Ovarian Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ovarian Cancer, including details on symptoms, causes, treatment, information. | ||||||||
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The ovarian cancer journey of families the first postdiagnostic year.Koldjeski D, Kirkpatrick MK, Everett L, Brown S, Swanson M School of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA. polishkay@aol.com Ovarian cancer care has shifted from hospitals to families and has resulted in an unanticipated cancer journey as survivability for women so diagnosed has increased. This research investigated the impact of this responsibility on selected aspects of family functioning. Eighteen families participated in 5 family research visitations over the first postdiagnostic year. Quantitative data were obtained on socioemotional responses, behaviors, and coping strategies. Accounts of family experiences were recorded in field notes and narrative descriptions. Descriptive and narrative analyses were used. Subject families were strong and experienced a mosaic of variations in socioemotional and behavioral responses. Coping responses relied primarily on reframing and spiritual support. Families had hope and optimism and received socioemotional support from kin and friends. Response patterns consisted of providing support and care to sick members; making transformative changes in family structures, roles, and functions; reorganizing daily living experiences to integrate new situations; and minimizing gaps between professional and familial perspectives and realities. On this journey, families could have used timely knowledge and professional expertise to plan care, balance illness and family needs, restructure roles and responsibilities, maintain family unity, and give meaning and wholeness to experiences. Family-based oncology nursing is essential for family well-being and growth. Published 18 May 2007 in Cancer Nurs, 30(3): 232-42.
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