02/03/2026
Hey friends, its been about 8 weeks since Kala had her tumor removed so I figured it was time for a brief update. We’ve made a few (or many) follow-up trips to Iowa city since the December 1st surgery; the great news is the tumor was completely removed as the surgeon told us and was confirmed by a recent MRI! We’re ecstatic about that. However, as with most major surgeries the healing process is a 2 steps forward, 1 step back journey. As everything else in our life, NOTHING is normal. During the tumor removal the surgeon was able to completely avoid the nerves that control hearing, balance and facial movements, all good things. The unknown with this because those nerves are normally damaged or cut, is they didn’t know what the healing process would be. More good news, Kala’s hearing is great. Her balance is coming back to normal too. The bad news is her nerves that control the right side of her face are not firing right and she was diagnosed with a condition called Bell’s Palsy (aka temporary paralysis of her Bell, LOL… actually her face). Because of this condition, and not having great balance yet, it’s unfortunately another approximately 60 days off of work for her while she attends more appointments in Iowa City (and more days out of work for me to take her) for physical therapy to the face (weird right), and more check-ups with the surgical team, and just more of everything that we were hoping to be past at this point. There may be the possibility of 2 other surgeries if this face nerve deal doesn't start firing on all cylinders; an eyelid weight to help her eye blink (like a fishing sinker, haha) and/or a nerve repair surgery (duct tape and bailing twine 🤣); fingers crossed that those both can be avoided. But as we have learned early on in this journey, it’s a Marathon, not a sprint. We want to thank everyone that attended and donated to the Benefit dinner, the crowd was amazing and so nice to see a good majority of our friends that could attend and our friends RJ and Echo Valley Archers for hosting and Charlie for the catering service. Also thank you to the great folks that got in on the 2A raffle hosted by by Martin Lodge Free Masons in Waterloo/ CF. Thank you to everyone for their continued support, well wishes, and prayers (we truly believe in the power of prayer). Lastly, we want to thank everyone that donated to Kala’s online Go-fund Me that was established by our friend Chris. The Go-fund Me is still active and will continue to be open until were past the frequent medical appointment trips; the bills have begun to show up for the initial surgery and hospital stay (HOLY COW were talking 5-star remote private island resort for the 4 day stay alone! Only not as fun... at all. But well worth it to see her not in as much pain and on the mend). Insurance is a good thing but still left us with a significant portion to cover out of pocket, plus the new trips taking their toll on our finances. Please spread the word, and share the Go-fund Me link below. Thanks y’all!
Help Kala Trunkhill Fight Her Brain Tumor Recently, our dear friend K… Chris Klinghammer needs your support for Support Kala Trunkhill's Brain Tumor Battle
