Alex Davidson's fight with DIPG

On August 4th 2014, Alex Davidson, a kind, compassionate, loving, and healthy young teenager was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, known in the medical community as DIPG. He learned that day, that he had a rare and inoperable tumor. Typically, DIPG only affects young children ages 4-8 years of age.  To be diagnosed with DIPG at the age of 17 only makes Alex’s diagnosis even rarer.

You see, Brainstem Glioma is a fast, aggressive, growing and dangerous cancer tumor. The tumor is located in the brain stem and it pushes directly on the Pons. DIPG has no cure. However, there are alternative treatment plans like radiation to shrink the tumor along with experimental drugs. Life expectancy is typically a few months to 18 months from the time of diagnosis. With appropriate treatment, 37% survive more than one year, 20% survive 2 years. and 13% survive 3 years. The prognosis can't be guaranteed.  The treatment can assist in prolonging life, but will it be effective or not, only time will tell.

A little information about Alex. He is a junior at Hart County High School, and a member at Leitchfield Crossing Baptist Church.  He has played baseball since the age of 8 and his favorite baseball team is the Cincinnati Reds.  Although baseball is his favorite sport, he enjoys playing all sports.

Alex is a huge University of Kentucky basketball fan. So much that his Uncle Doug took his truck and “overhauled” it. Just like on the TV show “You Just Been overhauled”! He turned that truck into a Kentucky Wildcat fans dream vehicle.  Alex’s truck was revealed to him and the public during Alex's Benefit Auction on September 6th  2014.  The look on Alex’s face when he realized that he had been “overhauled” was priceless! So, if your local and you see someone driving this extraordinary UK truck – wave and honk with kindness and love for a teen fighting his cancer battle.

Alex is a true inspiration.   He has a positive impact on everyone around him.  He hasn’t let this cancer change who he is. Faithful, loving, caring, kind, …… and so much more. Let us not make Alex fight this battle alone! Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!

This account was set up for many reasons.  Alex’s Mom is a ER nurse who has been on FMLA leave, without pay, for well over a month now. She is always by Alex’s side.  Alex’s Dad, is owner, and operator of a semi truck. If the wheels don’t roll, there is no money flow. He has been forced to go on many long distance runs just to pay basic bills.  With not knowing what will happen next, its heart breaking for him to have to leave his sons side. With the support of family, friends, and strangers like you, let’s help make this difficult time a little easier.

For updates, information and to show your support, please go “Like” Team Alex-DIPG Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma awareness on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/TeamAlexDavidsonDIPG
Alex and his family look forward to reading everyone’s post! God bless you all and keep on keeping on! Can't Stop, Won't stop!!! 

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 This account has been set up by a friend. All information, pictures, and videos have been approved by Alex's family. Updates and other information will be added by myself or Alex's Mother as she has full access to the account.

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Update: Wed (9-24-2014) Alex was admitted for severe headaches and possible focal seizures. MRI completed. Awaiting results.

Update: Thursday (9-25-2014) MRI shows no change in size of the tumor, but some brain swelling.

Update: Saturday (9-27-2014) This morning Alex was placed on a ventilator due to him struggling to breathe. Will be doing a repeat MRI.
Update: Saturday evening:  MRI shows no changes. EEG shows no seizures. So, the question is….. What is causing the issue? Radiation could have caused the irritation to the brain or maybe the tumor is just mad. So, what's next?  A wait and see game I suppose. Can he handle bring removed from the vent? Only time will tell. We will attempt removal sometime tomorrow unless he responds on his own today. If he can't be removed from the vent then we know the tumor is the problem.  He remains in ICU.

Update:  Sunday ( 9-28-2014) Alex remains on the vent. We are hoping they can start the weaning process soon. We have had ups and downs with smiles, waves, and finger motions. Prayer warriors in progress.

Update: Monday ( 9-29-2014 ) After many days of high emotions and tears, we can now say, "God is good." Thank you God for answering prayers. Thanking everyone who was praying for Alex and his family...He is now off the vent and tolerating nasal cannula. Thank God and answer prayers