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Alec’s Story

Site created on May 17, 2022

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

March 9, 2022 started as a normal work day for Alec at his job at a wind farm near Valley City, ND. Up tower he started to not feel well and decided to pack up equipment for the day and head to the shop. On route to the shop he had a seizure and his coworker called 911. The ambulance met them on the highway and he got into the ambulance himself. In the ambulance, on the way to Valley City Emergency Room, he had another seizure. Once stable, they ran a CT scan and noticed a mass on his brain. He was then transported to Sanford Fargo and they ran blood work, EEG, and MRI. Neurosurgeon Dr Jackson was consulted. A large tumor was discovered on his left frontal lobe. Alec spent 4 days in the hospital and returned home to Harvey to heal.

April 5, 2022 Alec had an Awake Craniotomy resection by Dr Jackson and medical team. Surgery went well and tumor was sent to Mayo for testing. He spent 7 days in the hospital. He had EEG to monitor for seizure/brain activity, which they found none, and also Occupation, Speech and Physical Therapy, which he has continued at home.

May 10, 2022 we received Mayo tissue/tumor results and Dr Jackson referred Alec to the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, ND. We met with Dr Bier, Radiation Oncologist and Dr Almquist, Medical Oncologist to discuss their recommendations and treatment plan.

The tumor was not 100% removed, therefore radiation and chemo are the next steps.

Final Diagnosis: Astrocytoma - Grade 2

A GoFundMe has been set up to help with medical expenses and travel expenses. Alec also has an account at First State Bank in Harvey or cards can be sent to 820 4th St, Harvey ND 58341. We are all very thankful for anyone that has donated. Thank you for all the prayers!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/alec-meranda-road-to-recovery

We will continue to update as we go forward! Alec has done amazing so far thru everything, he is truly my HERO!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Karie Meranda — Dec 12, 2023

Just a little update, it's been awhile!!

Yesterday, Dec 11th Alec had a 3 month MRI scan. The results were very positive. It shows that the left temporal resection cavity (tumor/surgery area) is without evidence of residual or recurrent tumor. Everything looks stable, no new growth or suspicious enhancement. ALL GOOD!

Alec then met with Dr. Almquist (oncologist) and had lab work. Everything looks great and the next scan will be in April. His Dr made a referral to a specialist for leg/knee pain that has been ongoing. Chiropractor and physical therapy have not helped much with this. So time to get another opinion.

In Sept, he had an appointment with Dr Lee (neurologist) and they reviewed his MRIs. It was decided that in March, Alec will have an EEG to see if maybe the Keppra (seizure med) can start to be weaned. March will be the 2 year mark, from when he had his seizure.

In life news, Alec and Holly have moved to Devils Lake. They both have new jobs and a fresh start there. So happy for them!

All in all, we are grateful and thankful for Good News!
Happy Holidays!!

Read More of the journal titled "December 12, 2023"

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