Background There are controversial results about the effects of cancer and chemotherapy on the perception of distress. Aims The purpose to the study is to explore the meaning of the distress experienced by patients with cancer and verify whether the cancer diagnosis, stage and receiving chemotherapy influence this experience. Design This is a mixed‐methods study with cancer patients. Methods Data were collected in 2018 using a phenomenological interview (n = 18) and one suffering inventory (n = 100). Qualitative analysis was performed using the empirical‐comprehensive model and quantitative using statistical tests. The results were triangulated. Results Distress originated from difficulties faced in health services, diagnosis confirmation, beginning treatment and interruption of life projects. Patients mobilized resources in the spiritual dimension that allowed them to redefine their distress positively. Chemotherapy brought hope back and promoted healing expectations. Higher average scores for distress were found in patients with advanced stage and receiving palliative chemotherapy. Not having begun chemotherapy and having head and neck cancer were associated with higher average scores for distress. Conclusion Distress was greater among patients who had not yet begun chemotherapy; nearness of death and difficulty talking about feelings caused distress; distress was redefined by mobilization of spiritual resources.

No abstract

No abstract

Objective: To understand the expectations of the educational actions of 41 nurses in the nursing consultation for oncologic clients when they indicate a central venous catheter (CVC) for treatment. Method: Phenomenological qualitative research with 41 nurses indicating the use of CVC for treatment in oncologic clients of two units of a federal public hospital institution located in the city of Rio de Janeiro and specialized in oncology. Semi-structured interviews were used and the data were analyzed according to Alfred Schütz's conceptions. Results: It was possible to identify the following categories: promoting comfort and safety for both the client and the professional; demystifying the use of the central venous catheter for the client; obtaining the client's collaboration. Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed that the nurses aim to promote comfort and safety for the oncologic client throughout the treatment to prevent complications, even in cases where there is no prospect of cure.  These professionals aim to sensitize the client to a possible change in behavior and that should be shared among the professionals of the multidisciplinary team of an interdisciplinary knowledge, the client, the family member in the search for the quality of appropriate and unique treatment.

No abstract