Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: The Lived Experiences of Taiwanese Patients With Ovarian Cancer

Background: Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy is often a preferred treatment for ovarian cancer because of its clinical benefits, but research on the experiences of patients receiving IP chemotherapy is limited.

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to explore the lived experiences of Taiwanese patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer who have received at least one cycle of IP chemotherapy.

Methods: A semistructured interview guide was used to collect data. Interviews were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis.

Findings: The following themes emerged from the data: (a) feeling extreme anxiety and uneasiness related to IP chemotherapy; (b) experiencing specific symptoms related to IP chemotherapy injection; (c) experiencing unexpected or severe physical issues and psychological discomfort during the treatment period; (d) feeling isolated from people during the treatment period; (e) learning how to manage adverse effects from IP chemotherapy; (f) worrying about families, illness progression, and the future; and (g) receiving support from others and accepting the diagnosis.