Hi all,
Yes, we British do not really like talking about the more intimate challenges, which we may face, due to our treatment.
Firstly - there is a Private Group, which you may wish to join - forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Sex-and-relationships-private/gp-p/Sexrelationship and it may be you can get some support there.
We do need to remember that all of the posts on the open forum are in the public domain!
Yes, hormone treatment can have an affect on our sex drive - it is not so for everyone, but for many.
Sometimes, we may also forget that our partners are affected by our diagnosis, too. Although they do not have to face the rigours of treatment, they will have seen us go through it - not really being able to help us, however much they would have liked to. This can have an effect on them, as in their way, they will have felt utterly helpless, too.
Our partners may feel unsure, may fear they may hurt us, our operation site and do not really know how to deal with the more intimate part of our lives post diagnosis and treatment.
It may be an idea to see, whether there is any counselling available - as getting all of your and their thoughts out into the open - could be a way to find a way to re-establish the connection we so need.
A lot of us will struggle with body image - especially in a word, which is ruled by it. We ought to remind ourselves - beauty is in the eye of the beholder - what we might find challenging - our partner might actually not!
On a more practical note - please discuss with your GP a regular prescription of a product, such as
hyalofemme.co.uk/ - this is a product safe for us to use. The sooner we start using it or another similar product, which is safe for us, the more likely we are, at least physically, be able to function more normally.
Hugs
Sue xxx