Carolyn Lengh

Carolyn Lengh, a principal at a private school in Milwaukee, knows the wear and tear countless hours in a demanding job can cause. But that didn't explain the back pain she'd felt for six months. When she finally consulted a physician, Lengh was stunned at what he told her.

"The MRI revealed a tumor pushing on my spinal cord," says Lengh. "All kinds of thoughts raced through my head. I wondered if I'd lose the ability to walk. The radiologist told me that spinal cord tumors are not common and suggested I go to Mayo Clinic, where there are specialists experienced in treating them."

Surgery at Mayo Clinic

Less than 24 hours after meeting with William Krauss, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic who specializes in spinal surgery and spinal cord tumors, Lengh was scheduled for surgery.

"In our initial meeting, Dr. Krauss was informative and reassuring," says Lengh. "He articulated the challenges of removing the tumor, which was not easily accessible. Most importantly, he made me feel as if he were highly skilled and capable. I left the appointment feeling like I was in the hands of a skilled master. His confidence rubbed off on me and made me feel confident my surgery would go well."

"Being told you have a rare tumor is a frightening experience for anyone," says Dr. Krauss. "To many people, 'rare' means incurable. However, many spinal cord tumors may be cured with surgery. It is important for people who have spinal cord tumors to see a physician at a medical center like Mayo Clinic that has special expertise in treating them."

Dr. Krauss performed a laminectomy and tumor resection from C7 to T2, making an incision in Lengh's spine to remove the tumor. The tumor was pressing on sensitive nerves and had caused her pain. Dr. Krauss successfully removed the tumor, which was benign.

"I was amazed at the care I received at Mayo Clinic from my first appointment until I left," says Lengh. "The physicians are thorough, yet everything runs very efficiently. My appointments were always on time. I describe it as efficiency coupled with great caring. The nurses were very dedicated to the patients. I truly felt cared for and could tell that patients came first with everyone I encountered."

Back at school

Today Lengh, happy with the outcome of her surgery, is back to running the Lower School at the University School of Milwaukee and pursuing a doctorate degree in leadership and service.

"I feel like I know a thing or two about service, and the service and quality at Mayo runs deep," she says. "Even though it was in the circumstance of surgery, it was my pleasure to come in contact with Mayo Clinic."