A Phenomenologic Study of the Experiences of Pediatric Cancer Survivors After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Purpose: To explore the experiences of pediatric cancer survivors in South Korea after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Participants & Setting: 14 survivors of childhood cancer who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at a pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation center.

Methodologic Approach: Participants underwent in-depth face-to-face or online interviews from October 2020 to January 2021. Data were analyzed following Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenologic research method.

Findings: The following four themes emerged: regaining physical strength, a wish to express the overwhelming burden, cultivating positive thinking through reflection, and living a self-directed life. Pediatric cancer survivors experienced deep appreciation toward surroundings and everyday life, engaged in broader and greater positive thinking, and strived to live a self-directed life despite physical limitations and negative emotions.

Implications for Nursing: Interventions enabling pediatric cancer survivors to express challenges and help them recover physical fitness are needed to improve their post-transplantation quality of life. These results can inform healthcare providers, nurses, and the general community to provide high-quality care to cancer survivors.