“Through the free physical and CT scan of the WHPP, I discovered there were some suspicious spots on my right lung. A biopsy confirmed the spots were cancer. I had an operation to remove the upper right lobe of my lung. The operation was a success and I owe my life to the early detection as a result of WHPP.”

Tony Moore
Portsmouth GDP, Production Process Operator, 1976–2004

“When it was finally determined I had chronic beryllium disease, I was in total shock. I’d never heard of beryllium let alone that I had been exposed to it. Please have the physical and CT scan. If not for yourself, then do it for your family.”

Donna Christman
Portsmouth GDP, Uranium Material Handler, 1974–2002

“This is a thank you statement to the WHPP program and especially to the early detection CT Scan. The scan revealed a lung nodule that turned out to be malignant and was removed while it was tiny with no further treatment needed. THANK YOU FOR MY LIFE.”

“I procrastinated taking the physical for two years. As a result of the physical, I was diagnosed with chronic beryllium disease. I am so thankful that WHPP was there and I’ll recommend this program to anyone. It could save your life.”

Garry Sexton
Portsmouth GDP, Chemical Operator, 1988–present

“I thank WHPP for providing free medical surveillance for former and current workers. I urge you to have this testing done. Your life may depend on it. MINE DID!!!”

John Watson
Portsmouth GDP, Machinist, 1973-2003

“In October 2003, I was diagnosed with chronic beryllium disease. By finding this early, it is much easier to treat and live a normal life.”

Kenneth Wymer
Portsmouth GDP, First Line Manager Cascade, 1977–2002

“Within one month of detection of my aneurysm, I had open heart surgery to repair my aorta. I believe it is safe to say that I owe my life to God and this program.  I am very thankful for the skilled people involved with the WHPP program and feel it is important that the program continues.”

Greg Rucker
Portsmouth GDP, Security Police Officer, 1981-present

“Because of the WHPP CT scan I have become a survivor. Since there were malignant masses in both lungs, chemotherapy was recommended. Scans after 12 treatments revealed the masses are stable.”

Eugene Bailey
Portsmouth GDP, Production Process Operator, 1954–1965

“The WHPP has added quality time to my life due to the early detection CT scan for lung cancer. I was not feeling ill and there were no warning signs. The CT scan caught the cancer cells at an early stage. I would encourage everybody to take advantage of this free program.”

Jack Brunner
Portsmouth GDP, Mason, 1954–1994

Early in the summer of 2002, Bob Whitt called me from the local WHPP office. It was great to hear from Bob. We had first known of each other when his grandparents were our neighbors before the original construction of the Portsmouth Site. He was calling to encourage me to take advantage of the free physical examinations being offered. I appreciated that. My wife Charlotte and I had been doing quite well in the past few years on keeping up with matters related to our health.

The physical examination report was “unremarkable” for the most part. It reported some apparent lung abnormalities on the x-rays; but stated there was no evidence of lung cancer at that time. So, nothing more was done for over a year and I really had no symptoms. Then it seemed like out-of-the-blue I was scheduled for the mobile CT scan in November 2003. Within less than a week, I received a serious letter stating that there was a suspicious area on the tip of my left lung. I was directed to contact my family doctor “immediately” for a referral to pulmonary specialists. I ended up at the Southern Ohio Medical Center.

Throughout the winter weeks, numerous tests, scans and procedures were performed in quest of better defining the mass and, later, to make sure that I was alright otherwise to have surgery. On March 15th, 2004, the tumor was removed with about 40% of the left lung. The tumor was classified as an early stage lung cancer.  Several lymph nodes were removed from the region and all tested negative. This means the lung cancer did not spread to my lymph nodes or other organs. My summary and understanding of all this is: It was as good as it could be for what it was. The consideration extended by the USW Worker Health Protection Program and the quality of care and service have been exceptionally good throughout. It is easy to be thankful and accept the blessing of finding my lung cancer early.  It is a challenge to direct thanks to all the individuals involved. So many (most) of these folks I do not even know.

All that I really did right in all of this was accept what was being offered and not be contrary; at least about this. In pondering as to how I could attempt to do some payback for the early detection of my lung cancer, I have resolved to encourage anyone and everyone, given any opportunity, to take advantage of any the health resources available through the USW program. If you have not already done so, I would encourage you to contact the USW Worker Health Protection Program and see if you are eligible for the lung cancer screening program.