C/O 5 Opal Close
Oakwood
Derby
Derbyshire
DR21 2JY
United Kingdom

NB: this is a forwarding address for the Pal, we do NOT disclose home addresses

Email Pal

Alex C's Parents/Guardians

Lorraine

Alex C's Siblings

Alex C's Interests

Watching football, reading, crosswords, puzzles, Lego

Alex C's Favourite Colour

Yellow and Blue

Is Alex C able to read?

Yes

Is Alex C able to use hands?

Yes

Is Alex C visually/hearing impaired?

Yes

Does Alex C suffer from any developmental delay?

Yes

Story written 2008

Alex was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) grade 4 brain tumour in August 2002. He had emergency surgery and was kept asleep for 8 days. In December 2002 he had radiotherapy. He started chemotherapy in February 2003 after finding out the tumour had regrown. He was on Temozomide and Cisplatin first, then Temozomide with Thalidomide. He is still on treatment and takes Thalidomide which is controlling his condition.

Alex has regularly scans (MRI) and at the moment these show no active tumour.

With all his treatment and the tumour, he has been left with a number of problems. He suffers from Epilepsy, short term memory problems, slight loss of hearing, partially sighted (has tunnel vision) and is slow processing information. He uses a wheelchair for anything more than a short distance. He also has a hole in his skull (quite large).

Alex is 16 years old and keeps smiling through all his treatment. He has been so brave. Alex's tumour could recur at any time as it is so aggressive, but Alex tries to live his life happily. He doesn't know how ill he has been.

Update 14th April 2008

Firstly, Alex would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who has sent him post, letters, gifts and emails. He sends his apologies to those he hasn’t replied to. He has loved opening the post and his nephew Nathan has been helping him as well. He is only 6 and has been there for Alex since he has been ill; he has been like a brother to him.

We have had quite a busy month. Alex has had an interview to go to another school (sixth form) as his current school doesn’t have one. He has been shown around the special unit where he will get lots of support (he has problems with short term memory). We have to wait and see if he gets funding to go there.

Alex is still waiting to start growth hormones. This has been going on since November 07, the nurse always seems to be on holiday. He is still taking Thalidomide and he is doing well, except for his seizures, which are ongoing.