One of the primary reasons I started this blog was to chronicle/document/share Greer's journey with her "beauty mark". She was born with what is called a Port Wine Stain, and it will forever be a part of her....
and we made the decision very early in her life to begin laser treatment as early as was safe for a baby. Thanks be to God, research came out not too long before she was born recommending that laser treatment was much more effective when started early in the life of a child. We prayed and prayed and pah-rayeed! about what to do (it was not an easy decision.....the treatments hurt like "you know what"). How could we possibly do THIS....
to our sweet, precious Greer? How could we listen to her scream as they held her down and zapped her over and over (thank heavens, it only takes about 5 minutes for her treatments)? How could we put her through the swelling, the itching, the smearing on of vaseline and aquafor....the stares and scolding of cruel strangers? How could we decide to electively put her to sleep for the procedures once she was 6 months old (old enough to receive anesthesia for an "elective" procedure.....we don't technically consider them elective, but I digress)? How could we???
This is how....
At 18 months of age (and after 7 laser treatments), Greer has had about 80% fading of her PWS (and we continue to see fading with each treatment). She has a future ahead of her that may not even be affected by the fact that she was born with a birthmark. No one notices it anymore (except after treatments), and it doesn't come up in conversations with strangers (but my close friends make sure to ask me how it's going). I no longer feel like we have to explain ourselves.....
"No, I didn't let her get too much sun."
"No, she doesn't have a rash."
"NOOOO! I didn't hurt my baby......for HEAVENS sake!!!"
And it seems someone else is interested in what it's like to live with a Port Wine Stain. Oprah has put a request out for viewers living with a PWS. And, on a whim, I decided to share our story. In hopes of bringing hope to new parents faced with the same decisions we were faced with almost 18 months ago. Who knows.....
He's our all boy, athletic, Daddy loving, amazingly messy, school adoring, people pleasing, ultra sensitive, fruit craving, mercifully giving, bed hopping, dangerously destructive, absolutely precious first born.
She's our extremely funny, big hearted, completely dramatic, very talkative, nurturing, terribly sassy, independent, fashion forward, chocolate craving, brown eyed, Mommy helping, sorta sneaky, beautifully stunning second born!
8 kind words:
I'm sure it was a difficult decision to put her through the painful treatments but the pain she would suffer growing up with that birthmark would've been far greater i'm sure! how exciting you might be on Oprah! and what a blessing it would be to share your trials and tribulations with others who are dealing with the same thing.
I hope you do get to share your story on National TV! What a great chance to share your faith and your family. If you do get on Oprah's show you'll be the 3rd friend I know who's been on her show. One friend of mine has been on the show twice (she could give you pointers-ha!). Actually, the other friends of mine were on Dr. Phil's show, not Oprah. Either way, this is a terrific, inspirational, touching, emotional story and it should be shared.
God answered your prayers. I would've done the same thing. Miss G will thank you later too.
She's gorgeous, by the way!!!!!
A story that preaches a message all on its own ... in so many directions. Hi. I'm elaine. Not sure how I "arrived" at your blog, but I am blessed by your story. You are good parents.
peace~elaine
Well that's just pretty stinkin' cool! What a wonderful opportunity to spread info about PWS - helping other parents who are experiencing the same thing, and being able to be a great testimony in the meantime. Sweet. Keep us posted!
that's great that you are getting to share Greer's story. i'm still in the process of talking to a dr. about having mine removed b/c i'm still a little scared. hope you guys have a great beach trip.
take care,
shanna
Wow! I can't believe the amazing fading you are seeing! Ours hasn't been that dramatic. I wish it had. So, I googled the Oprah thing and I am about to submit our story as well! Wouldn't that be amazing if we could meet for the first time on Oprah!
It's so great that you are willing to share your story. I am sure it will be an encouragement to other families facing a similar situation! Praise God for the healing precious little Greer has seen!
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