Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to clarify recovery of self for individuals undergoing cancer treatment during the downward phase of the illness trajectory.
Methods: The study sample comprised 5 patients undergoing cancer treatment with stage III or IV digestive tract cancer. Data were collected through the records of nursing care offered to the patients by the researcher who was the primary nurse. The qualitative synthesis method (KJ method) was used to analyze the structure of recovery of self within and across cases.
Results: The structure of recovery of self consists of 6 characteristics: [awareness of physical deterioration], [recognizing that one is struggling with the surrounding environment], [searching for strategies to ease suffering], [responsive to people with whom one feels a connection], [confirming meaningful experiences], and [expressing how one wants to be in the present moment]. It was based on awareness of physical deterioration and was affected by interpersonal relationships.
Conclusion: Recovery of self for individuals undergoing cancer treatment during the downward phase of the illness trajectory was an expression of how to want to be as individuals living with other people. And it was related to the possibility that they would be able to live meaningfully in the moment. The results of this study confirmed the care viewpoint of supporting how individuals are themselves regardless of the circumstances of their sufferings.
