Almost New Years

We had a wonderful Christmas, although not perfect.  Joe was extremely sick on Christmas Eve and spent the entire day and night in bed.  We were so worried about Christmas Day, but he woke up feeling pretty good.  He was able to join in the festivities and we spent hours opening gifts, laughing and crying.  He surprised each of us with a monogrammed box.  All us girls had a beautiful cross necklace and Doug's contained Joe's St. Josephs necklace and his rookie Kurt Warner card.  We were all moved to tears.  Joe got several things, but liked his new tree the best.  We planted it right outside his office window so he can watch it grow.  Joe also did his usual and sat with us at the dinner table while we all ate. He drank his juice and said he just enjoys being with the family.  We had a wonderful turnout except my Mom and Dad were unable to attend.  My Mom had another emergency surgery (colon blockage issues) and was in the hospital.  We missed them so much, but the girls and I were able to go to Prescott the day after Christmas and celebrate with them.  Joe was too sick to go, but had a nice relaxing day at home.

Dr. S is still looking for a surgeon.  So far, no luck, but none of us are giving up.  We have several names from different hospitals that are being explored.  All the surgeons that have said no, have just said it's too risky and they fear that his colon has other areas that will block as soon as this blockage is resolved.  We don't feel that way and are going to keep searching until we find the perfect surgeon.  We would deeply appreciate your prayers that we find that person quickly.  In the meantime, our routine is 18 hours a day on some kind of IV, lots of meds trying to deal with the side effects, daily vomiting, no eating, lots of praying and enjoying each other's company.  We also watch TV and get out of the house when Joe has those good moments. 

I will update the blog as soon as we get word on the surgeon.  In the meantime, it it's not before New Years, we would just like to thank you all for your prayers, support and friendship this year.  We would have never accomplished all that we did, without you.  We wish you a Wonderful New Year filled with Family, friends, fun and good health.

XOXO
Sherrie

Merry Christmas!

We just want to wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas.  We have the house decorated, the lights up, presents under the tree and the Christmas music playing.  It feels like Christmas and we are savoring every minute.  We want this Christmas to be as close to the past as possible so we are doing everything possible to do just that.  The house will be filled with family on Christmas Day and Joe fully intends on sitting at the table with us, even though he can't eat.  He is truly amazing.

On the health note, Joe had the MRI and we got the results back.  On a good note, he reacted positively to the chemo treatments in some areas.  Dr. S. said there was reduction in cancer around his stomach and liver.  The bad news is the cancer around his colon has increased.  The only way to treat that area (the same area causing the blockage) is surgery.  He met with Dr. Ong and Dr. Ong refused to do the surgery.  He said it was too risky.  Dr. S is looking for another surgeon for Joe.  When he finds one the plan is to remove that section of the colon, give Joe a permanent ostomy bag, give Joe the ability to eat again, keep him on supplemental TPN, build up his weight and strength and try stronger chemos.  We refuse to think of any other options at this time.  So to our wonderful support team, we desperately need prayers to find a surgeon willing to take Joe's case.  He continues to vomit daily due to the blockage and it is making him weaker.  We need the surgery ASAP before he becomes too weak to withstand it.  So that is our Christmas wish and we thank you for sending prayers.

God Bless You All.

Joe, Sherrie, Amanda, Shelli, Candace, Doug, Edison and Quinn

2 Year Anniversary

It's been 2 years since the day Joe went into the hospital for what we thought, was a routine appendectomy.  We knew as soon as the doctor said the dreaded "C" word that our lives would never be the same.  Unfortunately, we were correct.  The last 2 years have definitely been a challenge, but a lot of good has come from it too.  Most of which is attributable to our support team.  We continue to fight the battle, alongside you guys and will continue until the Good Lord decides its time to follow a different path. 

Joe has been extremely sick recently.  Dr. S. wanted him admitted in the hospital, but Joe just could not do it.  He chose to battle it out at home instead.  With Dr. S and all the staff at Ironwood, we have been able to get Joe some relief from the constant vomiting.  His potassium level is still very low (difficult to get back up due to the vomiting), his weight has dropped, his electrolytes and other measures have all dropped.  So the focus now is controlling the vomiting and keeping him hydrated and medicated.  He has been receiving long infusions on a daily basis and additional medications as well.  They seem to be helping as we have seen a reduction in his vomiting.  We still don't have a date for the MRI.  We believe its the normal battle with the insurance,  but Dr. S said he will get it scheduled...not to worry.  Once we get the results of the test, we will know if the chemo worked at all and what our next steps will be.

On the bright side, CBS Channel 5 aired the segment they did on Joe and Amanda.  You can view it on line at the following link:

http://www.kpho.com/story/24137632/arizona-woman-writes-book-with-her-father-about-their-familys-battle-with-cancer

We are very proud of Joe and all the girls and hopefully our journey can help others.

God Bless you all and thank you for helping us get to the 2 year anniversary.

XOXO
Sherrie

So Much To Be Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone and we hope and pray you all had a wonderful day filled with family, food and fun.  We were blessed on Thanksgiving Day that Joe was able to spend the day with us.  Although he could not eat, he was determined to go to Prescott and spend the day with my family.  It is about a 2 hour drive north of Phoenix.  We got there and Joe immediately began vomiting.  He took care of business and then spent the rest of the day relaxing, laughing with the grand kids and just visiting.  My Mom fixed a fabulous meal for everyone and Joe chose to sit at the table, even though he couldn't eat.  I am constantly amazed by this man.  Being with family was so much more important than avoiding his favorite meal.  It touched each of us in a way I can't describe.  After we stayed awhile, we were able to stop by my niece's house on the way home just to say Happy Thanksgiving.  Joe again got sick, visited with everyone and then we all came home.  We all felt so blessed that he put himself through this just to be with us.  We are all thankful to have Joe in our lives.

On another thankful note, CBS, Channel 5 called and wanted to do a follow up to the Daddy-Daughter Dance and talk to Amanda and Joe about the book.  They came to the house on Wednesday and filmed a segment that will air on December 4th at 6:30 pm, Channel 5.  Catherine Anaya (the anchor) came to the house and conducted the interview.  Set your DVR's!  We are very excited and appreciative to Catherine and Channel 5 for taking such an interest in our journey.

Amanda's book is published and you can view everything about her venture on her blog at:

http://pullingthecancercard.com

Again, in this season of Thankfulness, the Kahler's are so thankful for all of you for supporting us and praying for us during this journey.

Happy Thanksgiving,
The Kahler's

Tough Week ---- Again

Sorry to report, but Joe has had a very difficult week.  His vomiting and nausea are out of control.  He stopped eating/drinking his clears, stopped taking walks and basically was confined to the couch, bed and bathroom.  It was a mental drain on him (and me) as well.  His biggest fear is ending back up in the hospital, so we "toughed it out" this weekend.  We called first thing Monday morning and got him in to the doctor's office.  Dr. S took control and started him on a new regiment of fluids filled with all the goodies his body is lacking. The special fluids take 3-4 hours and Joe will have it daily for awhile.  He already had signs of improvement after the first treatment.  Joe, being Joe, also did not refuse his chemo treatment today.  He had that, along with his new fluids and we are watching his every move very close.  Dr. S does feel like it is a result of the chemo and not the cancer that is causing all of this.  We all feel like it is worth it, because we are hopeful it is working.  We should know sometime in December if that is the case. 

While Joe and I were feeling down, we had a package delivered to our house from Afghanistan.  It was from our friend Doug Cave who is currently working there.  We opened the box and it was an American Flag that they flew over his base and a Challenge Coin from his unit, the Security Forces Assistance Team.  The inscription that came with the package read "Know ye that this flag was flown in the face of the enemy, on the frontier of the free world...a beacon of American resolve following the attacks of September 11, 2001, bearing witness to the destruction of terrorist forces threatening the freedom of the United States of America and the World.  Operation Enduring Freedom Presented by Doug Cave Especially for the Kahler Family."  We were moved to tears. It came at such an important time, when we were feeling down because of Joe's issues and because our nephew Mark,  left this week to join the Navy for Officer Candidate School (although we are so proud of him!).  We were so touched by this amazing gift and reminded to please pray for all those fighting for our freedom.  XOXO Sherrie & Joe

 

Our Flag - Doug is 2nd from left back row (smiling)

Daddy Daughter Thank You

I just wanted to update everyone on what has happened since the Daddy Daughter Dance.  We were able to donate over $15,400 to 5 families and the PMP Cure organization.  I wish you could have seen and heard the wonderful, heartfelt thank yous from the recipients.  It was unbelievable.  Tears of joy and gratitude.  Comments from "I just can't thank you enough", "You have no idea what this means to me", "I can't express my thanks enough", "We received your card and were in absolute shock! We got chills throughout our body as we saw your beautiful card and amazing, generous gift." "Words cannot express how thankful we are that your family thought of our family during these trying times.  You have touched our hearts and we are forever grateful."  So with that, the Kahler's thank each and every one of you for your generous gifts, prayers and support.  What a gift you have given to so many people.

Next, I wanted to share with you a link that our Daughter, Amanda has put together.  She recently published a book about our experiences (with all of us as co-authors) to help others cope with the world of cancer.  Her blog contains all the information about the book and also contains links to a couple videos from the event, pictures, the CBS news story and more.  Click on her link and scroll to the bottom for links to everything, including how to get the book if interested.  We are extremely proud of her for pulling this all together. 

http://pullingthecancercard.com/

Lastly, I just wanted to give you a quick update on Joe.  He had his 4th treatment today.  It has been difficult for him.  The rash is spreading to his back and throat, he is extremely fatigued, he has constant stomach cramps, he vomits throughout the week, he still can't eat and yet he stays upbeat.  I am more and more amazed with each passing day.  We just treasure those moments when we can walk down to the mailbox or go to the grocery store to pick out soups, juices and Popsicles.  We are hoping to make it to my parent's home for Thanksgiving (even though Joe can't eat).  We will make him turkey flavored soup and put extra whip cream on his jello! 

Thank you all for everything you did to support the Daddy Daughter Dance, for giving us the opportunity to share your generous donations with families in need, for your constant support and prayers.

Forever Grateful,
The Kahler's

Back to the Hospital

We had another rough weekend.  Joe started getting sick Friday evening and started vomiting around 3:00 am.  It would not stop and the bag was completely dry.  We knew something was terribly wrong.  We called the doctor and he sent us straight to the ER.  They immediately began "irrigating" the tube and his bag filled up twice within minutes.  The good news is Joe stopped vomiting (although I have no idea how there was anything left in his system at all).  After that, they wanted to do a CT scan and had him start drinking the contrast.  We warned them it wasn't a good idea and within minutes, Joe was vomiting again.  They decided to inject the contrast straight into his stomach.  He had the test and they told us he had a complete blockage and with that, he was admitted.  The hospital doctors were worried the cancer had taken over.  We weren't convinced since his bowels stopped working when he started chemo.  After a lot of persuading and promising to irrigate the tube, take Joe to tests and doctors, they reluctantly released Joe to go home.  We fulfilled our obligations and today found out that the bowel has a small opening.  That is HUGE.  It means Dr.S was probably correct and it was the reaction to the chemo and not the cancer spreading and shutting his system down.  It is a very small, but crucial victory.  It also allowed Joe to continue chemo treatments.  He had his 3rd treatment today and the bag is working.  We will continue irrigating the bag and make sure everything flows accordingly.  The only other issue Joe is having right now is a terrible rash (the side effect from the chemo).  More medications and lotions on the way. 

Dr. S wants Joe to have an MRI in December (after 6 chemo treatments).  He should be able to tell if the cancer is spreading, reducing or stable.  Prayers needed!

Thanks everyone for your never-ending support.  We hit a new low this weekend and by the Grace of God and all of you, we bounced back...again.

XOXO
Sherrie