Living with a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer: patients’ lived experiences

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore patients’ experience of living with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients diagnosed with NSCLC know that their treatment is not with curative intent and can expect distressing symptoms. In this phenomenological study, six adults with a diagnosis of NSCLC were interviewed. Data was analysed guided by van Manen’s six-step process. Four main themes were interpreted: ‘Maintaining my life’; ‘The enemy within’; ‘Staying on the train’, and ‘I’m still me’. The study findings contribute to nurses’ understanding of patients living with this distressing diagnosis, where treatment is palliative. Understanding these patients’ experiences can help nurses to interact in a different way, and to maximize opportunities to care holistically for this group of patients and best meet their needs.