The experience of grandmothers of children with cancer.

OBJECTIVE to understand, from grandmothers' perspectives, the experience of having a grandchild with cancer. METHOD qualitative study, guided by philosophical hermeneutics. Eight grandmothers of children who had finished an oncology treatment participated in this study. Data were collected through interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to the principles of hermeneutics. RESULTS the grandmothers underwent an experience of multiplied, silent, transformative, and permanent suffering. They believe it is their role to be present, but they recognize their adult children's independence and self-determination. Grandmothers highlighted that their experience has been very little accessed and considered by health care professionals. CONCLUSION we recommend including grandparents in the context of care and in additional research.