Table 2 Emergent themes and sub-themes

Getting used to living with the disease

Habituation of supporting recuperation

Recognition of side effects

Acquisition of medical knowledge

Deepening view of life and death

Consciousness of death

Understanding the patient’s experience

Changing values for treatment

Anxious about the future

Conflicts between treatment efficacy and disease progression

Mixed feelings of desire to support recuperation and anxiety

Worry about their own health

Desire for a better rest of life

Values the remaining time

Energy source for living

Deepening affection

Coexistence with society