Vascular Birthmarks ( My experience )

When my daughter was 6 weeks old, I noticed that she has a lump on her cheek and freaked out. After X rays, CT Scans and One horrible experience with an MRI where they sedated her, It was concluded that she has a Hemangioma. But it was the normal "Strawberry Hemangioma", It was cavornous. By the time she was 6 months old her Cheek measured 6cm by 6cm. It may not sound big but yes on a baby, it was huge. She also had to go to the eye doctor at this point because it looked as though it was moving behind her eye. I was devastated and of course blamed myself. I had a really hard time coping. I could not even look my own daughter in the mirror because that seemed to make it bigger or in truth showed its real size. There are not many places to look for support. I got the support I needed from the vascular birthmark foundation. They also refered me to a different doctor as her first plastic surgeon pretty much used her as a test dummy. Thankfully we found Dr. Hochman who is a specialist in only vascular birthmarks from charleston SC and my second opioion Dr. Wagner In NY. I lay alot of my thanks there. Today she is 2 years old and does she know its there? No. It doesnt bother her. I still to this day stay strong to the fact that I refused to put steriods into my childs body. I dont regret it one little bit. We still are not out of the clear. Although it seems to be shrinking on its own or was, It is at a stand still at this point and may still require the surgery to remove it. I am delaying this as long as possible as there is so much that can go wrong. But she is happy and healthy and my little light. I have also loved not to blame myself and put that energy into supporting others that need it. Its a tough road and support is needed.