Robert “Bobby” Lim Joseph, Jr., Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) president, shared his scary battle with COVID-19 in last week’s issue of balita (RCM newsletter).
Seventy-one year-old Joseph has been fighting fourth stage cancer for nearly 20 years. So, it was frightening when he tested positive for COVID-19 last May 5.
He collapsed at home on May 10th, presumably connected with his cancer treatment.
Fortunately, an emergency room bed at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center opened up, so the hospital was able to admit him. Two days later, he was transferred to a private room.
Despite his health challenges, Joseph has lived his life with so much positivity, happiness and gratitude. So, alone and isolated in his room, he turned to prayers and meditation instead of wailing and questioning his faith.
Here is an excerpt of his message to his fellow Rotarians, published on balita, where he encouraged his colleagues to keep safe and be vaccinated as soon as possible.
“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.
When a room became available, I thought I would be comfortable. But that did not happen.
I had used the call button which was seldom answered because they were understaffed, overworked and were too stressed out to be compassionate.
Alone in my room, sadness and isolation in the hospital for almost two weeks was almost unbearable. Reading the papers daily and knowing how many were dying gave me the chills. 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.
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 so I told my daughter to send me food from home or from some restaurants. I also asked her to always add extra to share with the nurses. When I finally arrived home, I found out I gained 10 pounds! I ate too much under stress!!!
I thank my Cardiologist, Dr. Jaime Aherrera, 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 to Zoom during one of our meetings to raise Coronavirus Awareness, and they agreed.
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 I did 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. Subsequently, my daughter tested positive along with my wife and me. Some of our household help likewise tested positive 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.
