Breast cancer survivors suffering from lymphedema: What really do affect to corporeality/body image? A qualitative study.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema is currently one of the most serious complications that most affect the quality of life of women undergoing breast cancer. The aim of this study was to explore in-depth the experience of women who suffer from lymphoedema after breast cancer and how does this condition affect corporeality, with no judgements. For this purpose, a qualitative methodology was followed. In-depth interviews, interviewer's field notes and participants' letters were used for data collection. The participants were twenty Spanish women with lymphoedema after overcome a breast cancer in the past. Healthcare specialists with experience in the topic were also included. Results showed 2 main categories: "From cancer to lymphedema, another disease another disease" and "Potential for transition and transformation towards a new way of life". As a conclusion, the difficulty in accessing adequate treatment, the need for greater awareness of lymphedema and the importance of the emotional and psychological dimension of this chronic disease. Highlighting the attitudes that these women develop for self-care and the concept of new corporeality. After breast cancer, women with lymphedema experience a drastic change that affects all areas of their lives. The adaptation process, and the search for resources and aid, play a fundamental role in overcoming this process.

Comparing the experience of individuals with primary and secondary lymphoedema: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that has significant detrimental impact on patients' quality of life. Secondary lymphoedema often results from anti-tumour treatment, in contrast to primary lymphoedema which is the result of genetic abnormalities that leads to an abnormal development of the lymphatic system. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the experience of individuals with primary and secondary lymphoedema. METHODS: A total of 19 patients (mean ±â€¯standard deviation age: 56.7 ±â€¯16.2 years), 8 with primary and 11 with secondary lymphoedema, participated in this qualitative phenomenological study. Purposeful sampling method was applied. We recruited participants from specialised lymphoedema units of two physical therapy clinics and the Lymphoedema Patient Association in Spain. Data collection methods included unstructured and semi-structured interviews. An inductive thematic analysis was used. RESULTS: The findings suggest differences between the experience of living with primary or secondary lymphoedema. Also, those with lower extremity lymphoedema have more pain, fatigue, and functional limitations. Three primary themes emerged: "Emotional challenge", "Adapting your life to a new situation," and "lymphoedema management". CONCLUSIONS: The experience of living with lymphoedema involves aspects of fear, suffering, coping, and management of the disease and differs between secondary and primary causes. However, it seems to be more dependent on its location than its cause.

Living with lymphoedema-the perspective of cancer patients: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the lived experience of lymphoedema and the barriers faced by cancer sufferers receiving physiotherapy outpatient treatment. METHODS: A qualitative, phenomenological study was performed. Purposeful sampling method was used. Data collection methods included unstructured and semi-structured interviews and researcher field notes. A thematic analysis was used. The study was conducted following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. RESULTS: Eleven patients (62.18 ± 10.14 years) (90.91% women) participated. One theme was identified with different subgroups. The main theme 'Living a life with multiple barriers'-formed by the subthemes 'Discovering physical and psychological barriers', 'Searching information', 'Building relationships' and 'Controlling expenses'-displays the daily difficulties they must face in areas such as work. The patients reported that lymphoedema is a constant emotional and physical challenge. They need to adapt their lives to their new situation, learning how to manage the lymphoedema. CONCLUSIONS: Patients considered lymphoedema as a clinical situation with multiple barriers and they found that it does alter their quality of life. These results can be applied in onco-haematology units to develop specific protocols for customers.