Hardy, Arkansas
In 2000, Alexis was born six weeks premature. According to Misty, her mother,
she was a beautiful baby  with a flawless complexion.
When Alexis was 2 days old, Misty noticed a broken blood vessel on her daughter’s
left cheek. By the time she was a week old, the blood vessel had turned into
what looked like a large birthmark. It covered most of her left cheek, the
left side of her nose, the left side of her upper lip and inside her mouth.
At Alexis’ first visit to the pediatrician, he was concerned with the
growth and immediately sent her to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Alexis
was diagnosed with a large compound facial hemangioma.
“When we first were told about Alexis’ hemangioma from Dr. Jay
Kincannon, we were devastated,” says Misty. “He told us what could
happen in the days, weeks and months ahead in Alexis’ life. He didn’t
pull any punches; he wanted us to be prepared for what could happen.”
The hemangioma continued to grow. After her initial diagnosis, Alexis endured
many laser treatments. She also took oral steroids, which inhibited growth
of the hemangoima, but the growth developed so quickly and became so thick
that the laser eventually did not penetrate the layers of the skin.
Alexis had many other laser surgeries until she was 18 months old, at which
time her doctor determined that major surgery was needed to remove the growth
from her face. After that surgery was complete, Alexis had another surgery
to repair her nose and upper lip.
Misty says the best part of her daughter’s experiences at ACH was the
care and concern that everyone showed the whole family.
“At ACH, each and every person we were in contact with helped us with
anything we needed,” Misty says.
Alexis, who will turn 7 in May 2007, loves music and is always singing and
writing her own songs. She will continue receiving treatments at ACH, but her
family is relieved that the worst is over.
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