Patient’s stories – LUPUS 500 DAYS

SLE patient story – Kuan’s tough decision

Every time when I listen to a fellow lupus survivor describe the time when they were first diagnosed with SLE; I had to embark on an emotional roller coaster reliving their darkest moments. In some cases, going through those memories and dilemmas would kill myself a bit in the inside, but then I would tell myself that the story has a happy ending because the fellow patient is now well and alive, and we were having a chat.

Kuan’s story had the same effect on me.

When Kuan was first pregnant in August 2014, her pre-natal check-up readings were not normal. She had low haemoglobin levels, proteinuria, and blood in her urine. Although she was worried, she was still positive about the pregnancy, because as a newlywed couple, she and her husband were excited to have a baby. The doctors have increased the frequency of her check-up to fortnightly so that any abnormities are detected at the early stage.

On Christmas eve, when Kuan went for her check-up, she had high blood pressure, and exceptionally high proteinuria and blood in urine, indicating that her kidney functions are declining rapidly. She was rushed to the hospital on an ambulance. She was overcome by fear and she cried her eyes out, not knowing what her condition was and whether her baby would be affected.

After she was hospitalised, the doctors told her that she was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis, and that they have to carry out a renal biopsy to determine what is the extent of the damage of her kidney function. She later found out she has Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN), where her kidney glomeruli (filtering units) were damaged and were not able to filter waste and extra fluids from her blood. When she was hospitalised, she needed dialysis to sustain her kidneys’ functions. She was also diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, where her heart ventricle (muscular chamber that pumps blood out of the heart) was stretched and dilated, and could not pump blood as well as a normal heart could. Her lungs were also affected by the SLE attack.

Kuan and her family had a decision to make.

If she continues to carry her 4 months old fetus, the doctors would not be able to perform the biopsy and administer strong dosages of Immunosuppressants to suppress her flares. The immunosuppressants are meant to weaken the overactive immune system, so when a patient takes them, the antibodies’ attack on the patient would lessen. The medication is also harmful to the fetus. If her SLE continues to attack her body organs and she is not treated, she might suffer from kidney failure – having to go through dialysis her whole life; or worse, lost her life due to heart failure, and other organs start to fail.

Kuan and her husband had never heard of SLE before, and neither side has a family history of SLE. While the SLE is tormenting her body and causing grievances to her family; they are now faced with a dilemma: should they terminate their pregnancy? Kuan’s husband, Cheng had told her throughout her pregnancy that if anything happens, her staying alive would matters the most to him. Both families agreed that the priority has to be Kuan. The answer was obvious but it ripped their hearts apart having to make the decision.

Shortly after, Kuan went through the traumatic experience of an abortion. She was given medication to dilate her cervix, and she could feel contraction pain. Her fetus was discharged the next day when she went to the toilet. It was the first and last time she saw her 4 months old baby.

There was no rest for the weary. Not long after the abortion, when her condition permitted, she had to start with the SLE treatments. She had to endure the sorrow of losing her baby and having to grasp with the reality of having to cope with lupus for life.

During those days, she had her blood taken several times a day. She was losing hair, her whole body was swollen as a result of her reduced kidney functions and a reaction to the medication. She was reluctant to look into the mirror, as she described herself looking so haggard that she felt that she is dragging Cheng down. She was also worried that the cost of SLE treatment will cause a strain to their finances.

Kuan and Cheng were married in June 2014

After Kuan was diagnosed with SLE and was treated in Jan 2015

Cheng was not one to give up easily. He visited her in the hospital daily. He would reassure her by telling her the future plans that he has charted out for her so that they could cope the SLE together. He is a man of details, he has considered all of the conditions and what he would do to address them.

As Kuan reminisced, she recalls that one of the details was the fact that due to her heart conditions, she could not carry on walking without running out of breath easily. They were staying in an apartment on the 3^rd floor back then, and they must walk the stairs as the building did not have an elevator. Cheng has promised that they would move into a landed property so that she does not need to climb 3 fleets of stairs anymore. He also told her that they will get by, although they may not live a luxurious life. He will try his best to ensure that they could sustain taking into consideration the medical fees. She considers herself lucky to have his companionship, and him going out on a limb to ensure that she could focus on her treatment, and has nothing else to worry at the back of her head.

After 40 days, Kuan was discharged. However, it took approximately 1 year for her dilated heart chambers to return to the normal size. In between her heart condition has slowly improved from panting upon a few steps to being able to do yoga and almost at the end of 1 year, she started swimming. In November 2015, 1 year after, Kuan went for a trip with her family to Vietnam. When she was on the train from Hue to Danang, she was in awe with the beauty of the Lang Co beach. It brought her an epiphany that very moment: her life might be different from 1 year ago, she might have a pack of medications that other healthy people do not carry in her bag; and yet she is still able to see this picturesque scenery. She considers herself to be lucky, and there is nothing to be ungrateful for.

Kuan’s moment of epiphany when the train passed by Lang Co beach

Her SLE went into remission after 3 years. During the 3 years period, there was not one incident of relapse. Kuan has been taking her medications and seeing the doctor in accordance to the doctor’s advice. After 3 years, the doctors started to ask her the question that she was afraid of: Do you want to try to have a baby now that your SLE is in remission?

Kuan and Cheng took approximately 9 months to prepare themselves mentally so that they could attempt to have a baby again, considering the fact that the last pregnancy was a rough ride. They again made a decision to free themselves from fear and go with the flow. They gave birth to a healthy baby girl after 9 months. Their baby girl is 2 years old now. Kuan is pregnant with her second baby now, and will be due soon.

It is truly inspiring to see that a married couple took the “for better, for worse, in sickness and in health” marriage vow to heart, and became each other’s rock during this bumpy journey. I love Kuan’s description of their marriage: “he made me feel that I have married the right person”. For many this is something they hope they could feel until the end of days. I am grateful that Kuan allowed me to pen down her courageous battle and touching love story. I wish their family the very best and the safe delivery of their second baby!

Life with SLE and pregnancy – The story of Zara and her spouse

Siti Zaharah, or Zara, has been an SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) patient since the tender age of 12 in 2001. Both she and her husband, Jep were present at a Share and Care session that our Persatuan SLE Malaysia held for patients and their spouse. I was the facilitator of the small sharing group where participants share their feelings of being a SLE patient/caregiver. Zara and her husband were very friendly and they agreed to take on a short interview with me.

What were the symptoms of your SLE? How was it being diagnosed?

Z: I was healthy all the while until I unexpectedly lost around 10kg in 2 weeks. I was experiencing fatigue and recurrent fever. My mom realised that I had rashes all over my body. My parents and I went back and forth between several clinics seeking medical advice on my symptoms, and I was finally referred to a hospital specialist. I had countless blood tests taken before being admitted to the local hospital for almost half a year, where I was diagnosed with SLE. I was immediately prescribed with prednisone. I was the first case ever in my state, Melaka.

What were your family and friends’ reaction and response after they knew that you have SLE?

Z: They were shocked and sad. I witnessed the pain they had to go through to accept it. They worried for my health conditions and my future. Nevertheless, I knew that I am in good hands as I have a super awesome family, especially my parents. They acknowledge that I am not that well but they never stopped me doing things that I want to. I have super supportive friends. They are the reason why I am who I am today.

My girlfriends since primary and secondary. They witnessed the hardship I went through. They came all the way from Oman, Singapore, Melaka and Australia ❤

What are some of the inconveniences/difficulties/pain that you suffered as a result of SLE?

Z: For the past 20 years I could not get over the soreness I experience on a daily basis. The normal joint pain comes and go; the rest is all good, I guess.

How long did you take to accept SLE? Was there a moment that made you decide that you have to accept SLE?

Z: Immediately, I suppose? Since I was a very competitive student at school, I adjusted quite well. I did have my gloomy days but it past quickly. I guess I coped well because of my support system.

My mom provided all I need, my dad cherished me, my sisters and brothers keep on telling me that I am ok. My teachers came to my house and my friends treated me normal. I had my 2^nd relapse in the past. When it happened, I don’t feel sorry for myself, because I am who I am.

How long are you married now? How was the journey for pregnancy?

Z: I am married for 4 years now. I found out that I am pregnant in January 2020. I waited 4 years to be ready because I was concerned about getting pregnant with SLE. I was advised to get pregnant during the early stage of my marriage but I kept postponing. Last year, I made up my mind telling myself that I’m ready. I consulted my doctors and they were so helpful. A month after consulting them, the little bean is blessed into our life.

I try to eat more healthily, I start to eat more fruits. For now Alhamdullilah (Praise to God) everything is right on track, nothing has really changed. The only thing changing is my belly. My husband knows that he needs to feed 2 peeps and have to get ready to buy me anything that I want.

Zara and Jep’s recent visit to KL during Hari Raya

Is there anything that is quite different for a SLE patient and a normal woman who is pregnant? Any words for SLE patients who wish to get pregnant but are worried?

Z: Yes, we are different because of our auto immune conditions, we have to consult our doctors if we plan to conceive. It is important to let them know because certain medications that we are taking might be dangerous for the foetus, and pregnancy itself could be a risk for SLE flare. During the pregnancy, the monitoring of blood test result of anti-Ro and anti-La is crucial, as positive anti-Ro/anti-la will indicate a higher risk of neonatal lupus syndrome for the baby. Precautions will have to be taken if the result is not desirable. My result is still pending but I am on hydrocloroxquine now, just to ensure that the blood flow to the little bean is sufficient.

I suppose God really understands how your body and mind works. Listen to yourself. Don’t rush things if you are not ready. I was dreadfully worried every day since I found out I am pregnant, but when the little bean starts to move actively my worries has dissipated. The most important thing to me, is that the support from my husband and my family, especially mental support.

I am now super excited looking forward to the arrival of my baby! I pray hard every day that he is going to be strong, healthy and goodness above all!

Zara’s husband, Jep is a graphic designer, and they have been married for 4 years now.

What are your thoughts when you knew that Zara has SLE?

J: When I heard that Zara has SLE, that was my first time I learnt about it. I was more curious than surprised, and could not understand what she went through before I met her.

How do you think Zara is coping, and in what areas in the normal life you think you have adapted your lifestyle so that Zara’s SLE is being considered and taken care of?

J: Actually, I did not feel that I need to adapt much as the only changes I made was towards the activities and environment that we lived in, such as we do not engage in activities where we are exposed to direct sunlight. We still go for backpacking but we avoid under being the sun for a long time. I never had any unfavourable experience.

What are your thoughts when Zara is pregnant?

J: I am very happy but I am concerned with her SLE conditions as pregnant while having SLE is risky. I need to pay more attention to Zara in all aspects of her daily life, and heed the advice from the doctors in the hospital and health clinics.

Any advice/thoughts that you would like to offer to husbands/significant others of people who has SLE? Or with SLE and want to have kids?

J: I don’t think I am the right person to advise, as for the past six months our journey was smooth. Zara only encountered mild fatigue and a week of morning sickness. We think it is normal among pregnant women. So, it is hard to answer your question since SLE symptoms are very subjective and different to each person. What I can say is just to stay calm; always think of positive things; and always understand your partner’s conditions. Sometimes it will be hard but keep fighting and face what may come together.

I am moved by how supportive Jep is to Zara, and the positive attitude that both of them took to overcome the challenges and risks that arisen because of SLE. With this I hope that SLE patients do not get overly worried about conception and whether or not SLE will be triggered with a flare because of pregnancy. No doubt that we SLE patients have to really take care of ourselves and not stress ourselves out during pregnancy, hope is not all lost.

May Zara and Jep’s pregnancy journey be smooth; both of them take care of themselves well; and their baby delivered healthily in a few months’ time!

Audrey – The perseverance of a single mother with lupus

Audrey is a strong, independent and self-sacrificing single mother of two daughters who has come a very long way to where she is now. When I first heard of Audrey’s sharing, I felt that I could resonate with her on many levels. Especially on the part of her being a dedicated, hardworking and committed employee. I was very touched by her determination to persevere through all her hardships, and thankfully now everything turned out well.

About 13 years ago, Audrey’s life was saddled with marital issues and torrents of responsibilities that arisen from the conflict. Her then-husband was having an extramarital affair and she was forced to leave her house after a few years with both of her daughters. She was struggling to make ends meet, and the very thought of losing her job crippled her. She always put her two daughters, aged 6 and 3-years old as her priority, and she felt that keeping her job is the only way she could cope with the financial distress as a result of the separation.

Audrey was incredibly versatile, making the switch from a full-time housewife back to be a qualified early childhood educator, to being a chartered secretary to cope with the rising commitments for single motherhood. She is truly one tough cookie who never bow down to fate and give up. She morphed into a stronger person and took up the challenges head on.

As a single mother, she was working long hours and had to deal with her health issues as well as raising her kids alone. She also had to oversee the construction of a house on her parent’s land after she was made to leave her matrimonial house as a result of the divorce.

These throngs of challenges and stress has exacerbated Audrey’s health problems. Serious skin rashes were her first symptom of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus). She had to face the results of the SLE diagnosis alone, and the barrage of other adversities happening at almost the same time. Health problems has come as no stranger in SLE patients’ lives, but the variety of Audrey’s health issue really shocked me, as I could not phantom how strong one’s will have to be to pull through all these physical and mental pain.

Her SLE has moved from skin involvement to chronic kidney involvement, which is also known as Lupus Nephritis Class V. She also had a myriad of other health issues, such as shingles, high fever, stage 3 hypertension, swelling in the body, excruciating joint pain, heavy menstruation (menorrhagia), hair loss, memory loss, skin thinning, frequent urination, constipation, diarrhea, dry skin, dry mouth and lips, stretch marks, moon face and dry eyes. She is a frequent visitor in hospitals and wards and had to go whenever SLE acts up. She is also on various medications in order to treat the symptoms of the attacks.

Two of the health issues brought a rude awakening to Audrey. Now when she looked back, she realised that both events could have grave consequences.

One morning in September 2014 when she was working in the office, she felt a sudden sharp tightness in her chest and she was experiencing cold sweat, difficulty in breathing and dizziness. Amid this she fell unconscious. Miraculously after several hours she woke up and continued working. She only went to the Emergency Room the next day. She was immediately admitted to the hospital as her blood pressure was very high. Subsequently it was proven to be a heart attack and she could have just left the world if not for her will to survive. When she shared with the counselling group, everyone was shocked at how work could make her neglect her life. We could all feel her deep fear for losing her job.

Audrey being hospitalised after her heart attack

Another time she accidentally twisted her ankle and did not bandaged it nor did she take much time to follow-up with the doctor. She feared that those actions would cause her to lose her job, as she has already taken quite a lot of sick leave due to her SLE attacks. She worried that a bandage leg will further impress upon her employer that she will not be able to perform her duties and responsibilities. It did not help that the human resources department asked her to convert her medical leave to annual leave. She was under duress and tremendous pressure to not seek proper treatment on the twisted ankle. She was physically and mentally exhausted that she did not have the energy to argue with HR, and so she just did as she was told, and continued working the usual workload.

In June 2017, the Orthopedic informed her that she did not just twist her ankle, but her Achilles tendon has completely ruptured with little chances of revival. The specialist refused to operate on her because of the high tendency of SLE patients to get infections as they were on immune-depressant medications. She was referred to a physiotherapist. She was depressed as she contemplated the possibility of her being limp forever. She questioned her decision for being so self-sacrificing in order to secure her job and that she has neglected her health. She also found that the nephrologist that she was following up with was not professional and did not refer her to an orthopedic despite her updating the doctor diligently on her state of health.

Audrey’s swollen feet and ruptured ankle tendon

In the second half of 2018, after an avalanche of SLE attacks and family issues that resulted in emotional turmoil, Audrey’s two daughters pleaded that she stop trying to be strong, as they do not want to see her body to eventually succumb to SLE. They said they are now grown-up and could start working to shoulder the household’s financial commitments. Audrey considered the fact that two of her SLE acquaintances whom passed away due to complications from the attacks and decided to take her daughters’ advice by quitting her job. She spent six months resting at home and saw gradual improvement to her state of health. She has seen a reduction in joint pain and her state of mind is now more relaxed. She reflected to her earlier years when she was busy chasing her goals, such as working full-time to support her professional certifications, helping her family, supporting her marriage and children but neglected her health.

She believes that everyone should focus on their own health before sacrificing their own health and time for work or help others. Nothing is forever, especially if you are no longer alive, then nothing else matters. She considered herself fortunate as after struggling for more than 13 years, her babies had grown up to be well-behaved and academically excellent daughters. She will do her best to continue moving forward, hope for the best and take life one step at a time.

Audrey and her two beautiful daughters, grown up now after her 13 years of struggle.

Surviving two strokes- Darleen’s story

I met Darleen during a counselling training session. It was the first session where everyone shared their lupus life stories, on how they were first diagnosed with lupus, fought hard to regain their pre-lupus life, and be able to volunteer counselling help to new patients. Darleen is witty, direct and straight to the point. She is a strong and courageous woman, despite her petite size and demure appearance.

In 2000, Darleen had very high fever, swollen ankles and feet, as a result, she could not walk and she did not know why. She was taken to the hospital and was diagnosed as having Sjogren’s syndrome. Back then, it was all new to the doctor. They only gave her medication to relieve the pain she was suffering. Sjogren’s syndrome, like SLE, is an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system attacks parts of your own body by mistake. In Sjogren’s syndrome, it attacks the joints, and glands that make tears and saliva. This caused her a dry mouth and dry eyes.

In 2008, one year after Darleen was married, she had a miscarriage. Since she had difficulty conceiving, and both she and her husband wanted kids, they went for a medical check-up. She was diagnosed with Anemia and Thalassemia too. This diagnosis and miscarriage brought much stress to her and resulted in SLE attacking her body again. In Darleen’s case, it attacked her joints. Her joint pains were so severe that she had to use crutches.

In 2013, after she came back from a road trip with her husband, he noticed that something was unusual about Darleen’s demeanour. She was taking longer to open the house grill, and the right side of her face was already drooping. She was sent to the hospital, and her blood pressure was so high that she was immediately admitted. She was diagnosed with a massive stroke, with a huge blood blotch in her left brain. Doctor said it was a miracle that she survived. But she didn’t know then and only heard about these details six months after her stroke stabilized as her husband was concerned about her mental well-being that he did not dare tell her the truth. She was diagnosed with Systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE), SLE is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacked the organs of a patients’ body instead of intruders. She was then discharged within a week.

Yet within a few days after her discharge, her family realized that the position that she was sleeping was unnatural, fearing that the stroke relapsed, they took her to the hospital again. Darleen was once again, diagnosed with a second stroke, which affected her right brain. The hospital discovered that the blood thinner prescribed to her did not work, and her prescription was changed from Aspirin to a much stronger Warfarin until this very day.

The double stroke has cost Darleen a six months downtime. After the stroke, she had severe difficulty standing, walking, gripping items and there was weakness in her whole body. She had speech impairment, resulting in her words coming out in slurs. Her husband was her strongest support in her journey to recovery. And with the support from her family too, her recovery was tremendously fast. Her husband made sure that she did her daily physio and facial recovery exercises, and even requested that Darleen’s niece help out when he was not around by letting her held onto her while she walked the staircase every day. She recovered in six months’ time.

Darleen was down to 42kgs after she had the double strokes.

Darleen went back to work two weeks after she was discharged, despite the temporary damage that the stroke has brought to her, and she considered this one of the gravest mistake in her career. Soon she was making so much mistakes that her employer started saying demeaning words and giving her tasks that she could no longer accomplish. She was overwhelmed by stress, and the SLE started the attacks again. She could not concentrate, and she made even more mistakes. She had another miscarriage in 2014, and she decided to quit her job.

It was a really tough time for Darleen’s household, as her husband tried his best to make ends meet and nurse her back to health all over again as she lost all her self esteem and confidence. They were living on their savings. After another 6 months, Darleen decided to take up a customer service job but it lasted her only nine months.

In June 2015, Darleen’s husband fell sick and was hospitalized. She quitted her job and took care of him for approximately 1-2 months. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with cancer Stage IV. He went through a biopsy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and he did not became better. After 2 month, he passed away.

This time, Darleen’s whole world came crashing down with her husband’s untimely departure. She went into a deep depression, and did not work for two years. After some time, she figured that she could not stay in the pit forever, she started to go for camps, help with church work, doing numerous social work to keep herself busy. It was her strong will and her faith in her religion that helped her through these trying times. She owes it to her family and friends for the encouragement and ‘pushes’ she needed.
Now she is ready to help other new patients again. She believes that one should never give up, despite the punches that life throws to anyone. She has the following advice for fellow lupus patients:

Never give up. Fight with all that you have got
Remember you are in control. Not the Wolf
Learn to accept your condition
Get regular exercise and stick to it. Walking is the easiest way to start and maintain
Maintain a healthy diet. But don’t deprive yourself from eating your favourites
Limit sun exposure
Maintain a stress-free life. Know what stresses you up and try to stay away from it
Get enough rest
Always look your best. When you look good, you feel good.
Have a positive mindset
Prayer helps. Have faith. Visit places of worship more
Have fun. Go out. Keep yourself busy

I have nothing but admiration for Darleen and how she handled life’s adversities. The most touching thing was that despite all life’s lemons, she still decided to lend out a helping hand to patients. This really makes one think twice when they have a complaint to make about life.

With Darleen’s positive attitude in life and high spirits, I believe that she will go a long way. I hope that her lupus will treat her well, and I wish the very best for her and lupus patients all alike!

Ai Vee’s journey with her ‘grumpy lupus’

Ai Vee is one of the most cheerful patients that I have ever met. When we first met, she had this cheeky smile on her face that I thought she was one of the counsellors. I did not think that she was a lupus patient like me afterall.

Ai Vee was diagnosed with lupus eight years ago, where it first started with rashes on her face and limbs. She went for check-ups and she was told that these are dermatology conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. The rashes normally come and go, not until that fateful year when she was in college. A change in environment coupled with mounting pressure during studies has caused her symptoms to exacerbate. For close to half a year, her legs were swollen, and her joint pain was so excruciating that she could not walk up the stairs, open bottles, and cope with day-to-day matters.

When Ai Vee’s lupus was extremely active.

One day she slipped, fell down and became unconscious. It was then she was finally diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis Class III. She was bed-ridden for a few days, and had to go through intensive medication to control her active lupus. She had to defer her studies to the subsequent semester because her body just could not cope with the attack and the overwhelming pressure from her studies.

Her creatine and protein readings fluctuate since she was diagnosed, and it took two years for the readings to stabilise, ie gone back to the normal readings. Fluctuating readings meant that lupus is still actively attacking her kidneys and therefore their functionality have deteriorated. During her time in college, due to a weakened immune system since she had to take medication to suppress its attacks, she has caught on numerous diseases, such as shingles (some called it snake-skin disease), fever and flu whilst on medication. She also contracted E-Coli, bacteria in the intestines and had to go to hospital everyday to receive injections. It was painful and there were no oral medication available. Ironically, recovery was harder with the medications.

She used a cute and befitting description for her lupus: grumpy. If this is not called positivity, I don’t know what else is.

Since she was diagnosed before college, I asked her how did she manage with job hunting when she graduated. She had gone through twenty over interviews to finally land her first job. She had to inform the interviewers about her illness. Some of them had a hard time understanding how the disease attacks, and the extent of impact it would have on her on her productivity, and their decisions were therefore affected. I really admire her perseverance and maturity to handle all the rejections. As a fellow lupus patient, I know for us, it is not an option to stay strong, we just got to be strong and push on.

Ai Vee looking chubbier due to the effects of steroids she had to take to manage lupus.

I have also learnt one useful thing from her. Whilst the insurance companies will not allow lupus nephritis patients to enter into a policy if they did not sign up for insurance before they had the disease, it appears that the company insurance still covers expenses incurred during follow-ups, if you are hired as a permanent employee. She has switched jobs since she got her first job, and the medical expenses are still covered.

I asked her how does she stay positive with the fact that this illness brings so much inconveniences and pain to her life. She says the mantra that kept her going on was not about family or friends but her own desire to see the future possibilities that lie ahead her. “I still want to see what other happy things will happen to me in the future and I am motivated by the wish to travel around the world.” She believes firmly that the best motivation to be positive is having a strong urge to see herself become better. I echo that, and I believe that only by putting yourself as the foremost consideration will you have all the willpower to pull yourself up.

Ai Vee’s lupus has now stabilised, and she is currently in remission. She manages her stress level from time to time, maintains a balanced diet, and do simple exercises, such as walking often. She is grateful for herself and everyone else who is supporting her throughout her journey. She is now a para-counsellor in the local lupus association and helps encourage lupus patients and family members by sharing her experience and hearing them out. I am working alongside with her the same association, and I am so glad that we could help other patients go through the acceptance and self-empowerment process. Best wishes to her.

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