Side Effects of Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Perceptions of Node-Negative Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Twenty‐one node‐negative breast cancer patients were interviewed shortly after completing adjuvant chemotherapy and asked about side effects they had experienced, expectation of side effects, and strategies for coping with the side effects. Eighteen of the women were interviewed 6 months later to determine their feelings about the chemotherapy experience and ending treatment and what side effects persisted or developed after chemotherapy. Hair loss, fatigue, treatment‐related problems, nausea and infections/low blood counts were the most frequently described problems during the first interviews. Patients used coping strategies suggested by physicians and nurses. Six months later, hair problems, fatigue, weight gain, menopausal problems, emotional problems and nail problems were most often reported. Most patients (16/18) did not expect to be experiencing chemotherapy‐related problems 6 months after ending treatment. Fatigue interfered with daily lives and weight gain caused concern. A total of 35% of participants experienced fear or anxiety at the end of chemotherapy, but most (62%) recalled at least some positive feelings 6 months later. Given the same circumstances, all but two would make the same decision to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy. Support groups would be especially useful for patients completing chemotherapy who would lose continued frequent support from clinic personnel. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The psychological needs of patients receiving chemotherapy: an exploration of nurse perceptions

“…Therefore, nurses need to keep this in mind when caring for patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy; specially at the two stages identified by the nurses as the most psychologically demanding for the patients: the beginning and the end of the chemotherapy. These findings are also in agreement with previous studies (Hanson 1994;Fredette 1995;Abbey 1997;Beisecker et al . 1997;Sitzia & Wood 1998b).…”

Cancer survivors' exercise barriers, facilitators and preferences in the context of fatigue, quality of life and physical activity participation: a questionnaire–survey

“…CRF presents as one of the main and most commonly reported exercise barriers [22,24,26]. Although some studies suggest that fatigue tends to return to baseline levels post treatment [27][28][29], others report that fatigue is still present in the months and years after treatment has been completed [30][31][32][33], impacting significantly on survivors' QoL [34].…”

Self-Efficacy, Perceived Preparedness, and Psychological Distress in Women Completing Primary Treatment for Breast Cancer

“…This includes restoring and maintaining their health and their overall well-being (Institute of Medicine and National Research Council, 2006;Ganz, 2000) and confronting multiple adaptive tasks (Stanton et al, 2005), leaving many patients feeling unprepared (McKinley, 2000). The end of treatment, termed the "reentry" phase (Mullan, 1984(Mullan, , 1985, has been identified as a potentially difficult and stressful time for women with breast cancer (Allen, Savadatti, & Levy, 2009;Beisecker et al, 1997;Fertig, 1997;Lethborg, Kissane, Burns, & Snyder, 2000;Stanton et al, 2005;Tross & Holland, 1989;Ward, Viergutz, Tormey, deMuth, & Paulen, 1992), and patients are often dissatisfied with the care and support that they receive at this time (Cappiello, Cunningham, Knobf, & Erdos, 2007;Pennery & Mallet, 2000;Thewes, Butow, & Girgis, 2004). Distress can arise from a number of different sources including feelings of ambivalence, fear, and uncertainty about the future course of their disease; the availability of appropriate medical follow-up care; and the potential long-term and late effects that may compromise their quality of life (Allen et al, 2009;Arnold, 1999;Bloom, Stewart, Chang, & Banks, 2004;Ferrell, Grant, Funk, Otis-Green, & Garcia, 1998;Maher, 1982;McKinley, 2000;Tross & Holland, 1989;Vickberg, 2001;Ward et al, 1992).…”