Actress Kris Aquino bade supporters goodbye "for now and the next few years" as she battles an incurable disease that affects one in one million Filipinos every year.
The 51-year-old, who is in the U.S. for treatment, shared her diagnosis for Churg-Strauss syndrome (Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis), a rare disorder that inflames the blood vessels and restricts blood flow to organs.
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On May 6, Aquino said she was given steroids, a common treatment for the disease, which however had a reverse effect. She quoted her doctor, Houston-based Niño Gavino, as saying that she will be treated with a non-steroid that's only available in the U.S.
The life expectancy of Churg-Strauss patients is 25% without medical intervention and with proper treatment, the five-year suvival rate is 62%, Aquino said on Instagram, quoting her doctor.
Churg-Strauss syndrome is "rare and has no cure. Symptoms can usually be controlled with steroids and other powerful immunosuppressant drugs," according to Mayo Clinic.
"I’ll miss you- my friends & followers very much. Time is now my enemy, naghahabol kami hoping na wala pang permanent damage to the blood vessels leading to my heart," Aquino said.
"So many people to thank but I choose to do that privately. #grateful," she said.
"For now and the next few years- sadly, it’s goodbye. Praying na kayanin ng katawan ko itong matinding pagsubok," she said.