VIDEO: Banging the Chemo Gong

By John Bach

The tradition on the third floor of the UC Health Breast Cancer Center is to hit the gong in the lobby to signify the end of chemotherapy treatment for patients.

January 7 was that day for Julie. After four months and 16 Fridays of spending hours in the infusion room while cancer-killing chemicals were pumped into her chest port, she finally got to hit the gong. 

We had big plans for this moment. We were going to bring Greta, Georgia and Josie down so they could watch their mama cross this milestone. The recent COVID-19 surge spoiled that, so we FaceTimed the kids instead.

To me, what stands out about this celebratory moment is Julie’s reaction. If you watch the video closely, you’ll see her wince right after she strikes the gong.

It was clearly louder than she expected. But more than that, this is a classic example of her not liking to draw attention to herself. Not even for something so important. Part of it is the way she’s wired as a mom to put others first, but mostly it is her personality to not toot her own horn. Or in this case, bang her own chemo gong.

Screenshot from our FaceTime with the kids.

When we arrived home after her final chemo treatment, the girls had decorated the house, and we were able to enjoy a nice dinner and toast Julie’s progress.

Next week we’ll learn a lot more about the path she’ll take on this journey toward healing. For now, we celebrate.

These two have grown especially close throughout Julie’s treatment.