Table 2.

Theme, categories and their subcategories

Theme	Categories	Subcategories
Bridging different realities	Being a woman today	Defining womanhood in removal of the uterus
		Being accomplished - an obstacle for own health
		Differing aspects on the significance of menopause
		Advocating for equality and just healthcare
	Experiencing and managing body failure	Suffering from a failing body
		Body image as preconception of function and dysfunction
		Cancer as a distant reality or a present fear
		Perspectives of health when experiencing a medical condition
	Navigating the healthcare system	Supportive and available healthcare
		Negligent and impersonal healthcare
		Balancing gain for yourself or future patients when participating in a study
		Wishing for optimal outcome but fully dependent
	Processing continuously until surgery	Information received and information perceived
		Accepting uncertainties or requiring more information
		Finding support or supporting in social networks
		The burden of waiting
		Accepting risks and trusting relief