VA testimonies for cancer response
A boots on the ground, Vietnam Veteran, self reports having been diagnosed late with cancer and is suffering greatly now because of it. He is, and has been being treated at a VA Hosiptal and only now has just become service-connected for several conditions, including the cancer. His suffering continues and he self reports not expecting to live much longer.
A Veteran suffered from thyroid cancer. He was not in any wars but had different trainings on several bases. His cancer was diagnosed late and his thyroid was immediately taken out. This was not being treated at a VA facility though, it was orivate doctors. He was not service connected. He is now deceased and his spouse is only now pursuing accountability due to his service, possibly from chemical exposures as per the PACT ACT.
A Persian Gulf War Verteran, who is service-connected has lung cancer, which has spread throughout his body. He is now in Hospice. His spouse is caring for him and they are regretfully preparing for his untimely demise. They are not necessarily sure if it was technically a late diagnosis but they do wish the VA would have taken him more seriously sooner.
A Vietnam Veteran had a late stage diagnosis of more than one type of cancer but passed away as he was being treated. ( I’m aware of several of these cases as they mostly are in the Military Illness Care Group, that I facilitate every 3rd Monday night of the month at 8pm. If I just had until the next more intimate session, it’d be easier to talk to them because we already have a great rapport for years now).
The 5th family with the appointment this morning, I did not get the opportunity to speak with. Although she tried to reschedule but it would be too late for your purposes.
