Update from Duke

We saw Dr. Prose today and at least for the moment, we will be in a state of "watchful waiting." He pulled up a pic he took of Caroline in October and compared it to her now, and it seems the hemangioma has not grown an incredible amount. It has changed some though, so we need to keep a close eye on it to make sure it does not grow any more. We will be going back in two weeks for Dr. Prose to take a look again. The good news is, steroids WILL NOT be in Caroline's future regardless. If the hemangioma seems to still be growing, she will be started on a new medication called propranolol. This is actually a blood pressure medication that has been around for a long time, but is new on the scene in terms of treating hemangiomas. If you are interested, here is a link to learn more about it: www.hon.ch/News/HSN/616440.html All in all I'm just relieved that we have options other than the steroids and that Caroline won't have to go through that again. I'm also doing lots of research myself to learn more about the propranolol and trying to talk to some other parents whose children are taking it. I am also going to consult via email with a vascular surgeon in New York who is well known for specializing in hemangiomas regarding the appropriate time for surgical removal/intervention. Dr. Prose did say today that he thinks that some sort of cosmetic or plastic surgery will be in Caroline's future at some point. Weighing all the options and knowing the right thing to do is very overwhelming at times. We want the best outcome possible for Caroline to minimize any differences in her appearance. Please continue to pray for us that we are led to the right information, the right doctors, and the right treatment for Caroline.