Noah had a thumbprint size birthmark removed from his face on 10/23/2002. We use to call it his kissing spot. The birthmark started to become visible about two weeks after he was born. It got darker as the years past and began to have some irregular changes. I wanted to get it removed from the beginning, but both his pediatrician and the dermatologist advised us to wait and see.
Finally, we had enough waiting! We felt that it was a decision for his health (possibility of future cancer), as well as cosmetic. We headed to the best plastic surgeon around, Dr. John Reinisch, who at the time was the head of plastic surgery for Los Angeles Children's Hospital . Dr. Reinisch said that the surgery was very simple and wanted to know what we had been waiting for. His confidence was music to our ears. We got on a long list of those waiting for surgery. He was originally scheduled around Christmas time, but we called frequently to check on cancellations. Sure enough, the day came much quicker and with little notice.
The day of surgery was nerve racking. How would he respond to the Anesthesia? Could he handle not eating before surgery? How would his precious little face look? Were we doing the right thing? How would Noah react to the lose of his kissing spot? We even mourned for the birthmark that we would never see again. It had become a part of him.
Surgery was delayed by several hours. Noah is one of those kids that always wants to eat first thing in the morning. His surgery was scheduled for early in the morning, but it was around 4PM before they actually took him in. By God's grace (and many prayers) Noah never asked for a single parcel of food. We did have a small scare, as he dashed for the drinking fountain as they were taking him to the surgical area. Thankfully, we were able to stop him.
Noah was able to take Flopper to surgery with him. Flopper is a stuffed dog that the Ens family gave Noah before surgery. He still has flopper. In addition to the support of flopper, my parents and sister were able to be at the hospital. Evan's parents were watching Samantha at their house. In case I forgot to say it then, thanks! Oh yeah, I am sorry that I was on the edge of a breakdown and cranky to boot.
Surgery and recovery went well. Noah was a champ! He never complained - EVER! Evan and I wore a hole in the carpet of the waiting room. On the way home, Noah got really sick and vomited. Not so fun, but I was glad grammy was there to help. For nine months after the surgery, Noah had to wear special tape over his scar. He peeled it off himself and always had a positive attitude. Gosh. I love that boy!!
Finally, we had enough waiting! We felt that it was a decision for his health (possibility of future cancer), as well as cosmetic. We headed to the best plastic surgeon around, Dr. John Reinisch, who at the time was the head of plastic surgery for Los Angeles Children's Hospital . Dr. Reinisch said that the surgery was very simple and wanted to know what we had been waiting for. His confidence was music to our ears. We got on a long list of those waiting for surgery. He was originally scheduled around Christmas time, but we called frequently to check on cancellations. Sure enough, the day came much quicker and with little notice.
The day of surgery was nerve racking. How would he respond to the Anesthesia? Could he handle not eating before surgery? How would his precious little face look? Were we doing the right thing? How would Noah react to the lose of his kissing spot? We even mourned for the birthmark that we would never see again. It had become a part of him.
Surgery was delayed by several hours. Noah is one of those kids that always wants to eat first thing in the morning. His surgery was scheduled for early in the morning, but it was around 4PM before they actually took him in. By God's grace (and many prayers) Noah never asked for a single parcel of food. We did have a small scare, as he dashed for the drinking fountain as they were taking him to the surgical area. Thankfully, we were able to stop him.
Noah was able to take Flopper to surgery with him. Flopper is a stuffed dog that the Ens family gave Noah before surgery. He still has flopper. In addition to the support of flopper, my parents and sister were able to be at the hospital. Evan's parents were watching Samantha at their house. In case I forgot to say it then, thanks! Oh yeah, I am sorry that I was on the edge of a breakdown and cranky to boot.
Surgery and recovery went well. Noah was a champ! He never complained - EVER! Evan and I wore a hole in the carpet of the waiting room. On the way home, Noah got really sick and vomited. Not so fun, but I was glad grammy was there to help. For nine months after the surgery, Noah had to wear special tape over his scar. He peeled it off himself and always had a positive attitude. Gosh. I love that boy!!
This last picture was taken a month and a half after the surgery.
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