Finding ‘me’ through wheelchair basketball: an autoethnographic study of finding acceptance of a new identity after acquiring a disability through surgical removal of a sacral chondrosarcoma

Purpose
This study explores the first-authors experience of acquiring disability through treatment for sacral chondrosarcoma, a form of primary bone cancer. It examines the psychological, physical, and social impacts of this life-altering illness, particularly identity loss, and how wheelchair basketball, and the community surrounding it, played a transformative role in reshaping and accepting their new disability identity.

Method
An evocative autoethnography approach was used to present subjective, raw, emotional realities to encourage readers’ immersion, empathy, and reflection. This method highlights how sport can support identity (re)formation following life-altering illness.

Results
This autoethnography consists of nine short stories detailing the first authors experiences through and beyond cancer treatment. These stories explore the disintegration and reconstruction of identity, culminating in the discovery and acceptance of a new identity through sport.

Conclusions
This evocative autoethnography provides insight into the lived experiences of disability acquired through cancer treatment. It explores identity loss, the transformative power of sport in the (re)discovery of identity, and the nuanced components that intersect to support patients to form new identities post-diagnosis. These stories may resonate with others facing life-altering illness or injury, offering reassurance that (re)discovery of self is possible.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Acquiring a disability through cancer treatment affects psychological, physical, and social wellbeing, often resulting in a loss of identity.

Rehabilitation should take a holistic approach, considering long-term challenges such as pain management, body image concerns, and social reintegration.

Participation in disability sport can support physical recovery, build confidence, and help patients in their acceptance of a new disability identity.

Although rehabilitation specialists should not prescribe exercise, they should recognise its value and possess the knowledge for how to facilitate participation in sport.