Shared recovery: Couples' experiences after treatment for colorectal cancer

Abstract

DisclosureThe authors declare no conflict of interest or external funding. COUPLES' EXPERIENCES AFTER COLORECTAL CANCER AbstractPurpose: Completing cancer treatment involves significant challenges for patients as well as their families. This study aimed to explore couples' experiences of colorectal (bowel) cancer, focusing on the transition after treatment.Method: Separate, semi-structured interviews were conducted within 12 months of completing treatment with a purposeful sample of ten participants, comprising five patientpartner dyads. Data were analysed using the Framework approach, incorporating dyadic analysis to compare narratives within as well as between couples.Results: Three main themes were elaborated: the process of recovery, the relationship dynamics, and the mixed experiences of healthcare services. The lasting impact of cancer following completion of treatment was evident for patients as well as their partners, and was shaped by their reciprocal influence on each other.Conclusions: The findings underscore the value of a systemic approach for supporting couples during recovery from colorectal cancer and demonstrate the need for consistency of healthcare provision across the cancer trajectory, including post-treatment.

Experiences of patients with colorectal cancer from diagnosis until completion of treatment: A meta‐ethnography approach

“…Normalizing is expressed as a successful or adequate adaption of expectations and behaviors to a new situation marked for example by participation in leisure activities or employment and is depending on the therapy or health situation (health improvements are fragile and easily disturbed) . However, some participants experience positive changes …”

“…But that was nae [not] the case. […] I was actually getting better, but it was so slow that I couldnae [couldn't] see it within myself” . p227…”

“…Some of them try to protect their loved ones and try to hide or play down emotions . Also among others, the treating team is for most participants important for adequate information, to cope with persistent physical and psychological difficulties and to rely on the expertise, knowledge, and availability . Others describe negative experiences with the treating team, such as a lack of compassion in the interaction …”

“…The change in confidence in one's body's reliability (threat to self‐efficacy) that is caused by unpredictability or the changes in performance and function as well as the fact, that health is no longer guaranteed, is a key theme . Therefore, participants use strategies like a mechanistic view of their responsibility or stoicism to challenge the illness and to recover to have a normal life again . Also, many participants talk about closely monitoring and interpreting signs of their bodies to recognize potential risks.…”

“…During balancing, the focus lies on the disrupted health‐ and illness‐related needs through attention to the body (eg, body monitoring), control over treatment (eg, gathering information, taking medication), or support (eg, sharing experiences with their provider, comparing experiences) cf. So far, the use of illness‐controlling and health‐related management strategies of an individual, or the response to a severe illness, is often called “self‐management”. cf.…”