Addressing Oncofertility Needs: Views of Female Cancer Patients in Fertility Preservation

A total of 41 questionnaires were returned from 64 respondents who consented to receive a questionnaire through the mail. Almost all valued the opportunity to receive consultation to address their fertility concerns and discuss fertility preservation options. Psychological stress, time pressure, and costs were identified as main factors affecting respondents’ decision to proceed with in-vitro fertilization to cryopreserve oocytes or embryos. About one third indicated that the discussion of fertility matters was initiated by themselves, their friends, and families rather than their health care providers. The findings have identified several major barriers encountered by female cancer patients when seeking fertility preservation services.     

Challenges of connectedness in personal recovery for rural mothers with mental illness

Social connection is a fundamental human need, but challenging for individuals with characteristics that are socially stigmatized. Parenting with mental illness presents obstacles, as well as opportunities, for connection. In the present study, we examined connectedness within a personal recovery paradigm for rural mothers with a mental illness. In‐depth interviews with 17 mothers with a mental illness, utilizing constructivist grounded theory, resulted in six categories of meaning, including ‘yearning for connection’, ‘connecting intensely’, ‘encountering rejection and exclusion’, ‘choosing isolation’, ‘being known’, and ‘finding peers/helping others’. Women expressed a strong desire for connection, but for many, prior experiences of trauma and rejection created barriers to the development of trust, preventing some women from seeking opportunities for connection. Connectedness to self and significant others, and a broader life meaning and purpose can support and expedite personal recovery from mental illness for rural women. However the factors that contribute to the mental illness might also inhibit the development of trust needed to attain social connection. Increasing connectedness in mothers with mental illness is a complex endeavour requiring concerted focus as distinct from other service‐delivery goals. The perinatal period could be a key time for intervention.     

Attaining and Maintaining Isometric and Isokinetic Goals of the Shaker Exercise

Previous studies have shown that the Shaker Exercise is effective in restoring oral intake in patients with deglutitive failure due to upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dysfunction. Our aim was to determine (1) exerciser compliance among healthy older adults, (2) number of days required to attain the isometric (IM) and isokinetic (IK) exercise goals, (3) rate and reason for dropout of exercisers, and (4) complaints associated with performance of the exercise. Twenty-six nondysphagic older adults were enrolled from an independent-living community (66–93 yr) to perform the Shaker Exercise. Each participant completed a questionnaire on exercise performance and its associated difficulties three times a day for six weeks. Four randomly chosen nondysphagic participants underwent pre- and postexercise videofluoroscopic swallow studies for biomechanical measurements. Maximum anterior hyoid and laryngeal excursions, as well as maximum anteroposterior UES opening increased (p < 0.05) following exercise. Duration to attain Shaker Exercise performance goals varied among participants. IK was more easily attained than IM. Only 50% and 70% of those enrolled initially were able to complete the exercise duration and attain its IK and IM goals, respectively. However, those who stayed in the program attained the IK and IM goals (100% and 74%, respectively). Most dropouts occurred in the first two weeks of exercise. Performance of the exercise was associated with mild muscle discomfort that resolved spontaneously after a couple of weeks. We concluded that although the Shaker Exercise can be performed independently, a structured and gradually progressive program is needed to attain the exercise goals completely.Supported in part by a grant from Retirement Research Foundation.