Conceptions of care and feelings of the caregiver of children with cancer

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the conceptions of care and the feelings which permeate the daily life of the family caregiver of children with cancer. Methods: Qualitative research conducted with nine family caregivers of children with cancer. Semi-structured interviews were performed. The empirical material was submitted to French Discourse Analysis, producing the discursive formation of the family caregiver of the child with cancer: associated feelings and emotions. Results: The comprehension of care is permeated by the legacy of dedication, selflessness and moral obligation from the perspective of parents who are caregivers. The feeling and emotions experienced in this trajectory, such as guilt, punishment and sin, were revealed between the lines of the caregiver. Conclusion: The conceptions of care are a boon, a feeling of exclusive dedication to the child with cancer. In the discourse analysis it was possible to dive into the feelings and the relationship of ambiguity experienced by the parents, who often feel overwhelmed and powerless, but who do not accept being replaced in their role as caregiver.