My journey to Duke was one filled with pain and very few answers as to why I was in so much pain. I was initially treated for sciatica that, over time, did not get better -- only worse.

After 47 days, my pain had gotten to the point that I could no longer walk. I was admitted to my local hospital, and the next day transferred to another medical facility where I stayed for 16 days.

I was diagnosed with osteomyletis of the L-4 vertebra, but at the same time the doctors were still ruling out the possibility of bone cancer. After two bone biopsies, and still no real treatment plan, I was told I needed a third bone biopsy.

It was at this time my family requested that I be transferred to Duke. I needed to be closer to home.

That is when God started to answer my prayers -- I met Dr. Carlos A. Bagley.

Because of my many other health issues, some doctors saw my case as hopeless and said that surgery was not an option. But not Dr. Bagley. He accepted the challenge and agreed to perform my surgery.

By the time I met Dr. Bagley, I was in a wheelchair and on so much pain medication I do not recall much from our initial meeting.

On February 22, 2010, Dr. Bagley and his team performed my surgery.

I had an L-4, S-1 laminectomy, open biopsy of the L-4 vertebra, and L-3, L-5 posterior fusion.

I was in the hospital at Duke for one week. I received excellent care. No cancer was found.

It is now seven months since my surgery. I spent 90 days in rehabilitation and received three months of out-patient physical therapy.

I am once again living independently at home and walking with a cane. I am off all pain medication and muscle relaxers.

It is difficult to put into words what a blessing Dr. Carlos Bagley has been to me and my family. He has gone above and beyond what I would expect in a surgeon.

Not only is he an excellent surgeon, he cares about his patients and does everything he can to help restore their quality of life.

Thank you, Dr. Bagley.