Chalk up one more to Agent Orange

[Midnight Rambler]

My uncle died this week. He had been fighting cancer for about a year, and even early on it was clear he wasn't going to make it. I still can't even believe how quickly he deteriorated. He was in the Air Force in Vietnam, and like so many people he was exposed to Agent Orange. I remember my aunt talking about this when he was first diagnosed, saying this was only the worst of his health problems thanks to that lovely chemical. I don't know all the details on his medical care, but my family isn't exactly the kind that can afford Johns Hokpins, so I doubt that they did everything they could. Perhaps I'm being cynical, letting all these pent up emotions get all mixed together and explode at one painful event, but I can't help myself, it hurts too much. All I know is that Big T is gone.

God Bless America

:cry:

[Sydnie]

1. I am sorry for your loss

Your words are understandable. I share your pain.

:grouphug:

[niallmac]

2. I am very sorry to hear of your loss.

I hope the VA was able to help with his care. I would hate to think your family is not only burdened with his loss but with financial troubles as well. He should have gotten the best care available for any and all Agent Orange recognized maladies and all on Uncle Sams tab.

Don't worry about this now. You can look into it later if need be.
May he rest in peace.

[babylonsister]

3. I'm very sorry for your loss of Big T.

Might I ask what kind of cancer and his age?
My uncle died at age 69 from pancreatic cancer and he retired from the Army. He never went to VN.
:hug: , Midnight Rambler.

[Midnight Rambler]

5. Brain tumor, and he just turned 60 in August

He and I share a birthday too. I know the VA gave him a motorized wheelchair, plus some other gadgets when his arm gave out, but I don't know how much more they actually did for him.

[babylonsister]

6. I'm glad the VA helped him. They were not so

helpful to my uncle.

[MojoXN]

4. AMERICA:

We poison EVERYTHING.

My condolences. Yet another victim of the war machine... And yet we let te same shit go on today. A whole new generation of Americans (to say nothing of Iraqis) are going to find themselves fucked for life thanks to Depleted Uranium. Agent Orange, Radioactive munitions, that there's the 'merkinway!

Please excuse my flippancy. It's not my intention to denigrate your loss. I just worry about all of my friends and family members who're in the same proverbial boat.

Yol Bolsun! May there be a road!

MojoXN

[babylonsister]

8. I trust you mean the following is a bunch

of cow paddies:

Depleted Uranium. Agent Orange, Radioactive munitions.

My uncle was never in VN, he was a sax/jazz player, in the Army Band, and prior to that a librarian, I think. He was a great, soft soul who never got the munificence of the government that a vet was/is supposed to get, especially at the end of their life. They fucked him bad and I will never get over that.

[Mountainman]

7. Sorry for your loss. I was sprayed with agent orange also. I am 59.

So far I don't have any symptoms that I am aware of. But your uncle's story is enough to make me think that I could go the same way.