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PET scan

June 23, 2016 by Paul Williams 52 Comments

Thank you LORD for your mercy upon us, for allowing your favor to rest on us. We are humbled by your generosity. Thank you all for your prayers for us. God has heard them and answered them favorably.

Theresa had her PET scan Monday. The PET scan is a scan using radioactive fluoride attached to a glucose molecule. The day before the scan, she couldn’t exercise or eat any carbs. The idea is that fast growing cells and very metabolically active cells take up the radioactive sugar molecule and when read using both a CT scanner and Geiger counter type machine, has a 90% sensitivity in finding cancer cells anywhere in the body. So a normal study (where the brain and heart only light up because they are using sugar) is the desired outcome. Before the test she had to relax in a darkened and cool room for 30 minutes after the tracer was injected and then was scanned for 25 minutes.

Theresa’s scan was completely normal. Her breast, armpit, and liver didn’t light up (all of which showed tumor on other studies at the beginning of this saga). There was no abnormalities seen, which is what we were hoping for. So from a clinical standpoint her treatments have been a success and she is considered in remission, though what further treatment she will need to have for the next year or more is still up for discussion.

In recap, Theresa had a highly aggressive cancer, with a growth rate not normally seen, rapidly changing, with the breast cells showing some HERS-2-neu receptors, but lymph node cells showing no receptors. She didn’t have estrogen or progesterone receptors to block. At diagnosis, the cancer had spread through out her body, she was given 6-8 weeks to live by three oncologists, unless something was done and that something was questionable. Halfway through non-selective chemo, chemo was abandoned due to side effects. She was on receptor blockers that based upon her biopsy shouldn’t have worked. In addition to all of this, she reacted poorly to medications, had complications from procedures. Our only hope was the only hope that mattered. We were surrendered, broken, and accepted what God decided. Our struggle spread like wildfire in the community churches, through out the country and even over seas. Thousands lifted up Theresa to our merciful Father and kept her lifted up all this time. His church was of one mind and heart for her and God generously answered your prayers. Thank you! Thank you for walking with us. We are humbled and overwhelmed.

Theresa has been overwhelmed by God’s generosity toward her. She is overwhelmed by His meeting her in this way, valuing her in this way. In no way did we expect a miracle, for why would God bless her this way? He could have easily let it progress like cancer has done in many a life. I don’t know why. But I do know we are on the other side of a miracle. He answered your prayer and wants you to know He hears, He listens, his mercies are new every morning, he pours out grace upon grace in our lives. He wants his Church active and alive feverently engaging Him, and allowing His Spirit to refine us. Some day He will open our eyes to why. For those who love Him and obey Him, we are walking into a sunrise, knowing the best is yet to come. (Taken from Philip De Courcy).

We found out the results on Tuesday. Theresa wept and cried for joy for 6 hours. Yesterday sleep, rest and renewal absorbed the day. She is in remission. Uncertain if this means cure or return of the cancer at some point in the future. But today we will rejoice in the LORD and thank Him with hearts of gratitude. We are unworthy of this favor, we are humbled. “Today is the day that the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”. Selah (rest)

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Filed Under: Breast Cancer - our new normal

Comments

  1. Mitch & DeLynne Dietz says

    June 23, 2016 at 9:01 pm

    Paul & Theresa we are rejoicing with you and giving thanks our wonderful heavenly father on your behalf. God’s best to you!!

    Mitch & DeLynne

    Reply
  2. Philip says

    June 23, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    Praise the Lord… Just praise the Lord… That is such tremendous news. I am so happy for you two and your family… Lord continue to be with my brother and sister in Christ as they take in your goodness and simply rest…

    Reply
  3. Dianne Dorey says

    June 23, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    Praise God, for He is good!

    Reply
  4. Dianne Lovan says

    June 23, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    Praise the Lord from whom all blessing flow! I’m so happy for you and your family. It’s been quite a few months, that proves God answers prayer and is the same today as yesterday and is still doing miracles!!! Lv Dianne and Darrell

    Reply
  5. Tracey says

    June 23, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    Wonderful news!! Rivers of tears of joy for you all!! We shall rejoice!!

    Reply
  6. Lyndsay Walker says

    June 23, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    So overjoyed to hear this news!!

    Reply
  7. Nancy Neff says

    June 23, 2016 at 10:23 pm

    Rejoicing with you.

    Reply
  8. Pearl Moltz says

    June 23, 2016 at 10:33 pm

    Dr. Paul…..Jack and I are rejoicing in this news. I love you all so much and thank you for allowing me to share your experience with you. God has blessed me thru you and I am overwhelmed with joy for your family….and especially Theresa! God bless you on your new life together!

    Reply
  9. Susie Batchelor says

    June 23, 2016 at 10:48 pm

    Such wonderful news!! We will continue to pray for refreshing and restoration of her strength!! Love you guys❣❣❣❣

    Reply
  10. Steve & Barb Freeman says

    June 23, 2016 at 10:50 pm

    Thank you, Jesus for your hand on the Williams family throughout this trial. Thank you for your mercy and for Theresa’s renewal. We don’t need to know the “whys” but we pray that the healing is complete and that the witness exhibited by this family will resonate through the lives of all who have seen them endure this season.

    Reply
  11. Clydeen Cadwell says

    June 24, 2016 at 12:12 am

    God is good! We will pray for a long happy and healthy future for family. With love! The Cadwel

    Reply
  12. Kimberly Jones says

    June 24, 2016 at 12:31 am

    Oh Praise the Lord! This is wonderful and beautiful news! We serve an Awesome God! Thank you for sharing this journey!

    Reply
  13. Carolynn & Phil Gregory says

    June 24, 2016 at 12:41 am

    Thank you lord for what you have done, only you can lord! All of Dr. Paul’s post have been dedicated to you! I know you will be with Theresa Williams, her husband Paul and their children and family. Lord only you answers to our prayers! God bless this family!

    Reply
  14. Kathy westmiller says

    June 24, 2016 at 12:44 am

    So glad for good news! Prayer works.

    Reply
  15. Priscilla Christenson says

    June 24, 2016 at 1:10 am

    Praise the Lord, we are rejoicing with Theresa and you Dr. Paul! Will continue to lift her up today and in the future. Yay, hallelujah, we are so happy for her! Love Chris and Priscilla

    Reply
  16. Candace Wilber Horch says

    June 24, 2016 at 1:15 am

    I could not stop weeping as I read this post. I shared with my husband with huge tears in my eyes. Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers, for giving us hope, and this wonderful miracle… My church, my prayer group and my family will be on our knees in thanksgiving to Him for His mercy. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and your faithfulness , and for allowing us to see His power and love.

    Reply
  17. Dolores Lee says

    June 24, 2016 at 1:22 am

    Dr. PAUL AND THE ENTIRE WILLIAMS FAMILY, GOD IS SO GOOD, ALL WE,NEED TO Do IS ACCEPT HIM.Keep an open line of communication with him, his rewards are great, and beyond measure. May God’s blessings continue to be bestowed on your family.

    Reply
  18. Tina Kendall says

    June 24, 2016 at 2:18 am

    Oh Paul and Theresa, Our God IS a mighty God and he truly does reign. I am so grateful for the amazing miracles he saw fit to bless you, your family, and the community with. You are both AMAZING wonderful people and a blessing to ALL who know you.
    HUGS! The Kendall Family.

    Reply
  19. Debbie says

    June 24, 2016 at 2:41 am

    Ok, I am just talking plainly here – I had never seen anyone in so much pain as Theresa after chemo, her skin hurt to touch, she just laid curled up on her bed….but we knew God knew….it had to be done, and now that sucker called cancer is in remission. In truth also, Theresa deserves this miracle, as well as others do, but to go through so much and still say God is good? Lets say He appreciates those loving words while we are in our imperfect physical state!! Theresa not only does the talk, she and her family walk the walk, they face their challenges with the upmost dignity and I admire them so much

    Reply
  20. Doris and Bill Brumsickle says

    June 24, 2016 at 3:25 am

    The joy and smiles of gladness are winging their way to you all. Wonderful, incredible, overjoyed!

    Reply
  21. Tammy says

    June 24, 2016 at 3:41 am

    Thank you God! Hoping for many happy years and pure enjoyment on your upcoming get always!

    Reply
  22. Heather bodin says

    June 24, 2016 at 3:41 am

    What an amazing God we have. I’m so happy for you all.

    Reply
  23. John and Deborah Lawrence says

    June 24, 2016 at 3:52 am

    A German Christmas Carol in the ‘key of C’ comes to mind:
    “How Great our Joy! * joy, *Joy, **JOY.
    Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!”
    And again we praise Him for each gift HE gives to us.
    Thank you for allowing all of us to be apart of your journey.
    John and Deborah

    Reply
  24. Jon Wiley says

    June 24, 2016 at 4:13 am

    Completely overjoyed with you! Thank you fo your complete trust in the Lord and surrendering to His will through a difficult storm. You have glorified the name of our Savior.

    Reply
  25. Carol Irwin says

    June 24, 2016 at 4:26 am

    To God be the glory! We rejoice with you and this wonderful news!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  26. Julie Wilber Gamewell says

    June 24, 2016 at 4:43 am

    How awesome! How humbling to know this is an absolute miracle. To God be the glory…

    Reply
  27. Rose Weed says

    June 24, 2016 at 4:59 am

    Rejoicing!!!! Praise the Lord and AMEN! This makes us incredibly Happy!

    Reply
  28. Denise Anderson says

    June 24, 2016 at 5:35 am

    So thankful for this GREAT report!!

    Mel, Denise, Leah and Lydia

    Reply
  29. Bill land Nancy Fox says

    June 24, 2016 at 5:49 am

    Thank you blessed Lord Jesus–we are overwhelmed by Your loving kindness toward Theresa and Paul.

    Reply
  30. Sherrie conrad says

    June 24, 2016 at 7:01 am

    Joy unspeakable & full of glory!! Praising God for His miraculous goodness. What a mighty God we serve. So happy for the great news. & we keep praying for completely being cancer free.

    Reply
    • Toni Belveal says

      June 24, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      So grateful to hear this wonderful news! We live in Arizona now, but was a patient of your father, and will never forget his wonderful kindness during a very difficult time. Thank you for your encouraging posts. I feel as if I know Theresa through them. May the blessings continue to flow!

      Toni Belveal

      Reply
  31. Dave, Leasha, & Isaac Edminster says

    June 24, 2016 at 7:09 am

    Praise God!!! So happy to hear this amazing news! God is SO good!!

    Reply
  32. Kim says

    June 24, 2016 at 9:35 am

    I am rejoicing with you in the Lord’s mercy and grace.

    Reply
  33. Linda Harris (from Virginia) says

    June 24, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    I have followed some of the postings about Tess and prayed for her. This last posting really brought happy tears to my eyes. It touched my heart that she was so relieved that she cried for six hours. Thank you, God.

    Reply
  34. Penny and John Watridge says

    June 24, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    Good news indeed. Big hugs to you all.

    Reply
  35. Tim and Amanda Aldrich says

    June 24, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    Praise God! He is good all the time! Our feeble minds can not even begin to imagine the plans laid out by our Creator. Thank you for including us on this stressful and traumatic personal journey.

    Bless you my dear friend.

    Reply
  36. Denny says

    June 24, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    Thank God. Prayers will continue.

    Reply
  37. Vic and Ruby DeLair says

    June 24, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    The LORD He is God! The LORD He is God! Rejoicing with you and praising God!

    Reply
  38. Wes and Annie says

    June 24, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    Congratulations! What WONDERFUL news! Theresa, you and your family are favored in His eyes. Our Lord is SO faithful to those who are fairhful to Him! It is a true blessing to know that prayers are answered! God Bless you all, we are continuing to pray for complete healing You have been touched by God., and such miracles are rarely witnessed. Your journey and your handling of it have taught us much, about faith, strength, love, humility and allowing Him to control our lives.
    Thank you for sharing.♡♡♡

    Reply
  39. Nannette Hoile says

    June 25, 2016 at 12:34 am

    We serve an amazing God! So wonderful to hear this news. Praying for continued healing, restoration and strength.

    Reply
  40. Kathy Spencer says

    June 25, 2016 at 1:19 am

    I rejoice in God’s healing touch with you Paul an Theresa! May your words of testimony be used to encourage another who is on this journey. I’m so excited and thankful!!!

    Reply
  41. Donna says

    June 25, 2016 at 6:26 am

    So truly happy for your whole family. A day to rejoice!
    Love you, Auntie Donna

    Reply
  42. Carol & Marcus Johns says

    June 25, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    I too am crying tears of joy as I read your post. God does work miracles. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.

    Reply
  43. Cindy becker says

    June 26, 2016 at 6:11 am

    Amazing Grace how sweet the sound! Thabk you God!

    Reply
  44. Jay and Brenda Milton says

    June 26, 2016 at 11:43 pm

    Our Father is so Good. So kind and generous. All praise and glory to him. And we are so excited for you and your loved ones. Much love to all of you. ♡

    Reply
  45. Marcie Duffy says

    June 27, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    Paul and Theresa – I cannot express how great it is to hear this news!! I have been praying for you, along with countless others, and I am so relieved and grateful that our prayers have been answered! Thank you so much for your posts and your positive attitude during this trying time. You both are an inspiration to us all. Love and hugs to you guys and continued prayer for health and peace.

    Reply
  46. Sheilah Galpin says

    June 28, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    Praise God! Thank you father God! I will pass along these words of the miracle of prayer. We will continue to keep Teresa and your family in prayer! GOD IS GREAT!!!!

    Reply
  47. Beth browning says

    June 29, 2016 at 4:21 am

    Wow! What wonderful news. I am in awee. So happy to hear this. Continued prayers your way

    Reply
  48. Ginny E. says

    June 29, 2016 at 5:16 am

    Miracles do happen. Thanks be to God.

    Reply
  49. Lori Anderson says

    June 29, 2016 at 4:51 pm

    Amen and Amen!!!

    Reply
  50. Jane and Jim Miller says

    July 1, 2016 at 10:59 pm

    Rejoice in the lord always and again I say rejoice! What wonderful news and what a privilege to be apart of the multitude of lifting ours prayers to our Abba and His gracious response. In the words of Col:9-12 ..from the moment we heard we have not ceased to pray for you…..[and seeing the answer] in verse11,12 Thank you Lord may you continue to bless this family.

    Reply
  51. Sandy and Lane McAllister says

    July 3, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    God is so good!!
    Paul and Theresa, we have been and will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer. Praising God in every way for his continued love.

    Reply

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About Doctor Paul

Dr. Paul Williams, MD is a small-town family practice doctor working in Centralia, Washington. He works from the same office where his primary care practice was established by his father over 38 years ago. He believes strongly that the art of the old-fashioned primary care doctor is an important feature of our medical system that should be preserved and protected from excess interference from insurance companies and government regulation alike.

Due to changes in the health care industry and regulations affecting it, and in an effort to preserve the art of old-fashioned primary care, Dr. Paul has shifted his practice to a Direct Care model, meaning that patients pay an affordable monthly fee to purchase primary care health care services directly, rather than having their services billed through an insurance company.

This blog is intended to help Dr. Paul's patients (and anyone else!) understand the changes the medical industry is going through, and to provide information about the Direct Care model of primary care.

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