Last week, I received some news that nobody wants to receive: “Mr. Reese, I’m so sorry, you have cancer.”
My formal medical diagnosis is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system.
I want to share my journey with you, explain what this disease involves, and provide insights into the treatment process, possible origin, its impact, and how to deal with the ups and downs of life.
Table of Contents
Understanding Cancer and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Cancer is a broad term for diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth. These cells can invade and destroy normal body tissue and spread throughout the body. There are many types of cancer, each with its own unique characteristics and treatment protocols.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. In Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and can spread beyond the lymphatic system. As the disease progresses, it compromises the body’s ability to fight infection.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma include:
- Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Persistent fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itchy skin
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical exams, blood tests, imaging tests (such as CT or PET scans), and a biopsy of the affected lymph nodes. I went through all of these tests after noticing painless, hard, lumps in my neck that kept getting bigger.
My Deployment to Afghanistan and Exposure Risks
In 2011, I was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During this deployment, like many of my fellow service members, I was exposed to hazardous conditions, including burn pits, chemicals, and other environmental exposures. Burn pits were used to dispose of waste materials by burning them, leading to the release of toxic chemicals into the air.
These exposures have been linked to various long-term health conditions, including respiratory issues and certain types of cancer, including all types of Lymphoma.
The PACT Act and Presumptive VA Disability Benefits
The PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) is a significant legislative development aimed at providing better healthcare and disability benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. This act expands the list of conditions presumed to be caused by exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances, making it easier for veterans to receive VA disability benefits.
Presumptive Conditions for Burn Pits: The PACT Act recognizes several conditions as presumptive for veterans exposed to burn pits. These conditions include various respiratory illnesses, cancers, and other health issues. The burn pit presumptive list now includes:
- Asthma (cannot have been diagnosed before discharge)
- Brain cancer
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Chronic rhinitis
- Chronic sinusitis
- Constrictive or obliterative bronchiolitis
- Emphysema
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Glioblastoma
- Granulomatous disease
- Head cancer
- Interstitial lung diseases
- Kidney cancer
- Lymphatic cancer
- Lymphoma
- Melanoma
- Neck cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pleuritis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Reproductive cancer
- Respiratory cancer
- Sarcoidosis
- Sinusitis
As of June 2024, the following three cancer types have been added to the list of presumptive conditions:
- Cancer of the paraurethral glands
- Male breast cancer
- Urethral cancer
Burn Pit Registry and How to Apply for Presumptive VA Benefits
If you’re concerned at all about your exposure to toxic substances during service, I recommend you get on the VA’s burn pit registry list.
In addition, if you meet any of the presumptive VA disability requirements, I recommend you file a VA claim to ensure you get the healthcare you need and the disability compensation benefits you deserve.
Agent Orange Presumptive Disability for Lymphoma
All types of Lymphoma are also considered a presumptive disability for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides.
Click here to read more about presumpive disability benefits for conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure.
My Treatment Plan
My treatment plan consists of multiple cycles of chemotherapy, and possibly radiation therapy. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancerous tissue.
- Chemotherapy: The chemotherapy regimen involves several cycles, each lasting a few weeks. The drugs are administered intravenously and work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. However, chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, leading to side effects like nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and an increased risk of infection.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be recommended if the cancer is localized or if there are residual cancer cells after chemotherapy. This treatment uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Success Rates and Survival Rates
The prognosis for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is generally favorable, especially when diagnosed early. The success rates and survival rates vary based on factors such as age, stage of cancer, and overall health.
- Overall Survival Rate: The five-year survival rate for people with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is about 86%.
- Survival by Age: Younger patients, particularly those under 45, tend to have higher survival rates. The survival rate for patients aged 20-39 is over 90%.
The Mental and Physical Toll
Cancer takes a significant toll on both the body and mind. Physically, the treatments can cause a range of side effects that vary in intensity. Mentally, the diagnosis and treatment process can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. It’s crucial to have a strong support system, including family, friends, and mental health professionals, to navigate these challenges. I’m blessed to have all of this and more. Even during my treatments, I’m going to continue writing content and making videos to help educate and empower you to get the VA benefits you’ve earned for serving our country.
Faith in Jesus: My Source of Strength
My faith in Jesus is a cornerstone of my strength and hope. I believe in the power of prayer and the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the great healer, and I trust in His plan for my life. My faith gives me the courage to face each day with hope and determination, knowing that I am not alone in this battle. If you would like to pray for me, please pray this verse from Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Final Thoughts
I will beat cancer. I have no doubt. This is just a temporary setback on my journey. I am committed to sharing my story with you, hoping to inspire and educate those who may be facing similar challenges. Remember, no matter how tough the battle is, there is always hope, and together, we can overcome.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Stay strong, stay hopeful, and trust in the healing power of our Lord Jesus Christ. I appreciate your love, support, and prayers during this time.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
