title: Experiences from having breast cancer and being part of a support group. Notes written in diaries by women during radiotherapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of breast cancer patients participating in a support group.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study explores 28 stories of women with breast cancer as expressed through written diaries. Diaries were written during a 5-week period in parallel with radiotherapy and participation in a support group in a hospital. Answers to six open-ended evaluative questions concerning the support group were included in the majority of the written diaries. A qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three themes were constructed during the analysis: "positive group development." "Inhibited group development." and "the individual living with the disease." Hopes and fears for the future in regards to illness and getting better, the value of family and friends, and feelings related to daily life with breast cancer such as fatigue and changes in body image were also expressed in the diaries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest that the women with breast cancer found it valuable to be able to share experiences with other women in a similar situation in the context of a support group. Being part of such a group provided a space and an opportunity for reflection.
authors.affiliation: Mellannorrlands Hospice AB, Sundsvall, Sweden.
authors.forename: Sofia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Emilsson
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: Ann-Christine
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Svensk
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: Karolina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Olsson
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lindh
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: Inger
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Öster
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities; D003142:Communication; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D013548:Sweden