| The intent of this study was to examine the familial experiences of those close to the diagnosed, me, Aly Taylor. Special emphasis was given to role changes, emotions, and dynamic shifts during and after my breast cancer treatment for the purpose of gaining a systemic perspective of the family. I used semi-structured interviews of family members under the methodology of autoethnography and included my cancer experience in the research.;I identified six comprehensive patterns: similar first reactions, emotions that changed over time, different coping mechanisms, changed family relationships, how a Marriage and Family Therapist could help our family and other families of a young person with breast cancer, and my family's thoughts and suggestions. Subthemes were identified within each of the patterns. In similar first reactions three subthemes emerged: (a) shock (b) uncertainty (c) initial fear. In the pattern of emotions that changed over time, six subthemes emerged from the transcript data: (a) disbelief (b) understanding (c) concern (d) hope (e) continuing fear (f) pride. In the third pattern, different coping mechanisms, four subthemes were found: (a) feeling a need to contribute (b) faith (c) maintaining normalcy (d) support. In the pattern of changed family relationships, three subthemes were found: (a) relationships grew closer and more distant (b) unsure of what to say or ask (c) family dynamic shifts. The fifth pattern, how a Marriage and Family Therapist could help our family and families of a young person with breast cancer, had five subthemes (a) stop guessing (b) therapy pragmatics (c) expectations (d) venting and support (e) helped by therapy and unsure of therapy. The sixth and final pattern, my family's thoughts and suggestions, had four subthemes: (a) diagnosis and treatment are only beginning (b) it will be different for everyone and support (c) there will be regrets (d) the entire family had cancer and what they do matters. Existing research related to these topics was reviewed, including suggestions for how to best help those dealing with a devastating diagnosis, like my own. |
