ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to understand what it is like to live with ovarian cancer during childbearing years. The primary researcher (PR) conducted three to four in-depth interviews, lasting 60 to 90 minutes each, with five women living with ovarian cancer for 1 to 10 years. Van Manen's method of reflection and writing guided the inquiry. The process of existential investigation expanded the inquiry. Trustworthiness was assured through member checking, reflective journaling, coinvestigators checking the logic of the PR's analysis, and the achievement of consensus through dialogue. Analysis of the data revealed the themes of serendipitous diagnosis, managing treatment, horrible hair experience, hysterectomy violating one's sense of being, unfairness of menopause, body changes, intimate dreaming, being with others, being normal/different, being vigilant, being heard, and trying to make sense of it. The stories revealed provide us with a window into the experience of women with ovarian cancer.
Subject(s)
Attitude to Health , Ovarian Neoplasms/psychology , Self Concept , Adult , Data Collection/methods , Female , Humans , Interpersonal Relations , Interviews as Topic , Middle Aged , Social SupportABSTRACT
KIE: Echenberg, a physician and the chairman of a PEC (perinatal ethics committee) recounts a difficult case of an infant with congenital Werdnig-Hoffman disease, which is characterized by a severe, early-onset form of spinal muscular atrophy, secondary to progressive neurologic degeneration. The two-and-one-half-month-old girl was paralyzed and respirator dependent, but apparently mentally intact and aware. Her parents and other family members tried to avoid serious involvement in the case. The physicians caring for her were resigned to the futility of further treatment, but uncertain how to proceed. The infant's nurses, many of whom had bonded with the child, were strongly divided as to what course of action would be in her best interests, and who should make decisions about continuation or termination of life support. Echenberg summarizes the PEC meeting which was convened about this case, and reviews the issues involved.^ieng