Hematological Cancer ; Transplantation ; Experience ; Exercise Perception
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to understand exercise perception during hematopoietic transplantation for hematological cancer patients. In-depth interview along with observation and field-note were used to collect data from nine
hematological cancer patients undergoing recovery of hematopoietic transplantation. Phenomenological research method were used to gain a deep understanding of their experience. Eleven themes and five categorizes emerged from the data: ‘Pain of fighting with cancer’, ‘Desolate space’, ‘Exercise; another hope’, ‘Lack of exercise information’, and ‘Difficulty in practice.’ The results highlight the significant impact that cancer treatment has on hematological cancer patients. Hematological cancer patients undergoing high-dose treatment in desolate aseptic room, shared their perception of exercise barrier during treatment period. Although the patients perceived exercise to be beneficial and they wanted exercise to be part of the treatment programs, they were obscured and emphasized the difficulty of exercise in practice.