Searching for meaning: narratives and analysis of US-resident Chinese immigrants with metastatic cancer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore how US-resident Chinese immigrants with metastatic cancer search for meaning at the end of their lives. Data were gathered by a topical life history method, using life story, and in-depth interviews. A narrative analysis of 12 participant interviews revealed 6 themes: suffering and impending death, compassion and love, joy and value, hope and faith, readjustment and transcendence, and empowerment and peaceful dying. Although participants simultaneously faced suffering, they searched for meaning in their lives. Participants experienced compassion and love from religious practices and the caring and support of family and others. They experienced joy and value by feeling satisfied with their quality of life, having good relationships with family and friends, practicing religion, appreciating the present moment, and keeping everyday life normal. Participants built hope and faith by continuing to live, believing in a possible cure, having religious beliefs, and receiving encouragement from family and others. They readjusted and transcended suffering by accepting the unexpected in life, looking for positive impacts of having cancer, and developing a positive attitude toward living with cancer. They felt empowered and prepared to die peacefully by maintaining good symptom control, remaining independent, and finding peace of mind.