'The ugly lump is gone. I could cry with gratitude.'
Wenneke's full story appears in the August issue of Santé (available in stores until August 11). She documented her foot surgery experience in Spain, where on April 27 she had the lump on her toe removed at Clinica San Román—a specialized clinic with 30 years dedicated exclusively to foot procedures.
Read the next chapter of her diary, starting from her return home.
Thursday, May 7
Navigating Amsterdam with a limp is challenging. The odd Chinese Velcro shoe meant to protect my operated foot draws stares, and I'm a bit self-conscious. Cycling is off-limits for now, but I risk the cargo bike once used for the kids—it's stable, and groceries wait. Shoppers at Albert Heijn give me sympathetic looks as I hobble along flat-footed.
To top it off, the cargo bike's lock key snaps. Laden with bags, I push it home like a walker. That evening, interviewing Chinese piano virtuoso Lang Lang for work, I slip my good foot into a stylish flat-heeled boot out of vanity. Spotting my surgical shoe, he quips, 'Made in China.' We laugh, though I feel less glamorous in the Concertgebouw.
Friday, May 8
I wake up sore. My foot looks swollen under the bandage, and one operated toe seems misaligned. Feeling guilty for overdoing it yesterday, I snap photos and email them to Clinica San Román in a panic.
A prompt, reassuring reply arrives: I can gently readjust the toe using the special bandage they provided. In three weeks, when it's removed, all will be well. Relieved, I resolve to take it easy—elevating my foot often. The swelling subsides quickly, and pain fades.
Saturday, May 9 to Saturday, May 30
Daily life resumes. Writing articles works fine despite the injury. My little toe realigns properly, and any lingering pain diminishes steadily. I adapt so well to the limp it feels normal.
But Pentecost Eve, I'm done with the grimy, itchy, smelly bandage—exactly three weeks post-Alicante. I head to OLVG's ER to have it removed, but they decline due to foreign surgery risks and potential unfamiliar bacteria. Protocol prevails. So, I handle it myself.
Back home, scissors in hand, I follow Clinica San Román's instructions to cut it off. A flaky foot emerges, begging for a soothing lavender foam bath. Once dry, I inspect: stunning results. My new foot mirrors the healthy one perfectly—the ugly lump gone, toes straight. Tears of gratitude well up.
Sunday, May 31 to Tuesday, June 16
To play it safe, I stick with the Velcro shoe, applying gauze and healing ointment to the former nodule site. Scabs heal rapidly. I get an X-ray at OLVG and send it to the clinic.
Mobility improves daily; soon, barefoot walking at home. I snag ultra-soft leather flip-flops and ease into them.
Wednesday, June 17
Clinica San Román emails: X-ray perfect! In six weeks, a transformed foot—nearly fully functional. I run, bike, swim; scars invisible.
Occasional swelling aside, no soreness remains. A miracle. In two months, high heels await—I eye the most stunning pumps ever.
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