SUFFERING AMONG PATIENTS WITH CANCER UNDERGOING NEUROTOXIC CHEMOTHERAPY: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL APPROACH

ABSTRACT Objective: reveal experiences of cancer patients undergoing neurotoxic chemotherapy. Method: phenomenology-based, qualitative study, carried out with nine adult patients in antineoplastic neurotoxic treatment, interviewed in June and July 2018. The testimonies were analyzed using an empirical comprehensive model. Results: the following categories were delineated: nerves on edge: perception of limitations caused by neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapy; chemotherapy drains me of energy; the suffering of starting again; the suffering of enduring it; alone in a desert, I heard the cry of my silence; chemotherapy: an infusion of hope; and there is no suffering on earth that heaven cannot heal. Conclusion: the study presented various meanings of suffering that emerge from experiences with neurotoxic treatment and found that many dimensions of suffering interpenetrate, making it impossible to disassociate them.