Reflection again – at age 73 and a half – June 24, 2022
Recalling this statement in Desiderata: “Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.”
There are so many technological advances in medicine and surgery that I honestly cannot really cope up with anymore. In the surgical world, there are so many new machines, new equipment, new instruments, and new technical procedures. Again, honestly, I don’t plan anymore to learn how to operate with these new technology.
I will gracefully surrender to the younger surgeons the technological advances in surgery, which is my specialty.
I have resolved to limit myself to and be contented with continuing and refining the principles and processes of contained in my ROJoson Patient Management Processes – offering medical and surgical services including advice that are rational, cost-effective, compassionate and patient-centered that can withstand the test of times despite the technological medical advances.
There are two other quotes which I like to remind myself of in this regard:
“I am in competition with no one. I run my own race. I have no desire to play the game of being better than anyone, in any way, shape, or form. I just aim to improve, to be better than I was before. That’s me and I’m free.”
ADVICE ON RETIREMENT Don’t switch off and be idle when you retire. You can still do things that are of interest to you, or you can get involved in things that are of value to your community, all at a pace you feel comfortable with.
May 8, 2022, 0745 am, when I was about to do my daily walking exercise, I saw a foot of a black cat in a box of shredded papers which we have provided as one of the resting abode of cats in our garage. There was no attached body.
At that time, I was wondering whose foot was this. I surmised maybe from a black kitten whom I have not seen for almost 2 days. I was wondering what happened to him or her – run over by a car on the street? I had to look at the street when I walked to get the answer.
I went about my walking exercise for about one hour (more than 3 kms) in the neighborhood streets. I did not find any scene of a cat being run over.
When I came back home from my walking exercise, when I was about to get equipment to do some gardening, I suddenly saw in another part of the garage a black cat “mutilated” with head practically detached from the trunk; with intestines exposed; with mangled feet; with some the flesh eaten out; etc. The “corpse” looked fresh, most likely “mutilation” occurring only recently (early morning or last night). A really gruesome picture of a dead cat. I identified the cat to be the small black kitten that I have not seen for 2 days.
I will not post the gruesome pictures.
My question: who killed the kitten? Is it another cat (the mother) or is it a big rat?
I searched the Internet. Yes, sometimes, an adult cat can kill a baby cat for survival. Yes, too, big rat can kill a baby cat. So which is which in this case?
I surmised it is the mother cat who mutilated and ate part of the body of the kitten. In the past, I have seen this mother cat brought to the garage a small chicken roaming in the street and ate it. In other occasion, she ate a dead bird. This cat is capable of eating other animals. Why a cat and not a rat? One, a leg of the dead kitten was in another area while the rest of the body in another area. I have experienced seeing different parts of the mutilated “corpse” scattered in different areas by this mother cat. Second, the fleshy parts have been eaten and devoured. Third, the body has been mutilated and mangled. I don’t think the rat will do all the above. The biggest rat that I have seen in the neighborhood is only one fourth of the size of kitten that was killed. The rat might bite and killed the kitten. It will take some time and effort to mangle the whole body and without being seen by the other cats in the garage (about 3 of them). The extensive devouring of the dead kitten would take some time, probably about 30 minutes. I don’t think the rat can do this especially in the early morning. Rats usually work in dark places.
Why would a mother cat eat her baby kitten? At first, I cannot believe she can do it. This mother cat has about 3 pregnancies in our garage. After delivery, she would take good care of her babies until they are independent already. She had a track record of providing motherly nursing care. That’s why I cannot believe it. After searching the Internet, knowing that she could, I started asking why? For survival? She wanted more foods to eat? Also in the past week, I noticed the black kitten to be “weak.” She might have died last night. After dying, the mother devoured her. This is another possibility.
I don’t know. I don’t have the exact answer.
I am doing this narration for my mental exercise – practicing writing a journal and trying to understand mysterious things in this world – to maintain my cognitive ability.
To those who read this, you are welcome to give comments. Thank you.
May 1, 2022 – Labor Day and Feast of St. Joseph the Worker
Today, May 1, 2022, and every May 1 of each year, we celebrate Labor Day as well as the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
Today, I meditate on the value of HARD WORK and LABOR as taught by the Bible, St. Joseph and other wise people.
If you are poor, work. If you are burdened with seemingly unfair responsibilities, work. If you are happy, work. Idleness gives room for doubts and fears. If disappointments come, keep right on working. If sorrow overwhelms you and loved ones seem not true, work. If health is threatened, work. When faith falters and reason fails, just work. When dreams are shattered and hope seems dead, work. Work as if your life were in peril. It really is. No matter what ails you, work. Work faithfully-work with faith. Work is the greatest remedy available for both mental and physical afflictions.
January 2, 2022 – first Sunday of the year 2022. It is a special day because it is a day of obligation for us Roman Catholics. Have to hear Mass.
January 3, 2022 – first day of working days for the year 2022.
I started each of the above days with a 3-km walking exercise, with rosary recital, gardening, house cleaning, etc. before I took a bath and then have breakfast with my wife. This is my morning routine. I did not change my routine just because a day is a special day for something. If there is a special activity that I have to do within the special day, I just insert it in my routinary schedule.
When I was doing my walking exercises during the past 3 days, I was reminded of the blog that I wrote before and I told myself I will review it. I still stick to my stance and attitude after the review.
Here is the blog that I wrote in November 2020:
WHAT’S IN A DAY ANYWAY for me, ROJoson?
Although I take note that a day in my life is just like any day with phases of morning, afternoon and evening and with an identifying mark on what day it is in the calendar;
Although I take note that a day in my life could a holiday in the community;
Although I take note that a day in my life could be a special day for me like my birthday, birthday of my family members, wedding anniversary, recognition day; special project day, etc.;
In the end, for me, the day or today is a day in which I have to accomplish my Intentional Living Plan for the day wherein I have routinary activities as well as tasks and projects in the my “things to do list” to accomplish so that I can achieve the goals of my Intentional Living Plan. I put emphasis on “life in a day” whatever that day is.
This stance and attitude towards a day or today contribute to my producing a meaningful, productive, contented and happy life for myself.
I intend to maintain and sustain this stance and attitude throughout the rest of life.
SMS or text ROJoson at 09188040304 with the following details:
Type this first:
“I have read the Primer on ROJoson Telemedical Consultation and have agreed to the terms and conditions set in the Primer.”
1. Complete name, age and sex
2. Concern to consult ROJoson:
3. Desired date and time of consultation:
4. Cellphone #:
5. Email address:
6. Facebook account (name or link to profile):
Step 4: After completing the steps above, wait for ROJoson’s response through SMS. He may give further instructions aside from the appointment date and time.
Several organizations are leading donation drives and relief efforts to respond to the needs of the communities affected by typhoon Odette (December 16 and 17, 2021). Foreign governments have also pledged and given donations.
A lot of laypeople want to donate to the victims. The questions are what to donate and where to donate. The other important questions are 1) how to ensure that the donations are channeled through the right people, groups and organizations so that there is no misuse and 2) how can the donations be maximally utilized by and beneficial to the victims.
Donations are usually classified into cash and in-kind donations. The other special type of donation is free service such as medical treatment, transport, and communication.
In 2020, during the start of COVID19 crisis, there was an epidemic of donations to help the medical frontliners in the fight against the COVID19 pandemic. The considerations were as mentioned above.
In 2021, now, as of this writing, December 23, 2021, in the aftermath of Odette typhoon, with an epidemic of donations to help the victims, the considerations are also the same.
In 2020 (COVID crisis) and in 2021 (now – ODETTE devastation), a lot of friends have been asking me what and where to donate with the considerations of rightful reach and maximal benefit to the victims.
In 2020 (COVID crisis), I advised channeling PPEs to at least one rural health unit in all the provinces in the Philippines through HelpThru Philippines to identified physician-coordinators (Mu Sigma Phi Coordinators). The result: maximal utilization by and benefits to medical frontliners in the rural health units and no losses due to improper channeling.
This year, now, (ODETTE calamity), I am being asked by friends for the same advice.
My answers are:
Focus on Safe Drinking Water Project (through the Mu Sigma Phi Project H2O) – bigger, if not biggest, beneficial impact on health of the victims.
Channel to Mu Sigma Phi Mu Relief and through the identified Mu Sigma Phi physician coordinators stationed in the devastated communities to ensure rightful reach (no improper channeling) and maximal management.
NOTES:
When I say “focus”, there is a priority implied and it does not mean “in exclusivity.” One can still donate other kinds of stuffs as they deem fit.
When I say “channel to Mu Sigma Phi Mu Relief,” it does not mean one cannot channel to other organizations. Just make sure your donations are properly and rightfully channeled and reached to the people in needs (not to politicians and to those with other vested interests other than the welfare of the victims).
Here is a list of where the donations will be / have been channeled by the MU Relief:
1. Dumaran, Palawan ℅ Brod Kevin Mendoza ‘16
2. Roxas, Taytay, and Puerto Princesa, Palawan ℅ Brod Aris Poncio ‘15
3. Hinunangan, Southern Leyte ℅ Brod Justin Malubay ‘21
4. Maasin City, Southern Leyte ℅ Edward Dinoy through Brod Mac Manalang ‘18
5. Pintuyan, Southern Leyte ℅ Sis Anne Asis ‘19
6. Negros Oriental ℅ Benjamin Valdez ‘24
7. Cebu Province ℅ OVP & Sis Jean Abalos ‘81
8. Bohol ℅ OVP & Brod Kazan Baluyot ‘01
9. Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte ℅ OVP & Ottoböck through Brod Pipo Bondoc ‘86
10. Siargao Islands, Surigao Del Norte ℅ Brod Lorenzo De Guzman ‘18
The presence of trusted and responsible point persons (who are physicians) will ensue right and maximal usage of donations.
This is the advantage of MU Relief.
Here is a video that shows the advantage of the Project H2O – safe drinking water:
Had a telemedical consultation with a 22-year-old female who was seeking a second opinion on her breast concern,
In the process of interviewing the patient, she previously consulted a general surgeon for her breast concern. She was advised and prescribed to have ultrasound of the breast and mammography. When she presented her prescription request, the radiology clinic she went to, advised her not to have mammography just ultrasound. She agreed with the explanation given by the clinic. Reason – the radiology clinic does not do mammography for such a young patient as the breasts are dense and results will be not fruitful in information. So, no mammography – just ultrasound.
I don’t know why the surgeon ordered a mammography for this young 22-year-old patient. He / she might have a special reason. However, usually, surgeons and radiologists agree that mammography should not be done in this age group. This is the reason for my disappointment – a surgeon ordering a mammography for a 22-year-old patient. I hope he/she had a good rational reason.
On the other hand, I was pleased with what the radiology clinic did – to advise the patient not to have the mammography. There are clinics who will just do the mammography as ordered by the requesting physicians without questioning.
Postscript; the ultrasound of the breasts gave the needed information on the breast concern – multiple fibroadenomas.
In my ROJoson Telemedical Consultation, I prefer Zoom over FB messenger over Viber.
Advantages of Zoom – clarity; ease of recording; ease of screen sharing; ease of using the white board for explanation, teaching and instructions; etc.
Records:
Viber – the records posted are taken off after a certain period of time by Viber and by patients; there is no live recording of the telemedical consultation.
FB messenger – the records posted can be deleted by the patients; there is no live recording of the telemedical consultation.
Zoom – there can be a live recording of the telemedical consultation; I can keep a record permanently in my local computer.
Revisit – Repetition for Reinforcement of Learning
I always interchange the usage of the words “diary” and “journal” up to now – December 3, 2021; May 8, 2022
DAIRY vs JOURNAL
A diary is a book to record events as they happen.
A journal is a book used to explore ideas that take shape.
The main difference between journal and diary is that a journal is a personal record where you can pen your thoughts, observations, and experiences, while a diary is a book where you note down important things to keep track of them. Journals and diaries are books where you can keep a record of events and experiences.
There may be overlaps.
To Do List = DIARY (things to do list – TTD)
List of Things Done = DIARY
Thoughts and Reflections = JOURNAL [to include sporadic notes on observation and experiences; problem-based learning notes; thoughts, perceptions, opinions and recommendations (TPORs)]
(22may8)
I always interchange the usage of the words “diary” and “journal” up to now – December 3, 2021.
Diary and journal are supposed to be different.
A diary is a book to record events as they happen. A journal is a book used to explore ideas that take shape.
A diary is mainly used to write things you would like to remember – daily activities, how the day was spent, what was done, the daily routine and anything that needs to get done. A personal journal is a record of significant experiences. It is much more personal than a diary.
Example of diary entries:
12dec3
0730H
Woke up
Talked to God briefly – offering this day to Him.
Walking exercise with 3 decades of rosary
Gardening, garage cleaning, parole placements and Christmas wreath fixation
Bath
Got water from attic
1000H
Breakfast with wife
Tea preparation and experimentation with oregano
1100H
Cut toe nails
Read Chapter 3 of St. Lukes
etc.
Example of journal entries:
12dec3
I thought of some refinements in my morning talk to God.
Do I thank God for making me wake up in the morning still alive? Or just say, Lord, I am ready to again today to love and serve you. In omnibus, amare et selvere Domino.
I offer you this day again, Lord.
I will carry you my crosses today again.
I will strive and continue to strive to be a saint today. I will strive and continue to strive to be holier today.
Come Holy Spirit, continue to enlighten and support me. Come Mama Mary, continue to support and intercede for me.
I will resolve to remember the difference between “diary” and “journal.” To assist me in remembering, I will remember the pocket diary book that I had always carried with me before the COVID19 pandemic where I jotted down the things that I had to do on a day to day basis and the appointments that I had. So, I will try to recall this pocket book and what it is called “pocket diary book” to help me choose the right word to use. As an add-on to assist me, diary is a record of day-to-day or daily events. Will use the first letter “D” as a hint to “daily events.” Journal? Will try to equate it the journals of writings that I have been used to as a physician. “Journal” should contain my lengthy writings on my thoughts, perceptions, opinions and recommendations (my TPORs). That’s it. I hope that from this day onward, I will not wrongly interchange the usage of these two words.
Come to think of it, this piece of an article that I am writing now is classified under “journal.”
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