Battling cancer while in the military

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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...