Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Little One

Hello everyone. My husband Phil was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in early October 2015.  He had surgery that November to remove what we could, then Chemo and radiation. He lost his fight June 15, 2016. He was a Viet Nam Vet and served In Country. I applied with the VA and have given them all they have asked for, yet they turned me down. They said it isn't on the list of presumptive cancers, yet it should fall under the soft tissue cancers. I have read in one of these Forums on here that it has been fought and won...but I have no clue how to get started. I know I didn't explain that right. I tend to get anxious when I talk about it. If anyone can point me in the right direction, or give me some links to look at...any help would be greatly appreciated.

Little One

Chicklette

I don't have advice

I just want to express my heartfelt condolences on your loss.  I thank your husband for his service.

MarineE5

Vietnam / Agent Orange

Hello Little One,

I am sorry that you are here seeking answers to questions about your claim for Service connection to Agent Orange. I want to extend my condolences to you and all your family on the passing of your Husband/ Vietnam Veteran. I was there in 68/69.

I am going to apologize for this message as it may get long. I will try to explain some things here, but you/me can also email each other thru this site by using the email system here. Just look at the top left block under CSN and you will see CSN email. You email me by using my screen name and vice versa for me.

With that said, yes, there are those that have fought the VA and won, even if the cancer or any other claim is not on the VA list. Each case is looked at on the evidence presented. What the VA does look at/ for is "Expert Opinions" such as letters from Doctors stating that in their opinion, the disease was"More likely than not" service connected to the Veterans time in Vietnam and Agent Orange.

Here is a link to the VA site for searching the Board of Appeals.

https://www.index.va.gov/search/va/bva.jsp

Input your key words, such as type of cancer, location of cancer, etc. You can search each year seperately or all of them at once. You may want to do it by each year at first to see what and how everything is worded. 

What I suggest for you to do is scroll down to the bottom of each claim to see if it was "Denied" or "Granted". This can save you a lot of time reading. Check why the claim was Denied and jot it down. Do the same for those Granted. See why a claim was Granted and save it.

 When you submitted your claim, did you do it alone or did you seek a Veterans Organization to help fill out the paperwork? A Veterans Organization like the VFW, American Legion, DAV, Vietnam Veterens of America all have a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) that is trained by the VA to handle the paperwork for you, but represent you at no charge to you. If you need to Appeal the claim, the VSO will help and guide you in the right direction, again, no charge for their service. If anyone asks for money, walk away and find another VSO.

I will stop here for now. As I mentioned, this post can get long and I still can go on but if you have questions, email me from here, as a matter of fact. I will do a test email to you. 

Semper Fi

CivilMatt

RIP

Little One,

Welcome to the H&N forum.  I am saddened to hear your husband past from this terrible disease.  I am not much help with your question; I just wanted to say I am sorry.

Matt

Tonita

My condolences as well.  Good

My condolences as well.  Good luck in finding what you need.

Brianstrong1

Squamous cell

Hello, my name is Brian Shelly and I have recently been diagnosed with squamous cell cancer, stage 4. I'm here because I am afraid. I don't have much of a real support group and really could use some friendship. You can go to my Facebook Brian Shelly, I have 2 accounts. I could use a good friend or support pillar. Please contact me, let me know, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, B

Chicklette

Brianstrong1 said:

Squamous cell

Hello, my name is Brian Shelly and I have recently been diagnosed with squamous cell cancer, stage 4. I'm here because I am afraid. I don't have much of a real support group and really could use some friendship. You can go to my Facebook Brian Shelly, I have 2 accounts. I could use a good friend or support pillar. Please contact me, let me know, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, B

New post

Hi Brian,

Glad you found CSN.  It's a great place for support and information. It's ok to be scared.  We all are or have been. You probably want to start a new thread with this topic so more people will see it.  

~Chicklette~

Dennis from Kansas

Brianstrong1 said:

Squamous cell

Hello, my name is Brian Shelly and I have recently been diagnosed with squamous cell cancer, stage 4. I'm here because I am afraid. I don't have much of a real support group and really could use some friendship. You can go to my Facebook Brian Shelly, I have 2 accounts. I could use a good friend or support pillar. Please contact me, let me know, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, B

Hi Briian

I also had been dianosed with Squamous cell carsinoma.I have gone through radiation and chemo and Im a week away from 5 months post treatment.I like you do not have much of a support group as nothing is offered where I got my treatment and they really cant give me much advice on what to exspect.I have found out more on this site by reading the post.I also am afraid as I dont know what to exspect next.I will gladly try to answer any questions you have based on what I have exsperenced.

caregiver wife

Newbies

Brian and Dennis,

My husband was diagnosed stage 4 6 years ago.  Recurrence with mets to lung 1 year ago.  He has maintained good quality of life throughout.  I am happy to tell you he has has just recently been diagnosed in remission, no active cancer.

The journey is different for everyone.  But you are in the right place to ask questions, or just to share with others on the same journey.

You are in my prayers,

Crystal

Dennis from Kansas

The Sun

Why have I been reading about staying out of the sun

Chicklette

Dennis from Kansas said:

The Sun

Why have I been reading about staying out of the sun

You are more sensitive to the sun

The chemo and radiation will make you much more sensitive to the sun.  You need to cover up exposed skin and / or wear sunblock with SPF of at least 50 When you are out.  My husband bought a safari type hat and sunscreen with SPF 90.

dygit

Sun issues

I noticed that the sun was a problem for about 6 months post treatment and wore appropriate coverups. My ENT told me at my 6 months visit that it would be less of a problem now and he was right. I still wear sunscreen but not all the extra coverups and it has been fine. I play tennis often and am not getting red or burn on my neck . I do wear a full brim hat now rather than a cap.

Dennis from Kansas

new thread

how do you start a new thread

phrannie51

Brianstrong1 said:

Squamous cell

Hello, my name is Brian Shelly and I have recently been diagnosed with squamous cell cancer, stage 4. I'm here because I am afraid. I don't have much of a real support group and really could use some friendship. You can go to my Facebook Brian Shelly, I have 2 accounts. I could use a good friend or support pillar. Please contact me, let me know, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, B

I sent you a friend request on FB, Brian...

it will be from Jackie Larrick Stevens....

Ok now....since you've broken the ice with your post....time to start letting some of that fear out.  We're here to help...be it advice on getting through this, or just a place to vent....go for it, brother!!

p

phrannie51

Dennis.....

This is a link to the "front" page....on the left hand side of the page, you will see HEAD AND NECK CANCDER....under that in smaller letters is "Add a new forum Topic"....click that and you can start your own story .

https://csn.cancer.org/forum/164   (copy and paste it)   

p

Dennis from Kansas

Thanks P

Thanks for the info.I read where someone said that maybe the person they were responed to needed to start a new thread.I didnt want to be doing this wrong so thats why I asked.Im really not computer savy and dont know how to copy and paste.Thanks for info                                                                                                    dennis

Dennis from Kansas

phrannie51 said:

Dennis.....

This is a link to the "front" page....on the left hand side of the page, you will see HEAD AND NECK CANCDER....under that in smaller letters is "Add a new forum Topic"....click that and you can start your own story .

https://csn.cancer.org/forum/164   (copy and paste it)   

p

Thanks P

I was able to fined where to go

143blueseaart

MarineE5 said:

Vietnam / Agent Orange

Hello Little One,

I am sorry that you are here seeking answers to questions about your claim for Service connection to Agent Orange. I want to extend my condolences to you and all your family on the passing of your Husband/ Vietnam Veteran. I was there in 68/69.

I am going to apologize for this message as it may get long. I will try to explain some things here, but you/me can also email each other thru this site by using the email system here. Just look at the top left block under CSN and you will see CSN email. You email me by using my screen name and vice versa for me.

With that said, yes, there are those that have fought the VA and won, even if the cancer or any other claim is not on the VA list. Each case is looked at on the evidence presented. What the VA does look at/ for is "Expert Opinions" such as letters from Doctors stating that in their opinion, the disease was"More likely than not" service connected to the Veterans time in Vietnam and Agent Orange.

Here is a link to the VA site for searching the Board of Appeals.

https://www.index.va.gov/search/va/bva.jsp

Input your key words, such as type of cancer, location of cancer, etc. You can search each year seperately or all of them at once. You may want to do it by each year at first to see what and how everything is worded. 

What I suggest for you to do is scroll down to the bottom of each claim to see if it was "Denied" or "Granted". This can save you a lot of time reading. Check why the claim was Denied and jot it down. Do the same for those Granted. See why a claim was Granted and save it.

 When you submitted your claim, did you do it alone or did you seek a Veterans Organization to help fill out the paperwork? A Veterans Organization like the VFW, American Legion, DAV, Vietnam Veterens of America all have a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) that is trained by the VA to handle the paperwork for you, but represent you at no charge to you. If you need to Appeal the claim, the VSO will help and guide you in the right direction, again, no charge for their service. If anyone asks for money, walk away and find another VSO.

I will stop here for now. As I mentioned, this post can get long and I still can go on but if you have questions, email me from here, as a matter of fact. I will do a test email to you. 

Semper Fi

Agent Orange Vietnam combat veteran is now my guardian angel

Thank you for your informative message. My husband and best friend of 26 years just lost his battle with cancer this past February. He was diagnosed with tongue and neck cancer two years ago and six months prior to passing away he contracted squamous cell carcinoma. The VA awarded him 100% compensation due to Agent Orange service connected disability. His cancer never went into remission. I was his sole caregiver and fought the VA just to get 10 hours a week of home care. I filed for benefits with the VA office here and told them that the cause of death shows a different cancer then the one he received compensation for. Both the VA intake worker and her supervisor said it's fine the cancer had spread and we are 99.9% sure the claim will settle in your favor. I had told the hospice nurse the night that my warrior passed away to please let the doctor know that if the cause of death is different from his VA service connected disability that benefits could be denied. My husband wanted me to apply for any benefits that I could be entitled to. The hospice doctor upon admission to their services had filled out the types of cancers he had. At the end my husband was diagnosed with 12 malignant tumors to his lungs, pelvis, femur, scapula, neck throat and skin. The VA is now stating due to the incorrect cancer on the certificate (Cancer Of The Oral Cavity) they will deny my claim unless I can get the cause of death on the certificate amended. I am a greiving widow that's struggling just to get through one day at a time and am trying to spread the word to others to please be sure the cause of death is accurate otherwise a long battle with the VA may insue. Thank you also for your service and for helping others.   

wbcgaruss

143blueseaart said:

Agent Orange Vietnam combat veteran is now my guardian angel

Thank you for your informative message. My husband and best friend of 26 years just lost his battle with cancer this past February. He was diagnosed with tongue and neck cancer two years ago and six months prior to passing away he contracted squamous cell carcinoma. The VA awarded him 100% compensation due to Agent Orange service connected disability. His cancer never went into remission. I was his sole caregiver and fought the VA just to get 10 hours a week of home care. I filed for benefits with the VA office here and told them that the cause of death shows a different cancer then the one he received compensation for. Both the VA intake worker and her supervisor said it's fine the cancer had spread and we are 99.9% sure the claim will settle in your favor. I had told the hospice nurse the night that my warrior passed away to please let the doctor know that if the cause of death is different from his VA service connected disability that benefits could be denied. My husband wanted me to apply for any benefits that I could be entitled to. The hospice doctor upon admission to their services had filled out the types of cancers he had. At the end my husband was diagnosed with 12 malignant tumors to his lungs, pelvis, femur, scapula, neck throat and skin. The VA is now stating due to the incorrect cancer on the certificate (Cancer Of The Oral Cavity) they will deny my claim unless I can get the cause of death on the certificate amended. I am a greiving widow that's struggling just to get through one day at a time and am trying to spread the word to others to please be sure the cause of death is accurate otherwise a long battle with the VA may insue. Thank you also for your service and for helping others.   

I Am So Sorry To Hear

Of the loss of your dear husband. A salute to your husband as a Veteran. I pray for you to have the strength from God each day as he holds you up to carry on as I am sure your husband would want you to. Thank you for coming to this forum to share your experience and willingness to help others even when you are dealing with your own load of problems. I hope you can right this problem you are dealing with and thank you again and prayers your way-Take Care-God Bless-Russ

https://hutchcraft.com/life-issues/uncertainty/peace-in-the-midst-of-the-storm

 

Drivingdaisy

Chicklette said:

I don't have advice

I just want to express my heartfelt condolences on your loss.  I thank your husband for his service.

Chicklette

Couldn't have said it better. And to losing your Warrior which I feel We all are is so sad & too Me maddening.  This is by worse the most horrific Cancer & one so misunderstood by many local Cancer Drs.  Overdosing Commom, life long pain & no quality of living.  We all deserve to mourn and We all Mourn with anncaregivers loss.  My thoughts are with her and VA pony up.  He gave his life daily for OUR Country & dies from this.  Derserves more respect & his widow.  My 2 cents for what it's worth.