Is Ringing a Bell Really Necessary When Ending Cancer Treatment?

I'm Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and will have to continue chemo immunotherapy in my doctor's infusion room for the rest of my life. I've sat in the big reclining chairs while three patients rang that bell with gusto and I've silently cheered each of them on. A few years ago I commented about this thread and at the time, I was adamantly opposed to the ships bell mounted on the wall in the big room and vowed to complain to my doctor about removing it. Now, a few remissions later and I feel like I've finally given up on the idea that I needed to protect myself from any other cancer patient's celebration. I see the joy on their faces and I've allowed myself to celebrate that with them quietly with a warm smile. I don't regret any moment of joy that I felt for any of these folks. Ultimately, we are each responsible for our own well being and learning to be joyful in the moments you have (alone or with others) has been really difficult but so rewarding when I get it right.

Hello! I am sorry for your stage 4 dx. I can't imagine what that might be like. I can understand the pain it causes, not knowing someone else on a certain day finished treatment, but as you said, your treatment is never done. I was dx stage 2 TNBC and for today I show no evidence of disease. But that can change at any time. When I was finished with chemo, I didn't ring a bell. They didn't have one at the cancer center I was treated at; they had a gong!. A big gong. A very loud gong. I rang it. After radiation, I rang it again. I rang it because it was the toughest work I've ever done in my life. The chemo almost killed me, yet here I am, a happy little old lady. I would like to think that if this stupid cancer has the nerve to return, I would smile and clap for those banging the gong. They have every right and reason to celebrate their victories. I would feel great joy for them. Maybe it comes from the fact I had several miscarriages and no children (which was devastating), but I could still be joyous holding someone's sonogram, celebrating birthdays, and all. But no two people are same.

My mum died of cancer at the age of 54. It was many years ago, but thank goodness they didn't have one of those stupid bells in her oncology ward at the time. Knowing that nothing could cure her and that we were going to lose her was nothing short of mental torture. The thought that people can be self-centered enough to not consider what terminal patients and their relatives must really feel when they hear it being rung is mind blowing. It can only add to their anguish, even if they are pleased for the person leaving the ward. It may be have been well intentioned, but in reality, it's one of the most thoughtless, cruel ideas ever. If there'd been one on the ward when my mum was dying, I'd have totally lost it.

My daughter was 3yrs old, and was over the moon when she finished Chemo after 1 1/2 years. We all Thank God she is still here! We are Blessed even with the post issues!! It is a celebration that they should if they want to celebrate the end. Saying Goodbye to those who knew us, were there threw the horrible times. CANCER SUCKS and any rejoicing is good. You were obviously one of many that can be thankful they are still here. You are able to write your opinion, and that is great. And after seeing my only child go threw horrid I would be proud if her new cancer center had the bell!

I thought I was the only one feeling weird about the bell. Apparently not. I did noticed at my infusion center I never saw a bell hanging on a wall, nor did I hear one ringing. I was very fortunate each patient had a private room with a door, TV and some had windows. I often just sat and tried to enjoy the quiet time, while trying to figure out what to do on this journey my live was shoved in. Upon my last treatment, I was actual a bit sad. The staff was great and I would miss the staff. I also loved the weekly quiet time. However at the same time I was tired of being poisoned and going through the unknown of what will my body do this time. At the end I was so happy that my body would be recovering, instead of getting worse each week. The last day, the staff put posters up in my room, which brought me to tears--actually that and their card was the best gift of all, and the best way to mark the moment. I was asked what kind of party would I like, and my response was I don't want to disturb anyone else. They said no this is about you-what you want and asked if I wanted to ring the bell. I had been told it was a big deal and I should ring it--so I said I would. As I finished they rolled in a bell in my room, which I gave one ding. I felt sort of silly, because this is just the end of the chemo...I still had mastectomy and radiation and reconstruction (which I am still struggling with a decision on)...so this wasn't the end. I still have a long road ahead of me. Would I have rung the bell again...no. I can remember how horrible I felt when I would hear others say they were done with their last round of chemo. Sure I was happy for them, but at the same time I couldn't see the end of mine. The facility did the right thing and hid the bell when not in use, and asked patients what they wanted. They said some people held huge parties, and others did not. All I remember is how I felt. Just like the color pink (didn't like it before, definitely hate it now) those rituals shouldn't be forced upon others. I do like the idea of ringing the bell after every treatment...like one more down---everyone cheer. I think I could be happy about that for everyone there. I know I was happy to see many of them each week, because that is one more week of living they were given. And that is worth celebrating!