Was the topic of sexuality. addressed on your breast.cancer journey. I am very curious to know if this was discussed, when, and by whom.

[mfidale]

I am an oncology nurse counselor RNC, LCPC. I will be speaking to a group of breast.cancer survivors. I would greatly appreciate if this subject was discussed either upon diagnosis, through treatment or within the survivorship journey. Your information could help me understand how I can better assist my patients. I run a cancer support group. Thank you for your openness and courage.

[daf10]

Breast Cancer Videos

BREAST CANCER "Your Sexuality After Cancer," with Madeleine Castellanos, MD See Slides "DCIS: What You Need to Know" with Deborah Collyar, founder of Patient Advocates in Research See Slides Facing Forward - When Cancer Changes the Road Ahead See Slides Invasive Lobular Carcinoma — Highlights from the First Ever ILC Symposium with Steffi Osterreich, PhD, Rachel Jankowitz, MD, and breast advocate Heather Hillier.

Sexuality and Intimacy after Cancer Video with Dr. Mindy R. Schiffman

November 6th, 2014 SHARE Cancer

Dr. Mindy R. Schiffman discusses ways to improve intimacy after cancer

Watch the webinar recording here or check out the slideshow below.

You will find these two videos on the SHARE website in the library go to sharecancersupport.org

[Grisol in reply to daf10]

This is awesome! Thanks!

[mfidale in reply to daf10]

I am very familiar with this doctor and her work. Excellent resource for survivors thank you so much.

[Redled823]

No, it was never discussed by anyone during my cancer journey. I felt, because it was "just" a lumpectomy that there were others way worse off than I was, but I definitely felt more and more self conscious as I got older because they were so out of balance! It was noticeable with certain clothes and, though my husband never said anything, I felt my body self image slowly becoming more negative. I no longer feel attractive to him and we are having less sex. It needs to be addressed but not sure where to go from here.

[mfidale in reply to Redled823]

Thank you for responding and having the courage to express your feelings on the subject. Re the unevenness with clothes,do you have a good prosthetic shop near you that perhaps has good bra products even though you did not have a mastectomy??they may be able to help fit you with a good bra and even a small insert to help balance you. I know all Nordstrom has this sevice. I hope this helps in someway.thank you again.

[Redled823 in reply to mfidale]

I had a breast reduction in order to get more balanced. I didn't expect the scarring to be so extensive, but I feel much better in clothing now!

[mfidale in reply to Redled823]

Thank you for your reply. I hope you.have good resources for bras, inserts, forms to continue with.your clothes fitting well. So info from American Cancer Society is very valuable. Keep up your great attitude.

[Redled823 in reply to Redled823]

I did not expect that either, but clothing looks so much better now! My self confidence is slowly coming back and starting to lose some weight as well. Slowly but surely I will get there.

[mfidale in reply to Redled823]

I am so happy you are adjusting so well. Your great attitude will help as you through this journey. It sounds like you are doing a wonderful.job. Hope resources helped.you also.

[daf10]

A while back I responded to one woman's post :

From the American Cancer society:

Learning to be comfortable with your body during and after breast cancer treatment is a personal journey, one that is different for every woman. Information and support can help you cope with these changes over time.

Feeling good about your body during and after breast cancer treatment

Along with the emotional stress that cancer and its treatment can cause, many women with breast cancer also find themselves coping with changes in their appearance as a result of their treatment.

Some changes may be short term, such as hair loss. But even short-term changes can have a profound effect on how a woman feels about herself. A number of options are available to help you cope with hair loss, including wigs, hats, scarves, and other accessories. Alternatively, some women choose to use their baldness as a way to identify themselves as breast cancer survivors.

Other changes are more permanent, like the loss of part or all of a breast (or breasts) after surgery. Some women choose to have reconstructive surgery to rebuild the breast mound. If you decide not to have breast reconstruction, you can decide whether to wear a breast form or prosthesis or not.

Sexuality after breast cancer

You may have concerns about sexuality after breast cancer. Physical changes, especially after breast surgery, can make some women less comfortable with their bodies. There may be a loss of sensation in the affected breast. Other treatments for breast cancer, such as chemotherapy, can change your hormone levels and may affect your sexual interest and/or response.

Relationship issues are also important. Your partner may worry about how to express love physically and emotionally after treatment, especially after surgery. But breast cancer can be a growth experience for couples – especially when partners take part in decision-making and go along to treatments.

[mfidale]

Thank you for taking the time to write this excellent post very valuable information

[mfidale]

I would love to hear more comments if anyone wants to share. Thank you so much.

[PJBinMI]

I've been on hormonal treatment for E+ metastatic breast cancer for over 13 years. My gynecologist, a woman, prescribes a compounded testosterone cream that I use daily on the opening of the vagina, to help combat vaginal dryness and atrophy (shrinking). I have no idea, of course, what my vagina would be like if I had not been using that but it is something to ask for, with your onc's okay. There is another Rx product called E-string that can be used for the same purpose. My insurance will not cover this cream anymore as compounded meds are no longer covered. The pharmacy label says "CD/Testosterone 2.5 mg.mg to cream. A 3 month supply costs me about $108.

She also prescribed another cream that increases sexual response and orgasm. I forget what it costs, but it is also a compounded cream and is labeled: CD/A-E-I Vanishing 3%/0.05%/0.25% to cream. It's applied to the vulvovaginal area 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. To me, that sounds like half an hour of foreplay! lol

I like and trust both my woman oncologist and woman gynecologist and can talk with them about anything. My greatest issue sexually is that the desire isn't there and while the creams help, I'm certainly not the lusty wench I was before cancer! Who knows what I would be feeling like at 71 years old without this blasted cancer and cancer treatment!

[mfidale in reply to PJBinMI]

Thank you for such great explanation. It really sounds like your medical team as done a great service to you by addressing these very important issues. I can tell you have a great attitude along with a good sense of humor. You are very fortunate to have that on your side in this journey.

[PJBinMI in reply to mfidale]

Oh, yeah! I gotta find the humor in all this! and there is much that is absurd!

[mfidale in reply to PJBinMI]

Well an attitude like yours is such an a wonderful gift. What a pleasure to chat with.you.

[IGotSunshine]

My doctors did NOT discuss the sexual effects of my chemotherapy (AC/T+H). My sex drive evaporated for about a year. However, there was a very good thread on breastcancer.org that clued me in to the fact that this is not uncommon: Sex & Relationship Matters.

[mfidale]

Thank.you for your. response. No unfortunately it is not.uncommon for this topic not to be addressed. It definitely should be. I.am.glad you.found help on breastcancer.org. Living Beyond Breast Cancer has excellent resources. If you are 40 and younger, Young Survival Coalition has excellent resources along with Livestrong. Hope this helps and thank.you for your response.

[RonnieDale]

Hi! I am a twenty year survivor and this was never addressed. I was 42 when diagnosed and found myself thrown into what I affectionately call "Chemopause". I had all the symptoms, hot flashes from hell and vaginal dryness. I also suffered (and still do) from a non-existent sex drive!

Back then I did try the E-string to see if it would help, and I suppose it did, but there was still no drive. The most helpful people were the oncology nurses and my OBGYN.

I also co-facilitate a support group and the topic has never been raised. It's given me something to think about!

Be well!

Ronnie

[haagr]

I am 65 years old. I had a lumpectomy in October followed by radiation in January. I will not be taking estrogen blocking therapy becsuse the risk of recurrence does not outweigh the benefits for me.

Sexuality was not discussed with me at all pre or post operatively by any of my providers. I assume that was because I did not have a mastectomy or chemo. However, I have experienced body image changes that have made intimacy more important to me.

[mfidale]

Thank you so much for your reply. I am sorry you did not get resources. I.have.included resources American Cancer Society, Living Beyond Breast Cancer all have excellent information on this topic.