title: Lived experiences of Canadian women with metastatic breast cancer in preparation for their death: a qualitative study. Part I--preparations and consequences.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to detail the tasks of death preparation and the consequences of such preparation for women with metastatic breast cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  A phenomenological qualitative approach was used. Five women with metastatic breast cancer were interviewed on two occasions. Themes were analyzed, described, and validated, until saturation was met. Outcomes of thematic analysis related to the impetus, process, and consequences of preparing for one's own death.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The women prepared for their death by: acknowledging their grief; preparing mentally; seeking information and support; preparing the family; and preparing for the end of life. They also engaged in creating life projects that enhanced their connections with loved ones, and lived full and joyful lives. These activities helped increased their readiness to die in peace.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preparing for their own death can help women with incurable cancer live full, satisfying lives, and be prepared to face their own death with peace. Helping women express their feelings around their own death and their preparation for death should be a key interdisciplinary psychosocial nursing intervention.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, Burapha University, Thailand.
authors.forename: Kanoknuch
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chunlestskul
authors.forename: Linda E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Carlson
authors.forename: Janice P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Koopmans
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Angen
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D002170:Canada; D003376:Counseling; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D012944:Social Support