A man from California has revealed how he lived ‘like a monster’ for over a decade due to a cantaloupe-sized tumor growing out of the back of his head.
Arlin, from Murrieta, California, became extremely self-conscious when the lump began leaking blood and pus and emitting a foul smell that one nurse almost fainted at.
Despite spending more than ten years searching for a doctor to remove the growth, a lack of insurance and multiple surgeons who said they couldn’t help him led to increased depression.
However, Arlin was given a second chance at a normal life when he met with Dr Ryan Osborne, a head and neck surgeon.
The surgery was successful, and a second skin graft looked to be working.
With the mass gone, Arlin reported having more energy, less pain, and less depression.
He expressed excitement about returning to school and getting a job, saying that surgery has been a ‘huge life changer’ for him.