Women living with ovarian cancer: dealing with an early death

Our intent to explore the emotion of anger in women living with ovarian cancer revealed a basic social concern of "dealing with an early death." The findings of this grounded theory study also identified the core variable of "finding meaning in life" as assisting the nine women in dealing with an early death. The categories of hope and physical wellness influenced the women's search for meaning after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Several action and interactional coping strategies were identified as positive coping behaviors. The consequences of finding meaning in life was a perception of well-being defined by the women as satisfaction with their lives. Conversely, an inability to find meaning in life resulted in feelings of despair. The women's perceptions of well-being were not static and could fluctuate as they lived with ovarian cancer. Implications for further research and practice are discussed.