Meaning of Work in Middle-aged Breast Cancer Patient Receiving Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Abstract

　　This study analyzes the meaning of work during treatment based on the narratives of middle-aged patients with breast cancer undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The study found that work means “a purpose in life,” “connections with people at work,” and “time to forget about illness.” Moreover, work occupies an important place in the patients’ lives, and they feel fulfilled by it. Notably, when patients consider retiring due to various side effects of treatment, work signifies “leaving my way of life to my children,” “taking responsibility for the results I have built,” and “being useful to people at work.” This corresponds to generativity, which in turn is in consonance with the developmental tasks of midlife and the care acquired through this generativity. We believe that the present study, as clarified by the three participants, represents a new perspective for future outpatient nursing.