Smile Behind the Pain: A Phenomenological Study of Lived Experienced Breast Cyst Operation Survivors

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Women’s health is one of the key issues in developing countries including the Philippines. The number of breast cyst survivors has increased since 1990 due to advances in biomedical technology that lead to an increase in early diagnosis and treatment. Despite the fact that more breast cyst survivors are currently enjoying a longer life span, there remains limited knowledge about the experiences and issues that these people are facing now. The goal of this study is to know the experiences of breast cyst operation survivors.

METHODS

Using a phenomenological research design, the researcher used a snowball sampling in choosing our respondents wherein the respondents are referred to the researchers. Three breast cyst operation survivors were interviewed using a set of semi-structured questions. The interview was transcribed by the researcher to interpret the data. Thematic analysis by Braun and Clark (2006) was used to code the data.

RESULTS

The result revealed that the survivors used to experience substantial problems specifically with 1) depression due to unstable condition, 2) physical body issues due to surgery and operation, 3) lack of self-esteem due to body changes, 4) financial problems due to hospital bills, and 5) fear of surgery and pain. The result also portrayed that these survivors used to rely on the support of their family, friends, and community because it gave the strength and courage through different stages of their treatment. The study also showed that because of what happened they build upon their spiritual, family, and social relationships.

DISCUSSIONS

This study shed light on the experiences of women living after their cyst operation on the breast. This also gave information that these survivors used to find their strength and courage from the support coming from their family, friends, and community.