Lower limb lymphedema: experiences and perceptions of cancer patients in the late palliative stage.
Lower limb lymphedema (LLL) is a common but neglected problem in palliative cancer patients. No studies have focused on these patients' experiences of lymphedema. The aims of this study were to explore patients' experiences regarding LLL and how they manage to deal with this in the late palliative stage.


METHODS
Thirteen patients with cancer-related LLL were included to satisfy a maximum variation sampling strategy. Interviews were analyzed using a qualitative phenomenographic method.


RESULTS
LLL influenced the patients' thoughts about the future. Body image was often strongly influenced. Interactions with other persons were perceived as both positive and negative, and a range of coping strategies were expressed.


CONCLUSIONS
LLL can exert a considerable influence on the physical experiences and the psychosocial situation of cancer patients in palliative care. Areas in need of increased education, attention, and further research are highlighted.
Frid
Marianne
M
Physiotherapy Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Strang
Peter
P
Friedrichsen
Maria J
MJ
Johansson
Karin
K