Introduction

Silas · Post by **Silas** » July 3rd, 2007, 2:42 pm

Rangers,

First of all, thank you for allowing me to post here. I have been reading through tons of posts, and it has helped clear up a lot of the questions that I had. I read the FAQâ€™s and it says to post a good introduction, so Iâ€™m sorry if this is a bit long.

Currently I am a college student with 2 years left until I graduate. I will be getting my degree in nursing (yep, male nurse). I am currently planning on enlisting and taking the medic route into the Rangers.

I had been planning on joining the military for awhile, I just wasnâ€™t sure exactly what branch I would pursue. I was actually going to join before college, but I had some medical situations arise, so I decided to finish college first, and then enlist.

I guess I need to briefly explain my medical situation, because it may affect me even being allowed into the army. A little over 2 years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. It was testicular, which has a very high rate of surviving and curing with treatment. Unfortunately during a surgery, there was a problem, and my nerve in my right arm was temporarily damaged. I basically lost all function and feeling in my right arm for 7 months. Once I got the feeling back my arm was so atrophied that I couldnâ€™t even lift it.

I have since been cancer free for almost three years, and I have all movement back in my arm. It is still a little bit weaker, but the doctors assure me it will come back 100%. I apologize if it seems like I am looking for anyone to feel sorry for me, because thatâ€™s the last thing I intended. I just wanted to give a good introduction and I felt like the cancer is part of the reason I am where I am.

Right now I am just focused on getting all of my strength back, which has improved drastically, and working on my fitness in general. By the time I enlist it will have been 5 years since I was last treated for cancer, and that is when the doctors consider me officially â€œcuredâ€

Earthpig · Post by **Earthpig** » July 3rd, 2007, 3:55 pm

I had copious amounts of beer this past weekend with a Ranger who also survived testicular cancer. I'm glad that they caught it in time. Since I've been out since the French & Indian War, I'll let a fresher Ranger answer your question.

Welcome to the site, and good luck in earning your Beret.

RLTW
EP

Silas · Post by **Silas** » July 3rd, 2007, 4:00 pm

Ranger EarthPig,

Thanks for the welcome, I look forward to learning from you and everyone else involved on this site.

RTO · Post by **RTO** » July 3rd, 2007, 4:25 pm

I've got two words for you.

Lance Armstrong.

Welcome survivor!

Ranger Bill · Post by **Ranger Bill** » July 3rd, 2007, 4:42 pm

Welcome and thank you for your interest in becoming an Army Ranger. Hopefully your medical condition will improve and be no impediment to enlisting - time and Army Regulations two years from now will tell. Until thenm best of luck to you in school.

42L5V · Post by **42L5V** » July 3rd, 2007, 4:44 pm

Welcome.

Jim · Post by **Jim** » July 4th, 2007, 10:00 am

Silas, a man has only one opportunity to make a favorable initial impression. You have achieved success. As I recall, there is a five year rule (but I'm not an expert). If you are unable to determine what the regulation says, PM me and I will call the office of the surgeon general (give it a few days as I will be out of the office Thursday and Friday).

Capellanus · Post by **Capellanus** » July 5th, 2007, 5:41 am

Welcome here.

Oto-Man · Post by **Oto-Man** » July 5th, 2007, 5:44 am

Welcome to the site stud.

Chiron · Post by **Chiron** » July 5th, 2007, 6:48 am

Welcome and good luck in your endeavors. You seem to have the fortitude to overcome obstacles. When you complete your nursing school Iâ€™m sure youâ€™ll be an asset to the army. Again good luck and drive on.

T Man · Post by **T Man** » July 5th, 2007, 8:08 am

I'm not making a joke (thought I could!) about it, but how did you lose the feeling in your right arm (any arm for that matter) via surgery for testicular cancer?

I'm honestly not making light of your situation, I'm just thoroughly astounded.

T Man · Post by **T Man** » July 5th, 2007, 8:09 am

T Man wrote:I'm not making a joke (though I could!) about it, but how did you lose the feeling in your right arm (any arm for that matter) via surgery for testicular cancer?

I'm honestly not making light of your situation, I'm just thoroughly astounded.