This qualitative nursing research used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to discover meaning in mid-aged women's experience of mastectomy. The ultimate aim of the inquiry was to discover the essence of mid-aged women's experience and promote understanding. The study was guided by Van Manen's method for doing research. The method of inquiry included: turning to phenomenon of interest; inquiring and investigating experience as it was lived rather than as conceptualized; reflecting and analyzing essential themes which characterize phenomenon; and describing phenomenon through art of writing and rewriting. Multiple strategies for data collecting were needed: in depth face-to-face interview; analysis of women's writings; artistic works; and analysis of examples of phenomenon in art, literature, and drama. Although the experience was different for all of the women interviewd, essential themes of experience emerged; Self-discovering of vicious disease, Divining punishment-unfortunate women, loss of self though the scar, a nightmare, change of life values and attitudes, rediscovering living alone, living through with fearing of death. Findings from artistic and creative inquiry further validated findings and meaning descovered. The study illuminated meaning and simultaneously validated the phenomenological research process. Essential themes for understanding women's experience, implications for education, research, and practice, direction and need for continuing inquiry were identified.

The main purpose of this study was to provide understanding of the meaning of post menopausal women's lived body changing experience. The methodological approach was guided by Van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological methodology: inquiring and investigating experience as it was lived rather than as conceptualized; reflecting and analyzing the essential themes which characterize the phenomenon; and describing the phenomenon through the art of writing and rewriting. Multiple strategies for data collecting were used : in depth face-to-face interview; analysis of women's writings ; artistic work ; and analysis of examples of phenomenon in art, literature, and drama. Although the experience was different for all of the women interviewed, essential themes of experience emerged ; Drifting through the years (solitude, in the twilight of life, loneliness, change of taste, forgetfulness, the sense of missing something), A walking weather forecast, Standing on the threshold of losing ki energy, Lately taking care of my body, Seized with fear all of a sudden, Keenly feeling to preciousness of life, Preferring comfortableness to prettiness, Wanting to recall my past years, A strong impulse to rechallenge life, Becoming more fond of friends. Findings from the artistic and creative inquiry further validated the interview findings and the meaning discovered. The study illuminated meaning and simultaneously validated the phenomenological research process. Essential themes for understanding women's experience, implications for education, research, and practice, direction and need for continuing inquiry were identified.