Table 6 Symptom, description of what makes the symptom unbearable and rated category; examples

Tired?

I hardly can do anything, it is nearly impossible to explain it in words. I never imagined a person could be so tired

Physical

Lonely (important people absent)?

I have one son, he does not visit me

Loss of meaning

Feel dependant on others?

I used to be very independent, and do all myself. Now I need to ask for everything, or wait.

Loss of autonomy

Hiccups?

It comes sudden and unexpected, it makes me feel uncivilized and ashamed

Loss of dignity

Feel to be a burden to others?

My husband, he needs to care for me continuously

Burden to others

Restricted sexual functioning?

It is gone, it is in pieces, not only for myself, but also for my wife

Loss of sexual role

Fear of future suffering?

I am in fear of suffering pain, that the pain will be unbearable

Fear of suffering

Nausea?

I feel panic. Am I going to vomit? Is it going to be difficult to breathe? Is it going to happen when I am eating?

Anxiety

Fear of future suffering?

I am frightened to suffocate

Death anxiety

Feel depressed?

This depressed mood in itself is unpleasant, at the same time it grows, because my daughter is doing less well

Depressive thoughts

Negative thoughts, worrying?

It haunts my mind all day: dissemination of cancer to my liver, 2 to 3 months to live. An operation? Other possibilities?

Worrying

Feel tensed?

To be able to be more relaxed would help me; now it makes me lose much energy

Feeling tensed

Hopelessness?

To take up a piece of paper , I can’t manage it, I cannot stand it

Hopelessness

Trouble accepting present situation?

The fact that it is as it is, to look it in the face. It is over, I am just waiting

Pointlessness