So Much To Be Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone and we hope and pray you all had a wonderful day filled with family, food and fun.  We were blessed on Thanksgiving Day that Joe was able to spend the day with us.  Although he could not eat, he was determined to go to Prescott and spend the day with my family.  It is about a 2 hour drive north of Phoenix.  We got there and Joe immediately began vomiting.  He took care of business and then spent the rest of the day relaxing, laughing with the grand kids and just visiting.  My Mom fixed a fabulous meal for everyone and Joe chose to sit at the table, even though he couldn't eat.  I am constantly amazed by this man.  Being with family was so much more important than avoiding his favorite meal.  It touched each of us in a way I can't describe.  After we stayed awhile, we were able to stop by my niece's house on the way home just to say Happy Thanksgiving.  Joe again got sick, visited with everyone and then we all came home.  We all felt so blessed that he put himself through this just to be with us.  We are all thankful to have Joe in our lives.

On another thankful note, CBS, Channel 5 called and wanted to do a follow up to the Daddy-Daughter Dance and talk to Amanda and Joe about the book.  They came to the house on Wednesday and filmed a segment that will air on December 4th at 6:30 pm, Channel 5.  Catherine Anaya (the anchor) came to the house and conducted the interview.  Set your DVR's!  We are very excited and appreciative to Catherine and Channel 5 for taking such an interest in our journey.

Amanda's book is published and you can view everything about her venture on her blog at:

http://pullingthecancercard.com

Again, in this season of Thankfulness, the Kahler's are so thankful for all of you for supporting us and praying for us during this journey.

Happy Thanksgiving,
The Kahler's

Tough Week ---- Again

Sorry to report, but Joe has had a very difficult week.  His vomiting and nausea are out of control.  He stopped eating/drinking his clears, stopped taking walks and basically was confined to the couch, bed and bathroom.  It was a mental drain on him (and me) as well.  His biggest fear is ending back up in the hospital, so we "toughed it out" this weekend.  We called first thing Monday morning and got him in to the doctor's office.  Dr. S took control and started him on a new regiment of fluids filled with all the goodies his body is lacking. The special fluids take 3-4 hours and Joe will have it daily for awhile.  He already had signs of improvement after the first treatment.  Joe, being Joe, also did not refuse his chemo treatment today.  He had that, along with his new fluids and we are watching his every move very close.  Dr. S does feel like it is a result of the chemo and not the cancer that is causing all of this.  We all feel like it is worth it, because we are hopeful it is working.  We should know sometime in December if that is the case. 

While Joe and I were feeling down, we had a package delivered to our house from Afghanistan.  It was from our friend Doug Cave who is currently working there.  We opened the box and it was an American Flag that they flew over his base and a Challenge Coin from his unit, the Security Forces Assistance Team.  The inscription that came with the package read "Know ye that this flag was flown in the face of the enemy, on the frontier of the free world...a beacon of American resolve following the attacks of September 11, 2001, bearing witness to the destruction of terrorist forces threatening the freedom of the United States of America and the World.  Operation Enduring Freedom Presented by Doug Cave Especially for the Kahler Family."  We were moved to tears. It came at such an important time, when we were feeling down because of Joe's issues and because our nephew Mark,  left this week to join the Navy for Officer Candidate School (although we are so proud of him!).  We were so touched by this amazing gift and reminded to please pray for all those fighting for our freedom.  XOXO Sherrie & Joe

 

Our Flag - Doug is 2nd from left back row (smiling)

Daddy Daughter Thank You

I just wanted to update everyone on what has happened since the Daddy Daughter Dance.  We were able to donate over $15,400 to 5 families and the PMP Cure organization.  I wish you could have seen and heard the wonderful, heartfelt thank yous from the recipients.  It was unbelievable.  Tears of joy and gratitude.  Comments from "I just can't thank you enough", "You have no idea what this means to me", "I can't express my thanks enough", "We received your card and were in absolute shock! We got chills throughout our body as we saw your beautiful card and amazing, generous gift." "Words cannot express how thankful we are that your family thought of our family during these trying times.  You have touched our hearts and we are forever grateful."  So with that, the Kahler's thank each and every one of you for your generous gifts, prayers and support.  What a gift you have given to so many people.

Next, I wanted to share with you a link that our Daughter, Amanda has put together.  She recently published a book about our experiences (with all of us as co-authors) to help others cope with the world of cancer.  Her blog contains all the information about the book and also contains links to a couple videos from the event, pictures, the CBS news story and more.  Click on her link and scroll to the bottom for links to everything, including how to get the book if interested.  We are extremely proud of her for pulling this all together. 

http://pullingthecancercard.com/

Lastly, I just wanted to give you a quick update on Joe.  He had his 4th treatment today.  It has been difficult for him.  The rash is spreading to his back and throat, he is extremely fatigued, he has constant stomach cramps, he vomits throughout the week, he still can't eat and yet he stays upbeat.  I am more and more amazed with each passing day.  We just treasure those moments when we can walk down to the mailbox or go to the grocery store to pick out soups, juices and Popsicles.  We are hoping to make it to my parent's home for Thanksgiving (even though Joe can't eat).  We will make him turkey flavored soup and put extra whip cream on his jello! 

Thank you all for everything you did to support the Daddy Daughter Dance, for giving us the opportunity to share your generous donations with families in need, for your constant support and prayers.

Forever Grateful,
The Kahler's

Back to the Hospital

We had another rough weekend.  Joe started getting sick Friday evening and started vomiting around 3:00 am.  It would not stop and the bag was completely dry.  We knew something was terribly wrong.  We called the doctor and he sent us straight to the ER.  They immediately began "irrigating" the tube and his bag filled up twice within minutes.  The good news is Joe stopped vomiting (although I have no idea how there was anything left in his system at all).  After that, they wanted to do a CT scan and had him start drinking the contrast.  We warned them it wasn't a good idea and within minutes, Joe was vomiting again.  They decided to inject the contrast straight into his stomach.  He had the test and they told us he had a complete blockage and with that, he was admitted.  The hospital doctors were worried the cancer had taken over.  We weren't convinced since his bowels stopped working when he started chemo.  After a lot of persuading and promising to irrigate the tube, take Joe to tests and doctors, they reluctantly released Joe to go home.  We fulfilled our obligations and today found out that the bowel has a small opening.  That is HUGE.  It means Dr.S was probably correct and it was the reaction to the chemo and not the cancer spreading and shutting his system down.  It is a very small, but crucial victory.  It also allowed Joe to continue chemo treatments.  He had his 3rd treatment today and the bag is working.  We will continue irrigating the bag and make sure everything flows accordingly.  The only other issue Joe is having right now is a terrible rash (the side effect from the chemo).  More medications and lotions on the way. 

Dr. S wants Joe to have an MRI in December (after 6 chemo treatments).  He should be able to tell if the cancer is spreading, reducing or stable.  Prayers needed!

Thanks everyone for your never-ending support.  We hit a new low this weekend and by the Grace of God and all of you, we bounced back...again.

XOXO
Sherrie