Twenty-four hours ago I finally received the PET scan report I’d been waiting weeks to read. I thought it would answer the question that had quietly followed me through most of July.

Every once in a while, something happens during the creative process that you simply can’t explain.
Recently, I was experimenting with Suno, an AI music generator that creates original songs from simple text prompts. My goal couldn’t have been more…..

I knew what a PET scan was in the most general sense. Like most people, I’d heard the term before. I knew it involved some kind of radioactive tracer and that doctors often used it to look for cancer. That was about the extent of my knowledge.

After more than 20 years of creating 3D characters, I tried something new. I used AI to push my renders into “photorealism”. The results weren’t perfect, but they changed how I think about the creative process.

“The hardest battles are fought in the mind.” — Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Nova Parallax isn’t just about surviving the unknown—it’s about what you bring back with you. Creatures. Radiation. Survival. Not just horror for its own sake, but horror that reflects what it feels like to be trapped and fight your way out.

This morning, I had one of the most vivid and intense dreams I’ve ever experienced. Before I was diagnosed with Astrocytoma, I used to have vivid dreams all the time—but this was the first one I’ve had since going through treatment three years ago.

It’s thrilling to be part of that transformation, whether through UX design, sci-fi storytelling, or AI development.

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…

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