The process of reaching psychological adjustment among adult women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and receiving cancer pharmacotherapy

OBJECTIVE: This study clarified the process by which adult women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and undergoing cancer pharmacotherapy reach psychological adjustment. METHODS: A semistructured interview was conducted with adult women who had received their MBC diagnosis. The data collected were analyzed using Kinoshita's modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS: A total of 21 women with an average age of 50 years participated in the study. Seven categories and 21 concepts were generated through the analysis. Upon being diagnosed with MBC by a doctor, the participants felt the “threat of death” and “conflict with painful cancer pharmacotherapy.” Thereafter, they received “encouragement from strong supporters,” consolidated their “resolve to save their life,” and began cancer pharmacotherapy. During the therapy, they made “efforts to internalize MBC” to overcome the distress arising from the “struggle to internalize MBC,” and this led to the “expansion of self-awareness.” CONCLUSIONS: Despite finding themselves in harsh circumstances, the participants remained focused on the big picture and realized that cancer had changed their values and outlook on life, leading to psychological growth. It is important for nurses to provide systematic and continuous support from the time of MBC diagnosis.