Ringing in Victory Monday: Ron Rivera celebrates final cancer treatment

It was a different type of “Victory Monday” for Ron Rivera.

Yes, his Washington Football Team got a victory over the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. But he also celebrated his final cancer treatment on Monday at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute.

Rivera rings bell for final cancer treatment

Rivera, who was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer in his lymph nodes in July, was met by a hallway full of people in “Rivera Strong” T-shirts holding gold pom-poms and bells. He rang the bell honor of the final appointment, a celebration of the end of a tough journey.

Rivera said last week he’d be finishing treatments and he’s been told “it’s headed in the right direction.” He’ll have to return for scans.

Rivera coached through cancer treatments

Rivera, 57, announced the diagnosis ahead of the season and said he would continue to coach through treatment. He’s in his first year with the Washington organization.

Though he has coached all seven games, he’s had to miss one practice and leave another early due to rough side effects of the chemotherapy. That same week he was surprised by cardboard cutouts of family and friends at the stadium for the “Crucial Catch” game. He required special attention during a game against the Baltimore Ravens and has reportedly needed IVs at halftime of some contests.

Rivera reiterated that he would continue coaching through the final three weeks of treatments because “it’s who I am.” The veteran coach said he drew inspiration from Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stuart Scott in their bouts with cancer.

The Washington Football Team (2-5) is off this weekend. They’ll continue divisional games on Nov. 8 in hosting the New York Giants.

© Provided by Yahoo! Sports Ron Rivera coached through cancer treatments this season. (Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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