| Feature Article
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Report on
my visit to a fellow Rotarian afflicted with
The Big C in the US
by Rtn. Romy
Paguyo
During our meeting last Aug. 11th, Pres. Dennis
informed us about the health condition our
brother Rotarian Andy Buendia, who is suffering
from the dreaded "Big C"- cancer of the
lungs. Pres. Dennis told us that Rtn. Andy was in
San Francisco undergoing treatment and he said he
was sending him some cards and notes from his
fellow Rotarians. Since I was leaving for the US
in the 15th of Aug., I volunteered to hand-carry
these items with me. I thought it would be more
meaningful if Rtn. Andy received the items from a
member of the club.
As scheduled I left for the US together with a VP
of PNCC on Aug. 15th for official business with
some suppliers of BJ Marthel Intl. On Aug. 17th,
while in Milwaukee, I called Rtn. Andy on the
phone to get his exact address in San Francisco
and set an appointment to see him on the
afternoon of Aug. 22nd (Sunday). He was pleased
to to hear from me and to know that I was in the
US to visit him.
On the Sunday afternoon of Aug. 22nd, I was
excited to rush out and proceed to Andy's place.
But, since I was not familiar with the area
(Golden Gate Park), I decided to just take a cab.
Andy and his wife Rita were both delighted to see
me and thanked me profusely for the visit. I
handed over to him several back issues of
Pagkakaisa 2000, cards and notes from Pres.
Dennis and PP Arsenic, rosary beads and a card
from PP Coch and me. I also gave Rtn. Andy a
bottle of holy water from the river Jordan which
I got from the Holy Land, during a pilgramage
early this year.
In the course fo talking with Andy, he explained
that the first symptom of his cancer was noted
November last year, when a recurring cough
wouldn't go away despite repeated doses of cough
syrup. It was only June of this year that his
doctor from Makati- Med diagnosed him as having
lung cancer. Andy said that his cancer is in the
4th stage, meaning it has metastasised to his
brain and abdomen.
During my visit, he had just completed his 4th
day of chemotharapy on his brain. According to
his doctor, the brain would be treated first,
preceeding the lungs and abdomen. It should take
about 10 treatments. Surpisingly, Rtn. Andy has
retained his hair (so far) despite the
chemotherapy. He told me that falling hair would
be noticed on the 8th to 10th treatment. He has
lost weight, especially around his waist line.
Despite all that is happening to him, Rtn. Andy
is still the same old jolly and friendly guy that
we all know him to be.
He and his wife left for the US during the last
week of July and stayed in a hotel upon their
arrival (which was too expensive). They later
decided to rent an apartment near the UCSF where
he is currently receiving his treatment.
My visit lasted about an hour. Andy's parting
message was to extend his sincerest thanks to
those who remembered him and also to tell us all
not to worry. He said that he would be coming
back to give a testimony to our group on how he
beat! his battle with the Big C.
In retrospect, I realize that Rtn. Andy Buendia
is a very strong man with a big heart. His faith
in God is equally strong, being a member of a
Catholic Charismatic group in Manila.
Our fervent hopes and prayers for his recovery
will be a great help in this, Rtn. Andy Buendia's
greatest battle. |
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