I can't count the number of times that a doctor has asked me if the fist-sized port-wine stain birthmark on my lower back is a burn. Even when I was getting my epidural, the anesthesiologist paused and said, "Is this a birthmark, or...?"
"Yes," I answered before he could finish. "Just a birthmark."
So, wouldn't you know it- Camden came out with his very own port-wine stain birthmark to match his Mommy's. Only his birthmark covers his left thumb, part of his hand, and a small portion of his wrist.
At his first pediatrician's appointment, they talked to us about potentially having the birthmark lasered off. I figured we'd give him that option when he's older, if it's something that bothers or embarrasses him. And then I thought very little of it again- until his next pediatrician's appointment.
Again, she mentioned the birthmark and told us how easy it would be to have it lasered off. She went on to say that she strongly recommends having it removed at Camden's age, rather than waiting until he's old enough to ask to have it removed like I had planned. This is because the birthmark, while not very large on such a tiny baby's hand, will continue to grow in size as Camden grows. She explained that if we have it removed now, it might take 2-3 treatments. But if we wait until he's, let's say, 12 or 13 years old, it might take 7-8 treatments. And, of course, there's the cost to consider. Insurance doesn't cover birthmark removal (unless the birthmark is on the face) and the cost will be significantly lower at this age than it would be when he's older.
So, in March we have a consultation appointment scheduled with a dermatologist at Duke that our pediatrician highly recommended. I am dreading it. I asked the pediatrician about the pain involved and she said that it would feel like a rubber band snapping on his wrist. And if you read my vaccination post, I'm sure you know how I feel about seeing Camden in any kind of pain.
We'll see how the consultation appointment goes. I'm trying not to worry about it until then. Frankly, I think the birthmark is adorable, but I realize that Camden might not feel the same way when he's 35 with a half-purple hand. Decisions, decisions.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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4 comments:
I would not want to be in your position, especially after having been through his first shot not too long ago. But I think you have a good attitude to go to the consultation and to go from there. You are right not to put too much worry into it now and just take it one step at a time. It will not be an easy decision to make.
I had a friend whose little girl had a birthmark on her forehead and did the laser treatments. She said that once it was done, she felt much better about it as far as the pain part goes. Hopefully you won't have to go alone if you do decide to go forward with the treatments.
On a side note, I also have a birthmark--a stork bite or an angel kiss. Having a birthmark is a funny kind of thing.
Good luck my dear. It's not easy having to make big decisions like that when your baby is so tiny. Best of luck at the consult!
He's beautiful just the way he is but I support whatever you guys decide.
It IS an adorable little birthmark. And kind of neat that it came from you. :) It seems possible to regret one day NOT having it removed (for instance, if he's made fun of or is embarrassed by it), but I can't really think of any reasons to regret, in the long run, having it removed, can you? If you decide to go through with it, just take some pictures of his sweet little hand before the procedure so you'll always remember it. :) And if you decide he should keep his cute birthmark, and some mean bully makes fun of him, just remember he has 2 older cousins to help beat that kid's ass. :)
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