Thesis
Realising mortality: a phenomenological study of twenty people's experiences of living with recurrent cancer
Southern Cross University, School of Nursing and Health Care Practices
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2002
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Abstract
This research aimed to gain a deeper insight and understanding into the individual's experiences of living with recurrent cancer with a view to informing nursing care and providing appropriate and timely support. Utilising a phenomenological hermeneutic methodology twenty people who had experienced living with recurrent cancer participated in sharing their stories in individual audiotaped interviews. The stories were analysed and commonalities and differences were identified as a way of suggesting themes that explicated the experiences. Themes highlight or bring to awareness the possible meanings within the experience, thus allowing for a deeper level of understanding. Five major themes were suggested and where appropriate each major theme was further explicated through the use of sub-themes. The major themes that emerged were: first reactions to a diagnosis of recurrent cancer; Being lost - becoming humble; preparing for an unknown future; living with uncertainty - coping with limitations; and discovering the meaning in life.
These themes bring to stark awareness the personal cost of a diagnosis of recurrent cancer, which for the participants in this study included many issues that revolved around loss. These losses included a loss of the self, lost independence, lost friendships, the stigma of having cancer, and lost future dreams, hopes and aspirations. Many of the participants talked of preparing for an unknown future by planning their funerals and leaving legacies for loved ones and contemplating death. As time progressed, many participants found ways of living with the uncertainty and coping with the limitations wrought by the recurrent cancer and some were able to discover some meaning in life. The insights gained from this phenomenological research may be used to identify and improve access to existing support services. In addition, other ways of providing appropriate support is suggested.
Details
- Title
- Realising mortality: a phenomenological study of twenty people's experiences of living with recurrent cancer
- Creators
- Catherine Cheryl Jones
- Contributors
- Bev Joan Taylor (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University, School of Nursing and Health Care Practices
- Number of pages
- iv, 385
- Identifiers
- 991013315228702368
- Copyright
- © Catherine C. Jones 2002
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Resource Type
- Thesis