Hemangioma: Laser Surgery 5.12.11

Today was round two for Grace's laser surgery. She is napping peacefully downstairs so I thought I'd take a minute to write about today.

I was afraid that as soon as we'd get into the waiting area that Grace would realize where she was and begin to throw a fit. However instead, she found a little girl that's just 2 months younger than her to play with. They shared books and other toys as we waited. This little girl, Carley, has a port-wine stain on her right cheek and was there for a laser treatment too. Carley's Dad and I discussed the treatments and how unprepared we were for their first surgerys once it was time for them to be put to sleep. Carley was soon called back for her turn and we waited more.

Once we were called back into the pre-op rooms Grace's attitude completely changed. She was constantly crying, saying: "go, bye-bye" or "away" she knew what was about to happen. It took lots of blowing bubbles to get her calmed down. We had discussed at her last treatment, giving her something to help with anxiety but this particular anesthesiologist was different and didnt think we needed to go that route.

After pre-op stuff it was time to head back into the operating room. I was dreading this part because of how terrible it was last time. This time they did let me hold her in my lap while giving her the gas but it still took everyone else in the room to keep her still and keep the mask on her for her to breathe in it. Of course, I lost it again but it didn't take her long to calm down and fall asleep (it felt like forever to me though)!

About 25 minutes later Dr. Bellet came out and told me that things went fine. That Grace was already awake and was mad as a hornet. She did say that she increased the intensity of the laser this time and would like to do another round of laser July 14th. She said we could stop the laser treatments at anytime and see where it would go on its own but she felt that we probably needed one maybe even two more treatments for now.

We then got to go back and see Grace. It took us a while to get her called down. We both knew the only way she was going to calm down was to get her out of there. After some ibuprofen and juice the crying turned to snubs and we were able to get the wires and stickers off, get her dressed and get out of there.

Again, it definitely has dark pink/purple splotches (bruising) all over. This time there were even a few spots that were a brownish color that I'm hoping aren't going to form into scabs. It was really red and irritated looking too right after the surgery but that aspect of it has seemed to go away a little bit. We will continue to keep the area moist with Vaseline until the bruising has resolved, which can take anywhere from 10-14 days and keep her out of the sun.

Scott and I discussed the July 14th surgery and because it is summer and Grace being outside and in the sun a lot that it's not a good time. Dr. Bellet agreed and we're scheduled for another treatment in September.

Thanks again for all of the prayers, messages, etc. today! Things went as smoothly as possible and we've avoided all side effects so far. Now we're praying for no scabbing, no infection, and no blistering.