Chloe's surgery

After Chloe's 2 year checkup, Dr. Nandwani felt that her hemangioma was not reducing in size like he had hoped.  He sent us to a pediatric dermatologist down at Texas Childrens.  We saw a woman that specialized in hemangiomas so I felt very confident in seeing her.

My poor girl was not a fan of this initial visit.  She didn't like the gown, didn't like the PA, didn't like being there!

This was the only thing that made her happy!

The doctor recommended having it surgically removed instead of trying out a topical treatment (like I was expecting).  She said that even if the red area went away with time, it would be replaced with fatty tissue that would stick out similar to the size it is now.  She also recommended doing it sooner than later.  

Since we figured it would be easier to get it done before a third child comes along, we went ahead and scheduled the pre-op appointment with the plastic surgery department.  Thankfully, this appointment went so much better!  She even got a rubber duck and a sticker after.

We had her surgery done at the beginning of February.  I was a mix of emotions that morning.  I was so unsure of how Chloe would do given her previous appointments but I also felt a peace about it and knew that everything was going to be fine.  

Texas Children's Hospital does such a great job during every step of the surgery.  Chloe loved playing in the waiting room.

They told us to bring her favorite stuffed animal so bunny came too!

They have a second waiting room where the anesthesia team comes to ask questions and see the patients.

She equally loved this area.

She was so brave as they wheeled her back in a little wagon.  After about 45 minutes the surgery was over, and we were so excited to see her in post-op.

She was really sleepy for a while but woke up and was thrilled to eat some popsicles.

My sweet girl.  She just looks so innocent and tiny in this picture.  

She was such a champ every step of the way.  She didn't cry through any of it except when they put the bandaid on her hand after removing the IV.  Not when they removed it.  When a bandaid was put on her!  She literally wouldn't stop crying until that bandaid was removed.  

We were home by around 10 am and took it easy the rest of the day.  Some sweet friends brought by goodies for her.  She is one lucky little girl.  By the afternoon she was back to her normal self sprinting around the house! 

The day truly couldn't have gone better.  Chloe did so well, and all of our prayers were answered!