Treatment for acute leukaemia: elderly patients' lived experiences

The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of elderly patients with acute leukaemia receiving chemotherapy.

Seven elderly patients were interviewed and van Manen's approach to data analysis was used in interpreting the participants' interview transcripts.

Three main themes were interpreted from the study participants' narratives: emotions experienced upon diagnosis; the need of support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals; and the importance of information.

Although some of the findings are similar to those of previous studies examining patients with other cancers, this is the first known study to examine the lived experience of elderly patients receiving chemotherapy for acute leukaemia. All participants experienced shock and fear at diagnosis. Despite their advancing age, all participants expressed the hope that treatments would provide a good quality of life and, in some cases, even cure. With good support from family, friends and healthcare professionals, participants revealed that they learnt to cope with the diagnosis and its treatments.