The FDA authorizes bamlanivimab, by Eli Lilly, for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. According to the FDA:

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful antigens such as viruses. Bamlanivimab is a monoclonal antibody that is specifically directed against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, designed to block the virus’ attachment and entry into human cells.

The FDA also issued an emergency use authorization for REGN-COV2 (REGN10933 and REGN10987), by Regeneron. For more information on these treatments, listen to NPR “Short Wave.”

Mom’s lung is getting worse. An infectious disease doctor will exam her tomorrow to determine an antibiotic treatment. She started on Dexamethasone today for ten days. Her oxygen level is at 95%. I hope she can get some rest. She has been a fighter all her life. I hope she can fight her way through this battle as well.

My nephew started to have symptoms. He felt tired and had running nose. Poor kid. He didn’t deserve this. No one deserves this. My sister is also fighting for her life, but she is recovering.

I am having some minor headaches due to interrupted sleep and stress. I am not sure if I should get tested or should wait until I get symptoms. If I get tested now and it wouldn’t matter if my mom comes back again. I am not sure how long she will be out of the hospital. The doctor said she might be going to rehab after her COVID is under control.

Being a blogger for almost 20 years, I never shy away from writing about my personal experience. In fact, these personal writings make my blog what it is. I do, however, hesitate to share about others including my mom and my sister who are dealing with COVID. Fortunately, when I decided to share our situation, I have received nothing but love and support from family members, friends, and readers. Thank you for your kind, encouraging words to help me stay strong. Thank you to those in the medical field who have reached out to provide me with suggestions. All of your thoughts, prayers, and medical advice are appreciated.

My nephew is tested positive for COVID. He still doesn’t show any symptoms. I hope he will be OK. My sister is still in bad shape, but her oxygen level is good. She doesn’t need to check into the hospital.

I hadn’t been able to reach my mom. I talked to her nurse. Her fever shot up to 102. She is unable to move her mouth to take her medications. Now they have someone to help her eat. I am afraid she is having the Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Nothing much I can do at this time, but to wait out. Waiting for my mom to get better and waiting to see if I have been infected. At this point, things are out of my control.

I love to spend time with my mom, but not like this. I can take care of her, but COVID makes it much more challenging. Every time I entered her room, I put on two masks, a face shield, gloves, and a trash bag over my clothes. I asked her to put on her mask as well. Because she had been too weak to even move her body, everything takes longer than 15 minutes, which is how long medical experts said I could spend with her. Unfortunately, I could not follow that guideline.

Getting up and down was too difficult and too risky. When she got stuck in her chair and could not get up, I called 911. She is now in much better care by medical professionals. Because she has COVID, no visitors allowed. I talked to her over the phone and she is doing better. They are checking on her and giving her all the meds she needs. She even told me to check my sister in if her condition gets worse. My sister’s heartbeat increases every time she gets up to walk. She seems to be gasping for air. I recommended her checking in as well. I am keeping an eye on her if she gets worse, I am going to check her in.

I am now in quarantine. I am reading Barack Obama’s latest memoir and getting as much sleep as I can. I am also trying to get out of the house for a walk when no one is around. The skatepark near my sister’s house was completely empty. I did some rollerblading. I don’t think I will be able to use it on the weekend as others will be around.

I won’t be able to be with my wife and kids for a while—probably not this Christmas and New Year. My wife now has to work and look after four boys. I feel so guilty. Thankfully, my mother-in-law is helping us out.

I woke up to dead silence. I missed hearing the sound of my kids running around, arguing, and trying to figure out what to eat for breakfast. The only sound I heard was my mom’s breathing through a baby monitor. She seemed to sleep well last night after I changed her wet diaper.

She called me up and asked me to put a sweater on for her because she felt cold. I could barely get her to sit up. I spent way longer than 15 minutes with her. I prepared bánh mì thịt nướng with half Starbucks Frappuccino and half milk for her to drink. I closed her door and let her eat breakfast. I told her to yell if she needed me. I can hear her through the baby monitor.

She tried to reach for her phone and somehow managed to recline herself into her chair. She couldn’t get up to go to the bathroom. She sat there and was unable to move. I could not help her to stand up to her walker. She breathed heavily. I called 911.

My sister and then my mom tested positive for COVID. They live together with my sister’s son. So far my nephew has not shown any symptoms. He is still waiting to be tested. My sister is very sick and can barely take care of herself.

My mom got hit hard. In addition to COVID, she has trouble walking. In the past few days, she fell off her bed several times trying to get up. I have no choice, but to help take care of her. Although I am putting myself at risk, I can’t abandon her when she needs me the most.

I consulted with my internist and a doctor friend. I understand all the precautions. I have geared up with masks, face shields, hand sanitizers, and a whole nine yards. I am still not sure if I will dodge this bullet. More than that, I am not sure if my mom will get through. I am extremely concerned about her.

All this time, I have been able to avoid COVID. I always take the precautions seriously. I wear a mask everywhere I go. I have never been social; therefore, social distance works for me. I never thought I would come this close to it, but here we are.

I broke down and cried last night. I couldn’t hold back my tears. I am scared and hopeless. I don’t know what to do. Should I put my life in danger? I just can’t sit back and watch. I need to do something. Praying is not going to work.

My heart broke. My soul numbed. My head hurt. The clock is ticking. Every waking minute, I cannot think of anything else but the tragic outcome. I can’t believe this is happening. One carelessness yields terrifying consequences. The ones closest to you could kill you.

It’s too late for regret. All I can do now is counting down the days and hoping for the best. Preparing for the worst is more realistic. It’s going to take a miracle to make it through 2020.