Before I begin this blog entry, I want to say we are overwhelmed by your love and prayers. We are honored and humbled. It is obvious that the NEWS and entertainment establishment have it all wrong. God’s love is alive and strong, growing and spreading. It can’t be squelched, as His creation, our very existence cries out “ABBA, Father” – He is the Air we breath, the manna from heaven, the Living water that quenches our thirst.
Today we heard that the final test puts her HERS2-neu as indeterminate still. The cells in the 5cm breast mass biopsy showed some positivity to the HERS2-neu receptor but the biopsy of the lymph node showed no receptors. They average this out and the number turns out to be indeterminate, suggesting that the tumor once produced HERS2-neu receptors but is rapidly changing and thus probably doesn’t have these receptors. Despite this She had her first treatment today with Herceptin, which targets HERS2-neu receptors and with Taxotere, which is true chemo and a shot gun approach that targets all fast growing cells.
I thought I would talk about our decision process. The decision tree we used will be different for everyone, because everyone’s situation is different. What is key in my mind is that we feel this is the right direction for us at this time. We know that God is sovereign and He is in control. It is His will we submit to. He told us to be still and know that he is God, to rest in Him, rely on Him. We can easily run here and there chasing human wisdom, but in the end it is His wisdom we seek. Below are a few variables that went into our decision:
First, I am interested in alternative treatments for cancer and have read many books and watched a few documentaries on them. I have also read a few books, one excellent book (a little dry if this doesn’t interest you) the Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee is a review of cancer treatment from antiquity to now, The Demon Under the Microscope by Thomas Hager which goes through the finding of the first chemical to fight infection, Sulfa. The initial search for medical treatment for disease was using our own body to fight the disease. With cow pox they induced immunity by causing a small infection and the body then forming a defense against that infection. They tried the same with the common Strep and Staph bugs but there were too many variations that it never worked, so research went toward finding a chemical that could target the infection. Needless to say since 1937 or so our treatment of disease has been medication, or chemical, focused. In the past 6-8 years through we are back to the antibody immunity theory and great gains are being forged in this area. Herceptin is one such drug, and there are many others in use now. It is an antibody that focuses on cancer cells with the HERS2-neu receptor, killing them and sparing every other cell. The future of modern cancer treatment will be antibody treatments not nonspecific chemotherapy drugs. She is being treated with Herceptin and I hope it works on her indeterminate status. But most likely nonspecific chemical drugs will be what she gets since medicine has not found all possible receptors to block with antibodies, yet.
Second, Some of the ideas brought forward by alternative cancer treatments ring true to us, such as the belief that diet is crucial in helping the body fight the cancer, keeping the immune system as strong as possible, and avoiding sugar and refined flour since they preferentially feed the cancer. So we tightened our already strict dietary habits and removed all sugar and processed foods from Theresa’s and my diet. Fructose in fruit isn’t a problem so we have fruit/vegies/pea protein/avocado smoothies 1-2 times a day, and if she can eat solid foods, we eat a spinach/black bean/avocado salad. She is taking a good number of vitamins and nutritional supplements as well.
Third, Theresa’s cancer is very aggressive and rapidly growing all over her body. We were given a 2 month prognosis if we did nothing, so we had to act fast – “shoot first and ask questions later”. We needed to act. In addition we have responsibilities to our kids, family, my office. Our kids are grieving too. The information about alternative treatments is based around testimonials which is the weakest form of data. There is no rigorous studies that compare alternative therapies to standard therapies, so called head to head comparisons. Because of the rapidity of Theresa’s cancer, we were not willing to risk her life on testimonials, nor accept current cancer treatment on its own merits. Traditional cancer treatment doesn’t believe in the sugar driving cancer growth theory and so they have jars of candy in their office and offer sugar sodas while getting chemo. There is no nutritional advice given.
We decided to stay home and get care close to home to limit the disruption to our kids, to help them grieve and work through this and together embrace our new normal. We are going the traditional route but using nutrition to improve our chances. A book that we are following to some extent is Beating Cancer with Nutrition by Patrick Quillin. I believe he gives good advice, and advice that is consistent to our thinking. Our decision fits us and our circumstances and we are at peace with it.
I hope this helps. We are all different, see life and human wisdom differently. There is no one way to do this. In reality our part is not the important part, God is at work, He is in control and we seek his guidance for what He desires of us. It would be nice though if His will included healing Theresa physically. I was hoping to retire and grow old with her.
Thank you for the update. Have been and will be praying for you all. When I first heard of your situation my first prayer was for wisdom because of all the decisions you would be having to make. I have Patrick Quillin’s book and have read parts of it. Excellent………
Praying that your new normal gets better and better.
We are praying for wisdom and peace for your family and for total healing for Theresa. If you choose to come visit Dr. Quillin, we have a guest room for you. (He is very close to us.
We are all hoping and praying you will grow old together.
I just found out about this tonight Paul, and will be praying for all of you. Please send warm regards to Theresa for me – she is such a beam of bright light and love – God bless you all as you make the decisions no one ever wants to make… seek guidance from Above. – jenni & steve
Thank you for the update Dr Paul, it was very informative. We continue to lift Teresa, you and the family up. Both Chris and I send you our love and compassion.
Priscilla
Thank you for sharing. We continue to pray At our age that can be in the middle of the night when we can’t sleep. Love you guys. Rod and Dianna
God bless you Dr. Paul, your Theresa and your Precious Children. I applaud you for your updates. I would not even begin to think straight right now with what you are going through with your Theresa as it must be so flustrating where you are a Dr., Dr. Paul as is your Dad and you just can’t make your Theresa ALL WELL PRAISE JESUS for your STRONG, STRONG faith. God BLESS and BLESSED you and yours. My heartfelt thoughts to your children for them to understand and be able to stay strong through all of this. Take ever so such good care TO ALL. So Sinderely, Lauraine Maddox
Our God is watching
He knows
He is in control
I started my breast cancer journey sept2014. I’ve done the A/C, taxotere, bilateral mastectomy, now herceptin and anastrozole. With God and my loving husband, family and friends our life is still beautiful!
Brent and I wanted to let you know that we are thinking of Teresa,you,and your children through this journey.We are feeling sad.ButI know as I been through this myself with my dad that you have to keep positive it’s day by day very hard.Love and prayers
Keeping you in our prayers.Faith, and the knowledge that God is in control, is half the battle. God bless you, Theresa and your precious children. With respect and love in Christ.
Wes and Annie
Keeping your family in our prayers daily.
Never give up hope Dr. Paul! My cousin was diagnosed with “end stage”(I hate that term) breast cancer 4 1/2 years ago. She was treated at Duke University and she combined holistic medicine and nutrition along with traditional chemo and radiation.
She is now 3 1/2 years clear.
Like you and Theresa, she and her husband are raising a young family, and their family life revolves around their faith and belief in God and Jesus.
Our Lord is truly great! Praying for healing!
Dr. Paul,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us all. I know we haven’t met, but our daughters were in class together in 1st grade and are again now. Theresa is such a beautiful woman and has blessed me with her life and kindness on the occasions we have had to talk. Like everyone, I heard your news with shock and a heartsick “No, No, No!!” to God.
We are praying fervently for your family as you navigate these tough waters with the Lord as your guide. My father was diagnosed with end stage Multiple Myeloma and the Lord saw fit to allow him a good 9 years more, in which time he and I were able to mend what we both thought were insurmountable hurts. God is good, all the time. May He richly bless you all with His Peace, Hope, Love and Promises, and, we pray, Healing.
In His Love,
Per and Staci Perez and family
I read your blog with an image in my mind of your lovely Theresa sitting by my Mama’s bedside the week before she went ‘Home’ to be with Jesus. Theresa had come with your little girl per my Mama’s request to see her. She gently stroked Mama’s brow and prayed with us and visited. Mama had always felt connected to her fellow veterans and she especially loved and admired your dear wife and mother to those precious children. She was giving away her ‘pig’ collection, and your little one got to choose a ‘pig’ to bring home. Our prayers are for all of you every day as you travel this road. I am being watched for reoccurance of cancer at present, and am following the no refined sugar and flour/processed food diet, as well. I so support your decisions. May you continue to feel the love and support of all around you, and of God’s loving care over Theresa and your family. Candace Wilber Horch
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you travel this unwelcome road. I’m happy you are feeling the love and support that is surrounding you…..I know it was what Will and I called the “beautiful” side of such a “ugly” disease.
Prayers again for your family. Have you researched Turmeric. Have seen alot about cancer fighting. Thinking of you guys.
Dear Dr. Paul and Family:
My prayers are with you and your family. Keep fighting.
We helped my mom with nutritional changes and it helped a lot.
Bless all of you.
Thank you so much for your updates. Know that you and your precious Theresa, and the rest of your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to life you all up in prayer!
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you We pray that God will
hold Theresa in his loving hand and let her stay a good long time. We will continue to pray to the good lord for all of you.God bless and keep you.
I have not read other comments, so I apologize if this has already been mentioned, but I have found
https://hopefaithprayer.com/scriptures/healing-scriptures-dodie-osteen/
extremely helpful.
I continue to lift your family in prayer.
Dear Williams Family – you folks are such an inspiration not only because of your incredible faith, but also because of your willingness to share your story with others. We all can learn from you and trust that the Lord will continue to lead and guide. You are ministering to many through your beautiful expression of your faith and helping others know that, by walking with the Lord, peace and understanding can be found. Thank you. Our prayers are with you. Love in Christ. The Kirks
Hello old friend! I just want to let you know that I am praying for you all! God has this! My heart is with you! Will continue to watch for updates.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It reminded me of II Cor 1:8-12:
–your burden
–your trust in God & not yourselves
–that we are joining you in prayer
–that we are setting our hope on Christ and giving thanks for His comfort
With love and prayers,
Jim & Rebecca Harbour
Research into halting cancer recurrence is still a relatively new concept. However, one therapy in development worth eyeing is Galena Biopharma’s NeuVax. Currently in late-stage studies, NeuVax is an immune-boosting injection that’s administered 11 times over three years and designed to prevent low-to-moderate HER2-expressing breast cancer recurrence. Midstage studies showed a 78% reduction relative to the placebo in recurrence rates.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/23/a-10-year-cancer-survival-rate-study-from-japan-yi.aspx?source=eogyholnk0000001&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article
I have no idea if this is a possibility for your situation but might be worth asking about. SCCA would probably be able to field that question best as they are involved in so much research.
Praying God sends angels and miracles for your family.
Prayers said and sent during this difficult thing. Always a reminder that we are never in control and have to give it to God.
Continuing praying for your family, especially in such a time, for healing for Treassa, and also for gidence from All Mighty God! May He give you straight to the end of the bettle.
We know you have lots of suggestions comming, at a same time like to encourage in addingg turmeric, frankinsince, ginger, and cinnamon and have little honey as carrier, as well as Laetrile injections for faster results, vitamin C.
[email protected]
She is a Doctor and breast cancer survival
She also has great protocols that you could consider adding.
Shalom
Also just talked to Dr. in Mexico,
Peace be with both of you…. in all you do, decide, and live day to day. Look towards the Blessings !!
God bless you all, Paul. I’m glad to have found your blog. It helps to be more informed how to pray.
I’m praying hard for you and your family. I pray for healing, but also guidance and wisdom as you encounter these difficult diagnoses and decisions. I admire the leadership you are using to navigate your family through this storm. God bless you as you continue to try to comfort everyone through this.
Remember to take care of yourself during this struggle. Lean hard on your father (the one in heaven as well as the special one still on earth) and you should find some relief. I’m also always available to you, my friend, if you need anything.
Take Care!!
May God bless you as you continue down this uncertain road. Prayers are with all of you!. Beth
Dr Paul, thank you for sharing your blog. You, your wife and children have been in our prayers since we heard Theresa was in need of God’s healing touch. You are all loved and supported by everyone who knows you. We trust God for wisdom as you decide what is best treatment. Remember, God’s grace is sufficient for every need. Our love and prayers
Thank you for the update, I will be praying for all of you, and those are not just words it is a promise. Philip
Praying for you day and night. How wonderful that we have and know such an amazing Father! My heart breaks for the trials you and your family are facing but I rejoice in knowing God is holding you close. I would feel so very useless in my desire to be of help to you but I know my prayers count. Sending love and hugs and prayers… Virginia and family
We would like to share very encouraging and at the same time, strong testimony
http://youtu.be/Vfs_nEHdnwU
May God strengthen your faith..
We continue praying for Theressa’s healing..
Dear Dr Paul, our family prays for you all every day . We will not stop,you and yours are loved. Yours in Christs name . Jean Morgan and family.