Dear Dr. Kanayama,

I don't know where to begin. As you know, my endometriosis story is long and complex. Over the course of a year and a half, I had four emergency room visits and diagnoses from kidney stones to irritable bowel syndrome to "the tests show nothing is wrong". I have had the worst pain ever. Then one day in August 2006 I was given your name by a complete stranger. That day my life changed for the better.

My first appointment with you was the most informative, helpful, compassionate experience I ever had in a doctor's office because of you and your staff. I was overwhelmed and confused at hearing my diagnosis and angry no doctor diagnosed me sooner. I cried. I cried because I finally had an answer to what was happening to me and relieved it wasn't "all in my head". You validated me.

In September 2006, I had the surgery that not only cured my pain, but actually saved my life. I know you were not expecting me to be bleeding internally from a major vein because the endometriosis had eaten a hole in it and right on the spot you had to repair it. And that was just one of the many things you had to repair inside of me.I knew I was in skilled hands. (The nurses at Greenwich Hospital also spoke highly of you and the nurses always know the truth about the doctors. My whole experience at Greenwich Hospital was wonderful.)

It has been nine months since the surgery and I consider myself blessed to have found you. I am taking one day at a time with this disease, and like you said "not to worry, I will do the worring for you". I feel comforted knowing I have a doctor like you who cares and monitors me regularly.

I tell every woman I know about you!

Thank you for all you did for me and for many women.

Carolyn Frazier