There are several inspiring stories of cancer patients who managed to beat the life-threatening disease, but that doesn’t mark the end of their struggles.
A TikTok user and cancer survivor opens up about different aspects of life that he thinks are more challenging than coming face to face with the illness.
Cancer survivor opens up about his ‘biggest struggle’
Michael Reid Cramer was an athlete and a college student when he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer at the age of 19.
He was able to get through the challenges of the deadly disease with chemo, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant alongside the love of his dear ones. However, his struggles didn’t end with the treatment.
Although the experience was traumatic, which he talks about in detail in his book Beyond the Blood, Michael says it’s “almost impossible to go back to normal”.
In one of his TikTok videos, he opens up about life after cancer treatment and the widespread misconception that patients can lead a normal life once they are better. He calls it the “biggest struggle” because the disease upends your life in ways unimaginable.
Talking about the struggles of “life after cancer”, the TikTok user says: “It’s like we are just supposed to go back to normal after a cancer diagnosis. Going through cancer changes you mentally, physically, and emotionally. Going back to how you were before cancer is nearly impossible.”
He uses his story to inspire people with cancer
Even though life changes drastically after a cancer diagnosis, Michael wants others with the condition to know that they aren’t alone and that he’s immensely proud of their respective journeys.
His TikTok account mostly features inspirational videos and quotes alongside his battles with the aggressive form of cancer and a Bone Marrow Transplant.
He encourages others to stay positive and focus on their health while battling the deadly disease. Michael never lost hope even when he had a long year of treatments ahead of him.
Cancer, he says, has changed his perception of life and advises people to make the most of it when they can. While there’s only so much you can do about the things beyond your control, how you see it also matters. Above all, be kind to yourself and never hold back from telling someone you love them, he says.
Michael’s book Beyond the Blood which was released in February 2024 is available on Amazon.
