The Ovarian Cancer Journey of Families the First Postdiagnostic Year

Abstract

Ovarian cancer care has shifted from hospitals to families and has resulted in an unanticipated cancer journey as survivability for women so diagnosed has increased. This research investigated the impact of this responsibility on selected aspects of family functioning. Eighteen families participated in 5 family research visitations over the first postdiagnostic year. Quantitative data were obtained on socioemotional responses, behaviors, and coping strategies. Accounts of family experiences were recorded in field notes and narrative descriptions. Descriptive and narrative analyses were used. Subject families were strong and experienced a mosaic of variations in socioemotional and behavioral responses. Coping responses relied primarily on reframing and spiritual support. Families had hope and optimism and received socioemotional support from kin and friends. Response patterns consisted of providing support and care to sick members; making transformative changes in family structures, roles, and functions; reorganizing daily living experiences to integrate new situations; and minimizing gaps between professional and familial perspectives and realities. On this journey, families could have used timely knowledge and professional expertise to plan care, balance illness and family needs, restructure roles and responsibilities, maintain family unity, and give meaning and wholeness to experiences. Family-based oncology nursing is essential for family well-being and growth.

“Cautiously Optimistic That Today Will Be Another Day With My Disease Under Control”

“…The findings reveal that relationality was a significant component of participants' experience in terms of the impact of illness-related issues on family functioning and daily activities 11,12 and how participants coped with and made sense of ovarian cancer. Illness-related disruptions to the body, everyday life, and outlook for the future were also made sense of within the context of their relationships.…”

“…1,6,7 These concerns and the uncertainty of the future can shift women into a state of ''liminality'' or flux, which is defined by a sense of alienation from others and their former life and a changed perception of time. 11,12 Consequently, overall quality of life is often significantly affected by the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. 3,5,9,10 Ovarian cancer can also affect women's family structure, roles, and relationships, as well as employment and financial well-being.…”

The impact of disease on family members: a critical aspect of medical care

“…Each emotion affects family members in different ways and to different extents, often depending on the disease severity of the patient, 39,40 and the period of time that has passed since the diagnosis. 13 Female partners of cancer patients had higher psychological distress than male partners. 12 However, no significant difference was seen between genders when measuring overall quality of life of relatives.…”

“…For example, Golics et al 50 found that 38% of adolescents with dermatological conditions felt that their family relationships had been affected as a result of their condition. Concerns about medical treatment 2,4,62,68 Altered food choices 2,6,69 Using religion, spiritual and cultural beliefs to cope 2,11,13,46,59 Feeling obliged to give care 41 Concerns about receiving information about the disease and understanding 13,21,37,62 Needing support from others 15,46,70 Limited freedom 48 Worrying about death of the patient 17,21,62 Figure 1. A man whose chronic disease is affecting the lives of his family.…”

Supportive Care Needs of Women With Gynecologic Cancer

“…They use spirituality to make meaning of the experience, 21,22 maintain hope, 22,23 and give emotional comfort 22 and as a way of coping to positively impact their QOL. 21,22 Some researchers suggest that the potentially life-threatening nature of cancer is a main reason why spirituality and religion are frequently used as resources in coping with this illness.…”