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Jose SerranoAn 11-year-old Mexican man who had part of a huge lymphangioma on his neck successfully removed
Country:
 Mexico |
Content:
- Biography of Jose Serrano
- A Life Impacted by a Lymphangioma
- A Journey for Medical Help
- Hope and Challenges in Treatment
- A Life-Saving Decision
- A Miraculous Recovery
- A New Lease on Life
- Looking Towards the Future
Biography of Jose Serrano
Jose Serrano is an 11-year-old boy from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, who underwent a 16-hour surgery to remove a massive lymphangioma from his neck. With the help of missionaries and American officials, Serrano was brought to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he received professional assistance.
A Life Impacted by a Lymphangioma
Serrano's lymphangioma had grown to the point where it partially blocked his throat and put pressure on his heart and lungs. The benign tumor caused him to be deprived of simple joys in life, such as riding a bike, swimming, or running. Even a minor fall could result in serious bleeding for Serrano, and he constantly faced the stares of people on the street due to the size and weight of his tumor.
A Journey for Medical Help
After missionaries from the First Baptist Church in Rio Ranch noticed Serrano in his poor hometown of Ciudad Juarez, the boy was sent to New Mexico. With a medical visa, Serrano was able to reach the place where he would receive help.
Hope and Challenges in Treatment
Doctors placed their hopes on a new medication called sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, which was supposed to reduce Serrano's problems, including his narrowed airways that hindered the surgery. However, after 18 months of treatment, it became evident that this therapy was not working for him. Instead, the doctors discovered a dangerous infection in the young patient from Mexico.
A Life-Saving Decision
Despite the risks associated with operating on a lymphangioma, the surgeons decided not to give up and attempted to save Serrano's life. Prior to the serious procedure, the boy expressed his nervousness, as it was his first time undergoing surgery. His father, Jose Sr., added that they had to make certain sacrifices for their other children in order to provide for Jose's medical needs.
A Miraculous Recovery
The team of 12 surgeons from the University of New Mexico's pediatric and pediatric surgery departments operated on Jose Serrano for 16 hours. Although there were complications, with only a portion of the tumor measuring 30x10 cm being removed, Serrano amazed everyone by making a full recovery. His lymphangioma no longer caused him pain or discomfort.
A New Lease on Life
With his tumor gone, Serrano can now enjoy activities that were once impossible for him. He can ride a bike, play soccer, and spend time with his siblings. The doctors have stated that the scar tissue formed by the lymphangioma will decrease in volume in the coming months.
Looking Towards the Future
Thanks to the team of American doctors, Jose Serrano now has many new goals for his future. He expressed gratitude to the doctors and pastors from the church who helped him and his family. Serrano dreams of pursuing an education, graduating from university, finding work, starting a family, and eventually becoming a mechanic.
