Behind the Barbed Wire Fence: Experiences of Caregivers of Patients With Hematological Cancer

BACKGROUND: Caregivers of patients with cancer experience many emotional challenges. It is important for caregivers to cope with the difficult emotions they experience and to prepare for the grieving process. Nurses should support caregivers in managing negative experiences, crises, and difficult emotions. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the experiences of caregivers of individuals with hematological diagnoses. METHODS: The study was designed using an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis approach. Eighteen informal caregivers were recruited through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview form. RESULTS: According to the content analysis, 3 themes (Barbed wire, Dead end, Stairway to endurance) and 7 subthemes (Infection focus, Cage, Life in the shadow of care, Mask, Positive suggestion, Solidarity, Reliance on God) emerged. CONCLUSION: The themes reflect the development of empowerment and the challenges experienced by caregivers of individuals diagnosed with hematological cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Caregivers of patients with hematological cancer need support in navigating the emotional, physical, and social dimensions of their role. Oncology nurses play a crucial role in effective communication and process management between patients and caregivers.