Posted on Jan 6, 2015
PO2 Katie Benson
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Good day fellow military members. I'm battling on two fronts I'm fighting cancer as well as being active duty. I wonder if anybody is facing the challenges day-to-day that I am?
Posted in these groups: F8671c3c Cancer
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Responses: 24
Lt Col Intelligence
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Keep up the fight! And especially, don't let them push you out of the service.

Nowhere near what you're facing, but I've got something called Lynch's Syndrome - which isn't cancer, it's an immune system flaw - essentially your cellular "spell checker" that finds and deletes mismatched protein strands that occur during cellular division ain't working so ell - it makes you more susceptible and a much higher risk for cancer, especially GI tract, renal, endocrine, than the general population. I'll leave out the details, but I've had polyps removed at the ripe old age of 36 and 37, that if I'd waited until the usual age to get checked, would have been full-blown and probably too late to do much about. Early detection is great and it works, but it doesn't stop the clock - sooner or later, I might be in the same boat while still serving.
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PO2 Katie Benson
PO2 Katie Benson
>1 y
I wish you good health also! I'm sorry you have to go through all that you're going through.
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Lt Col Intelligence
Lt Col (Join to see)
>1 y
Thank you! Right now it's just more of an inconvenience than anything else, so long as we stay on top of it. Does it spook me every once in a while? You bet. We have a 4 month old daughter who has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the same condition, as well as any other children we have. Still, we preach testing, early detection, and educating ones's self as much as possible about cancer and cancer treatment.
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PO2 Katie Benson
PO2 Katie Benson
8 y
I appreciate that, already going through a medical board. If I were to completely be unselfish I know my shipmates deserve a better office mate! I have become very undependable.
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
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Hi PO2 Katie Benson I was in the exact same situation as you, back in 2009-2010. Feel free to contact me directly at: [login to see] or PM me here on RP.
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PO2 Katie Benson
PO2 Katie Benson
>1 y
Thank you Sir!
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PO2 Katie Benson
PO2 Katie Benson
>1 y
Thank you Sir!
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PO2 Katie Benson
PO2 Katie Benson
8 y
Thank you captain I appreciate Servicemembers reaching out to me you have been through it!
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
CPT Aaron Kletzing
8 y
How has your treatment been going?
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SGT 94 E Radio Comsec Repairer
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PO2 Katie Benson, you have an awesome smile and a wonderful disposition.

I am not undergoing the battle that you are, but am bumping up your discussion to increase its visibility. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
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PO2 Katie Benson
PO2 Katie Benson
>1 y
Thank you!
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PO1 Phil Audritsh
PO1 Phil Audritsh
9 y
Support is wonderful!
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