Autonomous Activities to Enrich Life for Cancer Survivors in Hospice

Abstract

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify autonomous activities to enrich life for cancer survivors in a hospice. Four cancer survivors agreed to participate. Data was collected by semi-structured interviews and treatment records, and analyzed qualitatively and inductively. Participants reflected on their richness of life within the context of six main themes: giving value to life, sense of connection, inner-integration, harmony with changes, self-advocacy, and minimization of suffering. Changes in the richness of life in the illness process were found for the following four elements: increased sensitivity toward actualization of richness of life, changing mental energy for direct internalization of richness, change in value standards to emphasize the richness of daily life, and changing to a more fluid foundation for appreciation of richness.

The results showed richness of life for cancer survivors in the hospice had similarities with elements for finding hope, and importance was attached to establishing a peaceful space to assist inner-integration.

The results also suggest that changes in the richness of life were actually increased richness of life, which was an outcome of the process of personal growth of the cancer survivors.