Abstract
This article presents an interview-based investigation of life experiences and health in women managing rehabilitation on their own, following cervix cancer surgery. The investigation was based on interviews with nine women who underwent surgery for cervix cancer.
The theoretical starting point is phenomenological hermeneutics including the text analysis method of Paul Ricoeur. In the analysis, the data are thematized in three different categories: To be a body, to be a person and to be a part of a community.
The interpretation includes the rehabilitation concept involving the patient's participation in the process, as well as Virginia Henderson's perception of the nurse's function in strengthening the patient's healing process on the basis of knowledge, will and strength. The results of the investigation show, that common characteristics in women who consider themselves rehabilitated, are self-esteem and strength to be active in the rehabilitation process. Moreover, they have personal resources to take care of their own body and femininity, they are in good spirits, and they are committed to life. Furthermore, a good network is an important external resource in women's rehabilitation.
The conclusion of future rehabilitation effort is that nurses must develop health promotion strategies that release the necessary personal and external resources in the rehabilitation process.