Re: Finally! A Cure for Cancer

Congratulations, I think :confused:
But I'd go for second opinion somewhere else :rolleyes:

Re: Finally! A Cure for Cancer

That's why I am so happy that the VA 'booted me out" in 2013.

I want no part of them!

Re: Finally! A Cure for Cancer

That sounds great, I would go for a second opinion also.
I was diagnosed with Esophagus and MDS Cancer back in July 2013, I went to MD Anderson cancer center in Houston for Treatment, In Oct 2014 after over a year of treatment, I was given the all clear on the Esophagus Cancer, but still have MDS, I had to miss this years reunion because of once a week shots of procrit. All of my blood cells are low but the Procrit is put a stop of them falling any more.
By the way The VA Hospital in Biloxi, Ms. said there was nothing wrong with me. He tried to give me a iron supplement, to help my blood counts, by the way my iron was OK. So I have nothing good to say about the VA Hosptial.
I guess I am Luckly in one way, I have Medicare and Tricare for life for insurance, I have of a Hell of bill at MD Anderson, that both insurances didn't pay for it all, MD wrote off the books. All I had to pay for was my travel, lodging. and meals

Ed McKinnie

Re: Finally! A Cure for Cancer

Dale A Riley;39857 wrote: Congratulations, I think :confused:
But I'd go for second opinion somewhere else :rolleyes:

Good advice. Thank you. I followed it.

I went to Johns Hopkins Medical Oncology. I saw a research doctor who is a specialist in my situation. This was not cheap, as it involves an overnight stay, transportation and other expenses.

The diagnosis: Biochemically recurrent prostate cancer stable

"So, is this the same as remission?" I inquired. He repeated "You have Biochemically recurrent prostate cancer stable "

He also told me that I need a blood test every six months. He referred me to a web site where I can post my results and monitor on my own. If I observe certain results, I need treatment again.

He also advised me on what treatment would probably be offered by others and advised me that it may not be appropriate in my case.

So, advice received and complied with. I thank you.

Now, do I respond to the VA or just accept their decision that I am "cured"?

Any further advice would be appreciated.

Re: Finally! A Cure for Cancer

I received a phone call from the Hampton VA Hospital yesterday: (No, I am not making this up.)

VA: "Mr. Norton, we have to reschedule your December 5th specialist consultation as your provider is still on medical leave.

Me: "Understood. What do you recommend?"

VA: "Well, what date do you desire?"

Me: "Since my provider is on medical leave, it would seem you would know best. How about as soon as practical."

VA: "I cannot do that. I need an exact date."

Me: "We are going in circles. How can I request an exact date if I do not know when my provider is scheduled to return?"

VA: "Well, that's the policy."

Me: "May I request the next available appointment?"

VA: "Certainly. That will be January 13th at 2:30."

Me: "I am concerned because this consult was requested in September. My last blood test indicates a serious problem. Can you do any better?"

VA: "I cannot help. That is not my job. Contact your PCP or a patient advocate."

Me: "Thank you. Good by."

Re: Finally! A Cure for Cancer

Ray.this Ed Mckinnie again, I think you got good advise from John Hokins, they know what they are doing, the VA sucks, I won't let them look at my dog,
MD Anderson has put my Esp. cancer in remission, with a 6 month check up.
I am at MD now to meet with my MDS Doctor, it seems like all the procrit was doing is holding my blood counts in ck. only, I was exaimed two weeks ago
AT that time they took 15 vials of blood and did a bone marrow test, this visit will tell me my treatment.

Re: Finally! A Cure for Cancer

Unfortunately, according to both Johns Hopkins and the VA Hospital in Hampton, VA my cancer is still active. Last Johns Hopkins report was March 31, 2015. I wish it were not so.

Anyway, I requested and received a hearing. It did not go well at least for the examiner.

This is an official hearing that is recorded to be transcribed for the official record.

I won my case, at least as admitted by the examiner on tape. I still need the decision in writing. However, to give you a flavor:

Examiner: [Examiner stops the tape.] You can't say that.

Veteran: [Tape is restarted.] Let the record show that while the tape was off that the examiner instructed me that I could not submit certain information . [Veteran proceeds to submit his information.]

It goes on...

Veteran: Your shuffling and reading of documents is very distracting.

Examiner: I am listening.

Veteran: Let the record show that the Examiner is shuffling papers, reading and not paying attention to my presentation.

It gets worse:

Veteran: I need to look at my watch to see how much time I have left.

Examiner: You have until 2 p.m.

Veteran: The transcript will show that the hearing began at precisely 14:13. Therefore, my one hour ends at 15:13.

I was able to show that proper procedures were not followed. Sad but true. That hearing was unnecessary. I was also able to leave the hearing open ended as the VA failed to provide to me copies of documents that by law and regulation I am permitted to see. They could not find them!

You have to represent yourself in this situation. I found no assistance from attorneys or Veterans Organizations. The DAV was particularly disrespectful and complicit in blocking the facts.

There I have spoken. I stand by every word.

Re: Finally! A Cure for Cancer

Keep up the fight Ray!! In every way!!

Re: Finally! A Cure for Cancer

Ray Norton;40598 wrote: Unfortunately, according to both Johns Hopkins and the VA Hospital in Hampton, VA my cancer is still active. Last Johns Hopkins report was March 31, 2015. I wish it were not so.

Anyway, I requested and received a hearing. It did not go well at least for the examiner.

This is an official hearing that is recorded to be transcribed for the official record.

I won my case, at least as admitted by the examiner on tape. I still need the decision in writing. However, to give you a flavor:

Examiner: [Examiner stops the tape.] You can't say that.

Veteran: [Tape is restarted.] Let the record show that while the tape was off that the examiner instructed me that I could not submit certain information . [Veteran proceeds to submit his information.]

It goes on...

Veteran: Your shuffling and reading of documents is very distracting.

Examiner: I am listening.

Veteran: Let the record show that the Examiner is shuffling papers, reading and not paying attention to my presentation.

It gets worse:

Veteran: I need to look at my watch to see how much time I have left.

Examiner: You have until 2 p.m.

Veteran: The transcript will show that the hearing began at precisely 14:13. Therefore, my one hour ends at 15:13.

I was able to show that proper procedures were not followed. Sad but true. That hearing was unnecessary. I was also able to leave the hearing open ended as the VA failed to provide to me copies of documents that by law and regulation I am permitted to see. They could not find them!

You have to represent yourself in this situation. I found no assistance from attorneys or Veterans Organizations. The DAV was particularly disrespectful and complicit in blocking the facts.

There I have spoken. I stand by every work.

🙁 Sorry I have not been in the loop Ray,and that are going down a path that is very clear to me. Just to day someone at (VA) said that what path I am going down may help 100===1000's vet in the end. Nice to be the one but it sure is a sorry pill to swallow . I will try giving you a call should I find your #. JJ:confused:

I have received notice that my claim has been adjudicated in my favor. I have been told to stand for another re-evaluation in six months. Sounds like this will be ongoing.

Sounds like they expect you to still be around that long - GOOD !

Great Ray!

Ray Norton;n48203 wrote: I have received notice that my claim has been adjudicated in my favor. I have been told to stand for another re-evaluation in six months. Sounds like this will be ongoing.

Good for you. It took me seven years for adjudication, good luck.

Semper Fi

"Howdy"