It is with great regret that I post this news because I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I have been told by others that they would rather know than not and if I had kept this to myself with them they would have made it very difficult for me to sit down if you understand my meaning.

As most of you know I went to Vietnam from 1965 to 1969 and during that time our government used a chemical called Agent Orange to kill all foliage to see the enemy better in the jungle only to find out years later that it was and is some awful bad stuff.

Here it is 43 years later and I just found out after having my annual physical at the V.A. Hospital here in Kansas City Missouri they found a six inch long four inch wide soft tissue Sarcoma Tumor in my left thigh. Everything is in full swing to do what has to be done to treat and remove it but it is malignant and a rare form of cancer I was told.

Linda(my wife) and I are in a good frame of mind and we are taking this a day at a time with a very positive attitude so please do the same. We know that GOD has us in his pocket (Footprints in the Sand) and that this bug is just a sparrow picking at the eagles butt so one more time in my life I am going to be down but not out and plan on fighting this bug until we win – OK? OK!

Once again I apologize for such news from me but rest assured I WILL KICK IT”S $@!!

Steve Wilcox

Sin loi, Steve -- you have my deepest sympathies.

I've been fortunate as regards Agent Orange but having spent two tours in the RVN, it's always on my mind. Best wishes for a swift and total recovery.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Thanks Arjay
Never in my dreams did I ever think after 43 years something like this would happen.Being aboard the ship U.S.S. Canberra,but the real zinger is it was just two months ago I found out that my ship was just add to the list for exposure to agent orange.Seems that we were drinking this stuff from our water system

You might think about relaying your sitrep to any former shipmates from that cruise that you have addys for -- it might help save a life.

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Way ahead of you Arjay.I had the news in the pipeline the day I found out,I mean we are our brothers keeper Right ?

Brothers in arms, sir!

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

KC

Realy hope you kick the crap outta this mate.

Thoughts and well wishes from the UK.

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No no and no

Steve,

As a fellow vet (23 years, USAF retired), I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Now, I'll tell you like I told all my Airmen - "Go kick $@! and win!

Best wishes for a healthy recovery!

RickyD

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Old age and treachery will win every time over youth and enthusiasm.

"You can never have too many Tele's." A quote from my Sweetwater Sales Engineer

Hey KC,
man I hate to hear that,I wish the best for you...hang tough.
the VA has told a buddy of mine that the skin cancer,or "condition" he has,is not related to exposure to agent orange...the man flew as a gunner on ships following others at times that were spraying,and was drenched numerous times. not to mention taking a couple of bullets during his 2nd tour.

Fair winds and following seas Steve. Godspeed to you, and a quick and complete recovery.

Ron

I want to thank all of you for the support and when I can I will give everyone an update here.
For all of you that were in Vietnam, Land Sea, or Air go to the web and check out the list they have or contact you local V.A.,or V.F.W. representatives to see if your outfit is on it because they are still adding to the list to this day. My ship U.S.S.Canberra was just added this July of 2010.

+1 -- Yes. My prayers are with you.

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

Prayers going out to my brother in arms! Steve I'm including your family in those prayers also, as this will likely be a bumpy road for all of them also.

As someone who's had liver cancer and a subsequent transplant as a result of military duty my best advice is to educate yourself as much as you can. Two minds, your's and your doctor's are better than one. Question the doctors and take charge of YOUR treatments. I credit part of my post transplant success to me being aware of what treatment paths were available. This let me ask questions and actually causing my doctor maybe think a little more than he might have. That and having a positive attitude on your part.

Peace be with you brother!

Jeez, and I thought I had some problems , your post puts things into perspective Steve. I wish you all the very best, I hope and pray you beat this. Mojo from across the pond bro, good luck.

Yeah Queensberry rules out the window Steve, all the best for a full recovery