Agent Orange and Kidney Cancer

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Comments

  • Roggy
    Roggy Member Posts: 10
    MikeK703 said:

    Agent Orange
    Hi,
    Thanks for your service.
    Kidney cancer is not yet recognized by the VA as a disease that can be attributed to Agent Orange. You can file a claim with the VA if you want but there's not much chance of it being approved. Getting a letter from your doctor to file with your claim would be helpful. I have read online somewhere that the doctor's letter should indicate that he or she believes there is more than a 50-50 chance that your kidney cancer could have been caused by Agent Orange. Even if your case is not approved, you can file again if and when the VA puts kidney cancer on its list of Agent Orange diseases and the benefits should be retroactive to when you lost your kidney. You're like the rest of the veterans who have had kidney cancer -- we just have to wait for them to add it to the list, something I think they will eventually do because a recent study supports the fact that it can be attributed to AO. Visit the VA web site listed below for more information:
    http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asp

    Regards,
    Mike

    Agent Orange and Kidney cancer
    The American Urological Association released a study done at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Sheveport, La. showing that agent orange was linked to renal cancer. You can look this up on the internet. I think that enough of us file a diability claim them maybe that will make them add the cancer. Call 1 410 977 4770 and speak to Wendy Isett concerning this report.
  • Roggy
    Roggy Member Posts: 10
    MikeK703 said:

    Agent Orange
    Hi,
    Thanks for your service.
    Kidney cancer is not yet recognized by the VA as a disease that can be attributed to Agent Orange. You can file a claim with the VA if you want but there's not much chance of it being approved. Getting a letter from your doctor to file with your claim would be helpful. I have read online somewhere that the doctor's letter should indicate that he or she believes there is more than a 50-50 chance that your kidney cancer could have been caused by Agent Orange. Even if your case is not approved, you can file again if and when the VA puts kidney cancer on its list of Agent Orange diseases and the benefits should be retroactive to when you lost your kidney. You're like the rest of the veterans who have had kidney cancer -- we just have to wait for them to add it to the list, something I think they will eventually do because a recent study supports the fact that it can be attributed to AO. Visit the VA web site listed below for more information:
    http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/diseases.asp

    Regards,
    Mike

    Agent Orange and Kidney cancer
    The American Urological Association released a study done at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Sheveport, La. showing that agent orange was linked to renal cancer. You can look this up on the internet. I think that enough of us file a diability claim them maybe that will make them add the cancer. Call 1 410 977 4770 and speak to Wendy Isett concerning this report.
  • MikeK703
    MikeK703 Member Posts: 235
    Roggy said:

    Agent Orange and Kidney cancer
    The American Urological Association released a study done at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Sheveport, La. showing that agent orange was linked to renal cancer. You can look this up on the internet. I think that enough of us file a diability claim them maybe that will make them add the cancer. Call 1 410 977 4770 and speak to Wendy Isett concerning this report.

    Hi Roggy,
    Yes I've heard about the report. That's the first. More will be forthcoming I'd wager. And reports like that are what will make the VA stand up and take notice. I don't plan to file a claim until kidney cancer is officially recognized. I had so much stress and aggravation when applying for health care benefits that I don't want to go through that again anytime soon. Besides, with all the hollering about the federal budget these days, if they think there are only a few of us affected they might be more inclined to add it to the list.
    Regards,
    Mike
  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    MikeK703 said:

    Hi Roggy,
    Yes I've heard about the report. That's the first. More will be forthcoming I'd wager. And reports like that are what will make the VA stand up and take notice. I don't plan to file a claim until kidney cancer is officially recognized. I had so much stress and aggravation when applying for health care benefits that I don't want to go through that again anytime soon. Besides, with all the hollering about the federal budget these days, if they think there are only a few of us affected they might be more inclined to add it to the list.
    Regards,
    Mike

    Typically intelligent comment on your part Mike but what a disgrace that the problem exists at all.
  • Costner1
    Costner1 Member Posts: 1
    Roggy said:

    Agent Orange and Kidney cancer
    The American Urological Association released a study done at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Sheveport, La. showing that agent orange was linked to renal cancer. You can look this up on the internet. I think that enough of us file a diability claim them maybe that will make them add the cancer. Call 1 410 977 4770 and speak to Wendy Isett concerning this report.

    I had a Radical Nephrectomy in 2009 clear cell carcinoma.Was in I Corps with 3/26 and 2/26 USMC 68,69,70.

    How do we get info to Doctors in Louisana I know another Marine with same issues. Both Right Side.
  • Ubatz
    Ubatz Member Posts: 3
    Agent Orange
    4330730,
    This is my first post/reply on Cancer Survivors Network.
    I am a Vietna Veteran. I to had kidney cancer. Lost my left kidney, cancer killed the kidney and it was contained in the tumor. I had is done in April of 1987. I filed as well but they told me that they couldn't make a connecton for compensation. I keep checkin on their determinations to see if they upgraded to include Renal Cancer but nothing to date.
  • Ubatz
    Ubatz Member Posts: 3
    Roggy said:

    Kidney cancer
    I had my left kidney removed due to cancer. I served in Korea 1969/70 during the spraying of agent orange. I also had NH Lymphoma and diabetes type 2 both of which are service connected but they denied me for Kidney cancer which I think is wrong.

    Kidney Cancer
    I lost my left kidney as well due to cancer I sevedin Vietnam 1967-1969. I too hve also aquired type 2 diabetes. I am bein compensated for the diabetes but no the kideny cancer. I think it is wrong too. Ibelieve there is a connection to agent orange. I had the surgey in 1987.
  • VietnamMarine
    VietnamMarine Member Posts: 1
    Ubatz said:

    Agent Orange
    4330730,
    This is my first post/reply on Cancer Survivors Network.
    I am a Vietna Veteran. I to had kidney cancer. Lost my left kidney, cancer killed the kidney and it was contained in the tumor. I had is done in April of 1987. I filed as well but they told me that they couldn't make a connecton for compensation. I keep checkin on their determinations to see if they upgraded to include Renal Cancer but nothing to date.

    Marine Vietnam 1969-70 just diagnosed
    I was just diagnosed in the past week with kidney cancer... I had a dull pain in lower back and went to my local VA clinic and they scheduled the CT Scan and found the tumor on my left kidney.
    I'm scheduled for surgery on May 17th with the Da Vinci robotic surgery procedure to hopefully only remove the tumor and leave me some kidney. Chest x-ray results came back today and I'm good there so I'm optimistic that they'll get it all.
    I have already informed my urologist that I Will NOT undergo chemo of any form no matter what. I am going to follow a regime of getting my mineral and vitamin levels built up to normal+ and I believe that I can cure myself by getting my system back in balance to fight it's own battle.
    There are just far too many of us coming down with renal cancers and I'm convinced that there is a direct link to Agent Orange. And here is a study conducted at Shreveport, LA VA Hospital that supports our suspicions that there IS a link to AO.

    http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/cancer/articles/2011/05/14/agent-orange-linked-to-kidney-cancer-study .
  • garym
    garym Member Posts: 1,647

    Marine Vietnam 1969-70 just diagnosed
    I was just diagnosed in the past week with kidney cancer... I had a dull pain in lower back and went to my local VA clinic and they scheduled the CT Scan and found the tumor on my left kidney.
    I'm scheduled for surgery on May 17th with the Da Vinci robotic surgery procedure to hopefully only remove the tumor and leave me some kidney. Chest x-ray results came back today and I'm good there so I'm optimistic that they'll get it all.
    I have already informed my urologist that I Will NOT undergo chemo of any form no matter what. I am going to follow a regime of getting my mineral and vitamin levels built up to normal+ and I believe that I can cure myself by getting my system back in balance to fight it's own battle.
    There are just far too many of us coming down with renal cancers and I'm convinced that there is a direct link to Agent Orange. And here is a study conducted at Shreveport, LA VA Hospital that supports our suspicions that there IS a link to AO.

    http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/cancer/articles/2011/05/14/agent-orange-linked-to-kidney-cancer-study .

    Welcome to the club...
    VM,

    As of yet chemo is not effective in this fight anyway, but there are a few drugs and clinical trials showing promise. Hopefully surgery and the approach you have chosen is all you will ever need, but there is another option that might appeal to you. Check out Gerald White's MAARS program, no chemicals, just a book and CD that can help you teach your immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells naturally, and the cost is minimal. Mr. White is a 20 plus year survivor of RCC after being given 3 months to live at one point. He is dedicated to helping others do the same.

    Good luck and Godspeed,

    Gary
  • ashleyj888
    ashleyj888 Member Posts: 1
    Roggy said:

    Agent Orange and Kidney cancer
    The American Urological Association released a study done at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Sheveport, La. showing that agent orange was linked to renal cancer. You can look this up on the internet. I think that enough of us file a diability claim them maybe that will make them add the cancer. Call 1 410 977 4770 and speak to Wendy Isett concerning this report.

    Hey
    This is my first time posting. My father was one of the members in that research study. Unfortunately, he was the one that passed away. There are numerous research projects showing that kidney cancer is related to Agent Orange. It would really help my mother out if she was able to receive benefits. She has already made a claim. So I guess we will wait and see.
  • suecons
    suecons Member Posts: 3
    Agent Orange and Kidney Cancer
    My husband served in Viet Nam from 1967 to 1968. In March of 2008 he had his right kidney removed due to a very large tumor. We were told at that point that the tumor was cancerous but was contained and that the margins were clear. In April 2010 a ct scan revealed that it had spread to his lungs. After many targeted therapies, drug trials, he succumbed to this disease in July 2011. All of his doctors have attributed his disease to agent orange.
    Both his parents are alive and healthy 87 and 92. His last days were horrible as he also suffered from PTSD. I have filed a claim, actually a week before he died he asked me to do it, When asked by the VA why, he replied "so my children know I did not die in vain". I am so angry that this chemical has taken my wonderful husband from me. Even when the VA adds it to their list, which I am confident it will, it will not bring back my husband.
  • shartn2174
    shartn2174 Member Posts: 1
    Kidney cancer and agent orange
    I'll be 60 this month. Was diagnosed with tumor on my left kidney last November 11, 2011, Veterans day! How fitting. Was informed that it is stage 4 because they also found spots on my lungs. Had my left kidney removed the day after Thanksgiving, 2011. Have been on an oral chemotherapy, (Sutent), since January. Also am in a clinical study where I have to inject myself every day with a medicine that has no name, just numbers and letters. Served in the US Army in Viet Nam from 1970 through 1971. Drove a semi and delivered supplies all over the northern half of the country, from Khe Sahn to Qui Nhon. I know I was exposed. Just filed a claim at the VA but was told kidney cancer not recognized. I've seen the article about the study done in LA. Also found the American Cancer Society lists workplace exposure to herbacides as a cause for kidney cancer. Posted the article on my facebook page so others will know. Can any one pass along any information about who should be contacted/informed about this so the VA takes our claims seriously. Thanks, Steve Hartnett
  • fastdog47
    fastdog47 Member Posts: 1
    Agent Orange and Kidney Cancer
    I was in Vietnam 1967 and 68. I had agent orange sprayed on me. I had my left kidney removed in 2001. My claim was denied. If you hear anything you can send me a email at rupchuck21@yahoo.com
  • mimisandtoo
    mimisandtoo Member Posts: 1
    fastdog47 said:

    Agent Orange and Kidney Cancer
    I was in Vietnam 1967 and 68. I had agent orange sprayed on me. I had my left kidney removed in 2001. My claim was denied. If you hear anything you can send me a email at rupchuck21@yahoo.com

    Clear-cell Renal Cancer
    I too am a widow, my husband was stationed in Bien Hoa Vietnam in 1967-1968 . He was diagnosed with Clear-cell Renal Cancer in Aug. 2004 he had a Radical Nephrectomy of his right kidney on Nov. 1, 2004. He passed away on Nov.2, 2009 from the cancer. All three of his doctors told me it was just as likely as not that agent orange caused his cancer only I can’t get a letter from the doctors. One passed away and the other two work for VA and refused to put it in writing. My husband had a claim filed with VA since 2006 for his Kidney Cancer which was denied. I am continuing his claim but have been denied too. I am now waiting for the final hearing. mimisandtoo@hotmail.com
  • moose_1969
    moose_1969 Member Posts: 1
    Kidney and Bladder Cancer
    I had Bladder tumor removed in February of 2005 an tumor removed in August of 2009 and lipoma that was suspected to be a sarcoma removed in March of 2011 which has grown back and is being watched very closely.I also have had Erratic PSA readings that is under control through medication I believe these cancers are caused by agent orange I am a victim of the Blue Navy Water that congress won't pass.
  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798

    Kidney and Bladder Cancer
    I had Bladder tumor removed in February of 2005 an tumor removed in August of 2009 and lipoma that was suspected to be a sarcoma removed in March of 2011 which has grown back and is being watched very closely.I also have had Erratic PSA readings that is under control through medication I believe these cancers are caused by agent orange I am a victim of the Blue Navy Water that congress won't pass.

    Compensation
    It's painful to read what a rotten deal you guys have had. I hope the pressure can be increased so that the authorities can't get away with waiting it out until you've all gone away. More power to your elbows guys!
  • betlou123
    betlou123 Member Posts: 1
    Kidney cancer and Agent Orange
    I am the wife of a Vietnam vet who had had prostate cancer, kidney cancer and now Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I am an advanced practice nurse who worked with Nam vets in the PTSD VA program so I am really close to what all you men and a few women have been through. It is very important that your cancers get registered so want to get you the info about my husband's cancer of the kidney. It was a right kidney although I cannot see how the right one would be affected more than the left-will research this further. He had the kidney removed in 2001. Cancer does not run in his family but after Nam he was sent to a post where his office was in the building complex where old Navy nuclear weapons were stored and the soldier's badges went off warning them of nuclear exposure frequently. Something which didn't help his 2 tours of exposure in combat to Agent Orange in Vietnam fight off cancer one bit, I'm sure. I better stop writing this before I start getting really angry. Betty McDonald-Brown betloubrown@comcast.net
  • suecons
    suecons Member Posts: 3
    fastdog47 said:

    Agent Orange and Kidney Cancer
    I was in Vietnam 1967 and 68. I had agent orange sprayed on me. I had my left kidney removed in 2001. My claim was denied. If you hear anything you can send me a email at rupchuck21@yahoo.com

    That is when my husband
    That is when my husband served also. Hopefully someday the government will acknowledge the destruction they caused.
  • suzr
    suzr Member Posts: 2
    AO and kidney cancer
    Hi, My husband is a Vietnam Vet who was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer at the age of 54 and had a right nephrectomy. Marvin was in areas of Vietnam in 1969 that were the most heavly sprayed with AO. Also most people dont think about Agent White. This was used for misquitos and was sprayed every where. We are in an eight year battle with the VA about Marvin's kidney cancer.

    It is shameful the way he has been treated. Marvin also has benign tumors on both adrenal glands and this is called hyperaldosterronism. He is Hypothyroid, he has maligant hypertension, and takes 32 pills a a day for HBP, all connected to AO. I have read every thing I can find and I believe his Kidney Cancer was caused from AO. Let me know how I can help

    thanks
    Suzan Rhodes
    suzanrhodes@aol.com
  • messsarge
    messsarge Member Posts: 1
    suzr said:

    AO and kidney cancer
    Hi, My husband is a Vietnam Vet who was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer at the age of 54 and had a right nephrectomy. Marvin was in areas of Vietnam in 1969 that were the most heavly sprayed with AO. Also most people dont think about Agent White. This was used for misquitos and was sprayed every where. We are in an eight year battle with the VA about Marvin's kidney cancer.

    It is shameful the way he has been treated. Marvin also has benign tumors on both adrenal glands and this is called hyperaldosterronism. He is Hypothyroid, he has maligant hypertension, and takes 32 pills a a day for HBP, all connected to AO. I have read every thing I can find and I believe his Kidney Cancer was caused from AO. Let me know how I can help

    thanks
    Suzan Rhodes
    suzanrhodes@aol.com

    Kidney cancer and lymph node cancer
    I was in Viet Nam in 1968 and 1969. I had my right kidney removed in november of 2009 and 18 lymph nodes removed in november of 2010 , one had cancer , I applied with the VA but was denied I have filed an appeal and am waiting for response . I am now writing letters to doctors trying to get them to say cancer could be caused br agent orange.