Dave’s Story

Site created on August 28, 2020

Hello family, friends, and supporters. 

Dave Henningsen, known and loved by many, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this August. As if 2020 couldn't get any worse. He is currently embarking on his treatment journey which will consist of chemotherapy and radiation. This will be taking place in Dave's hometown of Rice Lake, WI.  After about 6 months of these treatments, in different amounts and combinations, a surgery will be performed to remove the cancerous portion of his pancreas. 

During his life thus far, Dave has been a remarkable father, husband, brother, son, friend, doctor, Christian, and much much more. The journey ahead will not be an easy one, but if you know Dave, you know the positive attitude and strength he brings to every challenge he faces. Your prayers, well-wishes, and positive thoughts are greatly appreciated during this difficult time.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Tina Henningsen

Tina tells me that I need to update this but I'm so busy doing other things, I just can't find the time!

If you're good at reading between the lines, you may realize that's my cryptic way of saying that I'm feeling much better.  I'm now 9 weeks out from my surgery.  At about 6 weeks, I snapped out of my post-op funk and, rather suddenly, had energy and motivation.  I still have some surgeon-imposed restrictions but have worked up to walking 3 to 5 miles on most days (thanks to all who have stopped to chat with me!), am doing a fair amount of yard work, and have visited the range to hit some golf balls a few times.

I also feel that I'm breaking out of the mental fog.  I've been catching up on some computer stuff for work and anticipate starting to see patients in a week.  It will take me a while to get back to a full schedule but I'm anxiously awaiting seeing my patients and co-workers again!

From a medical standpoint, they say I'm "in remission".  Actually, they don't know what to call it since most people don't have zero cancer cells in the tissue removed during surgery.  "They" are hesitant to call it a cure but my oncologist told me to live life as if it is.  We'll be doing testing every 3 months for a while to check for recurrence. 

In the meantime, I recognize that with or without cancer, we never know when our time will be up so we need to, as Yogi Berra said, "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." And the main thing is relationships - with God and other people. Hopefully I will do a better job of "seeing" those around me and letting you all know how special you are to me.  I'm overwhelmed by the love, prayers, and support of the community, family and friends and am convinced that all that is what got me through this.  

I look forward to seeing you all, in person, soon.  As the Germans say "Gesundheit!" (Here's to your health!)

-Dave

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