The Heroes' Journey: A Young Couple's Experience with Choriocarcinoma

摘要: Introduction Shifts in self perception and social posturing begin the moment a cancer diagnosis is made (Lindholm, Rehnsfeld, Arman, & Hamrin, 2002). Much of stress associated with psychosocial somatic challenges can either be alleviated or exacerbated by perceptions spousal familial understanding support (Lewis Deal, 1995). However, no amount societal compensate for lackluster from patient's significant other (Giese-Davis, Hemanson, Koopman, Weibel, Spiegel, 2000; Walsh, Manuel, Avis, 2005). In fact, couples who reported higher levels marital satisfaction prior to exhibited better adjustment post-diagnosis (Fang, Manne, Pape, 2001). The mediating factor terms this seems ability express their own fears concerns pertaining disease death (Lindholm et al., Ostroff, Sherman, Heyman, Ross, Fox (2004b) noted that another component patient maintain some assemblance normalcy face such life-changing event. If partner exhibits mental distress dealing diagnosis, adjust beneficial way has been found hindered, as well (Sergin, Badger, Sieger, Paula, Lopez, 2006). For example, 2005, Walsh al. 12% out 117 participating separated after breast diagnosis. had initiated breakup half those separations. Patients dissolution felt they were not receiving emotional partner, brought light partner's unsupportive nature. This study lends credence idea perceived also core received given may look different at points time across lifecycle (Lynch, 1998). majority researchers have focused on married women employed samples whose collective age ranges 29-80 years (M = 54.5; e.g., Fang 2001; Giese-Davis Kuijer, Buunk, Ybema, Woods, 2002; Lindholm Manne 2004b; Rini, Fox, Goldstein, Grana, 2004b). Studies young (one both partners under 35) are minimal. Issues often involve relative newness fragility relationship, presence fewer resources supports, as, limited abilities children help aid ill parent's care (Fitch, Bunston, Elliot, 1999; Helseth Ulsaet, Connell, Patterson, Newman (2006) Guinee, Olsson, Moller, Hess, Taylor, Fahey, (1994) 35 parenting still think about future pregnancies. While many issues predominately female cancers (i.e., cancer) parallel faced any age; greater into couples' experiences gynecological distinct understudied area research. Researchers provided general surrounding communication, satisfaction, reciprocal dyadic interactions, parenting, etc. (Giese-Davis 2005; Kuijer 2004a, Swenson Fuller, 1992); however, while quite expansive, research lacks description depth complexity couple's experience cancers, particular. Existing expanded enhanced utilization qualitative methodologies attentiveness detail breadth datum (Yin, 1989). current was designed contribute knowledge base how one type gestational cancer, choriocarcinoma, influences elucidating medical health providers intervene expand unit couple dyad. …