Smiles suggest surgery success
FHS athlete’s morale boosted by family support
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Franky Lopez Jr., left, who recently had surgery to remove a tumor from his adrenal gland, is pictured with his father, Franky Lopez Sr., after the procedure. - Photos submitted
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Just prior to his surgery, Franky gets some last-minute words of wisdom and loving support from his mother, Yamira “Yami” Suarez-Lopez. - Photos submitted
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Franky Lopez Jr. as a Farragut High School Admirals lineman. - Photos submitted
Franky Lopez Jr. has had a tough three years, but faced medical issues with the same fierce determination he has shown on the field playing for both the Farragut High School football and Farragut Youth Football teams.
Described by family and friends as a “gentle giant,” towering at 6-foot-3 and weighing more than 450 pounds prior to a recent surgery, the 15-year-old has done his best to face his challenges head-on, with the help of his loving family: mom Yamira “Yami” Suarez-Lopez, his father, Franky Lopez Sr., big sister, Samantha and older brother, Andrew Lopez.
Franky Jr. has had COVID-19 three times, triggering lung issues including asthma, and surgery in January after a CT-scan revealed a large mass/tumor near his kidney.
This finding turned out to be a 6-inch tumor on his adrenal gland that was removed at University of Tennessee Medical Center May 30.
Prior to the surgery, which was performed laproscopically, “the surgeon created a team of doctors, from (East Tennessee) Children’s Hospital and UT,” his mother said.
Thankfully for the family, a follow-up biopsy of the tumor was negative for cancer.
However, “They did remove the entire right adrenal gland because they determined he could still live with one healthy adrenal gland,” Suarez-Lopez said. “After the surgery there was a small complication: they were having a really hard time waking Junior up from the anesthesia.
“It was probably one of the scariest things that we have gone through,” she added. “It took them five hours to wake Junior up. But the very next day he was up and walking around like a true champ.
“(He) still has a while (to go) of doctors, hospitals and testing, but we hope this is also the beginning of his healing. Junior has been put on additional medications and therapy that is not covered by his insurance.
Reaching out, “If anyone could help by prayers, sharing, or donating [to the gofundme account set up for medical expenditures] it would be appreciated,” Suarez-Lopez said.
Franky Jr. “is feeling much better, and has been losing weight” after the surgery, his father said. “He is on a new weight-loss injection once a week, and he has been able to exercise, too.”
Since his surgery, Franky Jr. had lost more than 50 pounds as of late June.
The family is hopeful Franky Jr. will be able to play football this fall. Due to his asthma, he was not able to play last year.
To donate, visit the following link; https://www.gofundme.com/f/franky-jrs-upcoming-surgery
