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A story of fight and hope: Actor fights lupus into remission, shares experience
In December, LFNC shared with you the story of TV actress Kristen Johnston's lupus diagnosis. Known for her role in TV sitcoms "Third Rock from the Sun" and "The Execs", Johnston revealed in December that she was diagnosed with Lupus Mayelitis, or lupus of the spinal cord. Earlier this month, People Magazine published an interview with Johnston, in which she reveals her fight against lupus, her struggles, and what seems to be her eventual triumph:
By [the time of her diagnosis,] the autoimmune disease had left her so weak and exhausted she couldn't lift her neck without a brace. [...]
Upon her diagnosis, the actress checked into the hospital for treatment, including chemotherapy and steroids. Six months later, "she's in remission," [Johnston's rheumatologist, Dr. Daniel J.] Wallace tells PEOPLE. "But if she'd waited a few weeks longer, she could have ended up quadriplegic."
Though she's still recovering - Johnston suffered a shattered bone during a hike recently, due to side effects of her treatment - the actress says, "Every day I'm amazed that I can lift my head."
"Every single day is a gift, and I don't take one second of it for granted."
Johnston's story isn't that different from stories of courage from ordinary people who become extraordinary to fight lupus that we hear every day. Lupus doesn't discriminate between celebrities on television and people who are celebrities to their families and friends in ordinary life, but neither does the treatment available. This story is at once both of hope and caution. The diagnosis of lupus is difficult and time consuming as it is, and given how critical an early diagnosis can be in treatment as well as quality of life, waiting to talk to one's physician, should lupus be suspected, can have disastrous consequences. At the same time, with the right treatment, the right medical team and the right support structure, fighting lupus to gain back control of your life is more possible than ever.
Dr. Daniel J. Wallace is one of the country's foremost experts in lupus, and has spoken at LFNC conferences.
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