Hello ladies. This is my first posting on this site, but I have to say I’ve read alot of your comments over the last 8 months since I was first diagnosed and I think you’re all amazing - most of the laughs I’ve had have been reading your comments and it’s just so good to see how positive and humorous most of you are keeping, it really has given me a boost. Anyway, I have a question now and am hoping that some of you can help me.
You know what it’s like, you feel something or notice something and it worries you to death until all the other girls at the hospital say ‘yes, I get that too’. Well, I was diagnosed with bi-lateral breast cancer in June, and having finished my chemo in December, I don’t get to see the regular gang now and am missing sharing experiences and worries. My worry is that whilst going through chemo, I found having sex with my husband very painful, almost like I was a virgin each time. Unfortunately, 2 months after finishing my last treatment it still really hurts, to the extent that my hubby asked me if I wanted a stick to bite on (jokingly of course). Having had enogh checks to last me a lifetime, I’d really like to know if this is one of those things where at least some of you will say that you’ve got or had the same and it’s quite common. If not, i need to be making another appointment with my doctor… CarolM
hi carol - not been through the chemo yet but they say it can induce menopause so with that comes the “drying and shrinking” effect on the vagina etc making sex potentially more uncomfy - KY jelly is ideal to help so I hear and might be worth a go…mary x
I have posted for you the link to BCC’s publications regarding intimacy and sexuality, you can either download a copy direct or order a copy to be posted out to you free of charge. Hope it helps.
Thanks guys. We have tried lubrication, but it feels more like the skin being way too tight rather than dry. I’m just worried that there might be something going wrong down there too… Anyway, thanks for the link Jo, I’ll have a look at that now. Fingers crossed eh… Thanks.
carol - I had zoladex implants a few yrs ago now for endometriosis and that induces menopause - I had never batted an eyelid about the menopause, never worried etc but it was hard stuff to take/get used to, libido went on holiday (with hubby’s so that was ok ;)) ) and down below was awful tight and sore and not pleasent and they said it was part n parcel of the menopause effect - needless to say afyerwards I was left with a bit of a dread re what was to come in the future!! Mary x
Hmmm… thanks for that. Looks like I’m in for the long haul then as when I got my lab results back on Monday following surgery 2 weeks ago, an appointment was made for me for next Thursday with my onc to discuss suppressing my ovaries. Good news is that it probably isn’t something nasty going on down below then, bad news is it will probably cost me a fortune in KY jelly…!!!
Hi Carol, I too have the same symptons as you describe during sex with my husband. I finished chemo back in March and am currently having Zoladex until I can have surgery to remove my ovaries. We use lubricant but it’s still uncomfortable and hurts (for few days after too) & I need to know if this is temporary or something we have to now live with. I’m worried it’s the latter so our sex life will suffer and cause a major problem in our relationship, so I’ve been advised to ask the gyni or breast care nurse more about it. When I do I’ll let you know what they say!
Regards
Caz x
Hello ladies
I too have suffered from the side effects of chemo and latterly zoladex and Femara. I found sex very painful, like my skin was being cut with a scalpel, and I usually bled afterwards.
I discussed it with my onc and although I was 5/8 ER+ she has prescribed an oestrogen cream called oestradiol. It is applied internally and apparently delivers a low dose of oestrogen topically which rejuvenates vaginal tissue which is affected by the drugs.
There have been other posts about this on the site and some ladies have said that their oncs will not prescribe any oestrogen products for obvious reasons. However there is obviously a difference of opinion because there are other ladies who like me have been given it.
I have to say it has made a massive difference - sex is now pain free. It doesn’t help with the lowered libido, but at least once I’m in the mood I can participate as fully as before!
Tracey x
I too found sex painful during the last few doses of chemo and for about 2 months after it finished.
I spoke to the BCN and she said that I could be prescribed an ostrogen cream that you use about once every 3 months even though I’m strongly er/pr. Luckily I didn’t have to see the gyny as I returned to normal although taking tamoxifen and not had a period for 10 months (so menopausal).
It may be the same for you, a question of time or at least there’s something you can be prescribed that apparently works really well.