Battling cancer while in the military

PO2 Katie Benson — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 14:09:22 -0500

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?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 4:22 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 04:22:39 -0500

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.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 17 at 2015 12:18 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 12:18:06 -0500

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.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 12:21 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 12:21:53 -0500

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.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 1:14 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 13:14:38 -0500

Hi PO2 Katie Benson, it's great to make your acquaintance here on RallyPoint. I haven't dealt with cancer myself, but I want to wish you well and wish you a speedy and complete recovery.

I'll bet the discipline you have learned in the military might help you in this fight. Hang in there.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 17 at 2015 4:28 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 16:28:30 -0500

PO2 Katie Benson, hang in their and know that you are strong and I have had many of friends to make it and beat cancer in the military. Just know my prayers are with you and the other comrades that are on duty dealing with it. Maintain your dedication, desire and determination of self-worth no matter what the circumstances/situation is.
"Army Strong"

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 17 at 2015 4:56 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 16:56:50 -0500

PO2 Katie Benson, I will pray that you will best cancer and stay active duty!

My service routinely publishes articles of service members that best cancer and are returned to duty!

http://search.af.mil/search?affiliate=aflink&query=Cancer

Cancer - Air Force Search Results

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 5:49 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 17:49:29 -0500

I just came through treatment for papillary thyroid cancer. Did you say you have thyroid cancer? I'm sorry, I'm new to this website and am not good at navigating through the comments. At any rate, yes, I understand the day to day challenges of addressing this while bring on active duty, with a 1 and 5 year old. In fact, I'm about 6 months post treatment and am awaiting my 1 year checkup to ensure there is no cancer remaining in my thyroid bed or anywhere else (I had a complete thyroidectomy, with radioactive iodine). My life is completely normal now, though it has taken a few months to adjust my thyroid medication dosage to a good level. Please let me know where you are in treatment, and I'll try to answer any questions you may have.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Jan 17 at 2015 9:02 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 21:02:50 -0500

We are all here to support you PO2 Katie Benson. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Semper Paratus!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jan 18 at 2015 5:51 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 17:51:00 -0500

Don't let anyone give you shit on a day you feel really sick, and they have no idea of what's going on.

Response by PO1 Phil Audritsh made Jan 18 at 2015 11:40 PM

PO1 Phil Audritsh — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 23:40:57 -0500

I've been there. If you need help navigating the Navy medical system, contact me. I'm a kidney cancer survivor.

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Jan 18 at 2015 11:46 PM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 23:46:11 -0500

Never give up! On either fight! I do not have any personal experience with this, but I can imagine the difficulties you are faced with. Good luck to you in your battles.

Response by SPC Larry Buck made Jan 19 at 2015 12:01 AM

SPC Larry Buck — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 00:01:26 -0500

That's double tough, I'm struggling with busted arthritis in my stupid hands and the ridiculous button for thumbs up!! Is it me? Or a gag pick on the D.A. Tanker

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jan 19 at 2015 12:19 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 00:19:59 -0500

This might be the only time you hear me say "Go Navy". I am rooting for you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 9:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 21:35:41 -0500

You are a Brave and Tough Soul! I wish the best for you.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 8 at 2015 12:37 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 12:37:56 -0500

Nothing compared to you PO2 Katie Benson hope that you win both fights.

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Feb 8 at 2015 1:17 PM

SGT Edward Thomas — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 13:17:08 -0500

What a shining example of positive encouragement you are. Battling cancer is tough. I watched it take my dad. You are certainly an example of someone who refuses to roll over. Sending prayers up and good thoughts and vibes your way. My youngest son is a YN2 in the Navy. Just being on active duty is tough by itself. Battling cancer is tough by itself and you are leading the way! You one strong young lady.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Feb 8 at 2015 2:35 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 14:35:09 -0500

YN2 Benson, keep on plugging. This is a very tough thing you are going through, and it's obvious from your photo what you've been through. If you're having a tough day, seek out a chaplain, if there is one at your CGS. If you don't have a chaplain there, please feel free to contact me offline through RP. I provide counseling to vets over Skype and would be happy to meet with you if you need help.

I pray you end up in full remission and can remain in the CG. If discharge/medical retirement comes up on the screen, again, contact me off line. I can help you through that side of things as well vis-a-vis all your benefits options...

Take care of yourself, and get hugs from people close to you every day...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 4:06 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:06:03 -0500

Depending on the cancer type, I've seen soldiers sent to my hospital, md anderson cancer center for evaluation and treatment. We are particularly good a treating the rare cancers.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 4:16 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:16:50 -0500

Every minute of everyday, cell division sometimes go awry and cells like TNF - Tumor Necrosis Factor are on high alert always trying to keep you well. I wonder if you have drawn a conclusion if this is service-connected, cancer as you well know can show itself at any age, but exposure to desert laden uranium sand, ammunition with lead tips, and various other petroleum chemicals can make us more suspectible...try to make the connections and continue the fight. We all have cancer cells trying so hard to present themselves, but you are a child of God and he has great plans for you. I pray that the very best doctors will help you live a very long pain-free life. Like someone else previously said, fight the good fight, and I will add, surround yourself with positive people and read positive informative literature. Stay busy best you can, and seek solace that we are all thinking of you, praying for healing, and wish you the very best.

Response by SGT Theodis Young made Feb 19 at 2015 9:29 AM

SGT Theodis Young — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 09:29:42 -0500

Praying for you keep up the fight.

Response by PO2 Katie Benson made Jul 8 at 2015 3:53 PM

PO2 Katie Benson — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 15:53:28 -0400

Got my remission from my last doctors visit!!! Thanks for your support!!!

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 9:50 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 21:50:55 -0400

I have seen a lot of amazingly brave shipmates go through cancer treatments. Get a good team of responsive medical folks, communicate clearly and often with them, and have good friends to help you through the tougher days, and you will do well. Remember that there are always new things coming down the research road as well. There is an explosion of new treatments that are revolutionizing how we treat cancer.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2018 7:55 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 07:55:20 -0500

Currently in remission from Stage IV Ewing’s sarcoma. Planning on RTD and reclass.

Response by SGT John Ball made Apr 23 at 2022 12:57 PM

SGT John Ball — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 12:57:37 -0400

I am currently battling colon cancer and am winning the fight. I had several misdiagnosis' and a colonoscopy revealed that I had colon cancer. It is very uncomfortable, but am doing pretty good with all things considered. But, will have to undergo surveillance for the rest of my life. Cancer sucks and wouldn't wish it on anybody.