A tough, but rewarding weekend

Joe, his brother Norm and I went to their high school in Lancaster, CA on Friday and to Whittier College for homecoming on Saturday.  Joe actually got out on the golf course with his high school friends, had lunch with some more friends and then crashed.  After sleeping and dealing with bowel issues, Joe rallied and made it to the game where he and his brother (along with others) were honored as the Spirit of the Year for their Senior year.  After that we attended a nice reception where he got to visit with so many people from his past.  Thank you Mark and Karen for taking such good care of us!!



High School friends - Joe Slavin, Mark Bozigian, Joe and Don Wible





Norm (Joe's brother), Sherrie and Joe




Joe and Mrs. Binando

 Saturday morning we headed to Whittier where we each attended our Fraternity/Sorority brunches.  There was an outdoor reception after the brunches.  Unfortunately, Joe became very sick and had to leave shortly after arriving at the event.  He did get to visit with several folks, but his body just wasn't cooperating.  I'm sorry for those we did not get to see, but hopefully we can come back next year and stay for the event. 

This weekend was tough on Joe physically, but such a boost for him mentally.  It was also a huge boost for me as well.  Joe and I were able to visit with so many of you, as well as meet some of you for the first time.  I have to tell you that we have been talking about all of you the entire day.  You just have no idea how special all of you are to us and how much we treasure the kindness and words of encouragement we received.  Thank you Anna and Doug for taking care of us in Whittier!

Gina And Joe - Kept their promise to toast each other a year ago



Norm, Joe, Don White and Dave Mires



Even though we are both tired and Joe has been in bed all day since arriving home, the mental boost is just overwhelming.  We will always treasure this weekend and thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

XOXO
Sherrie

No One Fights Alone

That's our theme for the Joe Kahler Klassic Golf Tournament.  We have been so blessed to have all of you support us during this ordeal, that we wanted to capture a theme depicting our fight.  The golf tournament is really coming together, thanks to all of you.  If you haven't already done so and would like to golf, please email Ray Rawlins right away.  The spots are filling up fast.  If you don't golf and would like to come to lunch, please let us know that as well.  All the information is in the flyer posted on the last blog update.  Joe and I will not be golfing, but will be around the entire time visiting with our support system.  In addition, we will be having a silent auction and a raffle.  If you have anything you would like to donate, all donations are greatly appreciated.  Anything from golf products, gift certificates, books, home goods, sporting goods, cooking....  anything.  Just contact me at sherriekahler@hotmail.com and I'll arrange a pick up.

To update all of you on Joe's progress, his bowels are still not cooperating.  He's struggles daily, but doesn't let it get him down.  He had a doctor appt today and Dr. S was so impressed with Joe's attitude and fight to get through this.  He said his blood counts were slowly improving, but he was not going to try any chemo in the near future.  He still has a way to go to handle those treatments.  Joe does receive IV's of fluids weekly and an IV called Avastin.  Avastin is not a chemo, but has been administered with each chemo treatment in the past.  It prevents the cancer from spreading by restricting access to the blood vessels (which is the mode of transportation for the cancer).  He's always received Avastin with chemo, so now they are just administering it alone since it doesn't have the side effects of chemo.  It won't stop the cancer from growing, but hopefully it is stopping the cancer from spreading. 

On a positive note, Joe and I are flying to California on Thursday, along with his brother Norm from MN.  Joe and his brother are being honored at their high school.  They both received the "Spirit of the Year award" their Senior Year.  I'd say, he's still our Spirit of the Year!!.  On Saturday, we travel an hour to our Whittier College homecoming to spend the day with our college friends.  I haven't seen Joe this excited about anything in a long time.  Watch for pictures in the next blog.

Thanks again for all your prayers, love and support.  We really feel like things are improving because of the support we get from all of you.  We know we aren't fighting this alone!! 

Love to all,
Sherrie and Joe

Golf Tournament for Joe

I just want to give you all an update on Joe this week.  He is better than he was after chemo, but still struggling with issues.  Because his bowels are still not cooperating, he fights dehydration constantly.  Hopefully his bowels will wake up and start working properly soon.  Prayers for working bowels appreciated :)

On a 2nd note, I'm attaching a flyer for a golf tournament in Joe's honor.  Friends have been asking over and over what they can do to help and they have taken it upon themselves to do just that.  We are very appreciative as we have met folks in financial hardship during the fight with cancer. The proceeds will help support cancer patients in need.  Thank you Ray Rawlins for setting this up.  We hope those who are available can come out and support the cause or just come and visit with Joe and our family.  We are all so excited to see everyone and just have fun with family and friends.  For those who can't make it, I will be posting pictures, so no worries. 

Love and thanks to all,
Sherrie

Joe Kahler Klassic 

Golf Tournament

 

When:        Saturday, November 17, 2012

                                                                                                     

Time:          7:45 a.m. Shot Gun Start

Arrive by:  7:15 a.m. sign in/warm up

Where:       KoKopelli Golf Club

                   1800 W. Guadalupe Rd. Gilbert

                  

Format:      Four-Person Scramble

Entry Fee:  $80 per player / $300 per foursome

Includes lunch, green fee & cart

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase!

Lunch:        If you don’t golf, but would like to come to support the event, you can join us for lunch and the raffle for $15.  We would love your support!

Deadline:   Entry Deadline is Friday, November 5, 2012

                  

         Questions? Contact Ray Rawlins - 602-206-5608 or mvptrophies@cox.net            

---------------------------Tear here and return with payment ------------------------------------

Company: _____________________________ Phone: (_____)__________________

Address: ______________________ City/State: __________________ Zip: ________

Name: ________________________         email___________________           

Name: ________________________         email___________________          

Name: ________________________         email___________________

Name: ________________________         email___________________

         

___     I will sponsor a green @ $150.00*

          *you may provide electronic artwork if you would like your logo listed on the course*

___     I cannot play but please accept my donation to Joe Kahler

___     I cannot play would like to attend the luncheon

Make/Mail Checks Payable to:

Joe Kahler
5683 W. Dublin Lane
Chandler, AZ  85226

All proceeds from the tournament go directly to Joe Kahler* who has established an account to assist those individuals who are in financial need due to their cancer diagnosis.

Thank You For Your Support

*Joe Kahler is not a 501(c)(3) organization

Things are getting better

Joe was so sick that he had IV's daily last week.  The Dr. also changed up (added) doses of medications to help with the situation.  It all worked well and Joe had a fairly good weekend.  He definitely feels better than he did, but is still having issues.  He has spells of dizziness and nausea and has constant numbness in his hands and feet.  His bowels are still out of control, but less often than they were.  Sometimes Joe is hungry and can eat just about anything and then he'll go for hours just feeling sick and can't eat.  We can't figure out if something specific triggers the issues or if it's simply the effects of the last chemo treatment.  Regardless, he is very happy that he has periods of "normalcy" and isn't constantly sick.  In fact, he was so excited to eat and feel OK, that we drove up to Flagstaff to see Shelli and then to Prescott to see my parents.  It was really fun to get Joe out of the house for a couple of days. 

Joe will have more tests this week to monitor his hydration, blood count, vitamin levels and tumor count (blood test that is a small indicator of cancer growing).  He'll meet with the Dr. on Tuesday for the results and any adjustments that may need to be made.  Since he can't have chemo, he'll just be in a maintenance mode for awhile.  Once the bowels start working (could be 6 mos - 1 year), then they will talk about chemo again.  Both doctors still want the MRI and other tests done in December to try and see what is going on and if the cancer is spreading.  We're hoping and praying for a Very Merry Christmas!

XOXO
Sherrie