. I am a retired Criminal Investigator/ State police. My nick name was Pittbull. 30 years never lost a case.
Joined: May 2013
Hello Tim,
I hope you have had success with your treatments and with your claim. Unfortunately I have lost my husband of 39 years to lung cancer just this past December. He was just diagnosed early August. Large lung tumor and no time left. He was stationed in Udorn Thailand with USAF as a pneudraulics repairman, 1969-1970. Worked on the flightline. Have put in to VA for death pension compensation but I'm concerned VA may not consider claim since he was a smoker and his cancer was Squamous Cell and Adenosquamous Carcinoma. Plan to continue with claim anyway as there was no one in his family who had lung cancer. Feel sure that exsposure to Agent Orange or what ever herbisides they used there contributed to his getting lung cancer.