Some Debulking Pictures

Hey all! Here are some debulking pictures from a few weeks back. I had my ankle debulked by the amazing Dr. Spencer at Boston Children's Hospital. The first 2 pictures were taken by her during the procedure itself.

Where Have I Been, Anyway?

Well, I will (attempt to) summarize:

About 26 days or so ago, I was rushed to Children's Hospital Boston with a surmised Cellulitis infection on my foot. I stayed inpatient until my surgery five days later while receiving Vancomycin through the IV. The initial surgery I had was a debulking of my ankle done by the (in my eyes) infalliable Dr. Spencer on the Vascular Anomalies Team at Children's Hospital Boston. She's an absolute rockstar, let me just begin by saying that much (my version of one, anyway). Then, a week later, I underwent Bleomycin injections in my private region with Dr. Alomari. I do not quite think I  need to say much about him in this post, as I think readers already know how superb I think he is as both an intellect and human-being alike (based upon previous posts). It's time for me to gush about Dr. Spencer, now. ( = A week after that operation, I endured a 3rd surgery within 3 weeks, this time under the scalpel of Dr. Spencer and her incredible team. There was a slight issue with 1 of the 2 drains getting stuck, and we needed to go back in and get it the heck out as it posed a very ominous threat to my health.

So, yes, I just underwent 3 surgeries within 3 weeks time along with a cellulitis infection (and some more standard medical complications in a mere matter of 3 weeks). It's been a journey, a ride, and I am absolutely inundated with copious amounts of EXHAUSTION. I arrived home not even two nights ago by ambulance.

But, how is that damn foot of mine we debulked, anyway? Well, it's phenomenal. Truly, it is. And I attribute that mainly to Dr. Spencer and her kick-ass self. You know what I love about her? The way in which she not only works wonders with her scalpel, but the way in which she was so incredibly dedicated to her craft even after the surgery. So we are about to get four feet of snow in a couple of hours and she has to be in work in Weymouth... & She STILL wakes up at 4am to come and look at the wound and just chat in general with me at my bedside. And this, may I add, was not an infrequent experience... she was consistent in showing up, being there, and nourishing my mind with positive thoughts and seeds of knowledge and inspiration. She would phone in if she couldn't be there in person. Her life perspective, her work ethic, her work skills, all an A+, undoubtedly. 

Below is a picture of me with undoubtedly one of the most inspirational woman I have met thus far on my journey's while inhabiting this Earth: Dr. Spencer! She was so incredibly kind when I asked for a picture. This was taken just prior to the debulking (1st surgery together). 

I have so much more in which I will update you all with soon, including loads of pictures from my 23 day inpatient stay at BCH and stories/opinions galore. I apologize if the writing of this particular article was sub-par, truly I am. At this point in time, I am just incredibly fatigued but the foot itself looks and feels ten times better than I ever could have imagined at this point in time. 

Lots of love and may you all be staying warm! - Arianna Helena

Upcoming Debulking Surgery with Dr. Spencer

"Sooo...this is the moment where I could look back on my life and say this is where it all went downhill, the great demise began..." I asked, my gaze meeting hers. "Yes." She said.

DEEP. FUCKING. BREATHE, ARI, DEEP. BREATHE.

"Okay, papers please."

"You are absolutely sure?

"Okay, i'm ready to sign."

I signed because despite all the complications she described, it was that or stay at the state I am at now that will only worsen and will lead to no mobility and being dependent on pain meds. So whatever happens from here, I am choosing my best shot at a FUNCTIONING life. For me that does not entail hopping from bed to couch and hallway to bed... that is no way to live for me. I am going to be an OCD specialist, and the best damn one in my field someday, just you wait and see ( : and if not, I died trying to obtain something I loved and believed in to the core. And, I may even get to look fabulous in a pair of heels (sp?) doing it ; ) I would be lying if I said I was not riddled with anxiety over the procedure, however.

Dr. Spencer will be doing a debulking surgery on my ankle and foot on January 26th.

Below are just a few pictures from my hospitalization late December that I promised to post a few posts back. I was hospitalized for Cellulitis in my buttock/thigh region. Sending you all so much love! - Arianna