| Promote psychosocial adjustment |
| Diagnosis and treatment adjustment |
“I learned about others’ experiences and how they differed from mine. Realizing I wasn’t unique in this made me feel more at ease.” (P1) “At first, I didn’t know anything about wound care or chemo. After joining the program, I started learning from the peers—how to eat properly, how to manage things.” (P3)
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| Negative emotions adjustment |
“Initially, I was quite scared and felt a lot of pressure. After chatting with peer, those worries have largely faded.” (P2) “During the hardest times, chatting with the peers really made me feel so much lighter and more relaxed.” (P7)
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| Sexuality and body image adjustment |
“After chemotherapy, my hair started falling out a lot, so I shaved it off and started wearing a wig. I had already bought the wig right after I attended the third session.” (P5) “I hadn’t thought about sexual intimacy before, but after discussion, I talked to my husband. He was initially unsupportive, but later understood not to pressure me. Following their suggestions, we still kiss, hug, and hold hands.” (P8)
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| Family role functioning adjustment |
“My family cares about me, but we don’t discuss life issues much with peers; I talk more with friends or close confidants.” (P3) “After I got sick, my sister came to take care of me, so things at home are fine. I don’t talk much about family stuff with the peers.” (P4)
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| Social participation adjustment |
“They encouraged me to go out and work instead of staying home, which had a big impact. I’ve been working continuously.” (P8) “Following the advice from the peers, I cut back on pointless socializing. If chatting with friends does not feel right for my current state of mind, I just pause it for now. It makes things a lot less hard on my heart.” (P9)
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| Serving as a vital source of support |
| Informational support |
“When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know a tumor meant cancer. Joining the sessions helped me learn a lot about the disease and post-surgery care.” (P4) “Most of them have already had kids, but I haven’t yet, so a lot of people probably haven’t been in my situation. One peer talked about egg freezing, and that really helped me—it gave me useful information. I think that was especially good.” (P6)
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| Care and encouragement |
“They really care about us—they often ask if we’re in pain, if we can eat, if we’re throwing up.” (P1) “They’re very responsible, often asking in the chat group how we’re recovering or doing. Their heartfelt chats helped me through the initial depressive phase.” (P2)
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| Space for expression |
“I became good friends with one of the group members—we chat every day now, even about our everyday lives.” (P7) “The Chat group is great—it gives me a space to communicate and vent. There are things I wouldn’t say to my husband or mother, but I can share them privately with group members.” (P9)
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| Increasing treatment confidence |
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“Some people have it way worse than me and they’ve lived for over ten years. So I think to myself, my life won’t be short—I’ll definitely be okay and get to see my child grow up.” (P1) “Seeing others recover and return to work normally boosts my confidence. If they can live well, I can strive for it too and feel capable.” (P3)
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| Promoting positive coping |
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“Initially, I was in a bad mood and reluctant to join, but after attending, the open discussions really reduced my stress. Facing the disease head-on, following the doctor’s treatment plan, and staying committed gives me hope for better days.” (P2) “I was always so scared and kept avoiding it—I cried a lot. But after the first peer meeting, when I heard the peers and nurses talk about it, I felt like there was nothing to be afraid of anymore. Just go ahead with the treatment.” (P9)
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