Surviving glioblastoma and a sense of disconnection

Abstract

Given the poor prognosis of glioblastoma, little focus has been placed on the needs of long-term survivors (those alive at least two years following diagnosis). The aim of this project was to explore the lived experience of long-term survivors of glioblastoma using a qualitative approach. Long-term survivors of glioblastoma diagnosed between 1/1/2006–31/12/2016 were identified at the tertiary centre involved. Participants underwent a semi-structured qualitative interview and caregiver dyads were collected if available. Thematic analysis was undertaken where themes were gradually generated from the data alongside data collection and confirmed or contrasted as data collection proceeded. Participants were selected and interviewed until data saturation was reached at 10 interviews. The overarching theme explaining the data was a sense of disconnection, beginning with the shock of diagnosis, and evolving over time, leading survivors to feel disconnected from (1) ‘who I was’, redefining their work, independence and social self; (2) ‘who I am’, contributing to social isolation, disavowal, and anxiety and depression; and (3) ‘who I could be’, reassessing their future. This unique study highlights the acute emotional distress and disconnection that begins with diagnosis and its evolving impact on the lived experience. Clinicians need to consider the emotional impact of survival when managing these patients and adopt a holistic approach, including the early introduction of psychosocial support to patients and their caregivers. Further validation of these findings in a larger cohort is desirable.