Olubukola Ayodele: The relationship between a patient and their oncologist is unlike any other
Olubukola Ayodele, Head of Breast Cancer Unit at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“The relationship between a patient and their oncologist is unlike any other. It’s built over months—sometimes years—of navigating diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and emotional highs and lows. It’s a partnership forged in resilience, trust, and hope.
For many patients, their oncologist becomes a guide, advocate, and source of reassurance through one of the most challenging times in their lives. We celebrate together when scans show good news. We problem-solve when treatments bring unexpected challenges. We have difficult conversations when plans need to change.
But what happens when that journey reaches a new milestone—discharge from oncology care?
What Discharge Really Means
Being discharged from an oncologist’s care is a moment filled with mixed emotions. It signifies:
- Successful completion of treatment for those in remission.
- A transition to survivorship care, focusing on long-term well-being.
- A shift from active treatment to self-monitoring, with GP or specialist follow-ups.
For some, it’s a celebration—a moment they’ve been waiting for, a return to normalcy. For others, it brings anxiety—the safety net of regular oncology appointments is gone, and the fear of recurrence lingers.
Beyond Treatment: A Lifelong Connection
Even after discharge, the bond between oncologists and their patients doesn’t truly end. The impact of our conversations, the trust we’ve built, and the lessons learned stay with both patient and doctor. Many patients say they feel a sense of loss or uncertainty when active oncology care ends, which is why strong survivorship programs and ongoing support networks are crucial.
To Every Patient Transitioning Beyond Oncology Care:
- Your journey doesn’t end here—it simply evolves.
- Your oncologist may not be in every appointment, but the knowledge and empowerment you’ve gained will guide you forward.
- You are never alone—support is always available.
To My Fellow Oncologists:
Our role is more than prescribing treatments; it’s about empowering patients to embrace life beyond cancer.
The video below is from the recent encounter with my patient who was discharged into the open access follow-up programme. Dancing was the way she was able to cope during her journey and she felt the best way to celebrate this milestone was to get me to dance with her while she made a video. I got my registrar involved as well. She’s sent me the video and wanted me to share her joy. So with her permission, enjoy our little dance.
Moments like this makes me appreciate my job even more.”
More posts featuring Olubukola Ayodele.
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Challenging the Status Quo in Colorectal Cancer 2024
December 6-8, 2024
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ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
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ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
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Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
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OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023