Does the bell ringing in your cancer center bother you?

I think I heard one bell in the infusion room, and that was fine, although it did cause me a moment of sadness for myself. What I really dreaded was the possibility of enthusiastic nurses offering me the bell at my “final” infusion. Like if they did not see my diagnosis on their computer. But since I stopped a cycle earlier than planned, nobody knew at the time of my last taxol infusion that it was the last one. (For now.) I was relieved that the question therefore did not come up.

Lab nurses and other medical types routinely ask me if I am “done with treatment” because, as the saying goes, I look good. I usually say something like, “Well, there is no done for me, but I am doing well.” Nod nod, wink wink.

I was offered the bell after I finished a very difficult course of radiation and I started to cry. However I don't begrudge anyone a moment of happiness in this nightmare. I pray it is finally over for the person.

Mary lark,

I’m with you on that. I wish those folks every moment of happiness regardless of what the future holds. My future may be limited, but I have no problem with celebrating the good fortune of others

My chemo was Abraxane with Herceptin and Perjeta and on 5/29 was my last abraxane which I had looked forward to so much. I was feeling celebratory and asked a nurse if I ring a bell when it’s over (like I’d seen on tv), she said “no dear, you’ll keep coming to treatment every 3 weeks for the H&P” (she wasn’t mean but I found the stark reality a real letdown). A few months later, and after many discussions with other lifers and a more thorough understanding of stage IV, treatments, stats and losing bco members, I heard those bells again. This time I shed a few tears for myself (feeling sad and a little sour) and for them because I realized many of them really think they won, it’s over but WE know how quickly it can change.

Yes, when I heard that bell I also felt something along the lines of, “And may you never have to find yourself back here.” I wondered if that person knew the real state of things in cancerland

No bells at my hospital either but I wouldn't object to them. If it makes someone feel good, or that they've accomplished something, more power to them! I LIKE for other people to feel happy. Just because we know they might be back in the chair someday is no reason to rain on their parade.

Twinklecat, I'm all for your ringing the bell finishing WBR. You accomplished something difficult! Illimae, they should have let you ring the bell. Grrrr.

I feel sorry for the people who spend a lot of time worrying the cancer will come back. If it does, it does. Worrying isn't going to prevent it. I'd rather they rang the bell and went on with their lives. Can you tell I'm a fatalist?

I try hard not to be resentful of the people who are doing better than I, or who never find themselves in the chair again. Mostly I'm successful. Mostly.

I rang the bell for my last chest radiation last month - why not? I know I've got many more treatments ahead of me, but at least that one is over