President’s Corner

Dear Colleagues in RCM,

It is great being in the comfort of my home. I was released a few days ago after being confined for nearly two weeks at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center because of severe CoVid-19. Please be very careful, and should you need to go out, even if you have been vaccinated twice, I highly recommend you use double mask and face shield as well as observe physical distancing at all times. Try to avoid eating out if you can. Take all the necessary precautions. Stay as conservative as possible.

In my case, it is difficult to have fourth (4th) stage cancer and CoVid-19 at the same time! I knew there were no rooms available in the hospital and I had to stay for two days in the Emergency Room. Too many people in different stages of CoVid-19 were coming in and out. It was noisy and when I hollered for assistance from nurses, they would pass by my side and ignore my calls as they were too busy. I cannot blame them as they were shorthanded. I found out that their salary is not attractive enough despite the additional Php 5,000 monthly bonus. Many of them have left to work overseas, particularly in the Middle East, London and the United States of America.

When a room became available, I thought I would be comfortable. I was expecting a better way to be taken cared of. But no. That did not happen. I had to use the call button and they seldom answered because they were understaffed, overworked and they were too busy to be compassionate. The sadness and isolation I felt being alone in the hospital for almost two weeks was almost unbearable. It was very difficult being alone in a hospital room. Thinking as to when I will be released really put quite a stress on me. Reading the papers daily and knowing how many were dying gave me the chills.

I was given intravenous Remdesivir for ten days. They x-rayed my lungs daily and the doctors monitored my heart, blood chemistry, oxygen, sodium, potassium and more. They gave me my usual medications for cancer, but they stopped my cancer target pills for two weeks to focus on CoVid. According to the doctors, I was very lucky to survive CoVid-19 since I have fourth (4th) stage cancer and my body was responding slowly to the medications. I took many medications. I felt the weakness in me while under treatment. I was not moving as much as I wanted to.

The food at the hospital was nothing great and I had to tell my daughter to send me food from home or order food for me from some restaurants. I also asked her to always add extra so I can share the food with the nurses. When I arrived home, I found out I gained 10 pounds! I ate too much under stress!!!

I thank my Cardiologist, Dr. Jaime Aherera, our Lead Doctor, who happens to be my wife’s nephew. My gratitude likewise to my Pulmonologist, Dr. Leni Fernandez, my Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Joseph Adrian Buensalido, my Endocrinologist, Dr. Rowena Ejercito-de Jesus, my Oncologist, Dr. Pamela Patdu, my Neurologist, Dr. Vincent Macalintal, and Dr. Gemelyn Garcia. I asked them if they may be invited on Zoom during one of our meetings to raise Coronavirus Awareness, and they agreed.

Prayers and meditation helped me tremendously. Viewing the talks given by Fr. Jim Achacoso of Opus Dei on his daily meditations on YouTube also helped give me peace. Hearing mass daily and praying the rosary comforted me.

My fellow Rotarians, thank you so much for all your prayers, compassion and support. Again, I highly appeal to you, Rotarian colleagues, to be vaccinated as soon as possible, and keep safe.

By the way, my wife Ida also got the CoVid-19 virus and was in another room in the hospital. Thankfully, she was released just after four days of confinement as her body immediately responded to the medication. She went home much earlier than me and continued her recovery at home. Iba na kung bata ang iyong asawa! The experience has been traumatic for me and my family. A few months ago, my son tested positive and was able to isolate right away. This time, my daughter tested positive along with my wife and I. Some of our household help likewise tested positive for CoVid-19 and we were just so thankful to God that most were asymptomatic. The good news is that everyone in my household has now fully recovered. Fortunately, we were able to take all precautionary measures early enough to keep my grandchildren safe from this virus.

More than anything else, I know that it is my strong faith and prayers that healed me and my family – not just my prayers, but also prayers of relatives and friends who love and care for us dearly. God had answered our prayers. Thank you, Jesus and Mama Mary, for making me and my family survive CoVid-19. It was scary and challenging, but I am healed now. My family is healed now.

Your Servant President, Robert “Bobby” Lim Joseph, Jr. Transformational President RY 2020-2021 (101st President)