We have been on a hiatus from laser treatments, partially because we stopped noticing any difference after the last few treatments. However, more recently we noticed that Enler's birthmark was getting darker. We met with the new dermatologist (his old dermatologist had retired, but turns out Jewel went to medical school with the new one!). He agreed it would be beneficial to treat again. Maintenance treatments can help prevent darkening of the birthmark, as well as thickening of the skin. So, after we confirmed with insurance that it was covered, we had his 12th treatment scheduled.
Like old times, grandma met us at the hospital early in the morning (6 am). This time we had Neala with us (Jewel had been 8 months pregnant with Neala during Enler's 11th treatment, now Neala is 2.5 years old). Also, we had a visitor from Spain, Violeta, who came with. We all wore our Star Wars shirts, because we call the laser a 'lightsaber.' We didn't have to wait long before we were called back and at 7:30 am he was taken back for his treatment. Everyone was lovely and let Graham and Jewel bring Enler back to the operating room. Neala gave him extra kisses.
We just had time to run to the cafeteria and grab delicious breakfast burritos before they came out to say he was done. Everything went well. They decided to start at a lower frequency of the laser this time, since it had been a few years since the last treatment, but his birthmark still responded well to it. He did great! He was a little sleepy waking up, and complained of a bit of pain the day of, but had no further complaints while he healed.
It took him about a week and a half and then he was ready for 1st grade to start. Here are photos to document his healing journey.
Pre-treatment
They had a pin ball machine and Enler had SO much fun playing!
Immediately Post-treatment
He got to ride out to the car in a wheelchair with his proud sister.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
All healed and ready for 1st grade!
