darla

Keep coming back and venting whenever you feel the need. If not here, where else. This is the best place to be when dealing with this devastating disease. I’ve been where you are now and can feel your pain and confusion. Everyone here knows and understands better than anyone else what you and your family are going through. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I know it’s not easy, but try to take care of yourself too so that you can be strong for your husband and family.

With Love & Hugs,
Darla

Hi Margaret,

Yes, it did work and I think it is so cool. I got my one and only tat after Jim passed away. I also was 60. It is on the back on my left shoulder and very similar in that it is a heart with wings and a tear drop. He is now the angel on my shoulder, forever in my heart. Our son is a tattoo artist which made it a little easier for me. I’ll be thinking of you tonight. You will do just fine.

Love & Hugs,
Darla

Debbie,

Thanks for sharing Ric’s journey. It is a journey too many of us know so well. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Take care and stay with us. The love & support on this site is nothing but amazing.

Love & Hugs,
Darla

Elizabeth,

Here is one of the many statements from Shelia Harrison:

Vietnam vets should know about potential health problem

I am writing about a potential health risk that servicemen may have been exposed to while serving in Vietnam. In addition to Agent Orange, there is a little-known danger from parasites.

My husband, who was otherwise healthy, passed away Jan. 20, 2006, from cholangiocarcinoma, cancer of the bile duct of the liver. At this time, it is very rare in the United States but very prevalent in Vietnam and surrounding countries. There are two known causes of this type of cancer. One cause is to contract hepatitis C, and the other is to have ingested a parasite from the water supply in Vietnam. My husband did not have hepatitis C, and therefore it was determined that his cancer derived from a parasite.

I have received official notification from the VA that his death was service-related, which is not something the VA determines without an overwhelming amount of evidence.

According to the research, this cancer does not manifest itself until later in life, when you are between 60 and 70 years old, but once the symptoms occur, usually jaundice, it is very difficult to treat or beat. My husband was 58 years old when he passed away, and many of his fellow veterans are approaching the age where this may be an issue.

You can access volumes of information on the Internet by entering “cholangiocarcinoma” in a search engine. If you spent time in Southeast Asia and are having gastrointestinal issues, with no apparent reason, please suggest to your physician to check for damage within the bile ducts. It may save your life.

SHEILA K. HARRISON

This or something similar may be what you are referring too. If you Google Shelia Harrison Vietnam Vets many things will come up.

You can also find some information here on the site. Including the following:

http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=1589&p=1

If you search this site you will also find more related information.

I have been working with the local VSO for over 3 years and have been denied my claim that my husbands death from Cholangiocarcinoma is service related. I have not given up, but so far have not gotten anywhere with this. Only a few claims have been approved. Most have been denied up to this point.

Thank you for your concern and caring. Anything that can be done to help get the government to recognize this cancer as service related is helpful. Yes, hopefully some day it will be on the list.

Darla

Well said Marion and oh so true.

Love & Hugs,
Darla

Dear Carolyn,

I know exactly what you are saying and how you are feeling. I lost my husband to this disease 3 years ago and I still have these thoughts and feelings at times. I think we all do, but I know in my heart that we all did the best we could with the situations that were given to us to deal with and I am sure that our loved ones would want us to go on and be happy. I hope it helps to know that what you are feeling is normal and there are many of us feeling the same. We are all in the same boat and taking things one day at a time. He will always be with you in your heart and memories.

With Love & Hugs,
Darla

She will be greatly missed here. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time.
Darla