@hopeful33250 Thank you for your kind words. I'm very happy to share my story and hope that I can inspire other patients who are struggling to get through their own medical challenges. I agree, I was amazed by my experience too and think very highly of my surgeon for both his expertise and for being the down to earth kind person that he is. That is so important in a patient doctor relationship. I saw other surgeons before coming to Mayo who made me nervous and didn't want to answer my questions, and it's hard to trust your life to a person who doesn't try to have a compassionate relationship with the patient or who will not give you any choices about the procedure. They all decided against helping me and wouldn't take the time to understand (or accept) the complexity of my case. I think compassion goes a long way toward healing, and also having the patience to get the diagnosis and surgical procedure right. I've had wonderful results from my surgery. I wanted to be able to celebrate my surgeons ability, and to give him something he will see everyday that makes him feel good. Doctors are human and need to relax and enjoy life outside of their profession, and I wanted to be able to do something about that, and to be the patient that he will never forget because of gratitude. Doctors have stressful jobs, but we as patients can change some of that in the way we relate to our doctors. This painting will be something his family and heirs will cherish which makes me happy. Even before I painted the portrait, we had ordered the special carved gold leafed frame in order to get it in time. Dr. Fogelson trusted me in that recommendation and he chose the nicest frame from the options I gave him. I know this is just as meaningful to him as it is to me, and I am honored that he will enjoy the original in his home, and a framed print of it for his office. I'm getting that ready now and looking forward to bringing that up to him at Mayo.