More Bad News

I'm sorry to report, but they found additional cancer in Joe's stomach region.  It was devastating news for us, but we met with Dr. S and he said there is a lot more fight on the way.  He confirmed the cancer is spreading throughout, and as a result, Joe will have to start a more aggressive chemo treatment.  They are nervous to start it along with radiation, so they are going to administer the lighter chemo during radiation and the more aggressive chemo after radiation.  Since he has SO MANY bowel issues, he can't tolerate the chemo he used to take.  It just shuts his body down.  So for that reason, Dr. S must try something different.  He said he's been consulting with Dr's all over the country and doing lots of research and found a new drug.  It's considered a "case study" and Joe is willing to try it unless it makes him so sick, he has no quality of life. Dr. S. said he completely understands and will only administer those chemos that Joe's body can handle. 

In the meantime, Joe will be staying very close to home and his activity has been minimized due to all the treatments and bowel effects.  He would love to get out and visit more, but his bowels don't allow it.  For that reason, we have decided to have a Housewarming/Visit the Kahlers, Open House.  It will be Sunday, August 4th, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm.  NO GIFTS, but we will make it pot luck.  Everyone is welcome to come by, grab something to eat, get a tour of the house and visit.  We look forward to it.  No RSVP is necessary. 2114 E. Oakland Street, Chandler, AZ 85225.  If you have any questions, you can email me at sherriekahler@hotmail.com.

Keep those prayers coming.  We need them and so appreciate it. 

All our love and thanks,
Sherrie & Joe

Not Great News

We saw Dr. Ong today and got the test results.  They found a tumor in Joe's pelvic area.  It was a shock, but also not a complete surprise since we knew something wasn't right.  Joe has just not been feeling well for sometime.  Surgery is not an option for numerous reasons, but the bottom line is Dr. Ong said it would cause way more problems then help anything.  Our only option is radiation.  They usually don't administer radiation for Joe's type of cancer, but are hoping this will work with this particular tumor.  Joe starts prep tomorrow and will be having radiation everyday for 3 weeks.  They will re-evaluate after the 3 weeks and see if it works.  Our prayers are that it kills the tumor and gives Joe some relief. 

Prayers are needed more than ever right now.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Sherrie & Joe

Moving Day

Just a quick post to let you know what has been going on with the Kahler's.  Some of you may not know, but we decided to move.  We were planning on downsizing in a few years, but decided to do it sooner than later.  We bought a home closer to Candace, Doug and the kids and the same distance from Amanda.  We have been completely renovating it since February.  It was much more difficult than we ever imagined, but the end result is wonderful.  Unfortunately, it took much longer than expected and we had to move in July in Arizona.  Timing could not have been worse.  We hired movers, but even with that, it was a nightmare.  Thank goodness my wonderful family rallied and picked us up when we hit bottom on moving day.  We are slowly adjusting and are planning on taking things slow to get settled.  Our new address is:

2114 E. Oakland Street
Chandler, AZ  85225
Home Phone:  480-961-7591 (same as before)

During all of this, we went to Tucson and got Joe's MRI done.  We see Dr. Ong on Tuesday to get the results.  Joe has not been feeling good at all, so we are anxious and nervous to find out what is going on.  Hopefully we get some good news and Dr. Ong can help Joe get some much needed relief.

I will post again after the appointment with Dr. Ong and let you all know the outcome.  As always, thanks for the ongoing prayers and support.  XOXO  Sherrie

June Fun - Disneyland!

We headed off to Disneyland for our June adventure.  We drove, instead of flying, due to Joe's troubles with flying.  Unfortunately, car rides aren't much better.  Joe was extremely sick after we arrived.  We had scheduled a dinner for Joe to meet Chad (the only other person we know of with appendix cancer).  Joe wasn't able to make it, but the rest of us did get to meet Chad, his daughter Parker and his Mom, Cheri.  It was so great to meet them and share stories.  Chad is 32 years old and has similar issues to Joe.  He has an amazing attitude and we continue to keep him in our prayers.

Cheri, Chad and Sherrie

The next day, Joe was determined to ride the Cars ride with Edison, so we all headed off to California Adventure.  Our friends, Disney Dave and Lauri met us there.  Joe immediately got sick as soon as we arrived at the park.  While he was in the bathroom, the family headed to the ride to get in line and I headed to the First Aid/Chamber of Commerce area to find rest/hydration areas for Joe.  They went over and above and gave us a special pass so Joe could do some things with his Grandkids and not spend all his time waiting in line.  They said "We just want you to have a wonderful time while you are here".  It was truly Magic.  Joe rode some rides with Edison and Quinn, he rested, watched the parade and headed back to Anna's house.  Without the assistance of Disneyland, he would have never been able to do those things.  I just can't thank them enough.  We were able to do in a few hours, what would have taken us the entire day.  It was hard on Joe, but so worth it.  The smiles on everyone's faces just says it all.  Special thanks to Anna for letting us stay with her and making everything so comfortable for all of us. Special thanks to Chris Smith for giving us some passes and special thanks to Disneyland for letting all of us have this amazing time.  We made memories we will treasure forever.

The whole family with Mater

Papa and Quinn

Edison meets his hero, Lightning McQueen

The Cars Ride - A Memory we will treasure forever!

The Whole Family

They crashed after the "Best Day Ever!"

 It took us 9 1/2 hours to get home (a normal 6 hour drive) and Joe was not doing well.  We headed back to the Dr. and they immediately began the IV's.  They ran some tests and again he was very close to being hospitalized.  In addition, they had postponed chemo for a week so we could go to Disneyland, so he had to get chemo.  Altogether, through it all, he lost another 10 lbs.  We have cancelled all travel plans and are now focusing on getting weight back on Joe and keeping him hydrated.  It looks like the tests will be approved and we are now just waiting for scheduling in Tucson for all of Joe's tests to find out what the cancer is and hopefully, is not, doing.  I will post as soon as we learn more.

Joe had a relaxing Father's Day with the whole family and is so appreciative of each and every day.  Although the vacations were very difficult for him, they were memories we will always treasure.  In Joe's words "It was all worth it".  Now it's time to recover!  

XOXO

Sherrie

   

May fun - Hawaii!!

We just returned from our trip to Hawaii.  Joe got to wear the shirt that KEZ gave him for his birthday.  We had a wonderful time thanks to Terry, Scott, Ili and Alanna Snedigar.  They let us use their condo and set up a scavenger hunt for us.  It was a blast, challenging and had a great prize at the end!  The view was amazing and although Joe had several days where he was confined to the condo, he had absolutely no complaints.  He could see the ocean from the toilet :), he could fall asleep listening to the ocean and felt the cool breeze from the ocean.  It sounds like a novel, but it truly was just perfect.  When he felt good, we would all go sightseeing or watch the girls with their events. They went ziplining (I went too), they kayaked and took surf lessons.  The girls and I went hiking and we all went sightseeing in the car.  Joe and I went to a sugar museum and we all went out for couple nice dinners.  It was the perfect medicine for the family.  The trip home was a little scary.  Joe had a really difficult time and was very sick by the time we got home.  We took him to the cancer center where they had to give him IV meds and fluids for 6 hours.  They said if it didn't work, they were going to have to admit him to the hospital.  Luckily it helped a lot.  He is going in for several more treatments until he is back to his 100%.  Joe said no more plane trips.  It's just so hard on him so we cancelled a couple upcoming trips this year. 



View from the condo




Girls off to Kayak

 



Paradise





Already pros!


On the medical side, Joe's tests have not been approved yet.  No telling when that will happen.  The new medicine Joe has tried did not work.  There is no change in his bowels.  He still has frequent (daily) cramping and fatigue.  He gets frustrated sometimes when he can't do things that used to be so easy for him.  He is learning though and trying to learn patience as well.  His body shuts him down when he tries to do too much.  It's a learning experience...physically and mentally.  Overall though I am so proud of him and his attitude.  He still amazes me with his faith, strength and attitude.  He's one of a kind.

More blogs to follow.  Our June fun is taking our grandkids to Disneyland.  Edison finally made the height restriction for the Cars ride and one of Joe's goals is to take him there.  Stay tuned for highlights from that trip. 

Thanks as always for all the love, support and prayers.  As you can see, they are working!

XOXO
Sherrie

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