The lived experience of breast cancer-related lymphoedema.

AIM This study focused on the impact that breast cancer-related lymphoedema has had on the lives of 20 women, who were already being treated for lymphoedema. METHOD It was a qualitative research study that used data gathered from tape recordings of four focus groups. The data were subsequently analysed using the grounded theory process. RESULTS The findings suggested that the main themes were finding information, suffering silently and counting blessings. CONCLUSION The core category illuminated the main theme: 'Finding out information for women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema can help to ease their sense of anxiety and loss, and increase their ability to adapt to a changed life.'