| Themes | Subthemes |
| An unreal change in the patient | Sudden improvement |
| Disguising their real feelings | |
| Being unreceptive to further treatment or encouragement | |
| Becoming painfully aware of their life conditions | Losing hope and confidence in the future |
| Powerlessness | |
| Give up | |
| Saying goodbye | Practical preparations |
| Expressing gratitude |