Management of Uncertainty by Patients with Lung Cancer between Diagnosis and Treatment

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  • Sasai Tomoko
    Department of Nursing, Tokushima University Hospital
  • Onishi Chiemi
    Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School

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Other Title
  • 診断から初回治療導入期における肺がん患者の不確かさの管理
  • シンダン カラ ショカイ チリョウ ドウニュウキ ニ オケル ハイ ガン カンジャ ノ フ タシカ サ ノ カンリ

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Abstract Aim: A qualitative study was performed to clarify the methods patients employed to manage uncertainty in the period between diagnosis of advanced lung cancer and initiation of treatment. Methods: Fifteen patients participated in semi-structured interviews to obtain information. Analysis of the interviews was done by employing a qualitative descriptive study. Results: The core category for managing uncertainty was identified as 《finding a way to live despite bewilderment at the prospect of dying.》 In the period between diagnosis and the initiation of treatment, patients experienced uncertainty due to their 〈inability to predict the future and fear that treatment for lung cancer may bring death closer〉 and 〈having the foundations of existence shaken.〉 They responded by engaging in survival-related activities through 〈gaining distance from death and accepting the challenge of living〉 and by 〈searching for the meaning of living while dealing with cancer.〉 Conclusions: In patients diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, managing uncertainty involved attempts to prolong survival and to find meaning in living. In the period between diagnosis and the start of treatment, these patients attempted to manage uncertainty through trying to live to the fullest extent possible by making use of the surrounding environment despite uncertainty about the risk of dying.

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