Last Thursday we went back to Duke for Grace's dermatologist appointment. She weighed in at 11lbs. 9oz. and her blood pressure was fine. We talked with the doctor and she was pleased with the way the oral medication seemed to be reacting to her hemangioma, as we can both tell a difference in the color and feel. It seems to be less red (and angry looking) as well as not as raised. She has now been at the target dosage of propranolol for 5 days.
We continued with laser and she lasered the 4 small ulcers that she has as well as one of the older ulcers, but overall those that she's had for such a long time now are looking much better. She has one in her armpit that had really bothering her and keeping her from using her arm like she use to. I was really concerned with this particular ulcer because it just didn't look/smell right. It was like fighting her to get her to lift her arm and that would just make her mad as fire because that spot was so tender and painful to her. They did a bacterial culture on it to send off, as they think it is infected. She has taken us off of our old topical ointment and put us on a new ointment that will help with infection. As of today, that particular ulcer seems to be much better. There is no odor and Grace is beginning to use the arm a little more now.
I found
this post online about another baby with an ulcerated hemangioma. She photographed the ulcers at every stage so you can see what one that is ulcerated looks like. I'm not sure what type of treatment she was on though. Ulcerations in the hemangioma are caused when the birthmark grows rapidly, causing breakdown of the surface of the lesion. That's the main reason for the propranolol is to hopefully keep the hemangioma from growing anymore, stopping the growth of any more ulcers!
So, that's all for now! We go back to the dermatologist in 2 weeks.
Here's a few pictures of my Sleeping Beauty...
Time sure is flying by. Grace was 4 months old on September 8th. We go back to the pediatrician next Wednesday for her 4 month check up, and another round of awful shots! 
She's grabbing for things and loves playing with this little monkey toy that she has. She continues to keep her hands in her mouth and do lots of drooling, but no signs of teeth yet. Grace still isn't enjoying tummy time much, but has now gotten to where she can turn over on her side, yet she hasn't figured out how to get on her back just yet! 
