Article Contributed on: 11/3/2009 11:31:40 AM
This past year has been one for the record books. In October 2008, I visited the Veteran's Service Office in Castle Rock. One of the people there noted my Vietnam Veteran cap and asked if I had registered for the Agent Orange exposure.
I hadn't and they took care of getting me into the program. My first VA medical visit was at the Aurora clinic, where they drew blood. When the results came back, my PSA was over 14. The doctor wasn't too concerned and assured me that it was a normal thing for someone my age (61).
Then I got a call from the Agent Orange Registration office and an appointment was scheduled. I showed the doctor my DD-214 which showed my Vietnam Service and I described my service there. This doctor was concerned about the high PSA and ordered another blood test.
The test had the same results and I was scheduled for a biopsy. That wasn't the most pleasant experience I've ever had. The results were that I had prostate cancer. After talking with a doctor and reviewing the alternatives, I selected the robotic surgery.
Initially, it was to be in late June, but a few days later I got a call that there was an opening on May 4, which I took. The surgery was performed at Rose Medical Center (After the infected tech was fired). I went home and recovered there. There are some other physical issues that need to be worked on, but I'm alive.
Thus far, my treatments are an estrogen shot every three months. I joke with my wife that I now understand fully the menopause symptoms she experiences, you know: emotional stuff, personal summers, etc.
While I was recovering, I received a call from a nurse at the VA. She had noticed that I had not filed a disability claim with the VA. She directded me to the Disabled Veterans Office at the VA. They helped with the paperwork and within 45 days I was awarded a disability.
I have had very few issues with the VA or their personnel. I am grateful for and appreciate all the people I have dealt with.
The bottom line, if you know of anyone who served in Vietnam, recommend that they register with the VA. There are a large number of Agent Orange physical issues that are covered.
Go to www.va.gov/AgentOrange for additional information.