Table 3 Themes and subthemes regarding demands and capabilites of mothers affected by cancer (n = 29) and healthy fathers (n = 10)

  Immediate consequences of diagnosis and treatment (e.g. shock of diagnosis, effects of treatment and diagnosis)

10

  Practical and social changes (e.g. temporary job changes, daily routines, loss of friends)

10

  Strong emotions (e.g. loss of control, fears, uncertainty)

7

  Changes of the self-concept as a parent (e.g. other family roles, attachment)

9

  Feelings of guilt

1

  Fears and concerns about the children (e.g. emotional consequences for children)

7

  Communication about the disease

7

  Increase of responsibilities and pressure (e.g. balancing multiple needs, work, time for kids)

10

  Confrontation with disease and consequences (e.g. physical changes of mother, treatment)

9

  Behavioral changes (e.g. school problems, withdrawal)

6

  Fears and concerns/strong emotions (e.g. uncertainty, fear to lose the mother)

3

  Seeing the vulnerability of the parents (e.g. parents crying, parents being helpless)

4

  Loss of normal life and activities (e.g. daily routines, temporary loss of closest attachment figure)

4

  Support network (e.g. friends, peers, school)

10

  Competent medical staff

4

  Flexible working hours

9

  Financial security

–

  Children’s books or broschures

–

  Family time (e.g. routines, activities)

9

  Children themselves

9

  Open communication

5

  Maintaining daily life

7

  Emotional support from partner and family/strong relationship

3

  Family cohesion

5

  Flexible role division

5

  Time for oneself

4

  Small aims for the future

5

  Self-efficacy

2

  Optimism/Positive attitude

4

  Spirituality

–