Happy Birthday Joe!!!

Joe just celebrated his 55th birthday.  This birthday was much better than last year when he was in ICU!  We kept it small (per Joe's request), but had a good day.  Amanda did arrange for a special gift from a local radio station.  For those of you that live in the valley, you'll remember that for years Beth and Bill did a birthday announcement.  If they didn't know your age, you were 55!  Amanda always promised Joe she was going to call in when he turned 55.  She did better than that.  She wrote Beth (the DJ) an email and explained the history of wanting to call in when Joe turned 55 and how this birthday was really special because of Joe's battle with Stage IV cancer.  Bill (the other DJ) passed away a few years ago from cancer and Beth inherited his trademark - Hawaiian shirts.  She sent Joe one of Bill's bright Hawaiian shirts with an autographed picture and note.  The note said "Joe, Thank you for being a faithful listener.  Amanda contacted me...I'm out of town on your birthday and can't join you, but I want you to have one of Bill's colorful shirts!  I'm sure he would approve.  Have a wonderful birthday! Beth"  In addition to that, she wished him a happy birthday on the radio.  What a wonderful person.  If you're in town, listen to 99.9 KEZ!

Joe's tests results were OK.   Dr. S explained that it's just difficult to tell what is actually going on from these tests.  He is working with Dr. Ong to get another series of MRI's scheduled in Tucson.  He is hoping the tests will get approved for end of May or first of June.  He has also been working on how to get Joe some relief from his bowel attacks.  He found a new drug that may help.  Joe has started taking it, but it's too early to tell yet.  So far, no luck, but hopefully something positive happens soon.  Joe is still in good spirits, but just wore out from the constant attacks all day and all night.  Fatigue and stomach cramps are his biggest complaint. 

Thank you all for your continued support.  It amazes us daily and we are so grateful to have all of you in our court supporting us each step of the way!

XOXO
Sherrie

Joe Bates - Rest In Peace

It is with deep sadness to let you know that our dear friend Joe Bates has passed away this afternoon.  His wife Lisa said it best "Joe's spirit has lifted to the heavens.  He does not suffer and is at peace."  Thank you all for the prayers.  We were able to share your prayers with Joe before he passed away.  It is a very difficult time for the Bates family and for all that knew Joe.  We thank you for keeping them in your prayers.

It has been a year since Joe (Kahler) had his "motherload of all surgeries".  We see the doctor on Tuesday to schedule his next round of tests and to discuss his bowel issues.  Joe will also be receiving chemo on Tuesday.  Unfortunately, I don't have any better news to report.  His bowels are getting worse.  We are going to have to cancel some of our plans because of the never-ending bowel attacks.  We did make it to Minneapolis for a visit.  Joe did OK, but was restricted indoors because of the weather (it was freezing, snowing, raining, hailing and windy), but mostly because of his bowels.  We did get to visit with his brother and family and our good friends in Minneapolis.  We had a wonderful meal with the Momchilovich's (thank you again)! 

I will post again once we learn more about Joe's tests and if there are any options to help his situation.  Thank you again for all your prayers for our dear friend Joe Bates, his wife Lisa and their daughters, Erika and Makenzie.  XOXO

Happy Easter

We had a wonderful day with Family and Friends.  Joe did really well through church, dinner and the Easter egg hunt.  The perfect day (even with his usual bowel attacks).

His last Dr. appointment was really good as well.  Dr. S. told us his cancer count is stable, which is one indication that it is not spreading.  He can't be sure what is going on, but it is a good indication things are not getting worse.  It seems the prayers and the Avastin continue to work.  Dr. S. said we all need to continue doing what we are doing - that means we need the prayers to continue and Joe to continue with the Avastin treatment.  They plan on doing more detail tests towards the end of April.  That will give us a better idea of everything that is happening.  In the meantime, we thank God for this wonderful news.

On the not as good news, Joe's bowels are worse than ever.  His "attacks" are occurring more frequently and he has also been getting nauseous with them.  He never sleeps through the night and we have to cancel plans continuously due to these bowel attacks.  We are learning to adjust though and just so grateful for any good periods of time we have.  The Dr.'s are trying different things to try and get Joe some relief.  He'll be going in for additional IV fluids each week to make sure he stays hydrated and to try and give his bowels a rest.

Our good friend Joe Bates is fighting his cancer with everything he has.  We ask that you continue to keep him in your prayers.  Joe and Joe talk continuously and it's so great that they have each other.  The picture below is from the picnic they had for Joe Bates.  It was so moving and we are so thankful to have the Bate's family in our lives.

We hope you and your families had a wonderful Easter season.  He Has Risen!

Love,
The Kahlers

March Fun

Our fun event for March was a gathering of High School, College and other friends and family.  We weren't sure how this was going to go given the diversity and number of folks popping in and out all week.  They came from Pennsylvania, St. Louis, all over California and Arizona.  We were absolutely overwhelmed with the response.  I have not seen Joe this happy in a long time.  Even when he wasn't feeling good, he would just sit in his chair and smile and laugh.  The stories never stopped, the activities were plenty and the food and drink were amazing.  Everyone pitched in to help organize, contribute, clean up and make everyone else feel welcome.  We had our usual, fabulous chef Darrell at the helm - not to mention the wonderful side dishes and fabulous desserts made by so many others.  We had four competitions -Putting (won by Bob who carried his teammate Bowker to victory :); Ping-pong (won by Joe and Mires);  Horseshoes (won by Joe and Greg); and Bean Bag toss competition (won by Joe and Lusk).  It was hysterical because Joe's teams won 3 out of the 4 competitions.  Believe me, we did NOT let him use the cancer card to win.  The group doesn't care what your situation is, competition is competition.  The teams won bragging rights only.  We had no gifts for Joe except the gift of friendship.  And that was the best gift of all!

So to all who travelled to be with us and all who took the time to make our March fun the best month yet, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  It was a weekend that we will forever treasure. 

Next up is chemo on Tuesday.  Keep the prayers coming for good results and minimal side effects.  We ask that you please continue to keep our friend Joe Bates, in your prayers as well. 

We love you all!  Sherrie and Joe

See No Evil (Don), Speak No Evil (Jeff), Hear No Evil (Gordon)



Some of the Group





Horseshoe Tourney - Greg concentrating, Gerty Begging



Mr. Feeney and Topanga! 

Quinny and Auntie

The Fight Continues

Things in the Kahler home are status quo.  Joe's bowels are terrible,  but we are learning to work our schedule around his "attacks".  We decided to plan one fun event each month, so for the month of February, Joe and I went to Vegas.  We just went for a couple days and when Joe felt good, we got out and enjoyed.  We he didn't feel good, he stayed in the room.  Overall, we had a great time just getting away.  For the month of March, we have lots and lots of company coming to visit.  We're hoping Joe will be available to attend a spring training game and if not, we'll just hang out at home.  We're looking forward to seeing several people we have not seen in a long time.

Joe continues to receive Avastin (chemo) every 3 weeks.  His next treatment is Tuesday.  He handles it better than the other chemo he previously had, but unfortunately, each treatment seems to have worse side effects.  We're not sure if it's because of the residual build up or his body is just tired.  Regardless, we don't make any plans around his treatments.

In keeping with our theme "No One Fights Alone", we would like to ask one more favor.  A good friend of ours (Joe Bates) has just been diagnosed with Lung Cancer.  The 2 Joe's (Kahler and Bates) used to coach their daughters softball team together.  The Bate's Family (Joe, Lisa, Erica and Makenzie) are such a close and wonderful family and are fighting hard.  Please, please add them to your prayer list.

As always, we thank you for your continued support. 

XOXO
Sherrie

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

 

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