Ready for surgery

The first part of Arriana Juarez’s treatment is done.

But much work remains for the 3-year-old Monahans girl who suffers from a large vascular tumor on her face.

Three times Arriana has been to New York, where she underwent laser treatment Sept. 28 with Dr. Milton Waner. Her mother, Regina Bustos, said she’s now awaiting word on when she can begin surgical procedures.

“Everything should be OK — they haven’t given us any bad news,” Bustos said. “They know what they’re doing.”

The medical procedure will consist of inserting a tracheostomy collar in Arriana’s throat and removing some of the tumor the next day, Bustos said.

The laser treatment was able to improve the color in Arriana’s face and prepare her for surgery.

“Yeah, it’s a little lighter,” she said. “It was real pink at first.”

So far, various fund-raisers have brought in around $32,000 toward Arriana’s surgeries, Bustos said. Ultimately, it could take up to $150,000 to pay for all the surgeries.

But no matter how much money is raised or surgery is performed, Arriana’s attitude hasn’t changed, her mother said. She’s as rambunctious and curious as ever.

“She’s still the same little Arriana,” she said.

Although doctors are telling the family Arriana’s long-term future looks good, Wendy Johnson, her great aunt, said they’re trying not to think about it.

“It’s been crazy, but we’re excited,” she said. “I hear children are resilient.”

As for Bustos, she expresses much of the same sentiment she did four months ago.

“I’m just looking for it to be all over and done,” she said, “With everything back to normal and happy.”