Asian Oncol Nurs.  2019 Jun;19(2):81-89. 10.5388/aon.2019.19.2.81.

The Experience of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in People with Cancer

• Oh PJ
• Choi ES
• Lee J

• KMID: 2451733
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2019.19.2.81

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of adult cancer patients living with chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
METHODS
Data were collected from January 2018 to April 2018 through in-depth interviews with nine patients of colorectal and breast cancer. The main question was, "˜What is your experience living with CIPN such as tingling and/or numbness?'. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method.
RESULTS
Three theme clusters and six themes emerged: (1) unusual body change; "˜experience of unusual distressing symptoms', "˜daily activities and functioning affected', (2) CIPN: a less important risk; "˜CIPN: a distressing and have to endure', "˜lack of concern and therapeutic communication', (3) struggle for distressing CIPN through trial and error; "˜try all the remedies that can do', "˜getting used to distressing CIPN'.
CONCLUSION
These results showed that patients did not consider CIPN important until symptoms affected daily activities and QOL. They then tried self-management strategies to deal with CIPN through trial and error. A two-way exchange of information between patients and health professionals could help patients understand CIPN and deal with symptoms if they occur.

Keyword

Chemotherapy; Peripheral neuropathy; Qualitative research

MeSH Terms

Adult
Breast Neoplasms
Drug Therapy
Health Occupations
Humans
Methods
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases*
Qualitative Research
Self Care