Sentidos da pessoa idosa que vivencia o adoecimento por câncer

Abstract

Cancer is a serious public health problem in Brazil and the world, due to its high incidence, mortality and to compromise the health and quality of life of the human being. This study aims to answer the guiding question: how does the elderly person experience cancer sickness? The objective was to unveil the senses of the elderly person who experiences the illness due to cancer. The research, of a qualitative nature, was guided by the Phenomenology, based on the theoretical-philosophical and methodological thought of Martin Heidegger. Fourteen elderly people interviewed in meetings mediated by empathy and reduced assumptions, occurred between November 2016 and April 2017, participated in this study. The vague and median understanding allowed the elaboration of the thread of analysis. Hermeneutics enabled the interpretation of the being-person-elderly-who-experiences-the-sickness-by-cancer who comes across truth, becoming a discoverer. Fear is experienced by the elderly, in their different forms of dread, horror and terror. It is revealed in the mode of speaking, by taking what belongs to the other as his own. It shows itself as a being launched into the world, open to the possibilities of being-in and being-with, availing itself of the occupation and concern. From the senses unveiled in this research, it is evident the importance of discussing an authentic way of care for the elderly person who experiences cancer. Care as the essence of Nursing implies developing the sensitivity of looking at the being in its fragility that needs care for its existential sphere and not only for its physical body.