Before I begin this post, I want to thank our Heavenly Father for his presence this week. He again has been generous to us. I’ve been thinking, it could be worse…if I lost Theresa in an automobile accident, there would be no time to be tender toward each other, working through those things that need to be done and need to be said is precious. There would be no closure, no looking into each others eyes connecting our spirits. God has been merciful to us. We want Him to be praised, honored, and to be given the credit He deserves. I again want to thank all of you for your prayers, cards, and comments. Theresa has been blessed enormously by these acts of kindness and connection with her. Thank you.
Because Theresa was having headaches during the past month that were different than she had been having and because her vision had changed, it was felt best that she get an MRI of the head, which we had done Tuesday. For the first good news we received, there are no metastasis in her head, with the MRI being completely normal. Theresa and I were in agreement, if it had been abnormal, we would have stopped all treatments at that time and enjoyed what time we had left. It was reassuring for sure to have a normal scan. We had a second opinion from another Oncologist who agreed with the course of action of our Oncologist. We also had a Palliative care consult, which at present they didn’t have anything more to offer, though at some point will be a valuable tool to help with her symptoms. Theresa had a relatively good day on Tuesday. Wednesday she took 1/2 the dose of the steroid and a nonsedating antihistamine instead of benadryl. She didn’t have the agitation and anxiety to the same extent as the previous week, though she still had enough that she had a rough day. On Thursday, my sister, took Theresa to her second Chemo appointment. She tolerated it well, though that evening started getting abdominal cramping and body aches. These progressed on Friday, so she spent most of the day in bed as she did Saturday and Sunday. We tried enteric coated peppermint pills, which did help for a time, and oxycodone seemed to give her the some relief, but really she has been miserable for three days. Prayer to get over this pain or lessen it would help. She hadn’t used a pain killer since her hospital discharge. She has been so brave. Despite her pain and suffering, her eyes sparkle, she smiles through tears, and she pushes on. She doesn’t get her next chemo for three weeks, though she will see the Oncologist weekly and get labs, to see if she is responding to treatment. We expect a change or two with the next chemo agent being used and will keep you posted. We have had some great help from family and close friends through these days. We really don’t need much right now and do appreciate all who have offered. Our kids have picked up some of the slack which has helped greatly.
I thought I would open the door a little wider into our lives. Theresa and I individually learned reliance on God even before God brought us together. One event that laid the course of my journey began in my senior year of college. I had applied to a few medical schools and either had not been accepted or placed on their waiting list. I had thought God wanted me to go to medical school. So after further prayer and soul searching, I retook the entrance exam and applied to a broader range of medical schools the next year. I interviewed at 4 or 5 schools and ended up being accepted at 3 and placed on a wait list at the two others. I was so excited to finally move forward with my career, which I was sure God’s direction for me. I remember, I was in my grandmother’s basement room I was living in, and God spoke very clearly to me, telling me He didn’t want me to go. Are you kidding? I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I wrestled with this for a week or two (don’t remember the exact time frame) and through this time, God clearly repeated the same statement. I finally surrendered my will, what I wanted to do, and literally got down on my knees and said Lord, I submit to Your will, I will decline these acceptances and follow You where ever you lead. Then He clearly said something to the effect of, ok now I know you are surrendered to My will, You can go to Medical school, for I know you will serve me in this. I was 23 years old at the time when God powerfully transformed my understanding of Him, His will, submission, surrender, and obedience. There have been many occasions since, with different issues that He spoke such and I had to get down on my knees and surrender that too. In our marriage we have had to do this multiple times. In this present time with my beautiful bride’s Cancer, we again surrendered.
Theresa and I met over a dead body. I was on my first night over overnight call at the hospital at the start of my second month of Internship. I got a call about 2am or so, from Theresa, who was the nurse taking care of the lady who had died. She called me and told me I had to come and pronounce her dead. I had no idea what she was wanting me to do, so I said something like “didn’t you just tell me she was dead? Why do I have to get up and do this?”. She thought I was another arrogant doctor and she was going to give me a peace of her mind when I came down. I didn’t know then that a doctor in the hospital had to do the pronouncement. Well, I found the room and talked with the husband. I ended up praying with him, and for his spouse who had just passed and Theresa came in the room and saw it all. I was forgiven and her heart softened toward me. Later that month my coworkers convinced me to ask her out and about a year later we wed. Later I learned that Theresa knew I was the one she would marry early on in our dating.
Theresa had been strong and had a deepening dependency on God during High School. She wanted to go to College and accepted a ROTC military scholarship in nursing. She worked hard during those years and made it through desert survival training to boot. She has a strong but gentle disposition that I fell in love with. The first year of marriage is always difficult, as two figure out how to become one. We both began the process of serving each other, a process that has solidified our marriage as well as growing deeper in faith. The process of surrender and serving began to wear down our rough areas, soften our hearts and mold us together with God. Arguments led to forgiveness and the realization that our biases, self focus has to be submitted to essentially washing the feet of each other, as Christ emulated. It is this focus of communion with God daily and serving each other that sets in motion the tone at which we face this challenge.
We are deeply committed to each other and to our gracious Father who has transformed us over the 20 plus years. I know many of you have had a similar journey of faith and service, of laying down your selfish side (though not becoming a door mat). You know this journey well and it is so satisfying. So despite the circumstances we find ourselves in, we are on solid ground and gladly follow the path our Father has set before us. Thank you all for joining us on this journey and being such a support to us.
Dear Paul and Theresa: my heart goes out to you and your beautiful family ~!! I have known your Dad for years as my family has come to your clinic since the very early years, I believe it was Dr. Parks then. I met you several years ago, I was the Administrator over at Riverside Nursing and Rehab for over 5 years, and also on the Providence Hospital Board for 10 years and enjoyed that service to our community and the physicians that serve our community. I have had breast cancer in 1994 and then diagnosed with cancer again in 2014 with lymphoma . I am truly blessed at this time and I know that the Lord will bless you and your beautiful family with what ever you are in need of ~!! May the Lord’s choicest blessings be with all of you, sending prayers and love~!! If I can be of any help to you please let me know ~!! If I may ask who is her oncology physician ? Thinking of you today Bless you all ~!! <3 <3 Jan
Thank you for sharing Dr. Paul, praising God for a clear MRI! Will continue to pray Teresa has better days and that the chemo works. Love from both of us to you and the family.
I am in consistant prayer for you, Theresa, as well as Paul and your children. Paul, I appreciate this update and know that God is in control as you follow His path set before each of you. God bless.
Dear Paul and Theresa – my heart hurts to hear what your family is going through. I have been so deeply saddened by the news of Theresa’s cancer diagnosis. You are all beautiful people and I wish there was some way to help you with this burden. I am praying for healing and peace for your family. God bless you.
Thank you again for this update! So thankful to hear the good news on Theresa’s MRI. Will continue to pray for your precious bride, you and your loving family. What a journey you are all on, so thankful that you know you are not alone! Praying that only the peace and comfort that God can give you will continue to surround all of you!
You and your family are in my daily prayers. May God bless you.
We are continuing to pray! Sending our love to your family.
Thank you Paul for allowing us as your friends to share your journey with you in prayer. What a beautiful sharing of God’s faithfulness to work in amazing ways as we are submitted to Him. You and Theresa have an amazing family and testimony. My prayers continue for Theresa and you as you comfort, love, and encourage one another on this journey.
I am so amazed at how your trust and total acceptance of God in your lives has molded you into the wonderful people t h at ypu both are. I would be honored to be able to meet Theresa at some point in her journey. My love and prayers to you and your family.
Dr. Paul,
Thank you for sharing and thank you for your wisdom and care for my bride Cherie Porras who was one of your patients when we lived in Centralia. We will be praying for you and your bride as the Lord walks with you both down this road. I honestly don’t know how people cope without having Jesus Christ in their lives. Num 6:24-26
“May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord show you his kindness.
May he have mercy on you.
May the Lord watch over you
and give you peace.”’
Praying my friend, for supernatural healing and peace in the mighty name of Jesus!
Dear Theresa and Paul,
We are continuing to praý. May God continue to give you His grace and make His presence felt. You bless us as you share your life.
Hugs, Dianna and Ŕod
The love, faith, courage and reliance on the Spirit is such a blessing. We continue to keep your family in our prayers. Hugs!
Dr. Paul ,
Thank you, for sharing your journey during this time. We are waiting every week to read your post our family is thinking and praying for you all continuously. We love that you share your raw emotions and feelings during this time and your faith in God. Finding thankfulness, For your time with her. Theresa, we wrap our arms around you and pray for you. With love ,
The Wamsley Family
God is truly showing us of the love and commitment your family has given to him. We can see and hear His message through you. We are thanking God for having you as a Doctor and also for knowing your fantastic family. We are constantly praying for Theresa pain to be lessoned. We love you all and will keep our prayers going for you.
Blessings to all of you and love you very much.
Shirley & Myron
Your family is in our prayers daily. We love you all, even though we’ve never met Theresa and the kids. Your blogs have been a deep blessing to us. We thank you for showing us the way to walk victoriously and in love through the valley of the shadow.
Bill and Jan
Thank you Dr. Paul and Theresa for this Spirit filled testimony of your lives in God’s arms. Your love for each other and for your life in the Lord are a blessing to all of us.
Paul Mills
Dr Paul,
Thanks for your testimony and the update on Theresa. We will continue to
ask God for a miracle as you work with the medical procedures needed to heal her. You and Theresa have our love and prayers. To God be the glory!!
Paul, Theresa and Family – please know that you are in my daily prayers and that I am so sorry to hear of this rough journey that you are on but completely understand how your Faith, your Love and your Courage will continue to strengthen you and that you are comfortable and safe in His sheltering arms. Paul, you are such an amazing example of a servant heart and I feel privileged to know so many members of your family — your father, your sister, your brother in law – you are all truly a blessing to us. I cannot imagine being in your shoes but I also cannot imagine anyone being better equipped or better prepared to tackle whatever may come your way. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and faith with us. I am certain your eloquent words will resonate with many others who may be going thru similar challenges. Peace, Joy and Comfort to you and your family and and special prayers for Theresa.
Thank you for another update on Theresa. She is on my heart and in my prayers along with you and your children. I continue to pray for complete healing. Your updates help us to know what to pray for and give us the opportunity to send notes of encouragement…. Several years ago, after my husband was in an airplane accident and in a coma, I was by his side constantly for 12 months, in various care facilities and the last 7 months, did most of his care, including trachea, meds and tube feeding. Knowing that so many, many people were praying was my lifeline. Those “share one another’s burdens” through prayer helped me to rely on the Holy Spirit’s presence more and more.
Today we have so few Heroes. Your Father was one of my Heroes! and When you changed your practice to Direct Care you became one of my Heroes. But how you are both handling this situation and how you are totally surrendering it to God has put you both at the top of my Heroes list. You are an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for sharing a little insight into what is happening so that we can pray specifically.