Military Cancer Survivors — Cancer Survivors Network

Nuclear Navy Submariners and Blood Cancers

wyliechattin — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 17:15:27 +0000

My father served in the nuclear Navy from 1968-1974.

During those years of enlistment, he was exposed to ionizing radiation daily during the years of 1970 – 1974. He received these exposures as a Machinist Mate 2nd Class (Nuclear) and job responsibilities at Naval Nuclear Protype S1C, Winsor Locks, Connecticut, which is a land-based prototype designator training facility.

Further, he received additional radiation exposure while performing his job functions in the engineering department on board duty the USS Permit, SSN-594. This includes Nuclear Reactor Systems maintenance performing primary radiochemistry analysis and radiation monitoring of onboard spaces and nuclear weapons. His job assignments on board SSN-594 also included extensive overhaul and refueling of onboard nuclear reactor systems at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. The types of ionizing radiation he was exposed to were alpha, beta, gamma and neutron

He’s fighting his own battle with a a form of blood cancer (MDS) and recovering from a stem cell transplant. Myelodysplastic syndrome with excess blasts (MDS EB-1), a group of blood disorders in which a person's bone marrow does not produce enough functioning blood cells. If the diseases progresses, it will turn into Acute Leukemia, which the VA recognizes as a presumptive disease due to ionizing radiation exposure, which at that point he won’t have long.

GVHF (graft versus host disease) is an ongoing battle after a stem cell transplant. The VA has denied his claim for a service-related disability but is assisting with his medical care. I’m trying to help my parents find an attorney to represent their appeal. They have so much to worry about with my father’s daily care. Any support or evidence he isn’t the only one out there who has served and is suffering from a form of blood cancer, is appreciated.

Are there other nuclear submariners with similar health issues?

Can I join the military with a history of cancer?

jpark0908 — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 01:05:15 +0000

Hello,

I am a senior in high school and I am hoping to get into one of the Service Academies (Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, West Point) or a ROTC program. The last step to my applications are to complete the Department of Defense Medical Exam. I think I heard somewhere that the military has a 5 year cancer free policy but does anyone know if I will pass the DOD medical exam with a history of cancer?

Just 3 months ago, I had stage 1 testicular cancer. (mixed germ cell tumor) I had one testicle removed and had an implant placed. I am now completely cancer free and after several CT scans and blood tests, there is no recurrence. My candidate fitness test scores are exceptional and I am back to competing in several varsity sports for my school.

Does anyone know or can anyone help me find out if I will be able to be medically qualified or maybe get a medical waiver? Thank you!

Current status on VA recognizing squamous cell carcinoma contracted from agent orange exposure

cowboymark — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:19:53 +0000

Vietnam era veteran stationed in Southeast Asia in early 1970s...worked on planes that dispersed agent orange....contracted stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the neck/throat in 2008....from that point of time in my life, it all went downhill fast. Diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in 2009 and 2011 I've also had Stage 3, melanoma/basal cell sarcoma of the nose. I have hypertension, hyperthyroidism, stent in my coraitid artery, stents in my heart arteries, etc, etc.,..ugh. VA gave me a 30% disability rating for my heart condition only...after i applied through the Pac/Act of 2022. Why only that %?....what about all the cancers I've had., amongst other things...I'm at a loss on how to fight these guys. Can someone please offer me some status updates on this form of unrecognized cancer and what I need to do to get what's owed for all my pain and medical suffering?

Merkel Cell Carcanoma

3372bill — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:22:56 +0000

I have Mekel Cell cancer; this was found in the lymph nodes last November. I have found four other Viet Nam Vets with the same cancer. How many other Viet Nam Vets exposed to agent orange are out there have this cancer? The VA is saying it is not on thier list so no compensation is allowed. Merkel cell is a rare cancer and finding four other vets that have been infected the odds are very high. Bill Schweitzer

23 Yr Old Vet with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

SteelEyes — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 03:33:18 +0000

I returned from a deployment overseas Dec. 2021. October 2022, I started feeling very tired and unwell. My physical medicine and rehab doctor (from injuries obtained while deployed) finally convinced my PCP to take a look at my thyroid after my PCP kept saying it was my mental state and i was just anxious. They found a main tumor on my left node measuring at 1.7cm at the beginning of November and all labs normal. Ct's from my neck taking in Jan. 2022 were compared and it was found that there were no signs of masses during the initial imaging. After further testing and discussing with a surgeon it was decided that a total thyroidectomy would be the best course of action. After my surgery at the end of November the pathology report said that the main tumor was 2.7cm and my thyroid had a many smaller nodules throughout. About a month later I just happened to receive a letter from the VA with information about the PACT Act. I went to 9 out of the 14 countries listed in the middle east as places of concern if you found that you had certain cancers and/or diseases. Then I found out that other people who did not go to all of the countries I went to while deployed but were also in contact with the Afghanistan refugees, were diagnosed with different cancers. Now I do not show any signs of concern other than testing positive for the BRaf Mutant gene and not knowing what I was exposed to exactly. My doctor said I'm low to intermediate risk. I just turned 23 years old. My lymph nodes have continued to remain swollen every where for over 6 months now and I still feel like crap all the time. My Tg Antibodies are slightly increasing. My doctor changed her mind on doing RAI and told me I'm just anxious because I'm so young. I am the first person in my family to have cancer. I don't know what to expect or what to do. I fear that this is going to be a constant battle. I already see so many doctors for my physical pain and injuries. Yet this is the one thing my doctors won't answer questions to. They said it was all in my head before I was diagnosed and they are saying it again.

While dealing with my health issues the military side is a joke. I am in the reserves with a 90% VA disability rating. I have been on a restrictive profile for over a year. I am not even allowed to receive pay or benefits because my health is in such a bad spot. Yet they won't discharge me.. or even begin the process. I have hired an attorney with money I don't have seeking a fix in my LOD status (injuries I was sent home from deployment for) thanks to negligence from my leadership and medical unit. Then I tell them about my cancer diagnosis and they said "I am sorry to hear that, that sucks." Followed with locking me out of all acess and not emailing me back.

I just feel hopeless in this process.

Squamous cell cancer & agent orange

boblow305 — Wed, 06 Apr 2005 13:58:02 +0000

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?

info on fuel and cancer

4theloveoflife — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 05:49:04 +0000

Hello i need some help! I have been out of the Air Force for 5 years and 1 1/4 years ago found out i had Ovarian Cancer stage IIIc. I was 32 yo when they found it after complaining for years of pain while i was in and at the VA. I had every symptom you could think of but no one even checked till i could hardly walk. I KNOW in my heart that I have had this since i was in. Has anyone else heard of JP8 or jet fuel causing anything like this or had it. That is what i did for a job so i was around it all the time. This is a stupid ? but how long does it take for a cancer to spread and grow? or is there anyway to find out. I have so many ? and no where to go to ask no one will even talk to me about it like it is all hush hush. MY Dr will not ever return my calls and has no time to talk to me when i am there, just changes the subject. last time i was at the VA the nurse told me she had another girl a little younger them me that had the same thing happen to her but of course i do not know who she is. Thanks for reading.

Any military veterans on this forum... see attached new VA PACT Act

LuvnTN — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:08:57 +0000

just passed this year... check it out:

https://news.va.gov/112016/what-the-pact-act-and-cancer-moonshot-mean-for-you/

husband is 18 yr active duty

texasharp — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:19:03 +0000

MRI found soft tissue sarcoma in his left gluteal region along with a lesion on his femur head. We see Ortho Oncologist for first time tomorrow. We arent sure if it IS in fact cancer or what. Any help would be appreciated.... He has been having intense pain since Feb (progressively worse since March). He had an MRI at Walter Reed in Mar and Dr said nothing to worry about now he had one at FT Hood and it says possible malignant fibrous histicytoma or chondrosarcoma and recommends a biopsy. We picked up the MRI from WR and Hood for civilian appt and the one from March says "biopsy recommended" ?????? im a little upset that Ortho @ WR said no need!

Acinic Cell Carcinoma

ACCme — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:10:41 +0000

I was diagnosed with ACC (acinic cell carcinoma) about 9 months ago.I had surgery and as of a week ago ct scan shows no cancer.I was a Marine at camp Lejuene 1980-82.Many Marines and civilians have been diagnosed with several rare cancers that were stationed or worked,or lived on Camp Lejuene.ACC is rare and is similar to breast cancer but is usually found in the Parotid gland.Does anyone else know of any persons that have this type of cancer that was stationed at Lejuene?

P3 entered

maryrglen — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 23:16:55 +0000

Team,

Was diagnosed with PTC in March of 2021 and have been through two rounds of RAI already this year post thyroidectomy. Since I have at least another round of RAI scheduled for mid April, my PCM has entered me into IDES after my 365 day mark on a temp profile.

What is next? I am fortunate enough to be cadre for a SRU so have civilians and SMs that are well-versed in the IDES process, but it is not the outcome I was hoping for by any means: health wise, career wise - anything. Please advise on best steps forward.

Shipyards, Cancer & the VA

MattInVa — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 17:57:09 +0000

I spent several years stationed and living at my command at Bemerton naval shipyard. It was during the period when the where cutting up and decomming large numbers of SSN/SSBN's during the big draw down of the 90's

I was recently diagnosed with stage 4 RCC, had my right kidney removed but it has spread to my lungs.

I read that a major contributer to RCC can be due to heavy metals including lead and such.

I don't know but suspect that my time if there may have contributed to my condition, if not diectly, possibly aggravating a predisposition to RCC.

Would I be able to seek VA assistance, even if its not service related. They told me the meds I need are several thousand each month and my insurance won't cover it.

I need help fast, I currently can't work as I am still recovering especially since I am a mechanic.

I need I ideas of how to approach this.

Thanks

Matt

Former Navy MM2

CLL and the nuclear Navy?

734gold — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:53:14 +0000

Am new here and was wondering if anybody here has been diagnosed with CLL after serving on a nuclear powered ship or submarine? If so, any luck with the VA. I haven't as CLL isn't one of their "certified" radiation caused cancers, yet SCL (small cell luekemia) is - funny thing is most oncologist consider CLL a form of SCL!!! Good ol' VA! Anyway, hi to all, and would like to find out about my opening question - thanks!

Balkan Syndrome anyone?

Binkie22 — Sun, 03 May 2015 08:33:45 +0000

Am looking for anyone who is familiar with or experienced with Balkan Syndrome, serving in Bosnia, Hercegovina and Kosovo in the mid- to late 1990s, who were exposed to NATO anti-tank missiles and bombs containing depleted uranium.

Sewing Supplies for Breast Cancer Gladiator

massage320 — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 04:01:48 +0000

Hello Good People,

I'm seeking any resources, leads, orgs, groups, or points of contact to help me accomplish my mission of mercy. I am a retired US Marine who has been helping a friend who has endured multiple years of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Recently, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and she has become really depressed with her life. I asked her today, "What is she thankful for" Because I know personally how tragic chemo is on the body, I know she was telling the truth when she answered, "She was thankful for all the people who have supported her over the years" She doesn't ask for much. So when she started crocheting sweaters, scarfs and caps, I was happing she was keeping her hands and mind busy. The more she sews the better she feels. She recently ran out of supplies so I tried to help financially the best I could with meds and other supplies. I'm trying to find any Key Wives organizations or military support groups who might be interested in sponsoring a care package with sewing supplies for my friend. Any suggestions or feedback are welcome from my military family of veterans and those who support the military.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Agent Orange

HAWVET — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:25:32 +0000

Are there any one besides myself who have naspharyngeal cancer and had served in Vietnam. The person can be a relative, spouse or family member. Am trying to establish numbers and whether a claim was processed with the Veterans Administration.

Chemo's affect on flight status?

petenice — Mon, 15 Dec 2003 19:09:23 +0000

Hello there everyone. I'm a Navigator in the Air Force and I was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer. I just stumbled across this site while looking for any info I could find related to the military policy on returning members to flight status after undergoing chemotherapy. Apparently one of the chemo drugs, bleomycin, causes some damage to the lungs and this damage can be accelerated when the lungs are exposed to pure oxygen. I'm wondering how serious of a concern this is since I use pure oxygen routinely, and if this is something that will keep me from ever flying again. I was also wondering, if I do get permanantly grounded, what is the policy as far as getting a medical discharge. Is this likely, or would I most likely just be reassigned to a non-flying job? Thanks so much for any help you can give me regarding this. I truly appreciate it.

Esthesioneuroblastoma

ccwkcaryle — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 22:17:21 +0000

My husband was a Vietnam Vet and has passed away from Estheioneuroblastoma, which is a rare form of sinus cancer. He was exposed to Agent Orange during his tour of duty. Our daughter is a survivor of Thyroid cancer (when she was 14). I have a difficult time believing his Agent Orange exposure was not instrumental in both cases. Any thoughts out there?

Still Active duty and trying to win the war against oral cancer/ Medical board?

Irishgypsie — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:01:56 +0000

Hello, I am new to this blog; been hanging out on the oral cancer board. I will try to give my reader's digest version. I am an active duty U.S. Public health service (USPHS) officer LCDR/0-4. Did Air Force for 12 years 6 active/6 reserve; then went back active with USPHS. Some may know of us but some may not; U.S. public health service is considered active duty and I get all the same benefits as the other branches of service. Fortunately the USPHS is more flexible with still serving while having medical problems since we do not have to be mobility qualified like of branches. I plan on returning to duty Nov.1st (been on sick leave since March). I was diagnosed with tx tonsil cancer with 1 lymphnode involvement. My prognosis is said to be about 85-90% so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Just wondering about medical boards. I have 8 years left before I am eligible for retirement. If something unfortunate happens and I need more aggressive treatment and it makes me unable to perform my duties will I be eligble for a medical retirment or will I just get kicked out of the service? I have a excellent Military record and always recieve good Coers! I would appreciate any advice about medical boards! Also, since I acquired and was treated for oral cancer on active duty; does anyone know what kind of VA disability rating I would get when that time is near? Thank you! LCDR Charles P. McGee, RN, USPHS

throat cancer and agent orange

feenix — Fri, 30 Jan 2004 14:19:26 +0000

greetings to all.I am a State Representative in the Maine State House.I have retired from the Air Force as a 22 year Msgt.I was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer ,had 6 surgeries and months of radiation and swallow therapy.I am 100% disabled in the agent orange program having been exposed to agent orange in 67-68 in country.I have worked for many years as an advocate,lobbyist and a volunteer with veterans.I serve on the committee for legal and veterans affairs and I am chairman of the Veterans health Care Task Force for the State.If I can ever be of any help to anyone in any way.Please email or call me anytime day or night.Official contacts: email reproger.landry@legislature.maine.gov tel 1 800 423 2900 or 207 2871400. Personal: email feenix@metrocast.net tel 207 490 3483

VA question

Jodisgoing180 — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 00:13:35 +0000

I am rated 40% with VA disability compensation. 10% for cystic ovaries/ovarian dysfunction. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer six weeks ago. I was told it is an automatic 100% upgrade for treatment plus six months. I submitted the paperwork two weeks ago, and was wondering when I will likely hear from the VA.

Esophageal cancer and agent orange

mrsbotch — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:58:04 +0000

Hi My name is Barbara Rizzitello and my husband Vince, a Vietnam Vet from 1970-71 was exposed to agent orange. he passed away in Feb of this year with Esophageal cancer. He had applied to the VA for benefits before he died but as EC is not one of the regarded cancers he was denied. I have gone back to the vA with an appeal and they told me there that i should try to get as many Vietnam Vets with EC or their widows to file a class action suit against the VA. if anyone is interested let me know and I will do the leg work. Our men deserve better than this. barbara

27 Year Old Stage 2 Kidney Cancer

HopefulBeliever — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 23:41:26 +0000

Hello all,

I am active duty Army and I was diagnosed with stage 2 renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) just three months ago, January 12^th to be exact. There were no prior signs. I woke up that morning and felt a sharp pain in my left side and back followed by extreme nausea and vomiting. The result was a CT scan showing my left kidney was 3x the size of my right kidney. The doctor wasn’t certain whether it was cancer or not but based off his recommendations I thought the safe option was to remove my kidney (radical nephrectomy). Three days later my kidney was removed and about 2 days after that the doctors confirmed from the biopsy of my kidney that it was indeed cancer. It’s been a little over two months now and I am proud to say that I am cancer free as the cancer didn’t spread outside of my kidney. I was back to working out and running within a month as I felt fully recovered as if nothing even happened. Thankfully nothing spread outside of my kidney and there was no need for chemo or anything. Truly blessed!

I don’t’ smoke and only drank socially but actually quit months before getting the news. No family history kidney cancer and since surgery I had a genetics test conducted which came back negative.

I deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 but have also traveled TDY to various locations such as Bahrain, Oman, Dubai, Qatar, and Kuwait. Does anyone have any experience where being exposed to a new environment/region may have resulted in health issues? My doctors mentioned excessive exposure to fuel products could also trigger issues with kidneys. I managed Army 2500 gal fuel tanks from 2012-2014. Just curious on others experiences and what if any VA medical benefits resulted from this.

Take care everyone.

- Dom

Private Message Spam

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Hello everyone,

Thank you to all of you who have alerted us to the PM spamming from earlier today. I apologize for the inconvenience. While we do have securities in place, we are not always able to catch all spam, and we are trying to figure out how this one got around our system. If you received a message from jegac1 please do respond to it or share any of your information.

Jegac1 has now been blocked from the CSN site.

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CSN Support Team

Anyone like me?

Simbluej — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 13:36:33 +0000

I'm 25 years old and was diagnosed with Stage III rectal cancer back in May. I had surgery, radiation, and am still having chemo. I was a reservist for 6 years, went through a few deployments (one to Iraq)...but I got out a few months before I was diagnosed so no medical discharge. Conditions were pretty crappy in Iraq as I'm sure most of you already know but I still talk to some of the people in my unit and there are others starting to show symptoms I had. Despite my best efforts most of them refuse to see doctors. I am just worried that being in Iraq may have something to do with what I have...perhaps I am just stretching for answers but I am curious to see if there is anyone else out there in a similar situation.

Looking for former x-ray technicians who developed kidney caner

gthompsonjr — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 05:44:00 +0000

Hello,

Would like to hear if any former x-ray technicians who developed RCC Kidney cancer.

I was an x-ray technician for 4 years and later developed RCC Kidney cancer and am now Stage IV.

Active duty Recently Diagnosed with neck cancer. Any others that served in Mosul or Mazar e shrief

Barlowm1972@gmail.com — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 14:41:47 +0000

On 16 October I was diagnosed with neck cancer. I had surgery on Monday to remove a tumor from the base of my tongue and my lymph nodes from the right side. Hopefully they will get it all out and that will be the end of it. If not I will have to get radiation therapy or another surgery and maybe chemo. It has been a crazy two weeks getting prepared. And going through this. I got home two days ago. I have had a hard time posting about it. I am a non Tabacco user, not a heavy drinker and in good health. It came as a total surprise. Not sure if there are other OIF or OEF vets out there going through the same thing? Hopefully I can beat it.

Planned Outage on 10/9

CSN_Rowan — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 20:34:24 +0000

There will be a planned CSN outage on 10/9/15 from 5am-8am EST while the site undergoes some maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Rowan

CSN Support Team

Viet Nam + Agent Orange = CLL ?

pagliacci — Sun, 01 Aug 2004 23:49:46 +0000

Hello out there! As of early May 04 I am an FNG with CLL, compliments of agent orange the gift that keeps on killing. I am interested in talking to other Viet vets with the same or other agent orange related diseases.

Agent Orange Head and Neck

MarJon6667 — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 19:39:47 +0000

Forgive us - we are trying to figure out how to post here.