Working During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

In understanding what work means to breast cancer patients who are working or taking sick leave while having chemotherapy, I conducted semi-structured interviews with four patients. Based on the interviews, work meant to “live,” “maintain the way I am,” “fulfill my responsibilities,” and “find my place in life.” Having someone who needs them or a place to belong to will help motivate them to fight against cancer. However, it could be a burden for the patients to fulfill their duties. Until receiving treatments, it is hard to know the change in physical conditions even if they obtain information of the treatments. When the treatment is working or a physical change may be predicted from their experience, they become positive to returning to their work. Because work is essential in their life, the nurse needs to keep in mind each patient’s desire for a way of living.