Today my little girl had her first surgery to have a mole removed from her arm. About a month ago my wife took both our children in to see a dermatologist to have their moles examined... we decided to do this because 3 years ago I was diagnosed with melanoma in an existing mole and my dad had melanoma on his face a year prior to that. So, knowing that there is a family history of melanoma and that melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers, taking a life every hour... we thought that it would be prudent to have our children checked.
During Aspen's examination the doctor thought that the lesion on her arm was suspicious and needed to be examined by a dermapathologist. The result of her biopsy came back as a "Spitz Nevus" which is a rare mole that can arise in children. The reason they wanted to have it removed by excision -- essentially surgically removing the mole and the surrounding skin -- was two fold: (1) was to prevent it from turning into melanoma in the future since this kind of mole has a higher risk of becoming cancer and (2) This kind of mole's cells look very similar to melanoma cells, so removing it had to be done to rule it out. Needless to say, we are thankful to God that it was found early and that Aspen won't have to worry about that mole in the future!
As with any parent, you would trade places with your child in a heart beat if you could... and I wish I could have, but God saw her through this whole thing with no complication! THANK YOU LORD! As a photographer my camera is never far from me, so documenting Aspen's first surgery was a must. The following images tell the story. By the way, she is home and doing very well with no problems and no pain! Again, THANK YOU LORD!
Aspen just received her ID bracelet... I think she liked the color.
Judy, Aspen's Sunday school teacher gave her this little lamb that she really loves... she even took it into surgery with her. Thanks, Judy!
The culprit!
Aspen pointing at her soon-to-be boo boo.
Aspen watching some cartoons before her "Happy Juice" comes.
The HAPPY JUICE has arrived!
All right, now, we can officially say that the lights are on but nobody is home!
Getting our questions answered by one of the doctors. Aspen looking pretty... well, you know, out there.
Off to surgery.
Back from surgery... needing some mommy time!
Aspen just realized that she has an IV in her hand.
The nurse was so nice and ask if I would like to be in a picture. As a photographer I am rarely on the other side of the lens.
Aspen getting her IV removed.
Aspen getting a really cool leopard print band aid before she is released. Mommy real likes the band aid!
We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for little Aspen... it really meant so much to us! God bless you!
