Table 2 – Quotes on “Ongoing impact of curatively treated lung cancer in the family system: long-term and late effects”

Perceived long-term and late effects (physical, mental, social)

Survivor 25: “So I’d say, it’s not like it was before. I can’t (sighs) get as much done, I get tired more quickly, […] I haven’t been able to go to work these last two years. I had to retire because of it; … I’m glad I don’t have to work anymore. I can rest.“

Survivor 15: “I’ve already noticed that even within the family, there has also sometimes been a lack of understanding, you know? My reactions—sometimes I was still not happy with myself, or I’m not always happy. Well, that’s not over yet. I’m not over it yet … I just feel limited by this disease.“

Caregiver 6: “Restrictions, total restrictions, because—she is already up and running, but the cough is still a burden and also with her back, she is in constant pain … and that puts a strain on the whole household, because she can’t do anything, it’s all on me.“

Caregiver 1: “[the situation due to the disease, the authors] stresses you out of course …. Psychologically and, I would also say, physically. Because you … must help more than usual. And then you are just doubly challenged.“

Interviewer: “And what does that mean for everyday life?” …

Caregiver 7: “She can’t make beds anymore … it’s impossible to [reach, the authors] high things… as well as [bend, the authors] down … because then she gets dizzy and then she falls … Oh, it’s just not like it was before … that it would get as extreme as it is now, I wouldn’t have thought … it’s wonderful that the cancer is gone, but so much is so very different.“

No impact of long-term and late effects felt

Survivor 23: “I’m just very happy that I’m doing so well. Yes, and that I was so lucky. … I was also sure that it would be good afterwards [the time after therapy, the authors]. Yes, that was also the case.“

Interviewer: “That means that the disease has few limitations for you now…?“

Survivor 8: “Yes well, I’m actually not sick anymore. I am actually healthy. I’m just a lung amputee (laughs).“

Interviewer: “And how is your husband doing now?”

Caregiver 2: “Good. Good, nothing has been detected so far … Now that we are convinced that it is probably over for now, right, we are doing quite well.“