Help Michael Beat Lymphoma

Michael was diagnosed with S4 Mediastinal Lymphoma - Diffuse Large B cell in Feb 2023.

His journey began at Emory Johns Creek with many scans and other procedures. They also revealed a blood clot in his sinus venous brain cavity and he experienced what they say was Bell’s Palsy. His only symptom prior was hip pain, but Michael has a high pain tolerance. CTs and MRI revealed a large mass over his heart. It was a long 2 weeks for his diagnosis and possible treatment options. They stabilized him and prepped him with a port for chemo (time was of essence) and was transferred to Emory University Hospital to begin treatment weeks later.

The Bell’s Palsy and neuro issues cleared up as the chemo began. The disease had spread to his spine putting pressure on discs and had fractured his hip socket. From mid-February to early June, he received 6 rounds of Da-Epoch. A few weeks after his 6th round and a PET scan we were told he could be in remission. But something didn’t feel right. ONLY 2 days later, Auveed took him to the ER where he experienced a seizure within the hour and had to be intubated. We learned that the lymphoma had spread to the brain and was still present in other areas but no hemorrhage or cognitive impairment.

The chemo he had earlier did treat 90% of the disease. The oncology team put together treatment plans to get Michael’s body strong enough to be able to receive Car-T Therapy which included more chemo, radiation, and immunotherapies (which changed over time as his needs arose) while he stabilized and got stronger to undergo Car-T Therapy.

Car-T is a treatment where they harvest your T cells, send them to a manufacturer to be chemically engineered to become serial killer cells that once infused back attack the lymphoma, divide and replicate and become an army of attack cells. He had his cells infused back on October 31. Michael experienced neurotoxicity (which is fairly common) and thankfully, they were quickly able to bring him back with heavy steroids after a couple of days.

With all that Michael has experienced this year; receiving and recovering from chemo, radiation and the infused cells all within 2 weeks has taken a toll. These treatments have been very hard on Michael, both physically and mentally; but he is staying strong! We go for labs and check-ins several times a week and to receive fluids to treat dehydration. Michael lost 37 pounds in November and is just now beginning to be able to eat a little and stay better hydrated.

Days before having the chemically engineered cells infused back in, Michael got some more tough news; he had lost his job and medical coverage. This was a job that meant much to him. We got him covered under Cobra while in hospital for the infusion. But there is still expense. While he has reached the out of pocket, the medical bills have mounted.

Outside of regular lab visits and to receive fluids at Emory, we have been home for the most part these last couple of weeks. We pray for good results to come in his recovery and for him to gain strength. Our focus is on hydration and sustenance and hopefully having the energy to be able to walk more.

We celebrated Michael's 29th birthday this past Friday and he had a PET scan and awaiting results with more tests this upcoming week. Please pray with us for good results.

Thank you to all that have kept Michael in your prayers and have reached out. They are working and the timing of some events has been nothing short of miracles! Some days we aren’t sure if we’re coming or going and it’s been difficult to communicate at times what’s going on. We take each day one day at a time and our faith is strong.

My wife Auveed, my oldest son Christopher and I are an incredible caregiving team in supporting and caring for Michael and each other through this journey. Auveed put work on hold in February and stays with Michael in the hospital, along with many other families caring for their loved ones. So far, it’s been around 140 days this year. We moved to Decatur with the boys (15min from Emory) and much love and many thanks to the Leathers family for packing us up and all their support. There have been many transitions.

Cancer sucks, and it takes a toll, physically, mentally and emotionally. And yet, we are strong, grateful, and blessed. One day at a time.

All funds will used to help to cover medical bills, healthcare costs and costs associated with his well-being and care.

This diagnosis has impacted his life and future in a way I never expected. The daily activities typically enjoyed by young adults are now replaced with trips to the hospital for week(s) long treatments and care. And we are all grateful to be here. Throughout it all, Michael has remained calm, brave, and incredibly strong. He has urged us to post this to alleviate stress and some uncertainty and says thank you for any support and well wishes in his journey for care and recovery.

I will post progress updates here and thank you for any support, prayers, and love. Chris