After we are told our cancer is not showing up after treatment and a scan is done we still constantly think it has come back. Every little pain or bump we think it`s cancer back in our body. Our family members are celebrating that no cancer showed up on the pet scan and we are depressed daily thinking it is or will be back soon. Only us that have sat for hours with chemo dripping in our veins or laying with radiation cooking us understand this depression. Loved ones start dreading to be around us and roll their eyes when we talk about cancer. I could go on for hours about existing after cancer. You notice I didn`t say living.
I noticed in July of 06 that I had a sore throat. After a couple months I went to the family M.D. and she said it was probably a sinus infection. I had a small knot on the right side of my neck and she thought it was a bag with infection. Took an antibiotic a couple weeks and had no change. I went back and she sent me for a cat scan. I had noticed now that the sore throat was on the right side only and the knot had gotten a little larger. She called 2 days later and said cat scan shows something, but don`t worry because she thinks its sinus infection. She sent me to an ENT and it was STAGE IV SQUAEMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF RIGHT TONSIL, T2 N2 Mx and had spread to lymph nodes. 7 weeks of chemo every Monday and 29 minutes of radiation every week day.
When I got diagnosed I so wanted to talk to someone that had or had had this cancer. Please feel free anytime to contact me and ask questions or just to chat. I`m here to help. Also, if there are any Vietnam Vets with this cancer email me your unit name, year served and a way to contact you. I have a great lawyer friend that has offered to try and get us benefits for this. Its funny the VA pays for agent orange disability for lower repiratory, but not upper. How in the hell do they think it gets to the lower. Don`t give up.
Sincerely,
Ron
11th Cav
1969/70
KOREA DMZ
VIETNAM/CAMBODIA
RECON