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

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

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