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Olubukola Ayodele: The Person Who Starts Cancer Treatment Isn’t The Same Person Who Finishes It

Olubukola Ayodele/LinkedIn

Jun 15, 2025, 14:23

Olubukola Ayodele: The Person Who Starts Cancer Treatment Isn’t The Same Person Who Finishes It

Olubukola Ayodele, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“She sat in front of me in the clinic on Thursday, having completed her treatment. The tumour gone.

The bell, a symbol of victory, waited just outside. She looked at me, her voice trembling slightly as she said, “I can’t ring it. I’m scared I’ll jinx it.”

This is a moment that many don’t expect. You reach the end of treatment, the scans show clear results, and yet, the fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion linger, often feeling louder than ever.

We frequently talk about surviving cancer, but we don’t always acknowledge the complex emotions that come afterward. The cancer survivor iceberg is very real.

Above the surface, there is:

– Completion of the last treatment
– Ringing the bell
– “You did it!”
– “Aren’t you glad it’s over?”

But below that surface lies so much more:

– Anxiety about recurrence
– Fear of moving forward
– Grief for the old self
– A body that feels unfamiliar
– A mind that is tired, foggy, and hyper-alert
– An identity that feels uncertain
– Residual side effects of treatment

I often tell my patients: The person who starts cancer treatment isn’t the same person who finishes it.

Cancer changes everything. Bodies. Relationships. Priorities. Identity.

That shift can be disorienting. You’ve survived, but who are you now? Your hair may grow back and your appointments may become less frequent, but the emotional healing can take longer. And that’s completely okay.

Many patients don’t feel like ringing the bell. Some face pressure to smile when they’re still grieving deeply. Others may feel an overwhelming urge to cry while those around them are celebrating.

It’s important to make space for all these emotions.

– It’s okay to feel lost when treatment ends.
– It’s okay not to feel “grateful” every moment.
– It’s okay to protect your joy in subtle ways, whether that means not ringing the bell, avoiding social media posts or forgoing fanfare.
– It’s okay to take your time getting to know this new version of yourself.

There’s no script for how to survive cancer. There is only honesty, support and love, especially self-love for who you are now.

Remember, you’re not alone and your journey doesn’t have to look like anybody else’s.

Pic: JI Nutrition.”

Cancer Survivor