Former Wrestler Grapples With, Then Bests Her Tumor

Skyla Warriner’s life changed in the blink of an eye. Shortly before a routine dental appointment, she felt intense pain, which she described as feeling like she had a hole in her jaw. Her dentist referred her to an orthodontist, who took an X-ray.

The images confirmed the presence of a tumor, and oral surgeons agreed that a biopsy was the best next step.

At just 15 years old, Skyla had been living a mostly typical high school life in Jensen Beach, Florida, along the Treasure Coast. She was an avid wrestler, and colleges were showing interest, but that all came to an abrupt halt. The constant talk about the potential for cancer took an emotional toll, and she was overwhelmed by the thought that her dreams were slipping away.

“I was trapped in a huge void,” Skyla said.

The family’s attempts to find the proper care forced them to make tough decisions. While local pathology labs couldn’t specify the exact nature of the tumor, they eventually turned to specialists at UF Health.

UF Health pediatric cancer specialists later confirmed Skyla’s tumor was not cancer but a rare inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. While benign, the fear was that the tumor could spread.

She was sent to UF Health Ear, Nose & Throat to determine a surgical plan. Skyla and her mother, Ocea, met Peter Dziegielewski, MD, known to patients as “Dr. Dz,” a renowned head and neck surgeon in UF Health’s ENT department.

After learning the tumor was not cancerous, Skyla felt some relief, but she still had challenges ahead.

In January 2023, just four months after her initial dental appointment, she underwent jaw surgery. In fact, Skyla would become UF Health’s first “jaw in a day” patient.

Jaw in a day is a groundbreaking procedure that combines tumor removal, jaw reconstruction and dental implants in a single surgery lasting 8 to 12 hours. It’s used to treat jaw tumors, infections or traumatic injuries, and it reduces recovery time and quickly restores function and a patient’s appearance.

“The surgery was a success,” Dr. Dz said. “We were able to remove the tumor with negative margins and reconstruct Skyla’s jaw with a bone from the fibula in her leg. We placed dental implants into the bone and a dental prosthesis on top of that. She woke up from surgery with a new jawbone and a full set of teeth. Until recently, a full oral reconstruction like this would have taken a year. We can now make a full jaw in a day.”

Skyla spent a week in the intensive care unit, beginning the long road to recovery with therapy and follow-up appointments.

Despite the exceptional surgical care and compassionate support, Skyla found her recovery emotionally and physically exhausting. She didn’t feel like herself. Her reflection was unfamiliar as the loss of lymph nodes caused significant swelling. At times, she couldn’t speak, and the former wrestler now needed a walker.

Mundane tasks became difficult, and she needed help with everyday tasks she once took for granted.

As weeks passed, Skyla slowly regained her sunny outlook.

“I started going out more,” Skyla said. “I felt like I was me again.”

Two months after surgery, Skyla was eager to return to full physical activity and a regular diet, but setbacks slowed her recovery. First, a mild leg infection. Then, two of her dental implants loosened. They were replaced and healed well.

But her biggest trial wasn’t physical. It was emotional.

Co-workers and schoolmates often made fun of her scars or asked why her face was so swollen. She learned who her true friends were. Skyla says her perspective on life shifted, and the experience helped her grow.

Ocea, too, found the string of events grueling. As a mother, hearing that her daughter could have cancer and watching her undergo such an ordeal was heartbreaking. She wanted to stay strong for Skyla and not add worry or stress.

“It’s just so hard to be strong when you don’t know the outcome,” Ocea said.

Notably, the mother-daughter duo recalls Skyla insisting on getting 3D prints of her jaw as a keepsake. Without hesitation, Dr. Dz went back into the operating room to ensure she could take them home. He was a tremendous source of support. He advocated for them often, including communicating with Skyla’s school, which was sometimes complicated during her diagnosis and recovery.

Skyla and Ocea say they remain grateful for Dr. Dz’s unyielding support and reassurance.

“All of the doctors and staff were amazing,” Ocea said. “I would recommend them to anyone, any day.”

Dr. Dz said his patient inspired him.

“Skyla has been the definition of courage. She went through a massive operation and was ready to start walking the next day. She recovered quickly in the hospital and was determined to get back to normal as soon as possible,” he said. “She has always maintained a positive attitude and a smile on her face despite all the physical, mental and social challenges thrown at her. Her journey has been an inspiration and brings tears of pride to my eyes.”

More than a year later, Skyla’s life was starting to feel back on track. She has a job and drives again. She’s regained her independence, and although wrestling is no longer her goal because of the operation, she’s focused on becoming a nursing assistant.

Now a high school senior, Skyla is taking medical nursing assistant classes and recently finished her first round of clinicals. She’s loving it and wants to continue her education to become a nurse.

“Life isn’t totally normal,” she said, “but it’s a better outcome than what I thought my life would look like from what I first heard.”