Research Article

Pain Narratives in Breast Cancer Survivors

Table 2

WHOQOL-BREF items, pain management, and pain narratives.

QoL self-ratingFeeling activity limitation due to painSatisfaction in everyday activitiesPain managementPain-related quotations from in-depth interviews

ClaraNeither…1Very muchNeither…2ParacetamolMy scar hurts … I have also shooting pains in the arm, I can’t lift it.
EllaGoodA littleNeither…2DiclofenacI’m dripping with sweat … I’ve lost my appetite … and the pain starts every morning at 7 A.M.
NancyVery poorA littleNeither…2NoneMy scar hurts all the time, especially when the weather is hot … The scar was done too tight and it hurts a lot because I put on weight due to my pills.
EvaPoorNot at allSatisfiedDiclofenac, paracetamolI have a hematoma since breast reconstruction … it has been hurting for six months now … I’m tired as soon as I wake up and I feel aching in my entire body, especially the bones.
LindaGoodNot at allNeither…2TrinitrinMy breastbone hurts a lot … sometimes my chest feels like it has a huge weight on it and I suffocate … I can’t sleep.
EmmyVery goodA littleSatisfiedNoneI’m always out of breath because of the chemotherapy, it’s weakened my heart … I’m 31 and I can’t ride a scooter, I can’t raise my arms … I can’t lift a pack of milk, it’s too painful.
StellaGoodModerateSatisfiedNoneMy arm has been hurting since the surgery … especially in the morning … and sometimes my breast also hurts.
CindyPoorModerateSatisfiedNoneBefore my cancer I used to blow dry 20 clients’ hair every day, but now after 4 or 5 I must stop because my arm hurts too much … today I can’t even hold my handbag … sometimes I’ve got shooting pains in my breast, like a stab from a knife.
RachelNeither…1Very muchNot satisfied at allParacetamolI can’t go upstairs, my ankles swell … If I lift something my arm starts hurting and swelling the day after.
SilviaGoodModerateSatisfiedNoneBecause of the pills I take I have muscular pain, like cramps, especially in the back and the arm.

1: Neither poor nor good.
2: Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.