Ringing the Bell

The sound of a ringing bell has different meanings in different circumstances. Often they're rung for religious reasons, at times to commemorate a momentous event, or in remembrance. At the Roger Maris Cancer Center, the ringing of a bell signifies that a patient has completed treatment.

Ring this bell

Three times well

Its toll to clearly say

My treatment's done

This course is run

And I am on my way!

*Brett had only stayed with me for my doctor's appointment today so I was alone when I finished my last Herceptin. I hadn't really thought about that in regards to saying goodbye to the Infusion Center. However, when I got unhooked from the machine, got bandaged up and collected all my things and we were walking out, my nurse Theresa announced it was my last time back in the Infusion Center and all the Nurses cheered and congratulated me. I got hugs from Theresa, Carrie and Katie. They are all so nice. As far as the tradition of "ringing the bell", I had pretty much decided NOT to do it. I felt kind of silly to go out and ring it without anyone that cared. But some of my Nurse friends- Theresa, Carrie, Lexi and a couple other nurses came out to celebrate with me. What amazing women! They video-ed it on my iPod and took a picture and of course, they cheered. In the end, I'm glad I did it. You know how I love to celebrate things and document it. So...

DING!! DING!! DING!!

I'm done!