Anthony Henderson, is probably better known by his stage name, the Grammy-winning artist Krayzie Bone, from the the rap/hip-hop group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. With hits like "First of The Month" and "Crossroads", Bone Thugs-n-Harmony are continuing to tour and perform all over the world. But in 2016, tour dates and appearances had to be canceled due to Krayzie's battle with sarcoidosis, the same disease that eventually claimed the life of comedian Bernie Mac.
"I was diagnosed in 2012 and I had never heard of sarcoidosis. I didn't know what it was. When I was diagnosed, I was going on stage and I was coughing. It had gotten to the point where I was coughing in the middle of my verses and I was fatigued. And I was like 'something ain't right.'"
A flood of comments, messages and posts were seen asking about the rapper's health. He wants to thank his fans for their prayers and concern. He also has a message for all those fighting the same battle he’s in an official statement from his publicity team:
"[He] would like to let his fans know that he is doing okay and please do not worry about him. He and his family are thankful for the prayers & concerns about his sickness. Hopefully, this ordeal will raise more awareness and necessary research and funding for Sarcoidosis."
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"As for all the children and people who are also dealing with Sarcoidosis just like he is, Krayzie wants you to know you are not alone. Be strong. He loves you all and is looking forward to getting back on the road soon."
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Sarcoidosis is the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in different parts of your body — most commonly the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes and skin.
Doctors believe sarcoidosis results from the body's immune system responding to an unknown substance, most likely something inhaled from the air.
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There is no cure for sarcoidosis, but most people do very well with little or only modest treatment. In half of cases, sarcoidosis goes away on its own. In a few cases, however, sarcoidosis may last for years and may cause organ damage.
People started talking about the rappers health when he posted an instagram in October 2015, with the message below:
"While some people thought I was proscrastinating, in finishing my last and final album, I've been dealing with a lot of real-life issues such as this one FOR YEARS NOW."
Krayzie Bone's doctors advised him to take no chances once he fell ill and ordered him to...
...return to Los Angles for treatment.
The medicine he takes to treat his sarcoidosis is said to have caused the weakening of his immune system, which exacerbated the pneumonia.
Some medication for sarcoidosis includes:
Corticosteroids. These powerful anti-inflammatory drugs are usually the first-line treatment for sarcoidosis. In some cases, corticosteroids can be applied directly to an affected area — via a cream to a skin lesion or drops to the eyes.
Hydroxychloroquine. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) may be helpful for skin disease and elevated blood-calcium levels.
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors. These medications are commonly used to treat the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. They can also be helpful in treating sarcoidosis that hasn't responded to other treatments.
Surgery
Medications like methotrexate (Trexall) and azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system.
Also, organ transplant may be considered if sarcoidosis has severely damaged your lungs, heart or liver.
He and the rest of the Bone Thugs family are planning tours and appearances in the near future.
