Doctor Paul, MD

A small-town doctor working to preserve the art of old-fashioned primary care.

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Radiation completed

November 13, 2016 by Paul Williams 5 Comments

Thank you Father for seeing us through this past week. Thank you also for the hope for better days. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

Last week was a busy week. I was able to get Theresa in for an Orthopedic evaluation on Monday and he confirmed by suspicion she had developed a frozen shoulder in the opposite side of the radiation treatments. No one knows why this occurs, but is more common in women >50 years old. The prognosis is good, but it may take many more months for the pain to settle down. She will get an injection into the joint a week from tomorrow, so hopefully that will calm the pain down. These are known to cause more pain at night, making it hard to sleep, which is what is going on. Friday saw the end of Theresa’s 32 doses of radiation. Yea! That was a grueling schedule for her. The effects of radiation will continue to develop over the next 6 weeks and then start to heal. The skin is very sore. Theresa has been an incredible trooper. She found the staff at the radiation oncology office in Olympia to be outstanding, sensitive and of great support. She brought them cookies on her last day. We celebrated her last day of radiation with cake and flowers. Theresa is getting deep tissue massage as that seems to help with the intensity of the pain, TENs unit helps temporarily. She has been taking some meds to help, one makes her sleepy, so she is taking a nap right now. I am hoping for more good days as we get further away from radiation and only having to go in every 3 weeks for Herceptin until summer. Theresa is enjoying having wavy short hair that is pretty thick, compared to her thinner long straight hair she has always had. The waves will probably disappear in time.

Hope is huge. Hope for better days, for tomorrow, for life without pain and suffering. Yes these have been very difficult days. God’s promises are true though. Our experience echo’s the testimonies of others of God’s faithfulness, help and nearness as we walk through this “valley of the shadow of death”. Yes there are scars, stretch marks, bending but not breaking. You don’t come out of this as you came in. You are forever changed, and for good for those who rest in the Savior’s arms. Pruning, molding and refining are not fun processes. Learning to accept, submit, obey, and have a grateful thankful heart through it is what is needed. God is good all the time and it has nothing to do with our circumstances. As we all know, God is to be praised in both the good and bad times. He draws us. Breath Him in, drink the living water – let it fill you, satisfy you.

As we close in on a year, in December, of when this saga began, I am without words on how grateful I am to have my bride still beside me. Her beauty, her life radiates through the struggles and pain. In having to trust and let go, her faith has developed a depth that is palpable and sure. A faith that knows, that relies on, that has a solid foundation solidified by struggles and difficulties. Be encouraged! “Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, than to Trust and obey.”

We covet your continued prayers, for quick healing and reduction of her pain. Have a good week.

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Filed Under: Breast Cancer - our new normal

Comments

  1. Kim says

    November 14, 2016 at 7:53 am

    Praise our Heavenly Father for His never ending provision. For sustaining you and providing for you in a way that only He can. Thank you for your tremendous testimony, it has been amazing. Continuing to lift you in prayer as many others are doing.
    Much Love,
    Kim

    Reply
  2. Ginny E. says

    November 15, 2016 at 12:00 am

    Believe . . . God is in control.

    Reply
  3. Donna says

    November 15, 2016 at 6:46 am

    HURRAY!!! So happy to hear that the radiation is over! I completely understand the pain of “frozen shoulder”
    I also experienced a frozen shoulder shoulder although mine was on the same side as the axillary node dissection. My heart goes out to you Theresa, I know just how painful it is; it takes time but it does get better!
    Welcome to the world of curly hair…LOL
    After fighting mine for most of my life, I’ve learned to accept & even appreciate it …. maybe I can provide you with some tips on dealing with curly hair although, more likely, you’ll be the one able to give me tips since I’ve only just begun to, finally, stop fighting mine and just wear it curly
    I pray with radiation behind you, you’ll be able to rest more and recuperate; you’ve been a tough warrior and an inspiration to all of us on both the power of faith, and the love of family.
    I sincerely hope that your day-to-day life continues to improve. Love, hugs & prayers Auntie Donna

    Reply
  4. Linda & Jack Braun says

    November 20, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    Will continue to keep your family in our prayers. Hugs

    Reply
  5. Barb Freeman says

    November 20, 2016 at 4:25 pm

    Dr. Paul, Theresa and kids. . . Again, I’m so reminded of the old hymn: A Mighty Fortress is our God!! As I reminded myself of the words it rang so true after reading your thoughts on the past year. We are rejoicing that Theresa is done with the radiation! We continue to trust the Good Lord for healing, strength, and deep peace.

    I’m so smiling right now : )

    Barb and Steve Freeman

    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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