Nollywood Actress, Kemi Diagnosed With Lupus, Has Four Years To Live

By Akinwale Kasali

In less than Five Years, the Nollywood would be bereaved. The industry is set to lose one of its finest actress from the Yoruba Genre, Kemi Afolabi.

In a sad and agonizing manner, the actress announced that she has just four years to live, having spent a year after being diagnosed of Lupus, an incurable disease.

In an interview with show host, Chude Jideonwo, the actress disclosed that the doctor said she had five years to live. She has spent a year already.

According to her, she had lived just one year after the doctor’s pronouncement, as she tearfully noted that she didn’t know how much she had left.

Afolabi quoted her doctor as saying, “Make sure you are with your loved ones. At least, you still have up to five years.”

Talking about the sickness, she said, “I have lupus. It’s not curable. You just have to take medications for the rest of your life.”

She noted that she paid N1.2m on a treatment yet it did not work as she continually cried in pain.

It was also reported that she had written her Will and booked a space with a funeral ground after her diagnosis.

The 43 year old thespian is married to Wale Adesipe and has a daughter by the name, Darasinmi Adesipe.

Here are five things you should know about the ailment according to VeryWell Health, which provides health and wellness information.

1. Lupus is an autoimmune, and inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues. It can also be referred to as Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
2. There are five different types of the life-threatening disease. There is the Systematic Lupus Erythematosus that affects the joints and organs, the Discoid Lupus which affects the skin and the Sub-Acute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus characterised by a specific, non-scarring skin lesion. The Drug Induced Lupus is one that can develop after exposure to certain drugs while the Neonatal Lupus solely affects newborns.
3. Although getting a diagnosis may be difficult, symptoms of Lupus can vary. It is differentiated from other connective tissue diseases based on 11 criteria offered by the American College of Rheumatology. These are butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose; scaly disk-shaped rash on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest; sunlight sensitivity; mouth, tongue and inside nose sores; arthritis pain in joints; pain in chest and side when breathing or moving. Other signs are kidney problems, neurologic problems, blood problems such as anemia, low white cell count; immune system malfunction and antinuclear antibodies. It is recommended that if you have four or more of these 11 symptoms, you should consult with a rheumatologist.
4. Lupus affects about 10 times as many women as men. Most times, it develops in people between the age of 15 and 44. Though Lupus is more prevalent among women, it can also affect men and children, as well as people of all ages.
5. With careful monitoring of Lupus and treatment adjustments as needed, most patients lead normal lives. There may be some limitations and the disease may impose restrictions at times but with good management, quality of life can be sustained. The worst adversary comes from within when the patient loses will and gives in to frustration and depression.