Where is Arlin now? 'Take My Tumor' patient's huge liquid-oozing neck lump made him socially isolated
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In the highly anticipated finale of the TLC show 'Take My Tumor', audiences will be captivated by the emotional story of Arlin, a courageous individual facing the challenges of a large growth on his neck and head that constantly leaks fluids.
Throughout the episode, viewers will witness Arlin's journey as he navigates the ups and downs of living with this debilitating condition, showcasing his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
The gripping conclusion will leave viewers on the edge of their seats as they witness Arlin's final battle against his tumor, and the impact it has had on his life and those around him. Arlin's lump has significantly affected his life, not just physically but also socially. The constant leakage of pus and foul-smelling fluids has caused him to withdraw from social situations to avoid embarrassment and isolation.
In the highly anticipated next installment of the medical drama, viewers will witness Arlin embarking on a journey to Los Angeles, California in search of treatment for the tumors that have plagued his face and neck. His overwhelming dread of the tumors returning only adds to the emotional intensity of his quest for healing.
Audiences will be able to observe the unwavering commitment of Dr Kimberly Moore Dalal, Jason Cohen, and Ryan F Osborne as they put in countless hours to assist Arlin in his journey to eliminate the tumors on his face and neck. The intricate nature of Arlin's medical condition poses huge challenges that could impede his progress toward recovery.
Who is Arlin on 'Take My Tumor'?
Arlin, a man who was recently featured on the show 'Take My Tumor', has a large mass on the back of his neck and head that is constantly leaking fluids. He resides in his home with his mother Jacqueline, although his occupation is currently undisclosed.
In terms of his romantic life, Arlin is not married and shares a close bond with his mother. In a preview of the show, Jacqueline can be seen assisting her son by providing towels to help him clean up the pus and fluids that continuously leak from his massive lump.
In his youth, Arlin was a sociable and talkative individual who enjoyed playing basketball from a young age. However, everything changed when he was diagnosed with his medical condition.
According to his mother, Arlin's personality shifted drastically as a result. She recalled how he became withdrawn and stopped participating in activities he once loved, such as basketball. The teasing and bullying he endured due to his condition caused him to retreat further into himself, ultimately leading him to isolate himself from others.
"Arlin was a very outgoing person. He was very talkative. He played basketball since he was very little but then after this condition happened to him. He kind of shut down," Jacqueline said.
Talking of her son Arlin's childhood, Jacqueline went on to say, "From what I remember he got teased, and then, eventually, as the mass grew and he got teased more, he stopped going."
What happened to Arlin on 'Take My Tumor'?
Arlin, a 33-year-old from Murrieta, California, was recently featured on 'Take My Tumor'. He had withdrawn from the world during high school, grappling with relentless bullying. His self-consciousness heightened as a lump on his body started emitting blood and pus, exuding a foul odor that nearly caused a nurse to faint.
After spending years hiding and searching for a doctor to remove a growth, Arlin's lack of insurance and repeated rejections from surgeons deepened his depression. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when he met Dr Ryan Osborne, a head and neck surgeon, who gave him a second chance at a normal life.
In the most recent episode of 'Take My Tumor', Arlin opened up about the immense challenge of living with a bump on his head, likening the experience to feeling like a monster.
Despite seeking help from numerous doctors regarding the growth, Arlin and his mother faced repeated disappointments as none could remove it due to its size and complex anatomy. Although they were referred to specialists, the cost of treatment remained beyond their means.
"It’s not like we wanted it to get this big but we couldn’t get the help we needed and so it grew. It's hard to see anybody you love in pain or going through what they are going through. He might die. What’s at stake right now is his life," Arlin's mother Jacqueline added.
Arlin had hidradenitis suppurativa, a skin condition that causes painful lesions, drainage, odor, and scarring. The National Institutes of Health noted that the condition can harm mental health due to its physical symptoms.
Arlin had a growth that constantly leaked fluid, pus, and blood, causing him to wear towels around his neck and hats to hide it. His mother had to use candles to mask the strong smell. The cause of his condition, hidradenitis suppurativa, is unknown but could be genetic, environmental, or related to lifestyle.
The inflammation and infection of sweat glands lead to lesions, which are worsened by his anhidrosis. This rare condition, known as anhidrosis, prevents sweat glands from producing sweat. Hidradenitis suppurativa impacts 1-4% of Americans, though this figure may be underestimated.
Treatment for the condition typically entails a combination of antibiotics, creams, steroids, and, in some cases, removal by dermatologists. Dr. Osborne characterized Arlin's condition as challenging to manage, citing frequent breaks in the skin that subsequently become infected, leading to poor hygiene.
Talking of Arlin's condition, Dr Osborne said, "Arlin’s case is sort of out of control and because of that he’s had breaks in the skin and they’ve become infected. It’s a bit of a hygienic mess."
The surgeon assured Arlin of his ability to successfully remove the mass, yet expressed concern regarding his anemia—a condition marked by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells. This heightened the risk of substantial blood loss during the procedure, necessitating a blood transfusion as a precautionary measure beforehand.
Dr Osborne emphasized the importance of minimizing blood loss during the operation, as there was very little room for error. Arlin shared on the day of the surgery, "It’s a huge relief hearing him say that he can remove it. I’m feeling more confident about things going well. I can’t wait to finally get this removed. To finally have it removed today is a big relief for me."
His brother said, "He lost a lot of himself and a lot of years because of this. To say that this is a life-changing surgery - it’s an understatement." Due to the size of Arlin's tumor, Dr Osborne had to perform a skin graft procedure, which entails transferring healthy skin from one area of the body to another.
Despite the surgery going smoothly, one nurse in the operating room nearly fainted due to the unpleasant odor emanating from the tumor. Fortunately, the operation was a success, and the second skin graft seemed to be healing properly.
Following the removal of the tumor, Arlin reported feeling more energetic, experiencing diminished pain, and a noticeable reduction in feelings of depression. After the life-changing surgery, Arlin shared that he was excited to get back to school and get a job. He added, "Surgery has been a huge life changer for me. It’s a huge relief."
