@jenniferhunter Oh, Wow! Jennifer this is an absolutely amazing and reflective response to my post. It both brings me encouragement to see how deeply you reflected on my constellation of symptoms, and sadness because it was this kind of conversation I had expected to have with my doctor at Mayo last week. This was exactly the level of professional medical assessment that brought me to Mayo and it brings me hope that this kind of integrative reflection exists.

I will spend some time over the next few days reading carefully what you written, but thank you for what genuinely feels like an act of love. On this Thanksgiving day I am thankful for the ability to find compassionate, empathetic and caring people in some of the most unexpected places.

I read your story (thank you for sharing it with me) and I found great hope in your own story of courage and the ability to overcome great odds to discover healing and second chances through medical miracles. I’m so thankful you have regained the ability to paint and to utilize the vast array of gifts you have been given for the good of the whole world. Thanks again for writing the above post. It brought tears to my eyes.

Also, @roch i want to thank you for your question about a possible allergic reaction to the implants in my neck. There is now more metal in my neck than bones, and I think this is a valid question to explore. It’s not one I had considered until now.