When Breast Cancer Returns. Women's experiences of Health, Illness and Adjustment During the Breast Cancer Trajectory

摘要: Although a recurrence of breast cancer is associated with significant distress, affecting healthrelated quality life (HRQOL), little known about women’s experience during the recurrent trajectory. The primary aim this thesis was to explore experiences health, illness and adjustment cancer. Both deductive inductive methods were used. first whether HRQOL factors predicted recurrence. second symptoms HRQOL, over time in women third what major concerns these experienced how they deal their situations living four papers included are based on selected quantitative data (Papers I–III) qualitative (Paper IV). Exploratory findings suggest that changes physical well-being nausea/vomiting may predict Women multiple, concurrent, persistent symptoms. Nearly ninety percent patients reported fatigue at strong sense coherence lower prevalence levels distress better perceived illness, as well health life. Distress had impact HRQOL. Over time, adjusted many implications life-threatening through personal transition. By making threat lives, highlight existential Promoting possible, even severe unchangeable almost unbearable situations. Opportunities manage adversity remain. transcend by finding new meaning discovering or re-discovering values life, creating wellness being present moment.