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| 6. |
- Anderzén-Carlsson, Agneta, 1966-, et al.
(author)
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Dealing with fear : from the perspective of adolescent girls with cancer
- 2012
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - Oxon, United Kingdom : Elsevier. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 16:3, s. 286-292
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Previously fears in adolescents with cancer has been identified in relation to medical procedures, death, altered appearance and as having an overall influence on life, but to our knowledge young people's perspectives on dealing with fear have not been previously investigated.Purpose: To examine adolescents' perspectives on dealing with cancer related fear.Methods and sample: Six girls participated in qualitative interviews focussing on their fear and and how they dealt with it. Data were analysed by means of qualitative content analysis.Results: The results revealed two perspectives. First, the adolescents' own personal battle with fear. Second, they reported that they were not alone with their fear, as they shared it with significant others. An environment characterized by emotional presence helped them to deal with their fear, as well as prevented it from occurring.Conclusions: There is a need for staff and parents to be vigilant to the adolescents' need to feel cared for and allow them the opportunity to deal with their own fear, as at times they want to manage in their own way. Young patients have resources to cope with their fears and therefore should not be viewed as victims, but as young people with a great amount of competence, who benefit from a supportive environment.
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| 7. |
- Andreassen Devik, Siri, et al.
(author)
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Meanings of being old, living on one's own and suffering from incurable cancer in rural Norway
- 2013
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 17:6, s. 781-787
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore and understand the lived experience of older people living alone and suffering from incurable cancer in rural Norway. Methods and sample: Narrative interviews were conducted with five older people with incurable cancer (three women and two men, aged 71-79), receiving outpatient and life-prolonging chemotherapy and living alone in their homes in rural areas. A phenomenological hermeneutical approach was used to interpret the meaning of the lived experience. Key results: Four main themes were found: enduring by keeping hope alive, becoming aware that you are on your own, living up to expectations of being a good patient and being at risk of losing one's identity and value. Enduring this situation means struggling with terminal illness and facing death in a brave manner, and replacing former ways of living. The process of providing treatment may threaten dignity and cause additional distress. Conclusions: These results show a complex and comprehensive situation where physical symptoms and emotions are interwoven. Further the results describe how the ways of suffering caused by the manner in which care is delivered, suffering related to the cancer disease and existential suffering, may increase each other's impact. The social and rural context calls for special attention as the patients may lack recourses to gain sufficient care. Their comfort depends to a large extent on the health professionals' sensitivity. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
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| 9. |
- Bergkvist, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Hospital care or home care after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation : patients' experiences of care and support
- 2013
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 48, s. S468-S468
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE:Treatment at home during the pancytopenic phase after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been an option for patients at our center since 1998. Earlier studies have shown that home care is safe and has medical advantages. In this study, we present patients' experiences of care and support while being treated in hospital or at home during the acute post-transplantation phase.METHOD:Patients (n = 41, 22 in hospital care and 19 in home care) answered the SAUC questionnaire at discharge (when home, or from hospital). Both statistical analysis and deductive content analysis were used.RESULTS:The patients were highly satisfied with the care and support during the acute post-transplantation phase. Patients in home care were found to be more satisfied with care in general than patients in hospital care. The importance of safety, empathy, and encouragement from healthcare staff were expressed regardless of where care was given. Patients also felt that receipt of continuous, updated information during treatment was important and they had a strong belief in HSCT but were uncertain of the future regarding recovery.CONCLUSIONS:The main findings of this study were that in comparison to hospital care, home care does not appear to have a significant negative effect on patients' experiences of care and support during the acute post-transplantation phase. In addition patients in home care felt safe, seen as a person and encouragement seem to empower the patients at home. Thus, this study may encourage other transplantation centers to provide home care if the patients want it.
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| 11. |
- Browall, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Existential encounters: Nurses' descriptions of critical incidents in end-of-life cancer care
- 2014
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 18:6, s. 636-644
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nurses working with cancer patients in end of life care need to be prepared to encounter patients' psychosocial and spiritual distress. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe nurses' experiences of existential situations when caring for patients severely affected by cancer. Methods and sample: Nurses (registered and enrolled) from three urban in-patient hospices, an oncology clinic and a surgery clinic and a palliative homecare team were, prior to the start of a training program, invited to write down their experiences of a critical incident (CI), in which existential issues were featured. Results: Eighty-eight CIs were written by 83 nurses. The CIs were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Two main themes were found: Encounters with existential pain experiences, which concerned facing death and facing losses; and Encountering experiences of hope, which concerned balancing honesty, and desire to live. Conclusions: This study points out that health care professionals need to be aware of patients' feelings of abandonment in exposed situations such as patients' feelings of existential loneliness. That there are some patients that express a desire to die and this makes the nurses feel uncomfortable and difficult to confront these occurrences and its therefore important to listen to patients' stories, regardless of care organization, in order to gain access to patients' inner existential needs.
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| 12. |
- Carlsson, Eva, 1959, et al.
(author)
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Structure and content in consultations with patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer
- 2013
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 17:6, s. 820-826
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: To explore the structure and content of pre-planned consultations as part of the care and treatment of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. Methods: The study was based on 50 transcripts of audio-recorded pre-planned consultations between seven patients and 36 healthcare professionals from the time of diagnosis, pre-operative consultation, discharge consultation and pathology report in a colorectal unit. Results: The spread of consultation time between professions was considerable. Total mean consultation time for patients during the care process (7 consultations/patient) was 111 mm (range 83-191). The mean consultation time for surgeons was 18 min (7-40), anaesthesiologists 12 min (5-18) and nurses 14 min (5-49). Patients took up 40% of the word space, healthcare professionals used 59% and significant others 1%. Word space changed in such a way that the patient became more active towards the final consultation. Neither during the diagnosis consultation nor during the pre-operative consultation did the patients meet the operating surgeon. Six major subjects emerged: general health, diagnosis, surgical procedure, pre-operative preparations, recovery and treatment and follow-up. Conclusions: There is a need for clearer structure in the consultations. Most consultations lacked a clear introduction to the subject of the conversation. The study makes it possible to develop methods and structure for supporting conversations in which the patient is given space to help with the difficult issues present after undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. The study also contributes to providing knowledge of how to organise surgical consultations in order to optimise person-centeredness, teamwork and clinical efficiency. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 13. |
- Darcy, Laura, et al.
(author)
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The process of striving for an ordinary, everyday life, in young children living with cancer, at six months and one year post diagnosis
- 2014
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - Amsterdam : Elsevier. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 18:6, s. 605-612
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: Health care focus is shifting from solely looking at surviving cancer to elements of attention relating to living with it on a daily basis.The young child's experiences are crucial to providing evidence based care. The aim of this study was to explore the everyday life of young children as expressed by the child and parents at six months and one year post diagnosis.METHODS: Interviews were conducted with children and their parents connected to a paediatric oncology unit in Southern Sweden. A qualitative content analysis of interview data from two time points, six months and one year post diagnosis, was carried out.RESULTS: The process of living with cancer at six months and at one year post diagnosis revealed the child's striving for an ordinary, everyday life. Experiences over time of gaining control, making a normality of the illness and treatment and feeling lonely were described.CONCLUSION: Nurses have a major role to play in the process of striving for a new normal in the world post-diagnosis, and provide essential roles by giving the young child information, making them participatory in their care and encouraging access to both parents and peers. Understanding this role and addressing these issues regularly can assist the young child in the transition to living with cancer. Longitudinal studies with young children are vital in capturing their experiences through the cancer trajectory and necessary to ensure quality care.
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| 14. |
- Ekholm, Karolina, et al.
(author)
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The next of kin experiences of symptoms and distress among patients with colorectal cancer : diagnosis and treatment affecting the life situation
- 2013
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 17:2, s. 125-130
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PurposeTo identify symptoms/distress among patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy, from the viewpoint of the next of kin, and to establish whether there are any barriers to reporting these problems.MethodsIndividual face-to-face interviews with fourteen next of kin were conducted. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the transcripts.ResultsThree areas were identified: symptoms presented, barriers to reporting symptoms/distress, and influences on life for the next of kin. Nine symptoms were raised as most common by the next of kin. Almost all the next of kin denied that they had experienced any barriers to reporting symptoms/distress but some did exist, namely barriers to proper communication and barriers of time. The next of kin made another interpretation of barriers; they did not interpret it as hinder or obstacle. All next of kin talked to a large extent about how the patient's disease and treatment affected them as next of kin. It affected them psychologically, they had to re-valuate their life, and it influenced their social life.ConclusionsThe symptoms reported during chemotherapy were similar to those found in other studies on patients. Barriers to reporting symptoms were mentioned, but not to a great extent. Although it was not the main purpose of the study, the next of kin raised concerns about the patient's disease and treatment and how it influenced next of kin life.
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| 15. |
- Ekwall, Eva, 1950-, et al.
(author)
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Lived experiences of women with recurring ovarian cancer
- 2014
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 18:1, s. 104-109
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Women with recurring ovarian cancer are living longer, due to advances in treatment options. They are now often outpatients, experiencing rapid encounters on treatment days. Whether this shift in care meets women’s needs has been scarcely explored scientifically.Purpose of the study: This study aimed to illuminate the phenomenon of living with recurring ovarian cancer as experienced by women in that condition.Methods and sample: A descriptive phenomenological method was used. Eight open-ended interviews with four women were performed approximately three and five years after the first recurrence of ovarian cancer. During these years the women had repeated clinically and radiologically verified recurrence requiring chemotherapy.Key results:The phenomenon of living with recurring ovarian cancer meant that the women felt forced to pay attention to the failing body in order to avoid a potential breakdown. The growing limitation of their intermittent strength meant that strength had to be captured and protected. Sharing their lives with others was difficult, due to the different living conditions. The women found no space to mediate their experiences, either in close relationships or with health care professionals. But, the circumstances they lived under also generated a gratitude for the unexpected extra time.Conclusions: The findings revealed that the four women were grateful to live a while longer, but needed to share their state of being. The findings are indeed directed to health care professionals, who need to provide a more patient-centred care to meet the women’s needs.
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| 16. |
- Ekwall, Eva, et al.
(author)
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Patients' perceptions of communication with the health care team during chemotherapy for the first recurrence of ovarian cancer
- 2011
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 15:1, s. 53-58
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: The aim of this study was to explore what women with recurrent ovarian cancer perceived as important in their communication with the health care team. Method: Interviews were conducted with 12 women at the end of chemotherapy treatment at a department of gynecological oncology in central Sweden. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings stress the importance for the health care team to offer each woman the opportunity for support in becoming familiar with the disease. This theme of becoming familiar with the disease is underpinned by four sub-themes: being acknowledged as a unique person, getting help to make sense of information regarding the disease and its treatment, having the opportunity to be involved and to share responsibility, and feeling confident that medical expertise was adequate. Becoming familiar with the disease was expressed as a process of understanding and assimilating the whole new situation. To achieve familiarity, the women needed help from the health care team to make sense of the information they received. They stressed the importance of being able to influence encounters with health professionals, in accordance with their own perspectives. Being acknowledged as a unique person was a prerequisite to achieve familiarity. Also important to the women was having the opportunity to share responsibility for their care and lives with someone from the health care team. Conclusion: Helping women with recurrence of ovarian cancer attain a sense of familiarity with the disease should be an important priority for health care providers. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 17. |
- Enblom, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Emesis and gastrointestinal problems during radiotherapy A comparison of performance of daily activities between patients experiencing nausea and patients free from nausea
- 2010
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 14:5, s. 359-66
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose of the research To describe the experiences of nausea vomiting and gastrointestinal problems during radiotherapy and to compare patients experiencing nausea with patients not experiencing nausea regarding performance in daily activities sleeping and eating capacity Methods and sample A cross-sectional sample of 131 Swedish radiotherapy patients answered a questionnaire regarding the preceding week of radiotherapy Mean age was 63 years (standard deviation 12 1) and 56% were women The radiotherapy fields were breast (35%) abdomen/pelvis (15%) prostate/bladder (21%) head/neck (10%) and other (8%) Key results The patients experiencing nausea within the observed week (n = 31) had compared to the patients not experiencing nausea (n = 100) lower ability in daily activities in general (p = 0 001) in shopping (p = 0 014) walking (p = 0 007) and social interaction (p = 0 007) Of the patients with nausea 48% had seldom woken up rested and 34% were not able to eat as much as they used to Corresponding figures for nausea free patients were 27% (not significant ns) and 16% (ns) Six (5%) experienced vomiting 15 (12%) diarrhoea 23 (18%) constipation and 52 (40%) any gastrointestinal symptoms Forty seven (90%) were negatively bothered by the experienced gastrointestinal symptoms Conclusions The fourth of patients experiencing nausea during radiotherapy had lower ability to perform daily activities than the three quarters of patients who were free from nausea Few patients vomited while 40% experienced gastrointestinal symptoms during the observed week of radiotherapy This implies that health care professionals could consider identifying nauseous patients that possibly need support in nausea-reduction and in daily activities during radiotherapy (c) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd
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| 18. |
- Ervik, B., et al.
(author)
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Dealing with a troublesome body : A qualitative interview study of men’s experiences living with prostate cancer treated with endocrine therapy
- 2012
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 16:2, s. 103-108
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Endocrine therapy for prostate cancer causes substantial side effects, and previous studies have focused on the impacts on sexuality and masculinity. Little is known about how men experience bodily alterations in everyday life through the course of the prostate cancer and treatment. The aim of this study was to show how men with prostate cancer experience bodily changes and how these alterations influence daily life. Method: The study was conducted via qualitative interviews with a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. We interviewed ten men (aged 58-83) with prostate cancer who received endocrine therapy as the primary treatment method. Results: The results showed that five themes were important for the men’s experiences of their bodily alterations throughout the course of the illness: "something is ’wrong’", "when the body becomes troublesome", "to be well or to be ill", "dealing with the alterations" and "to talk about cancer and the intimate details" Initially, the shock of receiving a cancer diagnosis and the physical changes in their bodies were at the forefront of many patients’ minds. Eventually, the impact of the side effects became more evident, which caused problems in everyday life. Yet, the men were able to reflect on the impact of treatment on their everyday lives. Conclusion: This study showed that hormone treatment has a significant influence, both directly and indirectly, on the bodies of prostate cancer patients. The experiences of men with prostate cancer may lead to feelings of loss of identity on an existential level. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
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| 19. |
- Fallbjörk, Ulrika, 1967-, et al.
(author)
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A preliminary study into women's experiences of undergoing reconstructive surgery after breast cancer
- 2012
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 16:3, s. 220-226
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. In Sweden, about 40% of women diagnosed with breast cancer undergo a mastectomy; breast reconstruction (BR) may be an option for these women. However, the experience of undergoing reconstructive surgery appears to be only very scarcely researched, despite its importance in clinical nursing.Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore women's experiences of undergoing breast reconstructive surgery after mastectomy due to breast cancer.Methods: Six women participated in narrative interviews about their experiences of reconstructive surgery, and the interview data were analysed using thematic narrative analysis.Results: All six women were unprepared for the strenuous experience of undergoing a BR. They described the process as difficult and painful, entailing several operations and an unexpectedly long recovery period. They were also unprepared for how arduous it would be, both physically and emotionally. However, getting a BR had been important to all the women. The BR process was captured in four themes: (1) uninformed care; (2) arduous experiences; (3) body alterations; and (4) moving on.Conclusions: Obtaining adequate information and being involved in the decision-making process along the pathway of a BR could help the women to prepare physically and emotionally for the strenuous experiences related to reconstructive surgery.
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| 20. |
- Fallbjörk, Ulrika, 1967-, et al.
(author)
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Aspects of body image after mastectomy due to breast cancer : a two-year follow up study
- 2013
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 17:3, s. 340-345
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: This 2-year follow-up study explores aspects of body image after mastectomy due to breast cancer.Materials and Methods: This population-based study included 76 women living in northern Sweden who, during November 2006 to October 2007, underwent mastectomy due to breast cancer. The women completed a questionnaire entitled “Life After Mastectomy (LAM)” 10 months after the mastectomy and again 2 years later. We used SPSS version 18.0 for data processing and analysis.Results:The findings indicate that few significant changes in body image had taken place during the 2-year interval between the first and second completion of the questionnaire. An exception was a significant decrease in feelings of sexual attractiveness and comfort during sexual intimacy. At follow-up, 21% of the women had undergone breast reconstruction (BR). They were significantly younger than the women who had not had BR (53 v. 63 years). Besides being younger, no other significant differences could be found between those women who had undergone BR and those who had not. The fact that the decrease in sexual attractiveness and feelings of comfort during sexual intimacy also applied to the subgroup of women who had had BR may therefore be surprising. A better understanding of issues related to breast cancer treatment and sexual function is vital.Conclusion: It is important for health care professionals to be aware of problems related to sexual intimacy and to be prepared not just to provide information about these, but also to reflect on expectations v. reality together with the women.
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| 21. |
- Hajdarevic, Senada, et al.
(author)
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You never know when your last day will come and your trip will be over - Existential expressions from a melanoma diagnosis.
- 2014
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 18:4, s. 355-361
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM: The aim of this study was to further explore expressions of existential experiences by patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma (MM).METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were performed consecutively after diagnosis among 30 patients with MM. The methodological approach was inspired by Gadamer's hermeneutic philosophy.RESULTS: The analysis of expressions of existential experiences after having been diagnosed with malignant melanoma revealed that it is an existential process that people go through, beginning with feelings of suddenly becoming groundless at the time of the diagnosis, including being empty and in a vacuum, being in chaos and uncertainty and being confronted with one's own death. Next theme searching for solid ground included striving to understand what lies ahead, striving to find a balance in life - fighting, hoping, going on living and striving to prioritize family. The last theme creating islands of solid ground when living with cancer included understanding what is meaningful in life, living in the moment - seizing the day and keeping watch on the body.CONCLUSION: On being diagnosed with malignant melanoma, people go through a process where many questions emerge, including an existential turmoil, which health professionals should be aware of to provide these patients with sufficient support.
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| 22. |
- Hedayati, Elham, et al.
(author)
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Effects of adjuvant treatment on cognitive function in women with early breast cancer
- 2012
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 16:3, s. 315-322
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Whether adjuvant therapy impairs cognitive function in women with breast cancer (BC) is unclear. We determined the effects of adjuvant therapy on cognitive function in women with early BC. Methods: We consecutively and prospectively enrolled women aged 40-69 years who had a positive radiographic finding from the mammography screening program at Stockholm South General Hospital. All women completed the Headminder Web-based neuropsychological battery Cognitive Stability Index (CSI) for response speed, processing speed, memory, and attention before diagnosis (T1), after surgery and before adjuvant treatment (T2), 6 months after start of adjuvant treatment (T3), and after another 3 months of follow-up (T4). Women with BC were divided into those receiving chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or no adjuvant medical therapy. Women without a diagnosis of BC served as healthy controls. Results: Of the 146 women enrolled, 77 had BC of whom 18 received chemotherapy; 45, hormone therapy, and 14, no adjuvant medical therapy; 69 were healthy controls. Memory scores for women with BC were significantly lower than those for controls over time, even after controlling for age and education. Memory and response speed scores were lower after chemotherapy than before (P less than 0.01 for both). Processing speed and attention improved significantly over time in all groups, a result consistent with a practice effect. Conclusion: Our results indicate subtle changes related to time course and treatment. Especially, that chemotherapy may impair memory and response speed in women with BC, consistent with those reported by BC survivors after adjuvant medical treatment. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 23. |
- Henoch, Ingela, 1956, et al.
(author)
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The influence of symptom clusters and the most distressing concerns regarding quality of life among patients with inoperable lung cancer
- 2014
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 18:3, s. 236-241
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: To explore the influence of symptom clusters and the most distressing concerns on global rating of quality of life (QoL) among patients with inoperable lung cancer (LC) over a three-month period following diagnosis. Methods: Data were derived from a longitudinal study dealing with the symptom experiences of 400 patients with LC at three time points: close to diagnosis and one and three months later. The symptom clusters were derived from a QoL questionnaire using factor analysis, which resulted in three clusters: the Respiratory cluster, the Pain cluster and the Mood cluster. The most distressing concerns were derived from responses to a free listing question (What is most distressing at present') and were categorised under three dimensions: Bodily distress, Life situation with LC and latrogenic distress. Cross-sectional, multivariate regression analyses with QoL as a dependent variable were used to determine predictors (Symptom clusters and most distressing concerns) at the three time points. Results: All three symptom clusters predicted QoL at each time point. Close to diagnosis, none of the dimensions of most distressing concerns predicted QoL, while the dimension Bodily distress was a significant predictor of QoL after one month. The Life situation with LC dimension was a significant predictor of QoL three months after diagnosis. Conclusions: Symptom clusters are important to LC patients' QoL and need to be acknowledged by healthcare professionals. The present study shows the importance of patients' descriptions of key concerns, which vary from diagnosis onwards, and urges healthcare professionals to be vigilant to such changes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 24. |
- Holst-Hansson, Annette, et al.
(author)
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The breath of life : womens' experiences of breathing adapted radiation therapy
- 2013
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 17:3, s. 354-359
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose To describe and analyze how women with breast cancer experience breathing adapted radiation therapy (BART) and to explore how women manage daily radiation therapy. Method Individual interviews were conducted with 20 women treated with BART for breast cancer concerning their perception of radiation therapy. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results ‘The breath of life’ was the overall theme, as the women experienced the breathing as a way in which to influence their treatment and thus their survival. ‘Participating in one's treatment, for good or ill’, was the main category with four subcategories, ‘Knowing one has done something good’, ‘Getting an extra bonus – healthwise’, ‘The experience of being in control’ and ‘Being in a high-technology environment’. The breathing technique became the strategy by which they could manage their treatment and gave them a sense of participation which led to a feeling of being in control. The women also felt that breathing benefited their health both mentally and physically. The high-technology environment was experienced as both hopeful and frightening. Conclusion Survival or increasing the chances of survival, are of ultimate importance for a woman with breast cancer. BART requires commitment from the women, which was perceived as offering them an opportunity to participate in their own treatment, for their survival. Increasing the women's possibilities to participate in their treatment benefits their health and welfare during an otherwise turbulent time and allow the rehabilitation process to start during treatment.
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| 25. |
- Holst-Hansson, Annette, et al.
(author)
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The breath of life : womens' experiences of breathing adapted radiation therapy
- 2013
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In: European Journal of Oncology Nursing. - : Elsevier. - 1462-3889 .- 1532-2122. ; 17:3, s. 354-359
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: To describe and analyze how women with breast cancer experience breathing adapted radiation therapy (BART) and to explore how women manage daily radiation therapy.Method: Individual interviews were conducted with 20 women treated with BART for breast cancer concerning their perception of radiation therapy. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Results: 'The breath of life' was the overall theme, as the women experienced the breathing as a way in which to influence their treatment and thus their survival. 'Participating in one's treatment, for good or ill', was the main category with four subcategories, 'Knowing one has done something good', 'Getting an extra bonus - healthwise', The experience of being in control' and 'Being in a high-technology environment'. The breathing technique became the strategy by which they could manage their treatment and gave them a sense of participation which led to a feeling of being in control. The women also felt that breathing benefited their health both mentally and physically. The high-technology environment was experienced as both hopeful and frightening.Conclusion: Survival or increasing the chances of survival, are of ultimate importance for a woman with breast cancer. BART requires commitment from the women, which was perceived as offering them an opportunity to participate in their own treatment, for their survival. Increasing the women's possibilities to participate in their treatment benefits their health and welfare during an otherwise turbulent time and allow the rehabilitation process to start during treatment.
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