When the pandemic struck, a recovering cancer patient and his oncologist decided to strike back, holding onto hope that he will stay alive and thrive.
“Rufino,” not his real name, is no stranger to life’s adversities, having survived three strokes, on diabetes maintenance therapy, and also battling stage four lung cancer in his 70s.
After several starts and stops, his oncologist, Dr. Katherine Hernandez said Rufino’s cancer is now “stable.”
Rufino, a family man and businessman, is among the many cancer patients whose day-to-day lives were affected by the health crisis. Despite the anxiety brought about the pandemic, he didn’t let COVID-19 hamper his health progress.
“The threat of COVID-19 is real but what I’ve learned is that cancer patients have to balance this with continued cancer care and not delaying treatment,” he said.
Hernandez explained that any delay or termination of treatment could mean ‘the end of the road’.
The importance of implementing innovative, patient-centered strategies can’t be overemphasized given that cancer patients might be at increased risk for COVID-19 infection. To help ensure continued care, the delivery of cancer management needed meaningful adjustments, including changes in treatment protocols that prioritize patient safety, and fostering a health ecosystem that encourages coordination of care.
In Rufino’s case, since the hospital where he was receiving treatment before the pandemic suddenly became overrun with COVID-19 cases, Hernandez decided to look for a different hospital that would enable them to carry on with the therapy.
Hernandez continued to communicate with him and check his condition via teleconsult.
“Rufino resumed his infusions in a secondary private hospital, underwent RT-PCR (testing) prior to each treatment as well as received treatment in the outpatient department chemo unit,” he added.
The role that digital media plays is also crucial. Telemedicine becomes a convenient tool to help patients receive health care advice while sheltering in place.
“Constant communication between the medical oncologist and the cancer patient is a very important mechanism to monitor the progress of treatment. And this can be achieved via telemedicine to lessen the hospital visits and hospital exposure,” Hernandez pointed out.
Inspiring other cancer patients not to lose hope, Rufino said this is the reason why he takes time to put forward his story through the help of Hope From Within, an advocacy campaign spearheaded by MSD in the Philippines.
Rufino’s continuous treatment has made him stronger and more alive, and is the perfect example of a cancer survivor who is full smiles and hope despite being challenged by COVID-19 pandemic.
