The Experience of Illness in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore the illness experiences of Korean patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. METHODS: Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews with 9 patients. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Five themes emerged as a result of the analysis. "Embarrassment from unfamiliar diagnosis and rapid progression" delineates lymphoma as a very cancer. "Maelstrom in dilemma of cancer treatment" describes suffering due to side effects and complications with lack of information about treatments. "Rearrangement of relationships due to social prejudice" describes interpersonal relationships with others and family members. "Keeping psychological stability through balancing alertness and oblivion" illustrates strategies to overcome the fear of recurrence. "A new life obtained by introspection" delineates the outcome of overcoming cancer through self-reflection. CONCLUSION: Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma experienced tremendous physical and psychosocial problems. There are significant knowledge gaps between patients and health professionals. Based on the results of the study, health professionals could develop effective nursing interventions to improve the quality of life of non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients.