Abstract
Five women operated on for newly diagnosed breast cancer, 52 to 72 years old, were interviewed at discharge from a surgical ward, one week after the discharge, and one week after the next visit to the clinic. They revealed that they were satisfied with the physical care and asked for more time for dialogues with the staff, psychological support and a follow up assessment of the psychological situation after the the treatment was finished. Notes taken by caregivers about the content of their conversations with the patients showed that the conversations mainly concerned everyday matters and treatment. The women's stories about their lived experience after the operation of the tumour disclosed the following patterns; being filled with agony, having accepted the situation and having screened oneself off. It was concluded that more support must be given women with breast cancer in connection with the operation of their tumour.
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