The "H": Laser Treatment Three

Raya had her third and last laser treatment today. She is almost fifteen months old, and strong enough to fight the 'burrito wrap' in which they put her before zapping her, so from now on if we opt for any further treatments, she likely will have to be put under general anesthesia. Since we are very content with how the hemangioma looks right now, and it will probably look even better once the laser burns clear out in the next few weeks, it is unlikely we will do anything further. She is still on propranolol, since there is continuing slight chance that her lip might ulcerate, and we'll probably try to wean her from it in a few months. Time will take care of what remains. Hemangiomas clear completely with time, and we've already done plenty with three laser treatments to help further the healing process.
Our visit today was quite different from all other previous visits. Raya now stands and walks on her own two feet, and she is all over the place, and some. Her quick smile and throaty hi! gets her every nurse's and doctor's attention, and she had a dozen admirers fawning over her throughout the entire visit. She did scream through the whole procedure, and it didn't help that we got her wrapped and sealed her eyes with gauze before the doctor realized that the laser wasn't working, so we had to de-gauze her and carry her all wrapped up for another ten minutes as they set up the second laser. Then once under the "light," with the smell of burnt skin filling the entire room, she pretty much didn't stop screaming until all was done. She is one strong turtle.
Since this is a symbolic beginning of the end, I thought I'd do a very brief then-and-now timeline.

Newborn. You can see the outline of her hemangioma, but it is pretty pale.

 1.5 months old. The hemangioma is at the height of its growth, and her cheeks are already puffy from the steroids. 

 Today right before we left for the third laser treatment. What a difference thirteen months make.

 Waiting not so patiently for the doctor to come.

 After today's third laser treatment.

She got quite a few burns today, which is good. The more and the darker the spots, the more effective the laser treatment. The doctor calibrated the laser differently in order to catch some of the small blood vessels, of which there was a plethora left, especially under her chin, and we'll be curious to see if there was much effect.

Either way, this is one tough turtle. The thought of having gone through this during her first year of life should give her strength and self-confidence for the rest of her life.