MoniqueinOz Offline

ContemporaryKathryn: Some people here know that I have something called “Pulmonary sarcoidosis.” It isn’t something I often talk about – because I would rather not be known by my ‘illness.’ The exact cause of sarcoidosis is not known. It may be a type of (airborne) autoimmune disease associated with an abnormal immune response, but what triggers this response is uncertain. It is more common in places like Africa and India – places that I have frequented in the last dozen years.
This was discovered a few years ago when I was suffering from double pneumonia on a business trip to Maputo, Mozambique. I was very sick and when I returned, my doctor instructed me to get a chest X ray. The radiologist was concerned I had lung cancer due to these large, fist shaped “tumors” in my lungs. I underwent a bronchoscopy where the pulmonary specialists went into my lungs with a camera and obtained a tissue sample for a biopsy.
After they analyzed this, the doctor (with the bedside manner of a slab of granite) said I have good new and bad news for you. I asked and he said, “the good news is you don’t have lung cancer but the bad news is you have sardoidosis.” (Shit, that sounded far worse to me)
The “cancer tumors” were actually sarcoidal granulomas that had calcified. They take up about a third of my normal lung capacity. Therefore, I get short of breath if I climb a few flights of stairs. It doesn’t affect me, otherwise.
I was supposed to leave Lagos, Nigeria yesterday but my COVID test came back positive and I was forbidden to leave until this clears up. Since COVID affects the lungs – I am particularly at risk. I am quarantined in my hotel room here in Lagos and this place has spotty WiFi. I haven’t been on Wireclub very much. So, this is why I have been so elusive. I wish I could have company to help me pass my time. I can’t find any volunteers – since I am viewed, essentially, as a “leper” right now. I am still thinking of you. Smoochies from West Africa.
(sorry for complaining - that isn't my way)

Pokerpower: Wishing you all the best on a speedy recovery hun XOXOXO

MoniqueinOz: Saturday night Yo!! I might be on crutches but shits still gonna get W.I.L.L.L.L.D!! 🥳🍾🥂

V A M P Y: Hola my strong, amazing and beautiful warrior woman I heard this song and thought of you 💖 You're my Hero now and forever you fierce goddess you 💋

Brian Davis_43: I always think of this song when i say your name! Love ya my Friend!!!

LiquidR: Hey moni,

I didn't know you were fighting such a terrible fight. After hearing that you had treatment and that is was a success, i want to say congratulations for being so strong. Get well soon and hope to see you soon

TheCharmingPrince: Monique, I am so happy that you have gone through the treatment successfully and congrats on battling with a brave heart. You are such a pure soul and one of the gems i have met and i am happy that you are my friend Do remember we are always here in your struggles and success as well!! I am happy that our prayers has been heard well!! I am totally looking forward to chat with you pretty soon!! Rest well and take care hun!!! Sending lots of love and hugs from my end

ContemporaryKathryn: Monique darling. You are nearing the finish line of the tedious and awful therapy that you have endured with bravery and resolve. I can't know what a toll this has taken on your physical body but I can assure you that your spirit and personality remain unaffected by all of this. Your confidence will rebound now and you will be the same wild and lovely woman that hosted chat rooms with me. We will go back to finishing each other's sentences as we laugh.

I want to send you the link to an English group (Everything But The Girl) that reminds me of when you visited me in Aberdeenshire. You told me how haunting this song was. At least I think you remembered - since we listened to it just after drinking the absinthe that was artfully prepared for us by the bartender using the "absinthe drip or brouilleur" apparatus. Your memory was sketchy after that.

Well, here is the link to the song that you enjoyed, beautiful Monique. Imagine holding my hand (again) as we listen to this haunting song again:

Tasha Temptation: I love your face, and I’m behind you in this fight!!

lisabenz07: