Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran and to this Community. My name is Robert Lyons. I am happy to now be able to call myself a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with advanced stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in November of 1998. The cancer had metastasized through my lymph system and the doctors doubted I would survive more than 6 months. My illness has been a little puzzling since I meet absolutely none of the typical risk factors for this disease. I am, however, a Marine Corps Vietnam Vet, served in the Northern I Corps region and was heavily exposed to "Agent Orange" while there. The VA disavowed, at the time I initially filed my claim, the possibility of any connection between that exposure and the type of cancer that I have. I have struggled since that date to battle the cancer and "prove" my cancer was caused by exposure to Agent Orange. In June of 2002 I was awarded 100% permanent service connected disability. Don't applaud yet! That award was based on the VA's determination of disability from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). They said I did not sufficiently present my case for service connection to the cancer. Of course now I do not help to set any precedent for others with my same type of cancer. In addition, there are certain types of benefits that I do not qualify for, ie: modifications to my home (I am now relegated to life in a power wheelchair because of side effects from treating the cancer, ie: peripheral neuropathy) because the physical difficulties from the side effects are not "service connected." The good news is that I am still alive. Always the tenacious Marine!

 This site has become a forum for others, their friends and families to compare notes and effectively build and compile information that may be useful in our battle. That is, the battle of the disease itself and the battle for recognition that the military and our government may have a larger responsibility than they have thus far been willing to accept. I appreciate the input and the way this project has taken on a life of its own. A special thanks and words of sorrow to "Buck's," wife. Buck was our assistant manager of the site and has been taken from us by his illness. Many people that have visited this site benefited from Buck's knowledge and advice.  Please help us by spreading the word about this site, and finally, tell us a little about yourself, "WELCOME HOME" 

Thank you.

Robert

to Robert 

"The Marine Corps Hymn"