David's Recovery Story: Powered by determination, support and family

David had previously been diagnosed with Barret’s esophagus – a condition that can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. At 66, David was still enjoying the freedom that comes with retirement by spending time with his family and hunting and fishing with friends.

On Jan. 3, during a routine doctor visit, he underwent an endoscopic procedure and received a life-changing diagnosis: stage three esophageal cancer. Before that visit, he had been struggling to swallow, which led to a loss of appetite due to pain.

“I suspected it was cancer because I was having so many problems living with Barret’s esophagus. I couldn’t eat anything because it would hurt to swallow,” he said. “I had to keep a check on my condition, but due to COVID-19 I couldn’t get in to see anyone. I didn’t realize my cancer advanced as far as it did in just two years.”

Faced with a staggering diagnosis, David weighed his treatment options carefully.

“When I learned about the eight-weeks of chemotherapy and 28 treatments of radiation, I didn’t know if I wanted to go that route. It was a hard decision to make,” he said.

An extended hospital stay

After further thought, David decided to undergo an esophagectomy. During surgery, he experienced serious complications including an anastomotic leak, which caused a tear in the tissue connecting the remaining esophagus to the stomach. He also lost his ability to walk, swallow and perform daily self-care tasks.

After surgery, he spent the next couple of weeks in the ICU.

“I was in bad shape, and I couldn’t do anything that I used to do,” he said. “I had a feeding tube, and due to diabetic neuropathy, my feet hurt so bad, I couldn’t even walk.”

Finding strength at Encompass Health

After acute rehabilitation, David and his family sought Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Petersburg for support and recovery. When he arrived, he was still on a feeding tube and needed assistance with walking.

“When I came to Encompass Health, my recovery was life changing. I was able to go to therapy five days a week, even though I could only get out of my bed for therapy sessions,” he said. “Other than that, I was basically wheelchair-bound.”

Despite the challenges, David was resilient and determined to walk fully independently again.

A care team of support

During recovery, his care team was determined to help him regain his independence after a complicated surgery. Morgan Dianis, his physical therapist, recalled David’s selflessness and deep concern for his wife and family, even during the most challenging moments of his journey.

“David was motivated and willing to do what he could with us,” Dianis said. “Even in the toughest times, he pushed through. We completed a very successful home evaluation, where he was able to practice navigating inside his house and work through any last-minute barriers.”

Throughout his stay, David’s wife Ora was at his side. This life-altering challenge brought them closer together, she said.

“I was with him in the hospital every single day,” Ora said. “His care team was fantastic and really dedicated time to help him regain his independence. He went from walking a few laps around the gym to walking more than 20 feet upon discharge day — it was truly life changing!”

A new outlook on life

David returned home to continue his recovery with a renewed sense of purpose.

“I left Encompass Health with the willpower to walk, and it was challenging. Now, I still use those same self-care tasks to help around the house,” he said. “After going through a situation such as this, I truly look at life differently and value every minute.”

While his journey was challenging, David and his family are looking forward to making new memories together.

“We have a cruise planned later this year, and I’m excited,” he said. “I love spending time with my family, and if it weren’t for them during my surgery and recovery, I don’t know what decisions would’ve been made. I’m just grateful to have them by my side.”