Squamous cell cancer & agent orange

puppy2010

espo1217 said:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of throat/Agent Orange/Vietnam Vet
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.

VA and Lung Cancer/Agent Orange
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.

puppy2010

espo1217 said:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of throat/Agent Orange/Vietnam Vet
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.

VA and Lung Cancer/Agent Orange
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.

puppy2010

espo1217 said:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of throat/Agent Orange/Vietnam Vet
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.

VA and Lung Cancer/Agent Orange
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.

luz del lago

puppy2010 said:

VA and Lung Cancer/Agent Orange
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.

VA and Lung Cancer...
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

puppy2010

luz del lago said:

VA and Lung Cancer...
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

Dear Lucy,
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

luz del lago

puppy2010 said:

Dear Lucy,
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

Thank you for your response,
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

george 214

poolside said:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma & Agent Orange
According to a pamphlet that we receive every month titled Semper Fidelis Memorandum for Retired Marines, they now have a blanket policy that states that vietnam veterans may be eligible for compensation & health care for certain diseases associated with Agent Orange, the defoliant sprayed to unmask enemy hiding places in the jungles throughout Vietnam. Special health care and compensation benefits are available to the 2.6 million men and women who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975. They then go on to list all of the cancers that they say are based on clinical research of presumptive disabilities.
Unfortunately Squamous Cell Carcinoma is NOT one of the cancers listed, but there is a cancer listed called soft-tissue sarcoma, acute that seems (from what I have read) to mimic Squamous cell carcinoma. I also stated earlier in another posting that both of these cancers can be caused by carcinogens and Agent Orange had a dioxin which was known to be a human carcinogen, however they are saying that Squamous cell carcinoma is related to smoking. You stated you were in the service in 1962, so I believe you are qualified, but we need to get together and get more information on Agent Orange so we can prove that the carcinogens that were in it that they have already agreed caused the soft cell tissue sarcoma, acute, has the same components as the Squamous cell carcinoma which they are currently denying being caused by Agent Orange.
Best of luck and if you find out anything, please let the rest of us know.
God Bless,
Debbie
(Wife of a Marine)

list
could you please email me the list of cancers you have found to have affected us vet exposed to AO,, I have just been dianosed with cancer in my tonsil and starting treatment monday with surgery,,,,,,

george 214

vbkeller said:

VA
We just went through the VA process and I must tell all military folks that they MUST DOCUMENT ALL health issues from WHEN THEY ENTER THE SERVICE. My husband has experienced hearing loss since sitting in the old missile silo's--which has gotten worse over the years-but never had it documented---so it has been thrown out.Don't let this happen to you---DOCUMENT!!!!

hearing loss
they dont care about hearing loss,, I flew and was a mechanic and worked around helicopters for over 20 years, and I have documentation for being deaf in my right ear but they say they dont cover hearing loss,, as far as I am concerned we gave our all,, and we got nothing!!!!! I am tired of this

royarogers

jacqlyn46 said:

My husband a Viet-Nam Vet has Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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.

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.

royarogers

jacqlyn46 said:

My husband a Viet-Nam Vet has Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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.

check out this case
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.

royarogers

espo1217 said:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of throat/Agent Orange/Vietnam Vet
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.

check this out
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.

royarogers

jimmydeese said:

Another Vietnam Vet with Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Served 2 terms in Vietnam 1966-1968 with 1st Marine Div I Corp. I am a purple heart Vet. In 1989 I got Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the tonsils and lymph nodes. Eight weeks of radiation killed saliva glands and taste buds. In remission until 2008 when I noticed a sore on my tongue. Cancer came back with a vengance. Lost part of my tongue and upper pallet requiring prosthesis to close upper pallet. Eight bouts of aspiration pneumonia within the last year. Four month ago I had to have a feeding tube inserted in my stomach. Working with dental oncologist for two years and just got upper teeth this week. Lowers to come. VA has denied my claims for agent orange and squamous cell carcinoma twice. I am still appealing claims and would appreciate any help. Semper fi ..... Jimmy

check this out
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.

royarogers

george 214 said:

list
could you please email me the list of cancers you have found to have affected us vet exposed to AO,, I have just been dianosed with cancer in my tonsil and starting treatment monday with surgery,,,,,,

check this
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.

Barnyard Chicky

JoBaby said:

Squamous Cell cancer
I have been doing a lot of looking on the internet and found out through a medical file open to the public that most of the squamous cell 90% cancers from smoking are on the left side of the throat and that the glands are caused from carinogens not smoking so maybe now my husband has a fighting chance to win this battle of 13 years feels like forever... My husband did two tours in Vietnam and was exposed to agent orange also he had boils and all when he first came home but some how all of those medical records can't be found. They were also preparing to remove his arm when a boil finally popped and those medical records can't be found so I hope everyone has better luck than we have had with this battle for benifits well deserved..

Squamous Cell Cancer
Hi JoBaby,
In reading your comments about smoking and and the long battle, 2 tours in Vietnam. Ok so the Gov. doesn't want to acknowledge Squamous Cell Cancer as Agent orange related. It occurred to me that the soldiers of Vietnam were issued C-rations and in those C-rations they were issued cigarettes.

My husband died of carcinoma of the rectom and was also a Vietnam Vet. They do not recognized this. So while reading the many posts, and all the articles and such that I have read, I wondered just how many people thought about the soldiers that did smoke were issued cigarettes by the government. Doesn't that somehow make the government somewhat responsible? Just maybe many of us are looking at it from just an Agent Orange cause when perhaps we all, including myself should place the "issuer" of cigarettes as part of the C-rations to be held responsible for so many Veterans returning with smoking habits that continued throughout their lives and have caused cancer.

I am going to go at this more aggressive now from both angles because these men served to protect us. I researched C-ration contents, ask your hubby if he received those same C-rations with cigarettes.

Good luck on your battle and may God be the guide for alot of wrong being turned to right!

Barnyard Chicky

MariaGonzalez said:

My father, a two tour
My father, a two tour Vietnam Vet, has squamous cell carcinoma on his buttocks and in his lungs. He was also diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma shortly after the squamous diagnosis. The Va approved our claim that both cancers were directly Agent Orange related and he now receives monthly benefits. My best advice is to find a Va representative that you can speak to in person, as they are a huge help with all the paperwork and will be the most qualified to explain the entire situation to you. If they deny you a first time, fight even harder on the second. Never stop fighting for your father, he needs you more than ever.

My Husband and Your Father
Hi Maria,
God bless your father, you and your family. My husband was diagnosed with Carcinoma of the rectum/buttocks. I am mainly fighting this battle Agent Orange for our 21 year old daughter's education fees. Please let me know how you'll went about it and who represented you so that I can continue. It has been a very long road for me since October 19, 2000 when he passed and I sometimes feel like giving up but I know that is not what he would like for me to. I sent you a friend request and hope to hear from you soon.

lifeb4now

poolside said:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma & Agent Orange
My husband was just recently diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. He did two tours in Vietnam where Agent Orange was used quite liberally. I have been doing some research on this cancer and have come up with alot of questions.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma can be caused by carcinogens which can be found in cigarettes. However, Agent Orange had a dioxin in it which was known to be a human carcinogen.
The VA recognizes a cancer called soft tissue sarcoma which is also linked to dioxin exposure and according to what I have read, Squamous cell carcinoma and Soft tissue sarcoma tend to mimic each other and are both hard to diagnose. The suggestion they gave was to have a biopsy sample checked by a pathologist who has extensive experience in diagnosing soft tissue sarcoma.
I am getting ready to fight for my husband on these issues, but it doesn't make any sense to me that both can be caused by carcinogens and Agent Orange had carcinogens in it, yet the VA will only recognize soft tissue sarcoma as an Agent Orange related Cancer when Squamous cell carcinoma is also caused by carcinogens.
I don't know if any of this can be of any help to any of you, but thought I would add the information I have come up with so far. I am not done digging and if I come up with something else, I will share it with you as I would hope you would share it with me also, since we are all in this fight together.
God Bless,
Debbie
(Wife of a Marine)

The VA recognizes a cancer
The VA recognizes a cancer called soft tissue sarcoma....
excerpt from SARC website;
Soft tissue Sarcoma: Soft tissue sarcomas are the most frequently occurring sarcomas and are a group composed of more than 50 different subtypes. All these subtypes differ in terms of their tissue of origin, clinical behavior, age of occurrence, aggressiveness, the way they spread, genetic alterations, and their sensitivity to certain therapies.

Sarcomas can be anywhere in the body while squamous cell carcinoma specifically occurs inside the upper esophagus and throat and adenocarcinoma occurs in the lower end and stomach in the mucous glands.My husband,also a soldier has adenocarcinoma,his oncologist stated to us the difference in the two;adeno predominately caused by acid reflux and secondly by aged/cured foods and sqam from alcohol and tobacco products cronic use over long period of time.
I admire your fight and determination for your soldier,wives will stand up and do whats needed[guess we learned that from our soldiers]
Va has given a wide spectrum using the sarcoma term-kinda like us saying virus,its up to you to narrow them down and connect the dots to make it specific for your husband case;you need to make a paper trail that ends with them.

scoat

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

MarineE5

scoat said:

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

Welcome Home Soldier
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

luz del lago

scoat said:

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

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

teachmar62

fighterpilot said:

Agent Orange Cancer
I am new to this site,why I don't know since I have had two cancers from this poison. I read your post on squamous cell cancer and thought I would tell you my story in a very few words.

I was in Vietnam from 1964 to 65 where I flew support missions for the spray aircraft. We would come back with it all over us, but were told to wash it off "it is not harmful to humans", yeah right!!!

My first cancer was prostate cancer 8 years ago, I caught it early and so far have not had a recurrence. Last year I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. I had been on 20% compensation from the prostate cancer, it had been 100% but they pronounced me cured last year (I don't think you are ever cured). They put me back at 100% last year when I was diagnosed to have larynx cancer.

So, yes, if you have not already found out, any kind of cancer to one of their approved cancers will get compensation. I never had any argument from them other than their cutting off the compensation after 2 years because of their ruling that I was cured. Since the larynx cancer is recent they put me back on 100%, but yesterday I got notice that they considered me cured so back to 20%. I am getting an attorney and fighting them on this. The side affects of these cancers are terrible and will last until i die.

I hope you have succeeded with your claim, if not anything I can do to help let me know.

J. McLendon

salivary gland tumor - adenocarcinoma
Cancer of the salivary gland right cheek was found in 1989. My husband was in DaNang, Quang Tri, Khe Sanh and LZstud in 1968-69. Have any other Vietnam Veterans had adenocarcinoma that anyone knows of. This is not considered an oral cancer as far as I know and VA does not recognize it as caused by AO. However, VA did his surgery and subsequent radiation treatments. He was considered cancer free initially at 5 years and then it was extended to 10 years.

In response to your cancers - I know that if you were cancer free for 5 years you were considered "cured" until a couple of years ago and it was extended to 10 years cancer free so I do not know why VA figured you should be considered cured after only 8 years.

I am writing this for my husband. He asked me to find if there were any other Vietnam Veterans with adenocarcinoma.

Good luck with your problem.