Childhood friend being treated for pancreatic cancer. Vietnam era Marine combat vet.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

Fuck Agent Orange, Monsanto, and the pricks that got us into and prolonged that illegal, immoral and unjustifiable “police action “!

[Arkansas Granny]

1. Best wishes for your friend. Pancreatic cancer is a hard one to beat.

I echo your sentiments.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

2. Thank you. He's a warrior!

[ADX]

3. My thoughts, prayers, and best wishes...

...to your friend. Please pass along a heartfelt "Semper Fi" to my fellow Marine...

[KewlKat]

4. I wish the best for your friend. My husband, a 21 yr vet who began his service in Viet Nam was

just diagnosed with Parkinson's. I found out a month ago about the connection to Agent Orange. He's now in the VA system until the con and his henchmen destroy it. Perhaps he can file a claim with the VA?

This is what sent me to them -

VA has linked several diseases and health conditions to Agent Orange exposure.

VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. Veterans and their survivors may be eligible for compensation benefits.

AL Amyloidosis
Chronic B-cell Leukemias
Chloracne (or similar acneform disease)
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Hodgkin’s Disease
Ischemic Heart Disease
Multiple Myeloma
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Parkinson’s Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
Prostate Cancer
Respiratory Cancers (includes lung cancer)
Cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus
Soft Tissue Sarcomas (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or mesothelioma)

[Fla Dem]

7. Wishing all the best to you and your husband. Thanking him for his service.

[flotsam]

5. Some hope

Among common cancers, pancreatic cancer has one of the poorest prognoses. ... For some pancreatic patients, however, a complex surgery known as the Whipple procedure may extend life and could be a potential cure. Those who undergo a successful Whipple procedure may have a five-year survival rate of up to 25%.

My cousin's husband is 10+ years post-whipple. At the time it was only offered at Johns-Hopkins and Maine Medical but is probably more common by now. Good luck to your friend.

[Squinch]

6. I'm so sorry, Floyd.

[malthaussen]

8. Sending vibes.

-- Mal

[DFW]

9. I lost my father to that.

He was WWII, not 'Nam, but he did attend an above-ground atomic bomb test once. We aren't sure if that had a direct effect, though, since his cancer showed up 43 years later.

Whatever the cause, it is a nasty disease to beat, as it is one of those who don't make their presence known until it is too late--usually. There are always a few lucky ones, though, so don't give up.