Research Article

Experience and Expectations of Ovarian Cancer Patients in Australia

Table 3

Definitions of words used by women in the explanation of this illness and the treatments used.

TerminologyDefinitions of words used by women in the explanation of this illness and the treatments used

Mild side effectsfeeling slight discomfort, having mild or no nausea, being able to conduct activities of daily living, and being able to manage discomfort with medication.
Moderate side effectsSome nausea/gastric disturbances, fatigue, needing assistance with some activities of daily living, general discomfort, and needing to seek some medical attention.
Severe side effectsExtreme vomiting and nausea, neuropathy, needing assistance with activities of daily living, debilitating fatigue and pain, needing medical assistance or hospitalization, and constant issues that may not be able to be resolved.
Poor quality of lifeFeeling uncomfortable most of the time, not being able to function, requiring bed rest throughout the day, and feeling depressed and not enjoying many aspects of life.
Good quality of lifeFeeling positive and happy, feeling some discomfort from time to time, being able to make choices and continue with activities of daily living, and feeling well.
Excellent quality of lifeFeeling positive and happy and not worrying about cancer, feeling fit and healthy without side effects, and being able to live life as they did before their diagnosis.
Being on treatmentTraditional aspects of treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy or surgery or any type of medical therapy or medical intervention
RemissionHaving no evidence of disease and/or a low CA 125 and/or no signs or symptoms of cancer (noting that some participants also noted that they were unsure and/or have never been told or felt like they were in remission)
Progression-free survivalThe majority of participants had not heard of the term and did not know what it meant. Where a definition was offered, it primarily related to being in remission.