When Kaitlyn and Tim McCallum first noticed an unusual mark on their infant son James’ back, their concern quickly grew. Initially appearing as a small birthmark adorned with scabs, it soon evolved into a sizable growth that dominated his back, resembling a large, misshapen mole. The McCallums were thrust into a journey filled with medical consultations and uncertainty, fearing for James’ well-being.
Kaitlyn recalls the early days of confusion, saying, “The medical team was at a loss initially.” She observed the growth expanding, likening its increasing mass to a “heavy turtle shell,” noting it became “bulkier and more uneven” as time passed.
A diagnosis finally came through: James was suffering from a nevus. However, the rapid enlargement of the nevus and the risk of internal complications necessitated surgical intervention. At just two and a half months old, James underwent a procedure to investigate any internal growth, thankfully yielding negative results.
The surgery marked a turning point, significantly enhancing James’ quality of life. His parents witnessed a remarkable improvement in his condition. Still, concerned about the potential recurrence of the nevus, the McCallums turned to a Facebook group for individuals facing similar conditions for advice and support.
Their quest for an effective treatment led them to a specialist in Chicago who recommended tissue expansion—a sophisticated method that involves the surgical insertion of expanders beneath the skin, which are then gradually filled with saline to stretch the healthy skin and replace the affected area. Since beginning this procedure in September 2022, James has shown impressive progress and increased comfort.
Kaitlyn explains the technical yet hopeful process: “The doctor places the expanders under the skin, and then we inject them with saline weekly, slowly expanding the healthy skin to take over the nevus.”
The positive outcome of James’ treatment fills his parents with optimism for his future. “He’s so much happier and more comfortable now,” shares Kaitlyn, hopeful that by summer, James will be nevus-free.
The McCallum family’s journey is a beacon of hope for others facing similar medical challenges, showcasing the importance of persistence and innovation in the face of rare health conditions.
