Nollywood actress, Kemi Afolabi has revealed that her doctor says she has five more years to live following her battle with an incurable ailment, lupus.
Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus — a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks — occurs in many but not all cases of lupus.
The film star brought the revelation to light when she featured on the latest episode of #WithChude, published on Friday.
During the interview, Afolabi amid tears said she was diagnosed with lupus, saying;
I have lupus. It’s not curable. You just have to take medications for the rest of your life.
The actress also expressed that the doctor instructed her to always stay with her loved ones due to her health condition.
“Make sure you are with your loved ones. At least, you still have up to five years,” she added.
It is understood that she had lived just one year since the doctor’s pronouncement.
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In January, Afolabi recounted her near-death experience in 2021 after she was diagnosed with the disease.
The movie star said she started preparing for death and even took several measures including writing her will and securing a burial space.
She also stated that it has been a struggle taking medications to reduce pain and ensure that it does not affect her weight — considering the entertainment industry places so much value on appearance.
Afolabi had said;
Being in an industry that places high value on appearance, it’s been a struggle taking medications that helps ease the pains but affect my weight and people will constantly remind you of how fat you’ve become without hesitations.
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