Losing a Loved One to Pancreatic Cancer: A Search for Hope Through Narratives

• In Event: Navigating the cancer continuum

Abstract

This exploratory study seeks to understand of the role hope plays for individuals who have lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer. From the narratives of five women who lost family members to this disease, four key areas of increased understanding are identified: (a) Loss of hope during the illness phase; (b) Reconstruction of hope through action during the healing phase; (c) Increased awareness of family relationships; and (d) Sense making of the experience over time.

Author

• Peyton Roberts, San Diego State Univ