The following information is from Heather Smith, David Smith’s wife. Please help in any way possible! November 2019 Update David Smith Well, it’s been over a month that we’ve been back in Great Bend and Dave’s team of doctors have been working diligently to find the best treatment plan and any way possible to carry it out. I truly wish I could say the same thing for Insurance, but I can’t. Initially Dave was on a combination Immunotherapy Treatment, but it turns out that one of his Specialists from Menorah Medical Center found 2 different mutations in his blood tests. These mutations were spreading quickly through his blood stream, which is ultimately how the cancer developed so rapidly in additional locations in his body. I am truly amazed, as he gets up daily to go to work, he has continued his Physical Therapy here in Great Bend, he battles through his day and makes it to his daughters and granddaughters activities and sporting events and yet, the prescription side of Blue Cross & Blue Shield known as Caremark is the hold up now. I spend phone call after phone call trying to figure out how it is possible that this company can put a price tag on the value of one’s life and become the deciding factor of whether 2 chemo treatments are a “necessity”. I wish I understood how this is was even possible. We will continue to Fight & Pray that Dave can get approved for the chemo treatments that he so desperately needs. Thank you very much for all of the continued prayers and support. #SmithStrong #ForeverStrong #ThinBlueLineFamily #FuckCancer

July 9th Update for David Smith -

Dave had been in and out of the Emergency Room Sunday, July 7th and Monday the 8th. He was experiencing chest pain, dizziness, and loss of feeling in his hands, arms, legs, and feet. I got him into the E.R. Sunday and we received the news that after having a Chest X-ray it showed a mass inside of his lung approximately the size of a golf ball and appeared to be suspicious for cancer.

They released him Sunday the 7th and on Monday morning he collapsed and became unresponsive after a doctors appointment near CKFP. We headed back to the E.R. Monday by ambulance and Dr. Brozek immediately got the C.T. scan pushed forward. After the C.T. scan was completed, we were hit with the heartbreaking results that they found masses of cancer not only in Dave’s lung, but also inside his brain, his thyroid, and all over inside his lymph nodes and adrenal glands. While we were back at the E.R. they released him again and made preparations to consult with Dr. Fesen the following morning. We were outside of the E.R. Entrance when Dave collapsed again and began seizing in my arms. We took him back inside the E.R. at which time Dr. Fesen stepped in and had Dave transferred to Menorah Medical Center, near Kansas City.

On Tuesday, the 9th we saw two cancer specialists first thing in the morning. They have been running tests, doing MRI’s of the brain, as well as scans and biopsies in other areas of his body in hopes of finding out what types and how aggressive the cancer is. The specialists want a Neurologist on board right away to figure out the reasoning for the passing out and seizure incidents and they have started him on a seizure medication as well. We have family here with Dave and I and we have family and friends at home taking care of the pets and the continued housing and pump maintenance from our recent flooding situation.

At this point we are just waiting, which is probably the most difficult part aside from receiving the initial results. Dave had the initial consults with these doctors and they have hit the ground running with testing. It’s been a shock and a very scary situation. I apologize for not getting back to all of the floods of messages and calls. We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers and the amazing people with their flooding messages and calls of support. Dave is in good spirits and he’s ready to battle whatever news we receive. We are asking for prayers from all of our prayer warriors out there and hope for the future.
Always Remain #ForeverStrong #SmithStrong #InGodAllThingsArePossible