| Learning Objective #1: reflect on themes reported by breast cancer survivors following treatment. | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Contrast responses between breast cancer survivors who have experienced lymphedema as a sequela to treatment from those who have not. |
The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify themes expressed by breast cancer survivors with or without lymphedema in response to the open-ended question, “Is there anything else you would like to tell us about breast cancer or lymphedema?”
Sixty-four participants from a National Institutes of Health-funded study were interviewed eight times over 30 months post-operatively. Forty-three of these participants are being followed over 36-to-60 months and asked the same question four times over 24 months. Content analysis was performed to analyze the 30-month data. Categories were formed and assigned themes as labels based on data review. Patterns were derived for each category based on coded responses. Similar content analysis was carried out with the 36-to-60 month data. Next, responses were divided into two paired sub-sets: 0-to-30 months and 36-to-60 months post-operative; and participants with and without lymphedema. Responses within each pair were compared to identify predominance of themes within data sub-sets.
Themes elicited from the 30-month data analysis included maintain personal normalcy, influence of positivity vs. negativity, support of family and community, spirituality-inspired hope and faith, self-directed healthcare, and personal empowerment. Patterns derived from each of these themes were identified and reported. Themes and patterns for the 36-to-60 month data were reported upon completion of analysis. This analysis revealed whether elicited themes varied among breast cancer survivors with or without lymphedema and over time. Further study is warranted as preliminary findings suggest breast cancer treatment continues to impact overall wellness of breast cancer survivors over time.