Living past your expiration date : a phenomenological study of living with stage IV cancer longer than expected.
Year: 2008
Type: article
Abstract: literatureH talking with professional cancer care providersH and listening to individuals in a weekly group for women with metastatic diseaseH it has become clear that little is understood about the lived experience of this particular phenomenon.*he aim of this phenomenological inJuiry is to illuminate the essences of surviving cancer beyond an expiration date and living with terminalH incurable illness.*hrough in\depth interviews and symbolic expressions richH thickH detailed descriptions of individuals^ thoughtsH feelingsH ideasH situationsH and responses will be elucidated.Reflecting upon the complexities and nuances with an attitude of discovery and a sense of aweH we may come to know how individuals find meaning in their living and dying in relation to this phenomenon.*his inJuiry does not seek causes or explain why this phenomenon existsH rather it seeks to gain a broader understanding of the phenomenon through the eyes of humans living the experience.*he benefits of this study to the participants includes having their stories commemoratedH expressing uniJue and common facets of their human experience in this particular situationH engaging in the process of meaning makingH and advocating for greater understanding of their illness through shared knowledge. Research 9uestion*he following research Juestions serve as a guide to this phenomenological study2 aWhat is the experience of living past one^s expiration date and living with Stage IV cancerp` aWhat is the meaning of this experiencep` *he qwhat^ connotes curiosity on the part of the researcher and denotes that knowledge about this phenomenon is lacking.aExperience` refers to the j descriptions one seeks to present in vivid and accurate termsH in complete termsH what appears in consciousness and in direct seeing\ imagesH impressionsH verbal picturesH features of heavinessH lightness] sweetnessH saltinessH bitternessH sourness] opennessH constrictedness] coldnessH warmth] roughnessH smoothness] sense Jualities of soundH touchH sightH and taste] and aesthetic properties.MMoustakasH 1jjhH p.kjN *he use of the word meaning seeks to understand the individual^s way of making sense of and coming to know their experience.
Author: Cynthia S. Levine
Institution: Antioch University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2408904168