Day 22 - September 4, 2014
During the regular update from the doctor, he discusses the hemangioma and reviews how it will progress with us, making sure we understand what to expect. We do. We have accepted it because what other option is there? Because of the education we have received regarding hemangiomas and the gravity of their placement, we inquire about a small red spot on LoLa's left eyelid. We are concerned it is a hemangioma.
It has the same slightly raised texture and deep, raspberry coloring as the mark on her scalp. The doctor examines it and feels he can rule out hemangioma. He offers alternative, non-medical names for other types of "birthmarks". He says lots of preemies are born with "stork bites" or "salmon patches." This mark looks different from those other types of marks, but I trust his assessment and decide that we can't do anything but watch it anyway.
The doctor also prepares us for some upcoming tests LoLa will need. Some will be normal newborn testing, some will be a little scarier because they are related to her prematurity. He is beginning to give us information about requirements for discharge and pre-discharge testing. We begin to realize that there is light at the end of this tunnel.