In a remarkable testament to perseverance and resilience, 16-year-old Alex Costa-Veiga from Shrewsbury has returned to the classroom to take his GCSEs following a challenging battle with cancer. Alex, who was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour in December 2023, faced an arduous journey of treatment that included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, resulting in months away from school.
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Alex’s mother, Melanie, expressed immense pride in her son’s achievements. “Alex has worked so hard, and we are incredibly proud of all he has achieved,” she stated. She acknowledged the many challenges they faced while to navigating this difficult path. “It’s been a difficult journey with a few bumps in the road, but Alex has stayed positive and determined to achieve,” she added.
Despite his health challenges, Alex recently sat his GCSE exams in subjects including maths, English language, biology, geography, and religious studies. While he had to repeat Year 10 due to his treatment, Alex remained focused on his academic goals. After completing his GCSEs, he aims to study biology, geography, and computer studies at A-level, aspiring to become a marine biologist or work with animals.
Prior to his diagnosis, Alex endured a range of unexplained symptoms for over a year, including intermittent morning sickness, vomiting, and balance issues. Initially, these symptoms were attributed to potential stomach problems or anxiety, particularly as he had recently changed schools. Melanie recalled, “Sometimes he would actually throw up, but would then be completely fine for the rest of the day and full of energy. At first, I thought it might be anxiety.”
The turning point in Alex’s health came when he began experiencing double vision. This prompted Melanie to seek immediate medical advice, which led to a referral for a CT scan at Telford Hospital. The scan revealed a mass on Alex’s brain, prompting an urgent transfer to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. “As soon as the consultant said the word ‘mass,’ I knew it wasn’t good,” Melanie reflected, recalling the moment her world shifted.
Following the diagnosis, Alex underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, followed by a lengthy procedure to remove the tumour from his cerebellum, which had already started to spread. Subsequently, Alex faced a year of intensive treatment, including high-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy, often resulting in severe fatigue and other complications.
Initially reliant on a wheelchair for mobility, Alex has made significant progress in his recovery. He can now walk short distances with the aid of a walker and has received corrective eye surgery to address double vision caused by his condition. Additionally, Alex has started hormone therapy, as his cancer treatments impacted his pituitary gland and growth hormones.
In an effort to contribute to advancements in cancer treatment, Alex’s family has donated his tumour tissue for research purposes. Melanie has emphasised the need for further investigation into kinder treatment options for pediatric brain tumours. “We still need more answers and more research,” she stated. “There are only three options — surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy — and they are far too harsh for children. Other countries are developing kinder treatments, and the U.K. must catch up.”
Statistics from Brain Tumour Research highlight the urgent need for increased investment in research and development. Brain tumours account for more fatalities in individuals under 40 than any other cancer, yet only 1% of the national cancer research budget has been allocated to this area since records began in 2002.
Letty Greenfield, community manager for Brain Tumour Research, underscored the significance of Alex’s story, stating, “Alex’s story is a stark reminder that brain tumours are not rare. We stand with Alex and his family in demanding more research, more funding, and better treatments for every child facing this devastating diagnosis.”
While Alex’s family remains hopeful for his future, they acknowledge the long road ahead in his recovery journey. Melanie concluded, “People think once the treatment ends, it’s over, but it’s not. There’s still a long road ahead. We’ve met children on that ward who are no longer here. We count our blessings every day.”
As Alex faces the next chapter of his life, his determination serves as an inspiration not only to his peers but to everyone navigating similar battles. His story sheds light on the ongoing need for research and funding in the field of paediatric brain cancer, highlighting the importance of community support and advocacy in the quest for better treatment options.