Hemangioma Update

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wow- its almost been two months since I've blogged. I guess one of my new years resolutions (along with traveling and getting organized) should be to blog on my personal blog more (especially since I'm so bad at finding time to scrapbook now)!

I wanted to sit down and write about Grace's hemangioma appointment before I forgot anything, here goes...

Today Scott and I took Grace to Duke Dermatology for a check up regarding her hemangioma. She hasn't been since February 24, 2010. Wow. We have been very pleased with the look of it and glad that it didn't start to grow back once she was off the propranolol. We knew in the back of our minds that laser would probably be needed eventually and around her current age based on our last appointment, so we were anxious to see what the doctor said.

Dr. Bellet was amazed at not only the looks of Grace's hemangioma but also by how much she's grown. Its been 10 1/2 months since we were there last so she's certianly done some growing. We began the appointment by looking at the first photos that Dr. Bellet ever took of Grace's birthmark. I was amazed at how bad it really was. Now its barely even noticable. I signed a medial records release for Dr. Bellet to email me the photographs that she's taken at each appointment. Once I get those I'll post them so you can all see the change. It will amaze you! I wish I had been better about taking photos of it but I'm glad that Duke has record of it and will share it with me!

Even though Dr. Bellet is pleased with Grace's hemangioma she said our next step / option was to begin more laser treatments to treat the hemangioma further. This would break up some of the vessels, as well as soften some of the scaring that she got from the previous ulcers. This laser treatment is sort of the same as the laser she had on her ulcers, yet different too. Its a lighter laser and instead of just doing the laser in certain spots (like the ulcerated spots) the entire hemangioma will be treated. Because of Grace's age she will have to have general anesthesia during the treatment. Before she was young enough that I could just hold her and she didn't fight back (much) but now she's just too old and mobile to sit still for it. The area being treated will be bruised for up to two weeks following the treatment and improvement can be seen for up to two months after treatment. Once she has her first treatment and the doctor sees the difference from the initial laser that will determine how many of these treatments she'll need. If more are needed then they will probably be scheduled within 2 months of each other.

Our other option was to wait a little bit (~6 months or so) and reassess. Dr. Bellet said even then she knew that laser would probably need to be done. Scott and I discussed our options and decided to go ahead and have her first laser treatment as soon as we could. We wanted to have it done now, rather than in the summer when schedules are busy and it was bathing suit weather as she couldn't have any sun exposure to the treated areas for a few weeks. My main concern was Grace having to be put under anesthesia. Dr. Bellet assured me that it was ok and she wouldnt be under long. She said the procedure will take up to 10 minutes and then she'd be in a recovery room for about a hour (to get completely woken up) and then we'd be able to take her home. She said that most children are back to normal that afternoon, jumping & playing! My other concern was what sort of pain would she be in after the procedure and Dr. Bellet said none. That some bruising would occur but that she wouldn't be in pain. She wont have to wear any bandages like before (because there are no open wounds: ulcerations) So, Grace's first treatment has been scheduled for March 24th. We are unsure of the time and probably wont know until the day before, but I will try to keep all informed!

On a better note- we had a great Christmas and are excited about 2011! What are some of your new years resolutions?

Love to all,
Megan