The Road to Recovery: Dr. Chris Cheatwood’s Ongoing Journey
July 10, 2026
Dr. Chris Cheatwood’s medical journey began with symptoms that seemed minor at first —fatigue, fever, and a general sense that something wasn’t right. Within days, those symptoms escalated into a life-threatening condition that required immediate and extensive care.
He was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and life-threatening infection that destroys tissues and requires urgent surgical intervention. What followed was an emergency surgery, 19 additional procedures over the course of just a few weeks, time in an induced coma, and nearly two months in the hospital. (You can read more about that part of the story in “Nineteen Surgeries. One Team.”)
The infection and repeated surgeries left significant tissue loss, particularly through the hip and leg, with some areas intentionally left open to allow for drainage, monitoring, and ongoing treatment. At the same time, Dr. Cheatwood also began undergoing cancer care, including chemotherapy and radiation, both of which can delay healing.
In cases like this, plastic and reconstructive surgery plays a critical role, not for cosmetic reasons, but to restore tissue, protect underlying structures, and help the body heal in a way that supports long-term function. That is where LRH plastic surgeon Dr. David Straughan became part of the care team.
“There had been a hole the size of a fist. And what he did — it’s a work of art,” Dr. Cheatwood recalls. Using advanced reconstructive techniques, including tissue flap procedures, Dr. Straughan worked to rebuild what had been lost, carefully restoring coverage and stability while preserving the ability to heal over time.
Just as important as the procedures themselves was the timing.
“He never did anything until my body was ready,” Dr. Cheatwood says. “He always looked at the big picture.”
Because of ongoing cancer treatment, certain steps had to wait. For nearly two years, one wound remained open, a deliberate decision to allow the body the best chance to heal.
Then, recently, the next step became possible. Dr. Straughan performed a procedure to close the long-standing wound. The result, including an incision nearly 18 inches long, marked a turning point. “It looks so much better than what we were dealing with,” Dr. Cheatwood’s wife Judy says. “And it’s healing quickly.”
For Dr. Cheatwood and his family, the impact goes beyond the technical outcome. “I see him as a doctor, but also as an artist,” he says. “He rebuilt parts of me that I never thought would look normal again.”
Throughout the journey, they point to something else just as meaningful: the people behind the care. From the emergency team and surgeons to the nurses, therapists, and specialists guiding each step, the level of skill and coordination never went unnoticed. Just as important were the everyday interactions. The front desk teams, the greeters, the small moments of kindness have made an ongoing difficult experience feel more manageable.
Today, the journey continues. Cancer treatment is still ongoing, and follow-up care remains an important part of the process.
“You don’t make it through something like this without staying positive,” he says. “And having the right people around you makes all the difference.”
To learn more about plastic and reconstructive surgery with Dr. David Straughan click below.
David M. Straughan, MD
Physician in Plastic Surgery
ABOUT DR. STRAUGHAN
Dr. David Straughan is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who uses his skills to perform both cosmetic and reconstruction surgeries. He is fellowship-trained in craniofacial reconstruction and facial aesthetics.
I chose plastic and reconstructive surgery as it seemed like a perfect avenue to help people with a variety of needs. In my specialty, I have the opportunity to meet the surgery needs of patients from the top of their heads to the bottom of their feet. I find genuine excitement in my work whether it is helping a woman achieve her breast reconstruction goals or helping to improve one's self-confidence with cosmetic surgery.
LRHS Hollis Campus Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
At the Hollis Cancer Center, our surgical oncology team offers leading-edge procedures designed to deliver precision, faster recovery, and better outcomes.
When it matters most, world-class care is close to home.
