A percepção de mulheres que fizeram tratamento para câncer de mama sobre seu processo de adoecimento

Abstract

Breast cancer is a disease originated due to the disordered multiplication of breast cells, generating abnormal cells that multiply and originate the tumor. It is the type of cancer that most affects women, being the main cause of death among women, among cancer patients. The treatment involves conservative techniques and radical modalities, which increase the risk of injury and functional limitations, causing countless changes in their lives, both with regard to the activities performed, as well as with regard to their interpersonal relationships and their sexuality. This research aimed to analyze the experiences produced in the lives of women after the initial diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, in several dimensions of their lives, through an in-depth, semi-structured interview and a qualitative approach (thematic Oral History), with content analysis. The participants were nine women between 30 and 50 years old diagnosed with breast cancer and who have been undergoing treatment in public or private service for a maximum of three years. The results showed that the majority of the patients received the communication of the diagnosis with support, reception and a careful speech from the health professional. Only a few received the news with a more technical and objective approach. When facing the diagnosis, the feelings and thoughts experienced were: fear; thoughts related to death; denying the disease; sadness; shame; worrying about depending on the family, and worrying about the suffering of their relatives. Most were supported by family and friends. In addition, it was observed, on the one hand, the withdrawal of some people and, on the other, that the disease and treatment brought a possibility to meet people and make new friends, especially with people facing the same problem. Social life after treatment was more influenced by the Coronavirus pandemic than by cancer itself. Before the disease, women had a more active social life, but during treatment, in the weeks of chemotherapy, they were more restricted due to side effects. For many of them, breast cancer provided greater union and maturity in their affective life. However, two women did not have affective support, but, despite this, they received help from the partner with their children, care for housework and financial support as long as it was necessary, since, afterwards, the couple broke up. In regard to their sex lives, two participants had trouble speaking and preferred not to answer questions on the topic, while others referred to the following impacts: induced menopause; vaginal dryness; pain during sex; difficulty in reaching orgasm; decreased libido; influence of aesthetic and emotional issues; and debilitation. Mastectomy is a difficult process, but it is also a possibility of cure. Breast reconstruction causes some tranquility. The resources used due to hair loss were wigs, scarves and caps. The support of people in the work environment, when they returned to it, and the physical limitations caused by the disease were observed. As coping strategies, faith and support of other patients became essential.