Nothing is Final yet

Sorry for the delay in posting, but things keep changing on a frequent basis.  We had the call with the San Diego surgeon and we had hope.  We hung up and had more questions.  Joe got worse, Hospice came back over and we had no hope.  We called back to the doctor and had hope.  They had more questions and we lost hope.  As it stands now, we are going to talk to the surgeon again (we were hoping today, but he got tied up in surgery so probably Monday), based on the things that have been changing with Joe this past week.  The surgeon is wonderful and wants to help Joe in any way he can.  Joe's case is just so bad, there just may be no physical way to do it.  In the meantime, things are getting worse for Joe.  There are some days he can't get up because the pain is so bad and I have to keep him heavily medicated.  His vomiting is increasing and his energy level is almost non-existent.  Hospice is doing a great job supporting us and keeping Joe as calm as possible.  We were able to get him home from the center and he is much more comfortable here, surrounded with family.  In addition to all of this, our family dog started acting funny and we noticed some lumps on her.  I took her to the Vet and she is full of cancer.  They put her on medication for the pain and she seems to be doing good.  She is eating, barking, wagging her tail and staying by Joe's side.  She loves to sleep on the floor next to Joe all day long.  When things change for her, we will have to put her down.  It's hard to believe, but we have to accept it and do everything we can to keep her happy while we can.

Thanks to everyone for staying by our side through all of this.  We try not to "ride the roller coaster" of emotions, but it's just been near impossible.  Joe said to make sure and thank everyone for him.  He hasn't been able to talk on the phone or text or email, but believe me, he is so appreciative of everyone's support and love.  He broke down and just cried today talking about it.  He feels (as we all do) that we have been so blessed by all of you.  We can't thank you enough.

Love,
The Kahler's