During my journey I have encountered hundreds of women (and a few men) who've given up a lot while adjusting to their 'new normal'. You would think the main topic would be losing one or both breasts. What I have witnessed is many instead talk about losing their hair, eyebrows, lashes, teeth, nails and yes ... their desire for intimacy.
"The sexual side effects of breast cancer can linger long after treatment stops. A 2007 follow-up report on young breast cancer survivors, conducted by researchers at the University of California-Berkeley, found that some women reported persistent sexual difficulties five years after their treatment had ended. And according to the National Cancer Institute, about one out of every two women who’ve undergone breast cancer treatment experiences long-term sexual dysfunction.
That’s the bad news. But the good news is there is sex after breast cancer!" (WebMD)
I always tell others you have to love yourself before you can love anyone else. This holds more truth after being told you have breast cancer. The focus shouldn't be on resuming sexual relations, it should be on resuming relations ... PERIOD. That means reestablishing communication, reconnecting with your companion, rediscovering each other and reigniting the passion. This should occur long before sex enters the picture. It's just like entering a new relationship and let's face it, the changes experienced during the journey have made us a new person.
Relationships already have challenges, adding a life-changing diagnosis to the mix will make or break that relationship. We must begin the journey of 'Loving You'.
To be continued ... <3 <3 <3
Relationships already have challenges, adding a life-changing diagnosis to the mix will make or break that relationship. We must begin the journey of 'Loving You'.
To be continued ... <3 <3 <3
Resource:
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/breast-cancer-sex-and-intimacy
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