For we walk by faith and not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

T H E    G U R U

The first neurosurgeon I visited said I needed a "guru" and that there weren't any in this part of the country.  His suggestion was that I seek consults in Phoenix, Little Rock, Pittsburgh, or somewhere in Florida.

The risks involved possible loss of sight in one or both eyes, partial or complete loss of cognition, or even stroke to mention a few.  I thanked him for his time and candor as he admitted that he wasn't the surgeon for me.

My 3 cm. meningioma was located on the right optic nerve, the pituitary gland, and the carotid artery.  All I could do was leave it in God's capable hands, continuing my search.

The next neurosurgeon on my list was Dr. Paul C. Francel of OU Medical Center, right here in Oklahoma City.  Although, according to the first neurosurgeon there was no one in this area capable, I decided to proceed with my plan to consult with Dr. Francel. He had been referred to me by a colleague who had done research on Parkinson's Disease via the internet.  She said he was on the cutting edge of neurosurgery and had made quite a name for himself.

On February 16, 2001, Mom, a friend, and I went for my 2:00 p.m. appointment with Dr. Francel.  He spent two and a half hours with us.  In that time I learned of many of his professional accomplishments, was given detailed answers to my two typed pages of questions, and was assured he could successfully remove my tumor with minimal risk.

As he examined me, he asked about the scar on my neck.  Mom spoke up and said, "Well, Linda's a cancer survivor."  He looked solemnly at me and asked, "What are you doing here?"  I was thrown for a few seconds.  Then, I smiled and said, "I'm here by the GRACE of GOD."  That's when we began witnessing.  My spirit was lifted to know that this man openly gives all the Glory and credit to God.

I left the appointment with feelings of relief and renewed hope.  I spent the next couple of days praying to make the right decision. I was contacted on Monday by his office.  At that time,  I asked if there were any current or former patients who I could contact for references.  I was given three names.  One of those names was Arnold Allen.

I called Arnold Allen and left a message.  My call was returned by Nancy, his wife.  Nancy spoke with my mother.  I later spoke with Arnold and Nancy, myself.   I also met another patient of Dr. Francel's.  Finally, I made arrangements to have Dr. Francel perform my surgery.

On March 21, 2001, my meningioma was successfully, 100% removed.  The tumor was tightly wrapped around the right optic nerve, severely traumatizing it.  As a result, I have no sight in my right eye.  However, 2 Corinthians 5:7 has become more meaningful to me as it states...."For we walk by faith and not by sight."

To date, there has been no tumor regrowth.  Praise the Lord!

Not only did I find my 'guru,' Dr. Francel, but I found an 'angel' of a friend in Nancy Allen!

Dear Friends and Family,

Here we are again 7 years later!  Can you believe it?  Yes, my brain tumor was removed on Wednesday, March 21, 2001!

God continues to show His grace and mercy abundantly in all our lives.

I just want to take this time to publicly acknowledge this particular blessing and to share this time with each of you who are so important to me.

Thanks for your prayers then and now!  Thanks for your emotional, physical, monetary and spiritual support then and now.  God has blessed me with so many GOOD people in my life!  My cup runneth over and I'm drinking from the saucer!

In 2007 Dr. Francel gave me a clean bill of health and told me I didn't have to have another MRI or come see him for another 5 years!  I don't think I'll let him off that easily!  I'll have to pop my head in to see him sometime (I hope he gets a copy of this email).  I recall walking out of the exam room with him last year and he stops at the desk saying, "now there goes a miracle!"  to a staff member about me!  Oh yes, I'm a miracle!

Never doubt God's love and power!  He is omnipotent (among other things)!

He's brought so many of us together as a result of this ordeal.  He's taught us so many lessons about faith, fear, patience, perseverance, friendship, love, power and victory!

Again, let me thank each of you for being who you are, precious to me!  I love you and continue to need you in your own special ways.

Linda is a gifted speech therapist working with children and is also a talented pianist.  She is active in her church and plays the piano there.  Linda is a powerful Christian.  She is constantly inspiring me in the faith.  She picks me up when I am down.  Linda is a treasured friend and a lovely person.  I am richly blessed for knowing her.

Linda recently told me, "Although I lost my physical sight in my right eye, I've gained something far more important...my spiritual sight! "  "Also, He has revealed to me part of my purpose for my life...to be a witness for Him...to tell my story to others...to be an encourager and  to intercede in prayer for others, particularly for physical healing."  I love that!  It is so beautiful--just like Linda!        Nancy Allen
 

Dr. Paul C. Francel 13825 Quail Pointe Drive  Oklahoma City, OK  73134 (405) 752-4592  phone (405) 752-2638  fax Click map symbol to see map.