Joe's Game Plan

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

MRI Results

We met with Dr. Ong and another Dr. today at UMC. They were very excited about the results of the MRI. They stated that the avastin Joe is receiving is working and he will continue to receive these treatments indefinitely. It had stopped the cancer from spreading. They proceeded to tell us that Joe still has numerous tumors - some large, some small and some have disappeared since the last MRI. He does still have tumors in his intestine, stomach region and some on his liver. Despite that, they were very excited. Joe and I had to absorb what was actually being said and then Dr. Ong reminded us that Joe will never be cured. The best we can hope for is the cancer will be held at bay, which is what is happening right now.

We then discussed Joe's bowel issues. The part of the intestine that does the absorption was removed due to the cancer. It was the hope that the part that remained would pick up that responsibility. Unfortunately, that has not happened. Dr. Ong explained that it may never happen or it could kick in tomorrow. No one knows. Until then, he keeps adjusting the meds, hoping that something will kick it into gear. If not, Dr. Ong stated Joe should learn how to live with his new normal. We explained that he is and we are learning how to live life and plan accordingly.

As we wrapped up the appointment, Dr. Ong reminded us to live each day to the fullest, keep the smiles on our face and keep fighting the fight. The 2nd doctor commented how amazed he was by Joe's results and how well Joe looks. We explained to him about our support group and how amazing it is. We know in our hearts it is the power of prayer and support that has got us this far and will keep us going.

With all our thanks, love and gratitude,
Joe and Sherrie

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Tests Approved

Joe's MRI has finally been approved. His tests will be Jan 31st and we will get the results on Feb 5th. For some reason his bowels are even worse than normal and his shoulder joints are also more painful than normal. Neither Dr. S or Dr. Ong understand why. The increase in the meds was tough on Joe's stomach, so he had to back down from the dosage (still more than he was taking), but regardless, there's been no improvement. Hopefully with time, things will start working. He just adjusts his "new normal" around his "new bowel system".

We are planning some exciting things this year. We are going to try a couple trips, have company from family, high school and college friends visit and we stay busy with Dr. appointments, organizing life, playing with grandkids, visiting with company and getting out occasionally. We have no complaints and are just grateful for the ongoing support and prayers from all of you. I will post again as soon as we get the test results back. XOXO to all, Sherrie

Friday, January 4, 2013

Dr. Appointment today

We met Dr. Ong and another doctor today at UMC. The other doctor was there to meet Joe. He was genuinely surprised at how good Joe looked after all he's been through. He even slipped and said "you should not be here today". (We know it's the Power of Prayer :)) We talked to both of them for almost 90 minutes. Dr. Ong was not pleased with the lack of progress from Joe's bowels. He really felt that his bowels should be working better than they are. After much consultation, they decided to try more medications. Joe's full time job is now taking medications to try and get his bowels to work. Hopefully something works because Joe has been very sick recently from his crazy bowels. It's been a tough holiday season for Joe, but in his typical fashion, never complains and just pushes forward. Dr. Ong reviewed the Petscan results. Some "glowing" showed up around his liver, kidneys and intestines. Dr. Ong was not too worried about it (Joe and I were a little concerned!). He stated that the tests results are not conclusive and for that reason, is really going to fight for the MRI test. He stated he's aiming for a February test date. If it gets approved, we'll get the results the following week. He submitted the paperwork again and now it's wait and see. In the meantime, Dr. Ong had a long discussion with Joe about the quality of life and told him to live each day and don't let cancer dictate his life. We just smiled because that has been our motto all along. They hugged and the appointment was over. As always, a great appointment with Dr. Ong. I'll post again once I find out about the MRI. Thanks for those ongoing prayers. They are DEFINITELY working!!! XOXO Sherrie

Friday, December 28, 2012

Dr. Appointment Postponed

We were on our way to Tucson, when Dr. Ong's office called and said he would have to postpone Joe's appointment. Dr. Ong was called into emergency surgery. Although a little disappointed, we certainly understand. His appointment has been rescheduled for January 3rd. In the meantime, we are enjoying our time off with friends and family. We've had visitors from High School, College, Family from California and friends from England. We had a wonderful Christmas, we moved Amanda to her new Condo and are having our granddaughter's baptism this weekend. We are definitely keeping busy, but having lots of fun. Joe is hanging in there. He is having a lot of fatigue and bowel issues. Hence, why we're looking forward to talking to Dr. Ong to see if anything can be done and find out how to get those tests approved. I'll update the blog after our appointment. In the meantime, we wish you all a Very Happy New Year and a HEALTHY and HAPPY New Year. We're certainly praying for a good year :) XOXO Sherrie & Joe

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Merry Christmas!

We just want to wish each of you a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. We feel so blessed to have each of you in our lives. The prayers are definitely working. It's amazing where we started this journey, all we've been through and how well we are doing. We are not letting cancer dictate our lives. We are living our lives and cancer is simply the inconvenient part - although a major inconvenience! Our holidays will be filled with family and friends and food and fun. We do have to throw in a few Dr. visits too. We'll be seeing Dr. Ong on December 27th to find out if something can be done to help Joe's bowels and find out when/if we'll get those tests approved by the insurance. I'm sure they will get approved eventually, but the waiting and wondering is painful. So we're trying not to think about it and just enjoy each and every moment. On another bright note, we received some wonderful messages from the families we all supported from the golf tournament. Without going into too much detail, we just wanted to let you know that their appreciation for all you guys did is an understatement. There were an abundance of thanks and gratitude and tears of joy. What a great gift for all of us. Joe and I and our family thank you from the bottom of our hearts to allow us to share your gift with others. Nothing gives us a greater feeling than "paying it forward".

All our love and gratitude,

The Kahlers

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

One Year Anniversary

It was a year ago today that Joe woke up from surgery to learn they found numerous tumors in his abdomen. He was extremely nervous to get his Petscan test results back today, of all days. Two tumors showed up (same as his Petscan several months ago), but the good news is they have not grown and no new ones showed up either. Dr. S was encouraged, as were we. He did say that the tests are inconclusive and an MRI would hopefully show more of what's going on. Unfortunately insurance has denied the MRI test, so the Dr's will fight for us to get that test approved. He also mentioned that he may eventually need a laparoscopic look to really find out if the cancer that was left inside is growing or spreading. His type of cancer is difficult to detect in these tests. Joe has been having a lot of pain in his joints and his bowels are an absolute mess. Dr. S said the joint pain could be a side effect from the chemo since Joe still has neuropathy from the chemo as well. He stated that Joe's body is in no shape to handle chemo at this time, so we have to keep those prayers coming to keep the cancer at bay. He also increased his meds again to try and help the bowel issues. Joe's other issue is extreme fatigue which could be an effect of his bowel problems. We will be heading to Tucson towards the end of the month to meet with Dr. Ong and see if there is anything more that can be done to help Joe's side effects and get his opinion on Joe's next step. In the meantime, Joe will continue to receive fluids and Avastin to keep him hydrated and keep the cancer from spreading. We are staying optimistic, we are grateful for Joe's strength to keep fighting and so thankful for our family and friends for supporting us during the last year. It's been such a struggle and we would have never made it this far without your prayers and support. As Joe says, with your support "No One Fights Alone",
XOXO The Kahler's

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Best Day Of The Year!

The Kahler Klassic Golf Tournament was unbelievable. Joe was so excited, but it didn't compare to the actual event. The day was full of fun, tears, laughter, gratefulness, hugs, beautiful weather, good food, prizes and most important the best support group we could have ever imagined. Joe woke up this morning and said "That was the best day I've had in a year!". Talk about a boost. There are so many people to thank for all of this between the volunteers, contributors, supporters, attendees and sponsors. I do want to thank the guy that made this happen. Ray Rawlins called us and said he wanted to do this for Joe. We resisted, he insisted and hence, it happened. We just can't thank him enough. From there, with the help of some amazing volunteers and the generosity of so many, we had a huge, successful day. We had 160 people (and one dog :)) join us for the day. We net $6000 for families that are fighting rare cancers. One of the recipients, Erin was actually there in person. We were able to surprise her and her husband Charlie, at the event. It was so great. We just wanted Erin and some other recipients to know that "No One Fights Alone". We are all there for each other and each and every one of you have been there for us. There is no greater feeling in the world. We Love you all so very much! The Kahlers

p.s. If anyone did not get their picture with Joe or would like other pictures from the event, please email me at sherriekahler@hotmail.com so I can get it to you.