Abstract
Abstract The objective of this study was to understand the bodily experiences of patients who have undergone surgery for lung cancer and provide suggestions for nursing support. We conducted qualitative research employing hermeneutic phenomenology methods. Data was obtained from in-depth interviews with 17 patients who had undergone surgery for lung cancer within eight weeks. The data was analyzed with reference to the hermeneutic phenomenological method proposed by Cohen et al 1）. Four themes related to bodily experiences of patients who have undergone surgery for lung cancer emerged. They were “Awareness of bodily vulnerability which differed to their usual condition”; “Understanding bodily recovery through action-related sensations”; “Regaining bodily strength with remaining lungs”; “Recognition of bodily strength gain from others”. The patients, who realized that they were physically vulnerable when noticing differences from their usual selves, analyzed their bodies differently than usual by checking for signs of physical recovery in their own subjective ways. They seemed to obtain new values and confidence while making an effort to regain their bodily strength, which could cause stress on the remaining lung. And when recognizing their vulnerability, when striving towards physical recovery, and receiving support from others at the appropriate timing, the patients would regain the will to challenge their bodies to enhance their futures.
