Dave’s Story

Site created on November 19, 2019

In the middle of May, Dave began symptoms of trouble swallowing and shortly after booked a doctors appointment with his family doctor, where they quickly ordered a scope. The first scope showed a tumour in his esophagus. A sample was taken and examined. 2 weeks after, he received the info that it was cancer. Dave was referred to Juravunski Cancer Hospital in Hamilton. 

He was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus on June 21st, 2019. After many tests and appointments throughout the summer, Dave began a 5 week treatment program in September consisting of chemo and radiation. Treatment ended October 16th. These past couple of weeks he has had many appointments and tests done to see the effects of the treatment. Last Wednesday, November 13th, Dave had an appointment with the surgeon. It was great news to hear that the tumour shrunk, but he was told that surgery to remove the tumour would be the best outcome. Surgery date was in just 8 days (way earlier then expected). We were informed that the “Ivor Lewis” procedure would take place to remove the tumour. Surgery date is Thursday, November 21st at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton in 8:00 a.m. 

I will be using this page as a way to keep family and friends updated for the next little while. 

Dave is in great spirits. We would appreciate any prayers on Thursday ❤️

- Rachel 

Newest Update

November 25, 2019

Journal entry by Rachel Smith —

Dave has been doing very well. He is making great progress. He’s up walking down the hall a couple times a day. He’s still in surgical step down unit. In the next couple days he should move to his own regular room. He is still being closely monitored for some possible complications. But so far so good 
Read More of the journal titled "November 25, 2019"
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