Women with ovarian cancer described waiting for recurrence, facing the diagnosis of recurrence, managing treatment related concerns, and attempting to regain control

摘要

4 main themes emerged: waiting for recurrence, facing the diagnosis of recurrence, managing treatment related concerns, and attempting to regain control. (1) Waiting for recurrence. Most women were aware of the risk of recurrence at the time of diagnosis, having learnt about survival rates from books, pamphlets, the internet, physicians, and other patients. Women had mixed feelings about knowing these statistics at a time when they were trying to deal with their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some did not want to hear the statistics because they caused fear and anxiety, particularly regarding recurrence at follow up. However, foreknowledge of the possibility did not prepare women for news of a recurrence, which evoked feelings of being overwhelmed, devastated, and shocked. (2) Facing the diagnosis of recurrence. Some women had little time between initial diagnosis and recurrent disease, and thus little reprieve from ongoing treatment and side effects.