The process of life adjustment in patients at onset of glioma who are receiving continuous oral anticancer drug: A qualitative descriptive study

OBJECTIVE: Patients with malignant gliomas have to adjust their daily lives because of the threat of impending death and declining abilities. Thus, clarifying the process of life adjustment in such patients would help them lead a normal life. To clarify the process of life adjustment in patients at the onset of glioma, who continuously receive oral anticancer drug. METHODS: The study institution consisted of two designated cancer centers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 patients, and the data were analyzed using the Modified Grounded Theory Approach of Kinoshita (M-GTA). RESULTS: As a core category representing the process of life adjustment in patients at the onset of glioma, “trials and errors for self-fulfillment even in a limited lifespan” was extracted. Patients began “seeking information about the unfamiliar life-threatening disease,” and “imaging their uncertain lives after the disease and the resulting disability” while “conducting repeated trials and errors to establish coping methods according to their abilities.” When facing difficulties in such trials and errors, they reported “losing self-confidence due to unexpected limitations.” However, they regulated their feelings by “resigning themselves to their unchangeable reality.” Contrarily, as “functional improvement enhanced their motivation to recover,” they attempted to promote functional recovery and organized their daily lives in “fulfilling their desires in their limited lifespan.” CONCLUSION: The process of life adjustment in patients with malignant gliomas involved identifying a way of living despite limited lifespan. To ensure appropriate nursing care for patients at the onset of glioma, it is important to help them establish coping methods in accordance with their abilities.