Meet Lexi

My name is Alexandra (Lexi) Medina and I am 7 years old.  Back in August of 2011, the day before I was supposed to start 1st grade, I was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL, a cancer of the blood).  I found out I had this disease because a couple weeks before my diagnosis, I was playing outside with my little cousins when I fell down and got a scratch on my arm.  By the end of the weekend, that scratch turned into a very large, infected wound on my arm.  Other symptoms I had were loss of appetite, fevers for no reason, no energy and tired all the time.  I was brought to the doctor and they did blood work.  My pediatrician confirmed my diagnosis and I started treatment at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) the day I was supposed to start school.  I lost my hair from some of the chemotherapy, but it is coming back now.  It’s beautiful!! I just recently went back to school, after having a tutor since the beginning of my diagnosis.  I still have the tutor for the days I don’t feel well, but am happy to be back with my friends.  Sometimes I have to stay in the hospital for a long time when my blood counts are low and I get a high fever.  I have received blood transfusions and platelet transfusions too.  I also get spinal taps every few months at the hematology clinic.  I have met a lot of cool kids there.   Even though I am now in remission,  I will be continuing chemotherapy and treatment at CCMC until November 7th of this year.  I can’t wait to take that last chemo pill!!!!!