Re: It’s time to call time on the “end of treatment” bell
Jo Taylor’s comments remind us that people handle challenges differently, particularly with respect to cancer, a rollercoaster journey with times of hope and disappointment, of excitement and achievement, or resignation.
I write as someone who has also been treated for recurrence but before the bell ringing fashion and at a time when the prevailing moods at the radiotherapy department were fear, misery and embarrassment.
We have progressed since then and chemo units generally foster a spirit of realistic optimism. However there may also be palliative patients present some of whom may be better treated at a separate time or place from those patients with good prognosis and being treated with curative intent.
Units will vary but I have been very impressed how some have been able to foster a sense of shared experience and fellowship, enabling all patients to feel understood and supported; allowing appropriate celebration whilst being mindful of those less fortunate.
I believe that completion of treatment does deserve recognition and that we also should address the needs of those who are troubled by it.
Rapid Response:
Re: It’s time to call time on the “end of treatment” bell
Jo Taylor’s comments remind us that people handle challenges differently, particularly with respect to cancer, a rollercoaster journey with times of hope and disappointment, of excitement and achievement, or resignation.
I write as someone who has also been treated for recurrence but before the bell ringing fashion and at a time when the prevailing moods at the radiotherapy department were fear, misery and embarrassment.
We have progressed since then and chemo units generally foster a spirit of realistic optimism. However there may also be palliative patients present some of whom may be better treated at a separate time or place from those patients with good prognosis and being treated with curative intent.
Units will vary but I have been very impressed how some have been able to foster a sense of shared experience and fellowship, enabling all patients to feel understood and supported; allowing appropriate celebration whilst being mindful of those less fortunate.
I believe that completion of treatment does deserve recognition and that we also should address the needs of those who are troubled by it.
Competing interests: No competing interests