The Lived Experience of Self-Transcendence in Women with Advanced Breast Cancer
Nursing Science Quarterly December 1, 1990 Doris D. Coward 182 citations
Women with Stage IV breast cancer describe experiences of self-transcendence that increase their sense of self-worth, purpose, and connection with others. Five women who had lived with metastatic disease from 2 to 7 years reached out to help other women, allowed others to help them, or accepted unchangeable situations. These experiences helped them find meaning in life despite a life-threatening illness. Nurses may foster conditions that allow such experiences to occur.