Where is Alexandra Schroeder from 'Take My Tumor' now? Massive 20-pound tumor makes her feel hopeless
ILLINOIS, US: In the second episode of 'Take My Tumor', viewers are invited to follow the story of Alexandra Schroeder, a 30-year-old woman grappling with the weight of a colossal 20-pound tumor stretching from her neck down to her waist.
As the tumor on Claudia's lower back continues to grow, the medical stakes soar, prompting doctors to confront the urgent need for a critical surgery intervention. This episode promises an intimate exploration of Alexandra's journey as she confronts daily challenges imposed by her debilitating condition.
In a preview clip teasing the episode, Alexandra candidly discusses her severe condition, saying, "They won't touch it. It's too risky. Because there are so big veins and so much blood they're afraid I'll die from blood loss during surgery."
"I just thought it's hopeless. There is nobody who can help me," she further added.
Under the expert care of Dr. Kimberly Moore Dalal, Dr. Jason Cohen, and Dr Ryan F Osborne, Alexandra's harrowing journey takes a transformative turn. With unwavering dedication, this trio of medical professionals will combine their expertise and skills to ensure that Alexandra receives the best possible care and treatment for her condition.
Throughout the episode, viewers will witness the remarkable determination and compassion of these doctors as they strive to alleviate Alexandra's quality of life and provide her with a brighter future.
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Who is Alexandra Schroeder on 'Take My Tumor'?
Alexandra Schroeder is a graphic designer, utilizing her skills and expertise in the field. However, she faces challenges due to her condition. As a young girl, she had always harbored grand aspirations and it was during her high school years that she developed a strong desire to pursue a degree in graphic design at the esteemed University of Illinois.
Throughout high school, Alexandra discovered her passion for biology, music, and arts, excelling in these subjects, but mathematics posed a challenge, later attributed to Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a condition she navigated with resilience.
During her junior year, Alexandra's path changed as she discovered her deep-rooted passion for medicine. Perhaps this inclination stemmed from her experiences of frequently being in and out of hospitals as a child or from her countless hours spent engrossed in National Geographic magazines.
As she delved into researching potential career paths that combined medicine and graphic design, she serendipitously came across The Association of Medical Illustrators website. These talented individuals were responsible for creating the visually captivating illustrations found in biology and anatomy books. It was at that moment that she realized this was precisely the career path she wanted to pursue.
Despite many obstacles, Alexandra persevered through hard work and dedication, ultimately gaining admission to the University of Illinois as a freshman in 2014, and embarking on the next chapter of my life.
Her journey at the University of Illinois was nothing short of incredible, providing her with some of the most memorable moments she ever had. As part of her curriculum, she took design classes to equip herself with the necessary skills and knowledge for her future career.
Additionally, she enthusiastically joined various clubs and even became a member of a sorority on campus. Supporting her school's athletic teams as a cheerleader also became a passion of hers, even though it often resulted in losing her voice.
The university introduced her to a multitude of amazing individuals, constantly expanding her network of connections. In the summer of 2017, she was bestowed with the incredible opportunity to intern as a graphic designer at the Washington University Neurofibromatosis Center.
This prestigious internship granted her the chance to create medical illustrations, allowing her to gain invaluable experience in her desired field. Through this internship, she has been able to catch a glimpse of what her dream job would entail and it has only solidified her passion and determination to pursue this career path further.
Alexandra Schroeder's struggles with Neurofibromatosis
Alexandra Schroeder, featured on 'Take My Tumor,' is affected by Neurofibromatosis, Alexandra battles with a 20-pound tumor stretching from her neck to below her waist. She was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma as a child but later discovered she had NeurofibroType 1.
As a result of the neurofibroma in her back, Alexandra developed severe scoliosis, leading to the need for spinal instrumentation and six months of wearing a plastic brace.
Despite the challenges, she found joy in decorating her brace with kitty designs, which was especially important to her as a young girl. Each new challenge presented itself as a new adventure, and Alexandra faced them with positivity.
In the fall of her sixth-grade year, the 'Take My Tumor' patient faced another obstacle when the curvature of her spine worsened. She underwent six weeks of traction under the care of a renowned orthopedic surgeon at St Louis Children's Hospital.
During their seven-week hospital stay, Alexandra and her mother made the most of their time, turning her halo traction apparatus into a sparkling masterpiece adorned with rhinestones. Additionally, since her stay coincided with Halloween, they embraced the holiday spirit by decorating her hospital room and participating in trick-or-treating and fun Halloween activities.
Alexandra even dressed up as a leopard with fantastic face paint. However, the following day marked a six-hour surgery, signaling the end of the lighthearted festivities and a return to the seriousness of her medical journey.
Over the course of nearly two decades, Dr David Gutmann has consistently provided invaluable support and guidance to Alexandra in relation to her NF1 condition. Whenever she has had queries or worries about her health, he has been a reliable source of information and reassurance.
What happened to Alexandra Schroeder on 'Take My Tumor'?
Alexandra Schroeder has the rare condition NF-1 neurofibromatosis, which is incurable and causes growths to appear on the body, some of which can become cancerous. In the latest episode of 'Take My Tumor', Alexandra said, "The weight is like having a backpack that you can’t carry on your shoulders. It’s only at your neck." Approximately 1 in every 3,000 individuals are born with NF-1 neurofibromatosis, which is also referred to as von Recklinghausen's disease. A mutation on the NF-1 gene, which controls a protein responsible for cell growth and is believed to prevent tumors, causes this condition.
Neurofibromatosis can cause an enlarged head, shorter height, heart issues, seizures, and difficulties with learning, in addition to the development of tumors. Alexandra has the same illness as the person on the previous episode of the TLC show, Charmaine Sahadeo. Although the condition can be hereditary, a significant percentage of individuals with the disease have no family background in it. Alexandra must exercise caution while moving and walking due to the mass, as it frequently leads to balance issues and falls, potentially harming her growth.
She explained that she tries to stay away from busy places because even a gentle accidental bump against the tumor can be incredibly painful, feeling like being struck with a baseball bat. The girl's father frequently walks behind her in an attempt to safeguard her from harm, making it challenging for her to sit, sleep, and dress. Alexandra has been reluctant to have the tumor removed because she is worried that it may be connected to her spinal cord and removing it could result in paralysis. Additionally, the tumor has a significant blood supply, posing a potential risk of severe blood loss during the surgical procedure. She has been informed by six doctors that they cannot remove it.
Alexandra and her parents traveled a long distance to see Dr. Ryan Osborne, a head and neck surgical oncologist in Los Angeles, in hopes of finding a solution. "For me, it's almost like I wanted to hear a doctor saying,'I think I can help you. I think I can remove the tumor after surgery.' I found hope again," Alexandra said. Dr Osborne described the growth as resembling a cape and expressed surprise at its unusual growth rate. The surgeon explained that the tumor had grown too large for Alexandra to postpone the surgery any further, but performing it would be risky due to the high blood supply to the tumor.
Dr Osborne warned that removing the large tumor would be as drastic as amputating an arm and could result in potentially deadly blood loss. He and his team suspended the tumor above the operating table and used a tourniquet to stop blood flow to combat it. Alexandra underwent a six-hour surgery during which the medical team effectively managed blood loss and successfully removed the entire growth, resulting in only a small scar on her body.
Twelve weeks later, Alexandra went shopping for dresses that she could wear now that she was no longer burdened by the excessive growth. At the end of the episode, Alexandra said, "I feel so much joy now. It’s better than I ever imagined. I imagined how it might be without my tumor and it’s so much better than in my dreams. I'm so happy to have a normal neck." She expressed that she experienced instant relief and felt lighter, mentioning that she now feels beautiful and as elegant as a princess.
'Take My Tumor' airs on Wednesdays on TLC at 10 pm ET.