Abstract
Background: Our study aimed to explore how survivors of osteosarcoma of the lower extremity experience physical and psychosocial late effects several years after undergoing arduous treatment. A qualitative, phenomenological and hermeneutic approach was applied.
Materials and Methods: Osteosarcoma survivors (n=8) who were previously treated at the Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, participated in the study. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: Three to ten years after diagnosis, the majority of participants had experienced both negative and positive consequences following treatment. Changes in activity and exclusion from participation in different areas were the most challenging consequences. Several of their experiences are similar to those described by people with disabilities.
Conclusion: It is important to understand osteosarcoma survivors’ own experiences in order to assist those who struggle to reorient in life and to construct a new identity for themselves.
Materials and Methods: Osteosarcoma survivors (n=8) who were previously treated at the Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, participated in the study. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: Three to ten years after diagnosis, the majority of participants had experienced both negative and positive consequences following treatment. Changes in activity and exclusion from participation in different areas were the most challenging consequences. Several of their experiences are similar to those described by people with disabilities.
Conclusion: It is important to understand osteosarcoma survivors’ own experiences in order to assist those who struggle to reorient in life and to construct a new identity for themselves.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 6081-6090 |
| Journal | Anticancer Research |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | 11 |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2015 |
Keywords
- Bone cancer
- Osteosarcoma
- Qualitative
- Cancer survivors
- Disability
- Posttraumatic growth
Access to Document
- Gozde_2015_AR_negative_AM
Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved. This work is made available online in accordance with the publisher’s policies. This is the author created, accepted version manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at ar.iiarjournals.org / http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/35/11/6081.full