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Welcome!
The New You
Meet the Authors
Upcoming Events
Book Highlights
The Elephant in the Room

Welcome to this issue of Intimacy After Cancer: A Woman's Guide. If you are reading this newsletter, you are either a survivor of cancer yourself, know someone who is, or you work with people who have had cancer. It is very important to realize that issues such as quality of life and a desire to resume or begin a fulfilling, passionate, enjoyable sex life are reasonable expectations. In fact, you might be well adjusted if you understand that life can be more complete and satisfying after cancer and cancer treatment.

You have likely become a different person as a result of your experiences and may have to adjust to the "new" you. This transformation can create changes in your intimate relationship. Often couples want to return to the “old normal,” to the life they had before cancer, to the old times when life may have been more carefree, and intimacy was easier -- or at least more routine. Acknowledging the loss of the old you or the old normal can help you move forward, even if that means changing how you express intimacy.

The good news is that this transformation may actually enhance your love life and communication with your partner. Your relationship can be better than it was before cancer, if you are willing to explore new options. The quality of your life can be richer, deeper, and more fulfilling than it has ever been.

Dr. Sally Kydd: I am a clinical psychologist and a breast cancer survivor. After my diagnosis, I went through a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction (called a “free tram”). My body changed appearance dramatically, and I had a lengthy recuperation. Only my mastectomy surgeon mentioned to me that there may be sexual side effects from the surgery, and he was RIGHT! I applied the skills I had learned in graduate school, and examined the literature to try to understand what was happening to me, to my husband, and to our relationship. I was invited to present on the topic of sexuality after cancer to a group of survivors and health care professionals in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. The need for more education and support for survivors in the area of sexuality became clear to me at that time. My professional focus has changed since I had cancer, and I am now writing about sexuality after cancer and preparing workshops to help women and couples deal with these issues.

Dana Rowett: I am a published medical writer who is passionate about providing the average consumer with solid, evidence-based medicine in simple language that makes sense. With the proper knowledge, we can partner with our health professionals to make informed health decisions and potentially improve the quality of our lives. My goal is to write unbiased, informative health information that educates and empowers you as the reader.

Stay tuned for upcoming events in future editions of this newsletter.

Loss of libido and what to do about it.
How to get “back in the groove.”
Typical intimacy issues that occur for women after cancer.
Ways of thinking that can affect how you feel about yourself after cancer, including attitudes on body image, self-esteem, and inaccurate assumptions about what your partner is thinking about your new body and your relationship.
How others may respond to your diagnosis in ways that might be hurtful or inappropriate
Mythbusting: A few myths (and some facts) to remember about cancer and sexuality
Interactive material including self-questionnaires, checklists and facts you should know.
Shared personal, intimate stories of cancer survivors
Focuses on the human side of cancer

Sexuality is “the elephant in the room” that is frequently not discussed after a cancer diagnosis. It can be an embarrassing subject, both for the survivor and her doctor. The (understandable) view on the part of many oncologists is that their singular role to keep you alive and cancer-free. Many health professionals may be uncomfortable discussing sexual issues. One oncologist said “We know sexuality is really important, but we simply don’t have the time, with our caseload, to get into a discussion about these matters.” We appreciate the honesty, but it may not help those of us who are survivors return to a full, complete sex life after cancer. Intimacy After Cancer will offer this helpful information to you in the privacy of your own home, when you are ready. The book also provides sample questions to help you begin a more comfortable conversation with your doctor, so that you can get the help you need.

There are many women, and couples, out there who are not living a satisfying intimate life because they don't have the answers and are afraid to ask the questions. Intimacy After Cancer: A Woman’s Guide provides many solutions and alternatives to recharging your love life and more importantly, to helping you understand that you are a loved and desirable woman. The book is now available. You can order your copy now. The cost is $14.95 plus shipping and handling. If you need more information, please contact us at info@intimacyaftercancer.com

Sex...after Cancer.

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