ABSTRACT
Objective:
describe the meaning of the experience in the face of the cancer diagnosis in the construction of the individual and subjective reality developed.
Method:
qualitative study with a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach, developed at a cancer service, involving four women and two men with different cancer diagnoses. The interviews, collected between January and March 2016, were recorded. For the analysis, the Analysis of Interpretative Phenomenology and Mishel’s Uncertainty Theory were employed.
Results:
uncertainty is an experience that invades the patients with chronic illness. Themes emerge on lack of knowledge/knowledge; The health staff and family, support to cope with the diagnosis and not falter; Positive attitude; Suffering in view of adversity; Holding onto God and The adversity of the health system.
Conclusion:
all patients experienced the period of uncertainty first as danger, but they made coping efforts, manifested by feelings of optimism and positive attitude, focused on reducing the uncertainty and controlling the emotional excitement their diagnosis aroused.
DESCRIPTORS:
Cancer; Uncertainty; Qualitative research; Nursing; Chronic disease
