The use of metaphors in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy

The aim of this study was to explore the use of metaphors by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients undergoing chemotherapy in a haematology ward setting.

There is a dearth of literature exploring the use of metaphors in people with cancer undergoing aggressive treatment. Hence, this study aims to explore the use of metaphors in NHL patients undergoing chemotherapy and additionally, examining whether the use of such metaphors has an empowering/disempowering effect.

A qualitative design was used.

The participants were six adult patients diagnosed with NHL and undergoing chemotherapy. Data collection was undertaken between July 2016-December 2016. Each participant was interviewed twice using semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using Pragglejaz method for finding metaphors.

The participants used metaphors 17 times per 1,000 words to describe their experience of undergoing chemotherapy for NHL. The metaphors cited focused on aspects relating to "war", "prison" and a "journey".

The findings demonstrate that certain metaphors used by the study participants, such as those pertaining to "war" or a "journey", concur with those described in narratives of people with cancer in general. However, the use of the "prison" metaphor by NHL patients undergoing chemotherapy relates particularly to their context of being isolated while undergoing treatment for fear of infection. Consequently, there is the need to interpret metaphors in relation to the specific type of illness and context. Furthermore, the findings of this study suggest that the impact of metaphors in empowering/disempowering people with cancer depends on the unique interpretation of the individual patient.