Abstract
AbstractThe purpose of this study was to clarify yuragi as experienced by middle-aged patients who are undergoing ini tial treatment for Malignant Glioma. The subjects included five patients aged 40-50 years undergoing initial treat ment. Semi-structured interviews were performed, and the data was analysed using a Modified Grounded Theory Approach. Results revealed that while subjects were “surprised and frightened by the presence of a brain tumor”, they began treatment with the determination “to take a chance with treatment”. However, they eventually faced a crit ical live-threatening situation as serious as “collapse due to brain tumor”. Furthermore, they had “doubt regarding the value of their existence” came about when interacting with family and friends. They were agitated by “unrest due to changes in their appearance” and “difficulties identifying with other patients suffering from the same dis ease”- or “the bright and dark side of interacting with fellow patients”. Therefore, they were experiencing an identity crisis. Meanwhile, they were encouraged by the notion that “people suffering from the same disease are a ray of light and salvation”, having a positive effect on the “the bright and dark side of interacting with fellow pa tients”. They then found themselves feeling “positive about a future lifestyle” and revaluating their existence. Due to the fact that the danger of living with a brain tumor is negative, confusing and difficult, it brought about more complex and chaotic aspects to the patientsʼ experiences as they fought to maintain a healthy balance in the way they identify with themselves. There is an opportunity here for nurses to provide support to the families and also to the patients having mid dle-aged identity crises to help them live their lives properly, and to help meet their requests and desires.
