These things will probably always be an issue

Addison is covered in satellites, moles of varying size, shape and color.  We have had the doctors look her over frequently, and feel pretty confident that they are all fine for now.  However, it was about a year ago (yes, I am that behind - oops!), that Addi came to me telling me some of the bumps on her inner thigh were bothering her.  She said they itched, and hurt.  So I checked them out - and had a mini heart attack.  It happens to the best of us. :) Two of her satellites were raised, and surrounded by red.

A call to the dermatologist later, and we were on our way to be checked out the same day.  That never happens - those doctors are in demand!  Dr. Vanderhooft looked Addi over carefully and came away with good news.  Something had gotten to the satellites and was irritating them.  Nothing to be overly concerned about.  She gave us some hydrocortisone cream to put on the spots to calm them down, and we talked about other options.

Still in my freak out state of mind, I told the doctor that I wanted them off, and she agreed that if it would make us feel better, that is the route we should go.  Dr.  Siddiqi, our amazing plastic surgeon agreed a few weeks later, and Addison was scheduled for surgery number 30.

Yes, Dr. Vanderhooft could have numbed Addi and punched out the satellites in question, but she does so much better with Dr. Siddiqi.  They have a relationship, and she trusts him.

Since that time, we have been more diligent in checking her over frequently for any changes.  I guess this is something that will always be an issue.  Nothing we can do about it.  I probably wouldn't freak out as bad if we were in that situation again, but those babies come off as soon as they start to bug her.

Sorry, no picture - I can't find them. :'(

8 months later

Addison's leg has continued to heal for the last little while.  Here is how it looks today:

She's so proud to show it off!

The end of the line

There comes a point in the removal process when the decision needs to be made as to whether it is feasible to continue.  We are at that point.  Remember, Dr. Siddiqi is not comfortable grafting her toes and the very bottom of Addi's foot, he was recommending laser lightening so that we could monitor it for changes easier.

About two months ago, we saw Dr. Siddiqi, and he again said laser was the way to go, but he (read: Assistant Lindsay) wanted to check and see what laser would be best.  So we waited.  Lindsay was very good to update us on what she had found out, and these were our options:

• Primary Children's has a CO2 laser, but Dr. Siddiqi didn't feel it would penetrate deep enough on Addi.
• The University of Utah has other lasers, but the one that is best (a Qten laser that is usually used to remove tattoos) was broken, beyond repair, and was donated by the SLPD Gang Unit anyway, so the prospects of it being replaced are slim.
• Rent the Qten laser from the laser rental company.  But the laser is in California, and the cost to transport it every 6 weeks would be astronomical, and probably not covered by the insurance company.

Lindsay suggested that we look into going to an actual aesthetic laser center to finish Addi off.  She suggested the only one in Utah, which is located not far (about 10 minutes) from our house.  Yep, they have the laser.  Nope, they don't take any kind of insurance, nor will they even bill insurance.  We would be responsible for the total cost at the time of service, and have to hope for reimbursement.  Not to mention the sedation out of a hospital, on our 4 year old - If they would even sedate.

So, after a great many discussions, we have decided to stop the removal process at this point.  If, when she is older, Addi decides that she would like to have her toes lightened, we will look happily have it done.  I would like to have some scar revision done, but we will wait at least a year to make sure they are all healed.  For now, we have reached the end of the line.

She knows she's different

A while back, Addison started asking when her leg would look like everyone else's.  I told her that she was special and didn't need to look like everyone else.  But I took notice of the fact that she was starting to pick up on the difference between her skin and other kids'.

Addi has now taken it upon herself to answer the questions that people ask.  She was playing with the neighborhood kids, who stopped and asked what was wrong with her leg.  She stated, "It's a birthmark...come on, lets just play."

I'm glad that being different doesn't bug her.  I have noticed through Addi and the comments of other Nevus parents that these kids tend to be opinionated and let things roll off them.

And, I'm glad.

With the amount of surgery that we have been through, and the looks and comments that she has gotten, I'm glad that being different is good.

How's it lookin'

Addi's leg is looking better and better.  We are just waiting for a little bit more to heal.  This is what we are waiting for:

Wanna See?

We are at the "change the bandage everyday, and use these really expensive oil emulsion bandages, and gauze-that-the-insurance-doesn't-cover-because-they-are available-over-the-counter stage" of recovery with Addison.  She has decided this time that she will help, so she does the unwrapping - and does a pretty dang good job of it.

Addi still isn't allowed to walk, but she has figured out how to scoot all over, and crawls around pretty fast.   After some discussion with her pre-school teacher, Addi went back to school last week.  She was a little apprehensive to go.  She was afraid that the other kids would make fun of her.  I assured her that Mrs. Cossa wouldn't let them tease her, so she went, and had a great time.

The pictures on her were taken on Thursday, just one week and one day after surgery.  Since then, the heel portion has started to look worse, so we are having it checked out later today.  Other than that, it really does look good!

And, if you don't want to see the pictures, stop here.  If you would like to see them, scroll down.

The last graft

Addi's expander in her back was so big, and her skin so pliable, that it only took three times to get that thing completely full.  The doc decided to act quickly and get her graft done.  So, we moved it up.  

Because we were squeezed in at the last minute, Addi was the last case for Dr. Siddiqi for the day.  She wasn't scheduled for surgery until 4:25.  She had to go all day without eating.  This also meant that Mary Ann was leaving for the day as we got there.  Good thing for us, she has a friend named Morgan, who was more than willing to sit and play with Addi, and Addi let her go back to the OR to play as well.  No tears at all!

Of course, we had to have the sticker earrings to replace the ones that I took out that morning - which totally ticked her off, buy the way.

Addi waiting for Dr. Siddiqi.  She pretty much had the waiting room to herself.

One last look at her foot.  Most of this is gone, we think, haven't actually seen it.  

Somehow, the stars all aligned, because Dr. Siddiqi was running ahead of schedule.  I don't think that has ever happened before - EVER.  I'm not complaining at all, just pleasantly surprised as Addi walked back to the OR about 35 minutes before she was scheduled to .  

And then Addi messed up the doctor's on time streak for the day (we knew it would happen - 2 hours for her graft isn't enough).  She took just under 3 hours to have the graft done and have her back sewn back up.  She has been telling us since she woke up that her foot itches.  I'm not sure if that is because of the splint she has holding her foot immobile, or her bandage, or just the healing process.  The nurse says that is pretty normal, so we haven't really worried about it, just rubbed the bandage when she complains.  

And even after all that cutting and sewing, Dr. Siddiqi felt that it would be good to send Addi home, rather than keep her overnight in the hospital.  YES!  Addi slept in her own bed, all night long, and was fine.  

Addi isn't allowed to walk until after we see the doctor on Wednesday - he wants to sedate her to change the bandage, take out her drain, and remove her staples.  He is one smart man!

And sitting on the couch one day, Addi took a peek into her bandage, which is open at her toes.  They are still brown, and probably a little more brown than normal due to blood.  She was a bit upset and asked "Hey!  Why are my toes still brown?  Oh that's right, Dr. Siddiqi wants to laser them."  She definitely knows what is going on.