Once again I am humbled and thank you all for your prayers, cards, and help during these difficult days. God is good all the time.
Last Thursday Theresa received her first dose of chemo, a combination of herceptin – and antibody, and taxotere a true chemo agent. Because of Theresa’s weakness and nutritional status, her Oncologist decided to give her only 1/2 the dose this time. Once again we had some difficulty. Theresa knew that benadryl effected her differently than most, instead of sedating her it causes severe agitation and restless legs. She got a high dose IV and was miserable the four hours she was there. She was also given IV steroids to limit the chance of allergic response. Well, we found out that she responds poorly to steroids as well. It caused severe panic attacks and insomnia. She had to take another dose of steroids the next day, so it was three days before her panic and anxiety calmed down enough to relax, her insomnia took longer to improve. It wasn’t until Sunday evening that she felt somewhat better again. For her next dose This coming Thursday, will use a lower dose of steroids the day before, during and the day after and try a different antihistamine she has used before. If she has the same response, then will have to switch out the taxotere to a newer agent that doesn’t need the premedication. Today is a good day, spirits are good, though she is very tired and just walking in the house tires her.
We had a second opinion today from another Oncologist. He is in agreement with the care we are currently getting, no new thoughts. He reiterated (from a human wisdom perspective – which is very limited) that Theresa’s cancer such as it is (aggressive, essentially no receptors to attach to), if treatment is successful, will give her about 2 years, without it or if not successful, maybe 2-4 months. The two years is optimal, if she can maintain her strength and nutritional status. The chemo has made her nauseated, caused her abdomen to hurt, giving her flu-like symptoms, achy bones and muscles and intermittent stabbing pain. She also now has blurred distance vision as well. Because of her history of headaches, we will be getting an MRI tomorrow.
Last night I couldn’t sleep, my emotions getting the best of me. I was pretty tearful during my devotions this morning. It is interesting that some days go well with emotions under control and other days, the emotions won’t stay under the surface and instead come out with ease. We are taking one day at a time, looking too far down the road causes too much pain. I too pray for a miracle, but as Christ prayed, not my will but Yours be done. We are surrendered. Obedience is required, but it doesn’t take away the pain or anguish. This hurts. I love my wife dearly. God has been here before with His son. He knows what it is like. He promised to walk with us, comfort us, help us. This obstacle is the way we must go. Down this path we must go and through it we will enter a deeper understanding of our maker.
Note from Theresa: Paul and I are deeply grateful for all of you who have been lifting us up in prayer. We want to thank everybody. I have been too weak and exhausted to write thank-you letters, but please know how much your words of encouragement have meant to both of us. We are blessed to have such amazing brothers and sisters in Christ. God is so good. With love, Theresa.
You all continue to be in my Prayers, keep positive the body listens to the mind.
We cry with you. Theresa, please do not worry about thank you notes! Let us love you the way your family has loved us and others in so many ways. You are such a beautiful and amazing woman! You will always be my hero. A hero of such an amazing faith. Our focus has turned toward God! We love you and your family always! Love, Mara~Leo-Dominic
Our continued heart-felt wishes for all of you.
My heart goes out to your whole family. I am praying for you all.
Theresa, you are so brave and I pray the chemo will work for you.
Thanks so much for sharing your story. God Bless you all.
Praying for you Theresa, as well as for Paul and your beautiful children. I pray that God holds your family in the palm of His hand. Just as His word says.
Words fail me. Know you are loved and in my prayers.
Ed and I continue to pray for both of you and your children.
After going through a very similar cancer we are praying for complete healing and a comfort that only God can give you. We will be adding you to our church prayer chain and our men Saturday prayer meeting.
Tal not Talk
You and Theresa are so amazing. Our prayers are with you both and your family.
We are continuing to pray for supernatural intervention and comfort.
Will pray for an easier time with the medications and that they work. Praying also that you can both get some good rest! Chris was suggesting you read Isaiah 41:10, if you haven’t already. Sending our love!
Dr. Paul and Teresa, we pray for you and your family every day. Please know you’re in our hearts and thoughts. I hope Teresa can find a treatment that agrees with her soon. Hugs to you and yours.
Hang in there Paul and Theresa. Cancer is no respect or of age or financial status or any other factor you want to plug into the equation. My husband and I have been dealing with a combination of ovarian and uterine cancer . I to had adverse reactions to my chemo cocktail and felt sort of angry that I was sick and this cure or treatment was making me sick too
I suffered extreme exhaustion , there were evenings when my husband would build a fire in the fire pit and we would sit out on a summer evening and he would chat about his day and I could hardly keep my eyes open it too much strength. I held responsive conversations in my mind as my husband talked away and I would sworn I was talking to him out loud , I soon discovered that if I was tired well it was real and I curled up on the bed with extra blankets and my faithful dog and listened to marathons of my favorite tv show. The fatigue passed and got better 3just about the time I was scheduled for another round of chemo. I too had severe bone pain. I still on occasion feel that same ache. This journey has deepened my prayer life and walk with the Lord. I remind myself daily His grace is sufficient I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and so many other promises in the bible. You and Paul are on my prayer list and I consider it an honor to pray for you Sister. Hang in there. God is great and you are not alone
You two are in my prayers and I pray that you have peace and strength through this difficult time and that you can always feel surrounded by, and supported by God’s love.
You are all in my thoughts. Praying for your family.
We are praying for you all.May our Lord Jesus make His presence and grace be felt in a powerful way. He is faithful. Ps.34:19. love,Chuck&Maureen
I have been and will continue to be praying for healing as well as peace for your entire family!
My Dear Williams Family,
Without going into too much detail, thank you for the opportunity to spend the day with Theresa yesterday. My favorite part was witnessing the love Theresa has in her heart for God, and each member of her family. Even in your deepest grief, it was a beautiful day that I will always remember. I witnessed the children’s love of their Mom. I wiped tears but also heard forgiveness, and love that touched my heart forever. Theresa’s real pain is for her family, she is constantly aware of her Husbands care and concern, as well as that of our God, for he will be with each of you surrounded by his Angels. Thank you so much for the blessing each of you are in my life
Please know that You all are on many prayer list that span the globe. Everyone has and will continue to lift you up in prayer! GOD IS VERY GOOD!!
One day at a time !! Prayers… Dr. Paul… Sorry caregiving is so close to home, all of us have a need to be emotional at these times !! Look for the blessing each day ! It is there, look for it no matter how small or big it is !! Prayers for all !
“Lord, cover the whole Williams family with your deep love. Whisper your calm into their ears day and night. Please help the Docs with the meds, grant them discernment and empathy, help them to find just the right match for Theresa to help with all the nasty symptoms. You are our “Mighty Fortress” Lord . . .hide this dear family in You.” Thanks Lord. Dr. Paul and Theresa you are never far from our thoughts!
Theresa & Dr.Paul -You are in
Dr. Paul, it has been several years since Terry and I lived in Centralia, but your family has stayed in our hearts and we speak of you and your parents often. I’m so sorry to hear of what you are all going through at this time, but we will definitely add you to our prayer list. God is an all knowing Father and He will be with you at all times during this journey. Continue to stay in His word for strength and lean on your loved ones on days that you feel weak. God sends friends and family to be there when you need them.
In Christ,
Lida Gray
Think of your family every day! Pray for all of you. Paul, take care of yourself. Your family needs you.
Dear Paul and Theresa and family,
I am so sorry to learn, just today, of this illness. I will also pray fervently for a swift healing and comfort while waiting.
Paul Mills
Paul and Theresa thank you for sharing your journey with us. We feel deeply privileged to be trusted with your intimate thoughts as you face this trial. Along with our prayer for healing we will press into prayer all that is involved with the treatment. We hope and pray that Theresa will be able to go through the treatment without feeling so sick. We love you guys. As Warner Keller used to say “Better Days Ahead”
Thank you so much for this update. Both Jeff and I are keeping you and your beautiful bride and precious family in our prayers. I know that you are all being lifted up in prayers and that God is with each of you. Praying for peace and comfort for all of you during this time and that you may all get some much needed physical rest. Sleep well precious ones! God had got you all in his hands!
Stay strong my friend, praying for you and your family.
I pray the good Lord will ease your problems with all the medication. Stay strong, Stay positive.
Always remember the “footprints”
Our prayers are with you.
Dr.Paul and Theresa, as your faith in God’s love and your determination to follow God’s will He will be with both of you and your family. Blessings to all. My prayers for your family continues.
I know that Jodi has you and Thersa in her heart and prayers. Please know that John and I do too. Praying for a speedy recovery and His healing hands on you both.
We are still with you in our daily thoughts and prayers.
My heart and prayers are with you and your family. This is a real hard time that God will see you though.
I have no words of wisdom except God is with you and we continue to pray for Theresa and all of you
Our family is praying for a miracle for your family and for peace from above through all of the challenges and heartache. Just know that we are here if there are any needs which we could in any way help with.
If there is anything I can do, no matter how small. I’m there for you.
Thinking of you and praying for you all continually.
I thank you for the updates. It helps to know what direction my prayers for you all should go in. Our God listens to our prayers so faithfully. I will continue to lift your family up to him day and night. We do not know why these things happen but can find comfort in knowing He does. Sending love and hugs to you all.
You and your family are literally constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We love you guys!
Your faith is inspiring, and the love and devotion for your wife is beautiful. Our hearts are with you both.
Doctor Paul,
Our prayers are flowing daily for you and your wife and your entire family. Stay strong, all of you, in the knowledge that blessings will follow your heartache and sorrow.
Stay strong, my brother. I praise God that your family has you for its comfort, strength and leadership needs. Just reading your thoughts and emotions make me realize how important of a role model you are, not only to those who need you during this time, but also to your church, your friends, and your community.
God Bless You
Williams Family…I (Denny) was really touched in our 7th/8th grade prayer circle last Monday when several of the students prayed sincerely for God to bless and help you through this hard time.
And it amazed me just now when I read what you two are writing in your blog how encouraging and uplifting your words are to ME…and YOU are the ones on this tough journey! I believe it’s because of Psalm 112:7 which you are living every day – your hearts are fixed, trusting in the Lord. Here are two stanzas from an old Canadian hymn which we have loved for years. I trust it will bless your hearts:
How good is the God we adore,
Our faithful, unchangeable Friend;
Whose love is as great as His power,
And knows neither measure nor end.
‘Tis Jesus the First and the Last,
Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home;
We’ll thank Him for all that is past,
And trust Him for all that’s to come!
Many blessings to you in His grace,
Denny and Connie Taylor
You all in our daily prayers, our only hope is in the Lord Jesus.