October 2024 David was diagnosed with a nasty ulcer after being hospitalized. He was hospitalized again January 2025 when his ulcer bled after David developed pneumonia. He passed out at home and Shelby had to call 911. He was in the ICU due to becoming septic. After that discharge, David spent the next 10 months doing endoscopy’s and medications to help heal the ulcer. He was in and out of the ER in 2025 for other issues that the ulcer caused.
Fast forward to November 21, 2025. David had a scheduled surgery to remove his ulcer, which was now deemed a partial gastric obstruction. During David’s surgery, the surgeon called Shelby from the operating room to inform her there was a major complication and a biliary specialist was headed to the hospital to help assist in completing the original surgery. His surgeon believes that at some point in the last year or so, David’s intestine perforated and it adhered to the head of the pancreas. In order to remove the diseased bowel, the pancreas had to be cut, creating a pancreatic fistula.
In summary, David had 3 open abdominal surgeries in 16 days between 2 hospitals, 6 drains coming out of his body to drain the pancreatic fluid flowing into his abdomen, a feeding tube and an open midline incision that later a wound vac was placed on. He was discharged originally on December 19th but was readmitted on January 3rd.
Straight up, it sucks. However, God is faithful. We can see His hand at work even from the beginning. Before the original surgery, his surgeon was surprised David was able to maintain and gain weight, he was strong and not jaundiced. Most people who have the original surgery are in rough shape. David was not. God was preparing him for this battle ahead. We have been told that Davids age and strength are a huge factor for him healing because if he was 63, this would be a different story. The pathology from the original surgery came back as precancerous. He would have developed gastric cancer down the line if we had not elected for the original procedure. It was optional to take out his gallbladder and we asked that it remain in if possible. His original surgeon said David’s anatomy is different from others as to where the gallbladder connected for him in his intestine so it had to be removed. Unknowingly, the pathology showed signs of gall bladder disease. David had a a CT a few days ago and his surgeon was thrilled with the results. It is showing that his pancreas is scarring. David is above expectations in his recovery from what his surgeon believed it would be. The power of prayer!
I have not started this go fund me without immense prayer and thought. We do not like to ask for help. However, it is what is in the best interest of our daughters that we start one. David likely be in and out of the hospital for at least the first 6 months of 2026. If you are able to help us, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you are not financially able to, we simply ask for prayer. Prayer for David’s pancreas to continue to scar so he can avoid a futures surgery and for his strength and endurance to come back quickly.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6