Michael Cramer, from Miami, was first given the life changing diagnosis of blood cancer when he was only a teenager in July 2020.
Since then, Michael has been on an arduous but inspiring journey to beat his cancer into remission.
Prior to his diagnosis, Michael didn’t think much of his symptoms and carried on with his life, capable of doing his favourite hobbies of windsurfing and sailing, the Daily Express US has reported.
But his health took a quick turn for the worse just a few months later, and a visit to the doctor revealed a tough road ahead of him.
His own father, Patrice Cramer, 61, died of lymphoma in May 2016 – but despite his condition he has vowed to fight on in memory of his beloved father.
Michael said: “When I first heard the words cancer I was shocked.
“It was devastating to hear the word ‘Lymphoma’ because that’s what my father passed away from.
“My mom was shocked but my family and I stayed positive and we did our best to remain calm.
“The doctor also tried to protect me but after doing my own research online, I discovered the survival rate was just 15 percent.”
Determined to continue fighting the disease, Michael fought harder than ever to survive, refusing to leave his mum and siblings with another tragic loss on their hands.
But, as many cancer sufferers can attest to, he was shocked by the horrifying effects of the cancer treatment.
After undergoing intense chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, irradiation and radiation, he developed a lasting condition, Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD).
Don’t miss…
Strictly’s Amy Dowden seen for first time since breast cancer news[LATEST]
Woman told mole on arm benign after check-up – doctors discovered something else[REPORT]
Three anti-inflammatory foods that could reduce your risk of cancer[INSIGHT]
Michael said: “The donor’s stem cells were rejecting my body and attacking my major organs, this disease is now chronic for me and I will live with it for a very long time.
“I was shocked about how after cancer treatment there are so many long-term effects.
“All of my bones and joints are destroyed from treatment, my knees, elbows, and shoulders have so much pain because of osteoporosis and avascular necrosis.
“There is a lack of blood flow in my bones due to medications that I took during treatment which has caused some bone collapse and it makes it extremely difficult to work out, lift heavy objects or even get up a flight of stairs.
“Cancer and its complications are much more complex than I thought previously.”
Thankfully, Michael received some much-needed good news when he was told that after three months the treatments had worked and his cancer was in remission.
Now, Michael’s focus is on his GVHD, which requires “several years” of treatments including extracorporeal photopheresis (a machine that changes his blood to have weakened white blood cells) and immunosuppressants.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Despite the tough battle he has faced, Michael has still found some positives have come out of his diagnosis, including the chance encounter with now-girlfriend, Suzie Lima, 20, who works at a hotel, and a new-found appreciation for his doting mother.
He said: “I met Suzie through a good friend of mine. She sounded amazing so I decided to message her online and shoot my shot — she is gorgeous, funny, kind and sweet.
“My mom, Ashlee Cramer, 51, was an early childhood educator and taught music classes to young ones before I had cancer.
“When I was diagnosed she had to give up her career to take care of me full-time.”
Michael described his mother as “the sole reason I got through everything,” explaining that she “never left my side even during my darkest moments — she lifted me up, kept me going and is my inspiration.”
His siblings have also been helping him with his recovery, and says the loss of their father has encouraged him to keep up the fight to stay alive.
He said: “Another source of motivation is my siblings. My sister Jennifer, 19, and my brother Steven, 23, already lost their father to cancer, I cannot have them lose their brother.”
Despite the lasting effects of his treatment, Michael is currently enjoying remission and says that despite the pain of his GVHF, the fact that he is still alive is reward enough.
He added: “I still am in treatment two to four days a week, life is hard but I am still in remission, I am just very grateful to still be alive.”
“I live with Chronic GVHD so I have many side effects in my day-to-day life.
“For example, my mouth is very sensitive, so I have to use a special toothpaste, I cannot get any sun and I get tired very easily.
“I could go on about the side effects I live with, but the most important thing is: I am still alive today!
“My advice to others is that life is short — live it to the fullest, and tell everyone and anyone you love, that you love them.
“Do what makes you happy as often as you can, appreciate what you have and do not compare yourself to others — be grateful for your health.”
Source: Read Full Article