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Journal of Holistic Nursing
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Transcending Breast Cancer

Making Meaning From Diagnosis and Treatment

Doris Dickerson Coward, R.N., Ph.D.

The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing

David L. Kahn, R.N., Ph.D.

The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing

Purpose: This qualitative approach study describes the experience of self-transcendence in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Method: Fourteen women participated from a larger sample of women in a support group project. Each woman was interviewed three times over an 8-month period. Audiotaped transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological techniques. Findings: Loss of a personal perception of good health and fear of dying from cancer forced women to reach both inside and outside of themselves for support and information. Bonding with other women with breast cancer led to further expansion of self-boundaries that brought comfort, a desire to modify life priorities, and enhanced appreciation of supportive others and of life itself. Over time, clarification and modification of values and behaviors assisted women to create meaning from their experiences. Implications:Nurse referrals to support groups or other resources (such as cancer advocacy organizations) where women interact with similar others may facilitate transcending breast cancer.

Key Words: self-transcendence • breast cancer • finding meaning

Journal of Holistic Nursing, Vol. 23, No. 3, 264-283 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/0898010105277649
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 Qual Health ResHome page
E. Kenne Sarenmalm, A.-L. Thoren-Jonsson, F. Gaston-Johansson, and J. Ohlen
Making Sense of Living Under the Shadow of Death: Adjusting to a Recurrent Breast Cancer Illness
Qual Health Res, August 1, 2009; 19(8): 1116 - 1130.
[Abstract] [PDF]