Riptide.
In this article the author describes her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer as a riptide experience. The ocean and many of its characteristics, such as the riptide, are used to describe the powering necessary to prevail during a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Five themes or currents within this riptide experience are identified: a shattered sense of well-being; feelings of anxiety, fear and uncertainty; learning to live one day at a time; the loving attention of family and friends; and,swimming with the turbulent sea. Concepts of powering uncovered in nursing research studies along with other theoretical concepts are presented to develop further these currents.
Adjunct Professor of Nursing, South Dakota State University tsbunkers@sio.midco.net.
Sandra Schmidt
SS
Bunkers
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D004644:Emotions; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D035501:Uncertainty
Parse; breast cancer; living quality; powering; riptide