I am a cancer and bone marrow transplant survivor. In June 2013, at the end of my eighth grade, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). On top of that, it was the worst subtype of AML and my outlook was considered very grim.
I was admitted to the hospital and would not be released until the holidays, while I underwent five rounds of back-to-back chemotherapy. The journey was a long, painful and very intense process. I lost over twenty pounds from being violently ill, reaching an all-time low of 84 pounds. I realized I had allergies to medicines that I never knew about. I relapsed in May of 2014.
My only hope to survive at that point was to get a bone marrow transplant. I officially have been in remission post-transplant since August 2014. My recovery has been crazy long and hard and I am over two years post transplant. I'm set to graduate high school on June 11, on time with my class and with honors as part of the National Honor Society Club. I am vocal and active on behalf of our local blood center and the hospital.
Ryan
AML Survivor
