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SUFFERING AMONG PATIENTS WITH CANCER UNDERGOING NEUROTOXIC CHEMOTHERAPY: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL APPROACH

SUFRIMIENTO DE PACIENTES CON CÁNCER EN QUIMIOTERAPIA NEUROTÓXICA: UN ABORDAJE FENOMENOLÓGICO

ABSTRACT

Objective:

reveal experiences of cancer patients undergoing neurotoxic chemotherapy.

Method:

phenomenology-based, qualitative study, carried out with nine adult patients in antineoplastic neurotoxic treatment, interviewed in June and July 2018. The testimonies were analyzed using an empirical comprehensive model.

Results:

the following categories were delineated: nerves on edge: perception of limitations caused by neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapy; chemotherapy drains me of energy; the suffering of starting again; the suffering of enduring it; alone in a desert, I heard the cry of my silence; chemotherapy: an infusion of hope; and there is no suffering on earth that heaven cannot heal.

Conclusion:

the study presented various meanings of suffering that emerge from experiences with neurotoxic treatment and found that many dimensions of suffering interpenetrate, making it impossible to disassociate them.

DESCRIPTORS:
Psychological stress; Combined chemotherapy; Neoplasms; Small fiber neuropathy; Qualitative study

Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Programa de Pós Graduação em Enfermagem Campus Universitário Trindade, 88040-970 Florianópolis - Santa Catarina - Brasil, Tel.: (55 48) 3721-4915 / (55 48) 3721-9043 - Florianópolis - SC - Brazil
E-mail: textoecontexto@contato.ufsc.br