Sex After Breast Cancer

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Most women are not comfortable talking about sexual matters with their doctors and husband. I hope this entry puts a little help to everyone in understanding this ordeal.

DirectHit of MA 3:43AM May 20, 2011

lemyaskin rulezz

lemyaskin of MD 9:49PM September 22, 2009

QmILip

Sujafxfv of FL 12:36PM July 15, 2009

i read your article and my heart sank in sadness for you. you needed to get this out for your own stress relief and i am sure you are not alone. they say everything happens for a reason....i wonder what the reason for breast cancer is. i too have been struck with it....no family history of breast cancer. i wonder how much stress does play in this. i have a very stressfull job, i investigate complaints of all kinds and also councel women at work including domestic violence and substance abuse. the job takes a toll on me and i am very tired after a days work. this has gone one for 12yrs and this year i was diagonsed with breast cancer. i have a very supportive partner, he has be great through everything. i could go on and on about my emotions which i can get through however my feelings about my body have dramiticly changed for the negative, which i am not a negative person by nature . i do not enjoy sex anymore as i am so ashamed of how i look. i am not sure if i am any help to anyone with this little bit of my life or not but i have been then i am glad i took the time to write.

cco 10:02AM June 19, 2009

I had no radiation or chemo - 1st stage BC. Lucky! However not having a breast, caused me great concern when it came to sex. My two breasts were a very big part of my whole sexual experience with my husband of 30 years. Anyway, my husband was very understanding and when it became obvious that I was very hesitant, very self-conscious and unable to reach a climax, he suggested self-stimulation. It worked! From that point I gradually began to feel a little better about my new 'look' and have had absolutely no problem enjoying a fully satisfying sex life. (I'll never be totally comfortable without two breasts, but I also have no interest in undergoing more surgeries than absolutely necessary.)

Suzie of FL 6:45PM May 19, 2009

Well I just read a story above it I thought they were writing my story... Yeah chemo,radiation,tomoxifen, amrimidex ,steriods, menopause, belly fat, and i was no where near 50 I had just turned 43 in dec. of 01 and feb. 02 I got the grand prize, stage 2 invasive Breast cancer with one lymph node positive I was in the best shape I had ever been 3 mile in 45 min. on the tread mill every day , not over weight , having the best time of my life just living.... then I hit that brick wall and it all came crashing down and I have not been able to get back to that place again and it has been 7 years still married to the same guy 28years this past Jan 3rd. 09 and we have not had sex, must least spooning of any kind because i just can not go there before the cancer i found out he had been having an afair with a close friend that i worked with for 10 years it had been going on right under my nose and my house for over 2 years and i had to look at her everyday at work and him everynight at home so i was consume with rage for 3 years before cancer got me and i 'm sure it was from the stress beacuse there was no family history So thats why i can not get naked or anything else with him it was damning enough with all my body parts i will not be put in that same place again with 1 breast But i'm here and life goes on we have 5 grandchildern now and that takes up most of my time tunnel my energy other ways sorry i got started and unloaded on what ever poor soul reads this

tired of TN 6:08PM January 09, 2009

After I was diagnosed, my doctor ordered mr off birth control. I swear that afterwards my sex drive shot up about 10xxx's. My husband and I were having sex during chemo, but after a while it became painful. The chemo drugs were causing dryness and the friction caused pain. We waited it out, but there were other ways that we pleased each other. I think communication and acceptance were big on helping us move forward. It also helped me to feel good about myself again, because I felt like my husband still found me attractive. i also felt good that I was still able to please him despite missing my left breast.

Kathleen of NY 6:58PM September 14, 2008

You are so right. THe worst thing I feel about my disfigured body (although the reconstruction is remarkable) is that I have gained so much weight. After changing my antidepressants, I have lost a few pounds, but I don't think I will every be thin again. My partner totally understands and is just happy to have me as a four year survivor.

Roxanne of AZ 3:42PM August 20, 2008

Amen, Sue!
While the reconstruction can establish the breasts again, nothing can help lose the "jelly belly" we acquire during the treatment year and as a result of the medications. This in turn sure does limit the ability to feel sensuous and sexy again!
And reconstruction does not mean a return of feeling and sensitivity in those breasts!
As for the joint stiffness, elderly folks have my sympathies! I never knew how hard it could be to hold a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. ALthough fish oil helps some, at the advice of my general practitioner, it is not a complete assist.
So one more reason sex is low on the list!

Karen of NH 1:43PM August 20, 2008