Chemo Bell End!
Did you know that on many Oncology wards across the globe
there are these bizarre contraptions called Chemo bells? (No, they are not a
knob related chemo side effect) They are actual Bells hung on the wall of the Cancer treatment ward.
It does not ring the time, thankfully, (that would be an hourly
reminded of hour long you’ve been sat on your arse) it is a bell that sounds
the end of treatment.
It is traditionally rung by the patient, spelling the end of
their chemotherapy course. An announcement to all the other patients in
oncology that they have reached the end of treatment and therefore are cured
and will not be returning to a cancer ward, (unless unfortunate enough to
experience a metastasis or secondary spread of the primary cancer as its more
commonly known.)
Isn’t that marvellous. Ringing out your victory over Cancer,
across the Cancer ward for all the other Cancer patients to hear?
No, no its bloody not. Shall I tell you why it’s a metal
crock of shit? Because there are many patients that hear that bell knowing full
well that they will never get to ring it. Those of us unlucky enough to have
secondary cancer will NEVER finish treatment and will never have the chance to
ring that bell. That bell is another reminder that we will never be cured. We
hear that bell, whilst hooked up to our palliative care and endure the
resounding gong of a victory that we shall never experience. It’s cruel really.
‘Ding dong here’s what you’ll never have ding dong.’
That’s not to take away from those lucky enough to have that
experience, but why oh why is it right in full view and ear shot of those that
will never qualify? I’m happy for those that get to do it, but why not shove that
bell somewhere we don’t have to be reminded of it. Maybe up Cancers ass?
My friend Mel, who is a ‘lifer’ like me, summarises what
many of us secondary patients feel about this bell….
It's time for it to go. And we aren’t the only ones that feel
this way. Many of the Primary clan do too. “I could see it was there but I just
didn’t have the heart to partake. It’s like rubbing people’s faces in it” Hear
hear. The bells were well meant, and provided by people and charities that care,
but it’s time to move them. Don’t be a thoughtless knob…. get rid of the gong. #ChemoBellEnd
