Support Dave's Healing Journey

***APRIL UPDATE: The most recent CT scan on April 2nd led to an unplanned 6 day hospital stay, including lung surgery and physical therapy. More details below.***

Dave is incredibly grateful to be on the road to recovery after a severe case of empyema. This life-threatening lung infection landed him in the emergency room and required a six-day hospital stay. He deeply appreciates the compassionate care of the Mission Hospital staff, whose dedication and expertise guided him through a difficult and painful experience. 

The Emergency & Hospital Stay 

After several days of worsening chest pain, severe night sweats, and increasing shortness of breath, Dave visited urgent care where an X-ray revealed fluid in his lungs. Doctors immediately urged him to go to the ER, where further tests, including a CT scan, confirmed the seriousness of his condition. Later that night, he was admitted to Mission Hospital with a potentially life-threatening outlook. 

On March 10, doctors inserted a chest tube to drain the infected fluid directly from his lung. Over the following days, Dave endured intense pain as he received multiple doses of TPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator), a medication used to break up fibrinous pockets of fluid. Each breath was agonizing, but despite the pain, he remained determined to fight through the worst of it. 

On March 13, a CT scan showed significant improvement, marking a turning point in his recovery. It also brought much-needed relief—the pulmonary team was able to rule out a potential cancer diagnosis, which had been a lingering concern. 

While Dave is recovering at home, his journey is far from over. His recovery plan includes: 

***APRIL UPDATE***

On April 2nd, Dave went in for a follow up CT scan that he had hoped would show improvement.

On April 3rd, Dave awoke to a call from his physician informing him that the infection was still present and advised him to go directly to the hospital. By the end of that day, the decision was made to move forward with surgery to remove the remainder of the infection.

On April 4th, Dave was taken into pre-op, on to a successful surgery and then to ICU for recovery.

After being moved from the ICU on April 5th, Dave spent the next few days in incredible pain from the surgery while also focusing energy on healing in the hopes he could go home.

On April 7th, the surgeon brought the news that his lungs were not expanding properly and the potential of a second surgery was on the table. The doctor told him the best way to avoid surgery would be to use the breathing tool (spirometer) and the ancient art of walking. Dave then spent the next day walking around the hospital in growing increments. This helped his lungs greatly as well as his outlook.

On April 8th, the surgeon came in early morning and advised Dave to be discharged to go home and continue physical therapy.

Why Your Support Matters 

Unfortunately, along with the physical toll, this medical crisis has brought a significant financial burden. Dave now faces: 

Thank you for your kindness, love, and support. Your generosity means the world to us.