| Intervention helped participants to feel less isolated |
“I expected to feel better sooner and now know better what to expect.” “Survivors’ stories helped me to relate better and realize that the feelings I was having were common.” “Yes, because real women with some of the same thoughts I had were shedding light those issues. It made me feel normal.” “I’m able to identify with what they were saying. It’s helpful to know that others have the same thoughts and feelings.”
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| Intervention introduced questions about survivorship |
Questions raised about follow up care, when to get another MRI: “I will talk to [my doctor] today.” “I would really like to get involved in a support group, because now that this is all over I am very worried.”
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| Intervention helped participants to have realistic expectations |
“I am in denial and don’t want to deal with the fact that it isn’t over.” “I feel more prepared because the video taught me that I was expecting too much of myself and I will not be able to jump back into everything immediately.”
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| Intervention helped participants consider their caregivers’ perspectives |
“I wish I would have brought my kids and husband because they don’t understand.” “I plan to share this video with my family… some just don’t have a clue.” “My daughter expressed one day when I was not in a good mood that she was glad that she watched the video with me because she felt she knew where my moodiness was coming from.”
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| Program satisfaction |
“The thoroughness and the timing. I felt let down when [the booklets] stopped coming. Short, easy read.” “Easy to read…enjoyable. Real life experiences from women; could relate to them.” “I feel like I wrote these books myself; word for word I was able to relate. Now I have the assurance that I am not alone. The booklets helped me think of new ways to cope with stress. Some things are still a struggle but the books are a great resource. I really enjoyed them all and I plan to make my husband and daughter read them.” “The people in the video were honest and positive.”
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| Suggestions for improving program |
“I’d like more survivors’ stories and specifics on what helped them.” “I had done a lot of research so I only found a few comments in each booklet to be helpful. I had read everything I could get my hands on so I am very well-informed.” “It would be good to have the video session in a group setting with other survivors.” “Could go through stages of what to expect in greater detail.” “I suggest that all women should talk to a professional ‘cause even if they say they are okay they are not.” “More information on nutrition and genetics.”
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