After receiving my astrocytoma diagnosis, I found myself overwhelmed by medical information that was hard to understand, let alone apply to my life. Like so many others facing this journey, I wanted to make sense of what lay ahead in a hopeful, human-centered way.

 I’m Alexander Barnes. By profession, I’m a UX/UI designer for the last 16 years, crafting experiences that bridge the gap between human needs and digital worlds.

The journey with Astrocytoma, including AI-assisted and reflections on the fragility of the brain and the afterlife.

Just had an out-of-this-world experience because of Astrocytoma. If it weren't for the photos, no one would believe me!

“Be a positive energy trampoline – absorb what you need and rebound more back.” — Dave Carolan

“There is nothing more complicated than perception.” ATRX - IDH1 - TP53 - And their strange mutations.

“Mortality gives meaning to human life. Love, friendship, these are precious because we know they cannot endure.” -Data

“But whatever the meaning and purpose of this universe, you are a legitimate part of it.” - Gene Roddenburry

I’m not sure what to think about how long I’m going to live now. Not sure I will live a normal length of life and might have to pray for only a decade or two. I’ve heard some horror stories online about…

This has been the darkest week of my life. Sunday night I had a seizure and was admitted to Kaiser. They performed a CT scan and saw…

"It was a UFO!" some exclaimed. But within my family, raised on a diet of "Star Trek" and the hopeful idealism of the 60s, there was no room for fear, only curiosity.

Had a really profound dream last night. I’ve been reading and watching testimonials about DMT experiences which I think was the background of this dream.

Like many, many chapters in The Amaranth Chronicles: Deviant Rising, Chapter 12: There were four lights, is one I think both Chris and I have seen clearly in our

Just woke up from a nightmare. I literally didn’t have time to even edit this, I just need to get this out.

Some might say I’ve spent too much time alone since the pandemic started, but this blog post may convince you that I haven’t spent damn near enough time in isolation.

The merciless Covenant is waging a war of annihilation on mankind, and they are winning. The United Nations Space Command once held hundreds of planets…

Have you ever been persuaded to sit down with a book, or TV show, or movie, absolutely sure you weren’t going to enjoy it?

Jake London is your average-ish fifteen year old artistic and, somewhat, nerdy kid that just happens to be wracked with…

…How very bad it would be for those in power if everyone knew they were just as capable of changing the world…