A Mandurah man has undergone an “impossible” surgery that removed more than 50 per cent of his life-threatening tumour.
Alexander Carr will be spending his 21st birthday this week fighting an aggressive brain tumour at Hollywood Private Hospital.
He was diagnosed with the tumour five months ago and told the survival rate of his prognosis was around 5 per cent. He has since undergone multiple infections, radiotherapy and surgeries, the latest of which has had a great result.
In Alex’s fourth neurosurgery at the Nedlands hospital, his surgeon was able to remove more than 50 per cent of the tumour and used titanium mesh so Alex no longer needs to wear a helmet to protect his skull.
His mum Sarah said the surgery’s success made it feel like they have a second chance.
“This surgery gave us something we hadn’t had in months: hope backed by a plan,” she said.
“All 45 staples are out, there’s been no infection this time, and the wound is healing very well. He’s working hard on his speech and the mobility in his right side, and not having to wear the helmet means everything.”
Sarah said they were told at Sir Charles Gairdner, where Alex had undergone his first three surgeries, that this last operation was impossible.
“Throughout that time we were told the tumour couldn’t be operated on. It felt like a door had been closed,” she said.
“In September, we were told to plan for palliative care and that Alex had around two weeks. It was devastating. I broke down.
“Getting a second opinion changed that. Mr Lewis (his surgeon) and his team have bought Alex time to pursue a personalised vaccine.”
Hoping to get treatment overseas tailored to the specific profile of his tumour, his family set up a GoFundMe in September that has raised more than $110,000 so far.
Since creating the fundraiser, Providence Therapeutics in Canada has confirmed a personalised cancer vaccine for Alex, which takes about 10 weeks to develop.
“It isn’t offered through a WA hospital, so we need to fund it ourselves, which is why we’re asking for help,” Sarah said.
With an estimated cost of around $450,000, Sarah said the goal has moved up with each step they have reached.
“We’re humbled by the support from our community and from people further away,” she said.
“Because the treatment costs far more than any single target, we still have a long way to go.”
While they are still waiting to hear what this surgery means for Alex’s prognosis, Sarah said that since the surgery on October 10, Alex has been improving every day. He has also been approved to enter the neuro rehabilitation unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
“Alex is a fighter. He has the heart of a lion,” she said.
“He is doing really well. His speech is a little slow, but his mobility is incredible.
“We hoped he’d reach this birthday, and it’s now in sight. We soak up every moment with him.”
Donations to Alex’s GoFundMe can be made at gofund.me/bf621f473.