{"id":9498,"date":"2021-06-28T20:47:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T20:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cancerhopenetwork.org\/?p=9498"},"modified":"2023-03-06T18:12:52","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T18:12:52","slug":"love-libido-and-chemo-discovering-intimacy-after-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cancerhopenetwork.org\/blog\/love-libido-and-chemo-discovering-intimacy-after-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Love, Libido And Chemo: Discovering Intimacy After Cancer","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n


Nausea. Extreme fatigue. Hair loss. Lost mobility.
Pain during intercourse. Erectile disfunction. Reduction of sexual drive. Plummeting self-image.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

After a cancer diagnosis, the first half of the list is frequently discussed \u2013 supportive services provide classes on nutrition, friends give gifts of hats or offer rides to treatment.<\/p>\n

But, for patients and loved ones facing cancer-caused problems with sexuality and intimacy, the second half of the list is critical in maintaining quality of life. Breast cancer patients suddenly undergoing menopause may find themselves with decreased desire and increased discomfort. (1) Men dealing with erectile disfunction face \u201can increase in depressive symptoms, frustration, shame, disappointment, and lower general life happiness.\u201d Others face \u201c3am\u201d fears that keep them up \u2013 worrying if surgery scars will make them unattractive to their partners (2) or agonizing that disclosing their survivor status will send prospective partners running.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, sexual side effects are frequently omitted from the topics discussed during oncology appointments. (3)<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where Indiana-based\u00a0Reclaiming Intimacy<\/a>\u00a0comes in, with a mission to provide \u201cresources, educational services, and therapeutic products to help overcome illnesses and issues that create sexual dysfunction and loss of intimacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

More than a decade ago, Jen Fecher, now RI\u2019s Director of Educational Services, was facing her own chronic health issues and began a course of treatment often reserved for cancer patients. Battling side effects faced by many cancer patients, she connected with resources from\u00a0Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana<\/a>. A teacher by trade, Jen soon found her passion helping others who needed help. \u201cA struggle with intimacy causes so much stress and many find it is slowing their healing.\u201d Her recovery was an opportunity to team us with Cancer Services to create \u201cThe Big C and The Big O,\u201d a class for patients and caregivers still available today.<\/p>\n

Reclaiming Intimacy offers a variety of support services, with a holistic view of sexuality and intimacy. Classes are offered online and in person, for individuals or partners. There are paid and free options\u2013 with scholarships available for patients facing financial toxicity. A customized wellness guide that includes tips, tricks and suggested aids is available for free through signup on the organization\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

Gone is the awkwardness of fruit-shaped vibrators and furry handcuffs \u2013 fun in their appropriate framework and sometimes shared in an attempt to bring levity to this serious issue, but off-putting to patients facing life-threatening illnesses. The group offers medical-grade sexual wellness aids that are frequently covered by insurance. (RI staff will help clients file for reimbursement through their health insurance.) \u00a0\u201cAt some classes, we\u2019ll have a table set up with a variety of sexual aids,\u201d Jen said. \u201cParticipants are able to look silently and write their questions, which we will discuss as a group.\u201d RI also provides one-on-one consultations for clients looking for a bit more privacy.<\/p>\n

Cancer doesn\u2019t happen in a vacuum, so Reclaiming Intimacy is working with organizations across the nation to provide up to date resources. They\u2019ve partnered with the National LGBT Cancer Network to ensure the information they share is inclusive to all patients.<\/p>\n

Jen and her colleagues are committed to providing judgement-free, fact-based resources and action plans, recognizing the challenges that come with talking about an often-taboo topic. \u201cWe started in a conservative state. For many of our friends and neighbors, talking about sex is out of the norm, except for pregnancy. We\u2019re working to make these crucial conversations more accessible for everyone involved. Our medically-versed staff works with insurance companies and doctors, our educators are empowering patients and caregivers with information.\u201d<\/p>\n

To connect with a volunteer who has also suffered through intimacy or sexuality challenges, request a match by calling 877-HOPENET (877.467.3638) or click\u00a0HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

(1)\u00a0Changes in Your Sex Life<\/em>. Breastcancer.org. (2021, February 3).\u00a0https:\/\/www.breastcancer.org\/tips\/intimacy\/changes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

(2) Nelson, C. J., & Kenowitz, J. (2013, February).\u00a0Communication and intimacy-enhancing interventions for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners<\/em>. The journal of sexual medicine.\u00a0https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4324570\/#R7<\/a>.<\/p>\n

(3) How Cancer and Cancer Treatment Can Affect Sexuality<\/em>. American Cancer Society. (n.d.).\u00a0https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/treatment\/treatments-and-side-effects\/physical-side-effects\/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects\/how-cancer-affects-sexuality.html<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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