Table 2.

Coding tree of the qualitative interviews

Initial codes	Preliminary themes	Themes
Difficult to describe Analogies / metaphors A strange and unpleasant sensation on/off The expression of neuropathy Numb but painful and hypersensitive Constantly present An unclear experience	The peculiar and ambiguous expression of CIPN An experience which is difficult to describe Body discrepancy A constant reminder	A diffuse and contradictory sensation which is impossible to ignore in everyday life
Reminder of cancer CIPN as a consequence Everyday challenges Work ability Lack of sleep Social relations Family and friends Change of identity Being unwell Psychological impact Quality of life Gratitude for being alive A price for being alive	Being unwell, despite being cured A price for being alive Changes in relationship (physical, psychological, and social) A changed self-understanding	Not feeling well, even though I’m cured
Learning to live with it Uncertainty Concern Interventions Coping Accept	Living with CIPN To accept the situation Handling of concerns and uncertainty Adaption to CIPN	Living with CIPN, despite limitations
Focus on late effects A call for help Lack of help Communication with healthcare professionals CIPN as a lower priority	A hidden disorder Lack of understanding and recognition	An invisible companion, that everybody knows about