The elderly experiencing the condition of a chemotherapeutic treatment

Abstract

With the rise of the population longevity, a significant number of elderly have been diagnosed with cancer, many of those under oncological treatment. In light of this, it was assessed how the elder people diagnosed with cancer express their condition of undergoing ambulatory chemotherapy in a general, macro regional, teaching hospital in northern Rio Grande do Sul. This qualitative and descriptive research was carried out with eight elder patients who have been under treatment for at least three applications. They answered semi-structured interviews, whose lines were subjected to content analysis, evoking the categories from the chemotherapy experience in old age: “the discovery of cancer”, “experiencing chemotherapy”, “family support” and “the nurse care during chemotherapy”. The cancer diagnosis created suffering and fear of death, it was eased through the chemotherapy sessions which triggered feelings of faith and hope. The family has been present as a source of support and care and the nurse staff was perceived by its attention and humane care.