Aim: To explore the lived experiences of rectal cancer patients following diagnosis, treatment and surgery. Background Patients diagnosed with rectal cancer can have a complex treatment trajectory involving a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Patients can now undergo sphincter saving surgery and avoid a permanent colostomy; however more often than not a temporary defunctioning ileostomy is formed to prevent anastomotic dehiscence. Sample and Setting A purposive sample of seven individuals were
recruited and consented to participate within this study: four females and three males, aged 44 – 71 years old. Five of the participants had a temporary defunctioning ileostomy, one had a temporary colostomy, and one had a permanent colostomy. Data Collection and Analysis Semi-structured interviews were utilised, and transcriptions were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings Four major themes emerged from the data analysis: consequences of diagnosis, the effects of treatment, communication and outlook on life. Participants reported the shock of their diagnosis and the major challenges they experienced as a consequence of their stoma. Five out of the seven participants stated they would never have chemotherapy again due to the
severe nature of the side effects of the treatment. Surviving cancer changed their outlook on life and many discussed how it changed their lives for the better. Conclusion This study highlighted the complex trajectory rectal cancer patients endure. Participants reported that stoma formation and living with its unpredictability caused a detrimental effect on their physical and psychological wellbeing more than any other part of the treatment plan. However, the findings highlighted the resilience that colorectal cancer patients possess in order to complete their treatments and survive.
