An oncologist, nurse navigator, and dog named, ‘Ireland’ helped her celebrate 40 years

When she was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophagus cancer, Sarah Kahmi had no idea the support she would receive from unexpected places.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

When Sarah Kahmi initially met Dr. Shadia Jalal, she told her oncologist: “I would do whatever she said and was in this to follow her lead to get me to hit the age of 40.”

Kahmi turns 41 in November and said she’s thankful for every day she wakes up and puts her feet on the floor. It was October 2021 when Kahmi was diagnosed with esophagus cancer. Since then, she has completed several chemo drugs, and immunotherapy. She is now on a target therapy every three weeks.

On one of her recent visits to IU Health Simon Cancer Center, Kahmi was joined by another part of her “treatment plan.” Two weeks before her diagnosis, she drove to Lulu, Ga. to pick up a Tri Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named, “Ireland.”

“Little did I know then that I would be diagnosed with Stage 4 esophagus cancer and written off by two oncologists,” said Kahmi. Through a friend, she was connected to Dr. Jalal and Simon Cancer Center. “Thanks to that call, I am still alive to this very day.”

Ireland joins Kahmi on treatment days and is familiar with her care team including, nurse navigator Penny Burris. “Penny was Dr. Jalal’s nurse, so we met that way. She is awesome and always was an advocate for me when I needed her. She would help ensure that the answers to my questions were promptly handled. Penny is someone that I wish everyone in the medical field could be like. She is also just a kindhearted person,” said Kahmi.

When Kahmi was diagnosed, her palliative care team thought it would be a good idea to turn Ireland into a service dog. Not only does the 4-year-old pup assist Kahmi with everyday functions, but she is also a true companion. She joins Kahmi for most of her medical appointments, her travels, to restaurants, and other places.

“We did therapy dog training with her to be able to assist me in the stress of my cancer treatments and help deal with some tachycardia that I have developed. She is a wonderful little helper to me every day,” said Kahmi. “She also lights up other patient’s faces when they see that little cute ‘sweet pea’ (her nickname) walking down the hall.”

During Kahmi’s appointments, Ireland sits next to her to keep her heart rate steady and helps her relax. Some of the medical facilities even keep a few dog biscuits or crackers around for her.

Kahmi has continued working through her treatments, serving as Assistant General Counsel for the Indiana Department of Revenue where she manages a team of 10 legal employees.

When she’s home, she enjoys sitting on her screened in porch with her mom. She also enjoys going to movies, shopping, and traveling.

And of course, Ireland is usually by her side.