I am 53 and had an active sex life with my husband prior to commencing chemotherapy for treatment of HER2 and oestrogen positive breast cancer. I had 6 cycles of Docetaxel and Carboplatin with phesgo injections.
After having recovered from the 2nd cycle we attempted to have sex and I realised things had changed and it would be impossible to have penetrative sex. I have been using the Replens moisturiser on a regular basis since. It’s been a couple of months since I finished chemotherapy and hoped we could resume having sex again. I bought some water based lubricant as well but things feel different down there and penetration feels difficult and I think it would be painful.
I am wondering if any women have any tips that may help? as I am finding it very upsetting that my husband and I are no longer able to be intimate.
many thanks xx
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Hi Rose1973
You mention your cancer is oestrogen positive so I wonder if you have been put on oestrogen blocking medication? You could discuss the possibility of whether topical oestrogen (eg Vagifem pessaries) would be safe for you to use. I understand very little, if any, oestrogen is absorbed more widely. I was prescribed them post-menopause for vaginal atrophy, and whilst things aren’t back to how I would like them to be, I can at least sit on a chair comfortably. My own cancer isn’t oestrogen driven so there was never a question as to whether it was safe for me to take them. However when I expressed gratitude that I could stay on them with TNBC, the consultant said she lets everyone stay on them.
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I have metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, in remission
