[Experiencing the disease of breast cancer and getting life under control again]

Women experiencing breast cancer are confronted with a live threatening disease and find themselves in a situation that changes and restricts their life psychologically, physically and socially. This qualitative investigation examined the experience of living with breast cancer from the perspective of newly diagnosed women. Ten women were interviewed at the end of their radiotherapy. The interviews are analysed with the method of content analysis. The findings show three domains. First domain: From living in fear of having breast cancer to the confirmation of its diagnosis. These women perceive the confirmation of the diagnosis as a shock and initially plunge into an existential crisis. The life threatening disease with an unpredictable future, feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty, hopelessness and anxiety often make them depressed. They need all their energy to maintain control over their life, by suppressing emotions to protect themselves from overwhelming feelings and suffering. Second domain: Experiencing the therapy. The women undergo weakening aggressive and invasive treatment regimes, leaving them in a condition worse than before. Physically exhausted, they sometimes don't know how to go through and overcome this time. Lack of energy, tiredness and fatigue are ongoing problems. Being diagnosed with breast cancer, the suddenly become patients, having to cope with a complex healthcare system. From doctors and nurses they expect empathy, caring and expertise. When in contact with health care, they often hide their suffering, while in fact, they are extremely vulnerable and in deep despair. Third domain: Hold out and live. Women living with breast cancer have no choice but to go through this situation. By motivating their self they regain and mobilise their vital energy. They try to suppress their suffering and dark, intrusive memories. Support from relatives is very important, however, such women tend to protect them from their suffering. The definition of the role of these relatives and their suffering remain unclear. In a future study, research is needed to determine precisely which psychosocial variables are effective in promoting greater health for women with breast cancer and their families, taking into consideration the dynamic of the relationship between women with breast cancer and their relatives as well as the influence of their mutual support.