Table 2. Coding Framework for Analysis of Responses to Comments About HRQOL or Adverse Effects of Treatment.
| Theme | Explanation | Example Responses |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | ||
| Fatigue | Lowered energy levels, tiredness, reduced stamina, reduced exercise tolerance, weakness | Constantly fatigued and struggling with daily activities |
| Medication issues | Difficulty in finding the right dosage of thyroxine medication; concerns regarding the inconvenience of taking tablets daily for life | Still trying to get thyroxine levels balanced |
| Timing the daily thyroxine is a nuisance | ||
| Voice issues | Croakiness, huskiness, impaired ability to sing, change in voice, hoarseness | Loss of voice is disastrous—very frustrated with the difficulties in not being able to be heard except one-on-one in quiet conditions |
| Throat and/or neck discomfort | Pain or soreness in the neck, swallowing difficulties | Still a lot of tightness and soreness in throat occasionally |
| Weight concerns | Concerns about weight gain or loss | Putting on weight and not being able to shift it has been difficult |
| Autonomic symptoms | Hot flushes, sweating, lightheadedness, fainting, digestive complaints | Constantly sweating—feels hot a lot of the time |
| Other | Other miscellaneous physical complaints, for example, memory loss and/or decreased mental acuity, menstrual cycle disturbances, tingling, back or muscle pain, limited shoulder function, hair loss, libido loss, change in taste or appetite, difficulty sleeping, scar sensitivity, acne | Still dealing with damaged shoulder muscles—having physiotherapy |
| Psychological | ||
| Emotional distress | Feelings of shock, sadness, fear, frustration, or stress related to the diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis | Upset to have a cancer diagnosis and worried about the possible link to other cancers |
| Mood issues | Mood swings, irritability, teary, emotional fragility, labile moods | Having much more ups and downs |
| Anxiety and/or depression | Severe poor mental health relating to a clinical anxiety disorder or depression | Had a period of depression with suicidal thoughts at the time attributed to the trauma of cancer diagnosis and surgery |
| Reevaluation of life | Reevaluation of life priorities or increased appreciation for life | Thinks twice about life now and not taking everything for granted |
| Lifestyle | ||
| Effect on work | Uncertainty as to timing of return, inability to work due to symptoms | Emotional ups and downs so has had to give up work |
| Increased consciousness about health and lifestyle | Changed food intake, exercise, or lifestyle habits as a result of diagnosis or treatment | Consulted nutritionist, now on gluten-free diet |
| Reduced excessive alcohol consumption | ||
| No adverse effects or issues | ||
| No adverse effects | No adverse effects or reported | Feels no different |
| Minor relative to other issues | Minor issues relative to other issues going on in their life, for example, breast cancer diagnosis | Has not really affected life—minor compared with breast cancer diagnosis |
Abbreviation: HRQOL, health-related quality of life.