Renegotiating hope while living with lymphoedema after cancer: a qualitative study

Abstract

Hope is defined as a multi-dimensional life force, a coping resource and a necessity for coping with illness. Concepts of normalcy, hope and loss are explored in this qualitative study and positioned within recent scholarship on hope in cancer survivors. The experiences of 13 participants (11 women, 2 men) in two Canadian provinces who were living with lymphoedema secondary to cancer were analysed. For these participants, hope assumed various meanings. For some, hope was seen as passive inaction, whereas hope for others was positive and action-oriented, even when faced with the uncertainty of chronic illness. Hope for the individual with lymphoedema is also juxtaposed with hope associated with cancer treatment where a desired return to normal is the object of hope and paramount to coping. However, when met with the chronic nature of lymphoedema, the hope of a return to normalcy is lost and the meaning, direction and actions of hope must be renegotiated.

Psychosocial predictors of hope two years after diagnosis of colorectal cancer: Implications for nurse‐led hope programmes

“…Whether this association is due to colorectal cancer or the physical changes associated with colorectal cancer bears further investigation. For example, people living with lymphoedema, a disease that also has significant physical changes, also report a strong desire to return to normal (Hamilton & Thomas, 2016).…”

“…The ability to sustain activities that were valued before the cancer diagnosis is also associated with hope. Qualitative studies that have demonstrated valued activities with hope include: 13 Canadians living with lymphoedema associated with cancer (Hamilton & Thomas, 2016), 17 people with advanced cancer in Hong Kong (Mok et al, 2010) and 50 people treated for cancer in a London outpatient clinic (Sanatini, Schreir, & Stitt, 2008). Each of these qualitative studies were conducted on people with different cancers and in different sites, suggesting that functional well-being may contribute to hope.…”

Exploring the impact of lymphoedema on individuals and if lymphatic venous anastomosis surgery effects perceptions on quality of life: A qualitative study

“…It is essential to acknowledge however that not all participants reported having a positive perceived change to QoL since having LVA, and the disappointment was palpable. Hamilton and Thomas (2016) found that cancer survivors' renegotiated hope after being diagnosed with lymphoedema, and the object of desire was a return to normal. However, due to the hype of LVA being a 'cure' for lymphoedema, some participants had unrealistic expectations of returning to normal.…”

The EU and cancer research

“…Nevertheless, awareness of early symptoms is important, as is information on self-management strategies for oral cancer survivors, who often live with significant morbidity including facial disfigurement; Badr et al (2016) demonstrate some interesting findings through use of a web-based strategy targeting both oral cancer patients and their family caregivers. Finally, take a look at Hamilton and Thomas's (2016) paper on the experiences of patients with lymphoedema-a condition which can be associated with significant morbidity and distress in cancer patients. Management of lymphoedema has improved significantly in recent years, and this paper presents a very positive outlook on meeting the challenges of this condition.…”