top of page

Stevie and Christine's story

Writer's picture: hemangiomamommahemangiomamomma

Hello from Canada! My name is Christine and this is our beautiful daughter Stevie . Stevie is 2.5 months old and was born with a “mixed focal subtype” hemangioma on the top of her head. They consider it to be quite deep.


When she was first born we noticed the tiniest little mark on her head, barely visible (it look like half the size of a pinky nail, very light in color). It slowly grew over a 2 week period, the color changed to a deeper red but remained flat.


Having worked as a nurse in the NICU and Maternal/Newborn unit prior to my maternity leave I had seen hemangiomas before. However, I have never seen this type where the rate of growth was so rapid and raised at the top of her head. At about the month mark it was as if we went to bed and in the morning it had grown 2x the size. Naturally, we were concerned about the rate of growth and how tight it appeared. I had heard (never seen) that they can ulcer if left untreated. They measured hers at 3-4 mm prior to treatment.


At Stevie’s 2 month appointment we were referred to a Peds dermatologist where we were prescribed propranolol. Her doctor classified her as “moderate to severe” risk for ulcering if not treated.

(Photos right before treatment)


We have started the propranolol for over a week now and noticed after 3 days it’s decreased in size.


We are having a difficult time getting her to take the medication and keep it down (she naturally was a regurgy baby before the propranolol). It seems like a battle twice a day to continue this process for 9 months (as suggested by our doctor) and we are also noticing some side effects like sleep disturbance and definitely cold hands/feet (We are tough northern Canadians but this is next level cold!)

We are hopeful that in time she will adjust to the medication and we can continue seeing results.


I was so grateful to have found this support page, as I too fear for her growing up with the stares and comments regarding her sweet strawberry mark. We are only 2.5 months in and have already unfortunately received a few ignorant comments.


She is perfect, unique and so beautiful, I have self-talked my anxiety around regarding what it looks like and convinced myself to just enjoy these amazing newborn infant moments, as we all know they go by in a blink.


I have attached a really beautifully written message below which resonated with me, I thought I’d share it:


“When it’s time for them to go, it all hits you like a ton of bricks. And all you can do is pray, hope, and trust that God will protect them as they start to make their way into the world alone. Parenting is by far the most amazing experience of your life, that at times leaves you exhilarated while others leave you heartbroken. But one thing is certain: it’s never enough time. So for all the parents with young children whose days are spent trying to figure out how to make it through the madness, exhausted day in and day out… Soak. It. All. In. Because one day all those crazy days full of cartoons, snuggles, sleep overs, Christmas morning magic, ball games, practices, and late night dinners… All come to an end. And you’re left hoping that you did enough right, so that when they spread their wings…. They’ll fly.”


Read the whole message from Love What Matters here.


Anyway, this is our story so far and I am totally open to chat with other mamas about their sweet little babes and experiences!


Love and light,


Christine + Stevie

Instagram: @salutethesun


If you like to share your story, do not hesitate to write to hemangiomamomma@gmail.com.

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Publicar: Blog2_Post

Hemangioma Momma

Formulario de suscripción

¡Gracias por tu mensaje!

©2023 por Hemangioma Momma.

bottom of page