When cancer cannot be cured: A qualitative study on relationship changes in couples facing advanced melanoma

Abstract

Our findings revealed a differentiated and complex picture about relationship changes over time, which also might aid in the development of support programs for couples dealing with advanced cancer, focusing on the aspects of caring, closeness/distance regulation, and communication patterns.

A Valuable but Demanding Time Family Life During Advanced Cancer in an Elderly Family Member

“…While this study was being planned, only two studies were found which had the specific objective of exploring experiences and needs in family relationships in cases of cancer in the palliative phase (Badr & Taylor, 2006;Gardner, 2008). When the study was being summarised, a further three studies had been added (Drabe et al, 2016;Fergus & Gray, 2009;Møllerberg et al, 2017). Because few studies were found with the specific objective of exploring experiences and needs in family relationships, studies with other objectives were also included (e.g.…”

“…W. Robinson et al, 2005). Badr & Taylor (2006) (Drabe et al, 2016;Gardner, 2008;Møllerberg et al, 2017). Patients in the other studies were in both the curative and palliative phases (Badr & Taylor, 2006;Fergus & Gray, 2009).…”

“…The other studies have exclusively recruited patients and partners. In two of the studies, the relationship of the patients and partners was as a couple (Drabe et al, 2016;Gardner, 2008). In Fergus & Gray's (2009) study some of the patients and partners were couples, and others were not.…”

“…The data collection methods in the studies also varied. Two studies collected data through individual interviews (Badr & Taylor, 2006;Drabe et al, 2016). Gardner (2008) interviewed the couples firstly together, then individually, and Fergus & Gray (2009) collected data through a mix of interviews of individuals, focus groups and couples.…”

A Qualitative Study About How Nurses in Belgium Offer Relationship Support to Couples in Palliative Care

“…Moreover, having a meaningful, intimate relationship during incurable illness is an important protective factor for individual well-being of both patients and partners (Hagedoorn, Sanderman, Bolks, Tuinstra, & Coyne, 2008; Li & Loke, 2014; Lyons, Miller, & McCarthy, 2016; Rodin et al, 2007). An incurable stage of illness may, however, also bring profound relationship challenges for couples, such as negotiating difficult choices regarding end-of-life care, coping with anticipatory grief, role and lifestyle changes, talking about the ill partner’s legacy in psychological and practical matters, or even trying to resolve long-standing conflicts (Drabe et al, 2016; Manne & Badr, 2008; Taylor, 2014; Tie & Poulsen, 2013). Some couples’ relationship even risks deterioration in this phase of life (Koop & Strang, 2003; Weingarten, 2013).…”