Journal List > J Korean Acad Nurs > v.46(6) > 1003217

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Yi, Joung, Park, Kwon, Kim, and Seo: Decision Making Experience on Breast Reconstruction for Women with Breast Cancer
Original Article

Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2016; 46(6): 894-904.

Published online: 30 December 2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2016.46.6.894

Decision Making Experience on Breast Reconstruction for Women with Breast Cancer

Myungsun Yi1, Woo Joung Joung2, Eun Young Park3, Eun Jin Kwon4, Haejin Kim5, Ji Young Seo1

1College of Nursing·Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.

2Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.

3College of Nursing, Gachon University, Inchon, Korea.

4Department of Nursing, Bucheon University, Bucheon, Korea.

5College of Nursing, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Joung, Woo Joung. Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080 ,Korea. Tel: +82-2-740-8460, Fax: +82-2-740-8837, kimsoft1@snu.ac.kr

Received 22 June 2016       Revised 20 October 2016       Accepted 21 November 2016

© 2016 Korean Society of Nursing Science

(open-access):

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NoDerivs License. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/) If the original work is properly cited and retained without any modification or reproduction, it can be used and re-distributed in any format and medium.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore decision making experiences of Korean women with breast cancer who underwent breast reconstruction with/after a mastectomy.

Methods

Data were collected during 2015-2016 through individual in-depth interviews with 10 women who had both mastectomy and breast reconstruction, and analyzed using phenomenological method to identify essential themes on experiences of making a decision to have breast reconstruction.

Results

Five theme clusters emerged. First, “expected loss of sexuality and discovery of autonomy” illustrates various aims of breast reconstruction. Second, “holding tight to the reputation of doctors amid uncertainty” specifies the importance of a trust relationship with their physician despite a lack of information. Third, “family members to step back in position” describes support or opposition from family members in the decision making process. Fourth, “bewilderment due to the paradox of appearance-oriented views” illustrates paradoxical environment, resulting in confusion and anger. Lastly, “decision to be made quickly with limited time to oneself” describes the crazy whirling process of decision making.

Conclusion

Findings highlight aims, worries, barriers, and facilitators that women with breast cancer experience when making a decision about breast reconstruction. Deciding on breast reconstruction was not only a burden for women in a state of shock with a diagnosis of breast cancer, but also an opportunity to decide to integrate their body, femininity, and self which might be wounded from a mastectomy. These findings will help oncology professionals provide effective educational counselling before the operation to promote higher satisfaction after the operation.

Keywords: Breast Neoplasms, Mammoplasty, Decision Making, Qualitative Research, Women

Figures and Tables

Table 1

Demographic and Disease-related Characteristics of the Participants

jkan-46-894-i001

MRM=Modified radical mastectomy; BCS=Breast conservative surgery; TRAM=Transverse rectus abdominis muscle.

Table 2

Theme Clusters and Themes on Decision Making Experience of Breast Reconstruction

jkan-46-894-i002

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