Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand what it is like to live with ovarian cancer during childbearing years. The primary researcher (PR) conducted three to four in-depth interviews, lasting 60 to 90 minutes each, with five women living with ovarian cancer for 1 to 10 years. Van Manen’s method of reflection and writing guided the inquiry. The process of existential investigation expanded the inquiry. Trustworthiness was assured through member checking, reflective journaling, coinvestigators checking the logic of the PR’s analysis, and the achievement of consensus through dialogue. Analysis of the data revealed the themes of serendipitous diagnosis, managing treatment, horrible hair experience, hysterectomy violating one’s sense of being, unfairness of menopause, body changes, intimate dreaming, being with others, being normal/different, being vigilant, being heard, and trying to make sense of it. The stories revealed provide us with a window into the experience of women with ovarian cancer.
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