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

He's home

Joe is home from the hospital, but not doing so great.  He has stopped vomiting and is not as dizzy as he was, but is still very sick.  He is having a difficult time staying hydrated since his bowels are just going crazy.  I have to really stay on top of him to constantly drink water and try and eat little bits at a time.  He is really giving it every thing he can, but I know it's just wearing him down.  He's up all night and can't rest much in the day because of the issues.  He will have several tests done tomorrow and then back to the doctor on Tuesday to hopefully find something that can give him relief.  Thank you all for your love, support and prayers.  Joe is really appreciative as well.  He continues to talk about our wonderful family and friends.

Love,
Sherrie

p.s.  The AZ Cardinals win did bring a lot of JOY to Joe today.  Go Cardinals!!

Another Tough Week

Joe had a really tough week and is currently in the hospital trying to recover.  Joe was still vomiting on Sunday (almost 2 weeks after chemo).  We went to the oncologist on Tuesday and Joe's test results were much better.  He gained a couple pounds, his white blood count was normal, his tumor count was up slightly (not the good part), his hydration level was OK.  With that, Dr. S. said he and Dr. Ong thought it was best to try chemo again.  We pushed back, but Dr. S. explained how "nasty" this cancer is.  He said it was "embedded" in the scar tissue and they fear it would embed itself into critical organs.  We accepted the chemo challenge.  Dr. S reduced the treatment to a level that it would still be effective, but hopefully a level that Joe's body could handle.  Unfortunately, we all learned that there is no level that his body can handle right now.  Joe started getting sick the minute he got home.  He was sick through the night non-stop.  He broke so many blood vessels in his face from vomiting and became so dizzy, he couldn't walk.  Dr. S ordered him to the hospital where they are keeping him hydrated and on several meds to control all that is happening.  He came in this evening and told us that Joe is done with chemo for awhile.  We'll have to take our chances that the cancer won't spread fast and that his bowels and body will heal enough to try chemo at a later time.  This was just not worth the risk.  No one (not Dr. S or Dr. Ong) expected his body to react this way to a reduced treatment.  He handled 10 times the strength and length before, with minor issues compared to this.  I hope to have Joe home tomorrow resting, eating, drinking and laughing again.  Prayers gladly accepted.  XOXO to all.  Sherrie

Chemo Halted

Joe had a very difficult week since he had the chemo treatment.  In addition to the usual, nasty side effects, his body really struggled.  He lost 7 lbs in 6 days, had bouts of partial blindness and spent most of his waking time in the bathroom.  The doctor sent him to be tested on Monday and we went back to the doctor today for results.  He said he was dehydrated (even though he was receiving IV's), lacked electrolytes and his B12 was dangerously low, in addition to bowels not working, neuropothy and naseau.  He spent 3 hours today getting boosted up, instead of torn down with chemo.  Dr. S. said his bowels just can't handle even the reduced chemo dosage yet, so he cancelled the treatment for now.  This was music to Joe's ears.  He just couldn't take much more.  He will work on putting some weight back on this week and be tested again on Monday and back to meet Dr. S. on Tuesday.  I'll update the blog as soon as we get Joe's test results back next week.  Keep those prayers coming.  We love and thank you all so very much!  Sherrie

Back to Chemo

Joe started his new round of chemo today.  As the doctor's promised, he went to the cancer center for several hours, but did not have to wear the chemo pack home.  Unfortunately, the side effects kicked in immediately.  His nausea, neuropathy, fatigue, and other side effects began almost immediately.  The good news is the new meds Dr. Ong put him on before chemo (and the chocolate chip cookies that were baked for him by friends) helped him gain some weight right before treatment.  He's not feeling well tonight, but we're hoping things start improving as soon as tomorrow.  My work team gave us a wonderful gift card to one of Joe's favorite stomping grounds, so that will motivate him to get well quickly and start enjoying those wings and beer again!!  Thanks to everyone for thinking of us today.  The prayers and support continue to strengthen us each day.  Love to all,  Sherrie

Labor Day 2012

We went to Lake Powell for a few days and had a great time.  Joe went on the water one of the days and did good.  Luckily it was such a beautiful day and we found a beach close to the marina.   Joe said "it was the perfect day".  We had family and friends and just had such a great time.  It was hard to leave.  When we returned, we had to go to Tucson for an appointment with Dr. Ong.  Because Joe's bowels are not cooperating, he is adding a 3rd prescription to the mix.  He also stated the meds may not work either and it may be many more months before they catch on.  He read the test results regarding the tumors and like Dr. S., could not confirm what the tumors were - all cancer or part cancer and scar tissue.  Regardless, he agreed that Joe needs to start chemo right away.  With that, Joe begins his next series of treatments on Tuesday.  He will have 3 months of treatment and then begin a new series of tests.  Dr. Ong told us that UMC now has a new MRI and technician that can detect tumors much better than ever before.  It will be ready for Joe when he completes this round of chemo.  Without that test, they would have to perform a laproscopic look, which would mean another surgery, more scar tissue...  Hopefully the new MRI will give them the information they need to avoid the laproscopic look.  Thanks as always for your continued support.  I'll update more after Joe starts chemo.  Keep those prayers coming that he will be able to tolerate the chemo and the chemo can keep the cancer at bay.  Love, Sherrie
p.s.  Our youngest daughter Shelli is adjusting well to college (much better than I am adjusting to life with her away).  I know it will get better :)