Intimacy

Whether you are single or married, you are likely to wonder how your treatment for breast cancer will affect your intimate relationships. Your partner will also have concerns. You can help each other by expressing them.

Intimate relationships are built on mutual love, trust, attraction, shared interests, common experiences, and a host of other feelings. Breast cancer treatment will not necessarily change these feelings. What it may change is some of the physical aspects of lovemaking-what's pleasurable to you and what's not. It may also temporarily affect your partner's and your attitudes toward intimacy.

Because fatigue often is associated with radiation treatment, you may need additional rest. You can continue to enjoy an intimate relationship by planning special time to spend alone with your partner.

Sometimes a partner is afraid that touching the treated breast will hurt you. Let your partner know what's comfortable to you and what's not. You can bring new closeness to your relationship by talking about your treatment and the way you feel.