Loving You ... again

I know this is a repeat, but it's worth repeating. :o) 
Sex and intimacy after breast cancer can be a very sensitive topic for some, but it's something that needs to be discussed.  What I like about this and a few other topics ... it can be applied across the board in your life.    
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

Resource:

http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/breast-cancer-sex-and-intimacy

Another day ...

Haven't been here in a minute, so ... thought I'd stop in and share. 
Not having the best day so far, but it could be worse.  I guess (as they say) I'm in my feelings today. 
Started the morning not able to find anything I had planned to wear today, my pain levels were (are) on overdrive and I just want to crawl back in the bed. 

Today is our University's retirement luncheon and I'm already wishing I had taken the rest of the day off.  Don't feel up to putting on a fake smile today, but ....

Women's Day is this Sunday ... rehearsals were good and I know it's going to go well on Sunday.  Feeling some 'kinda' way about so many things.