Re: Vaginal dryness and the thingie!

[Guest guest]

It disturbs me that thetreatments have had, so far, mastectomy and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female.

That is the truth- I was hornier than any toad before chemo and Arimidex and now don;t even

notice if a GLM (Good Looking Man) is in a five mile radius...

but maybe that is a good thing in my case- because

my husband has not TOUCHED ME in my two years out from cancer-

he has severe depression and that treatment makes you sexually dead for sure-

I hate it but sex had lost its place for us. Guess we are a well matched couple in this case.

Andree

www.essentialsoapsinc.com

[Guest guest]

It disturbs me that thetreatments have had, so far, mastectomy and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female.

That is the truth- I was hornier than any toad before chemo and Arimidex and now don;t even

notice if a GLM (Good Looking Man) is in a five mile radius...

but maybe that is a good thing in my case- because

my husband has not TOUCHED ME in my two years out from cancer-

he has severe depression and that treatment makes you sexually dead for sure-

I hate it but sex had lost its place for us. Guess we are a well matched couple in this case.

Andree

www.essentialsoapsinc.com

[Guest guest]

It disturbs me that thetreatments have had, so far, mastectomy and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female.

That is the truth- I was hornier than any toad before chemo and Arimidex and now don;t even

notice if a GLM (Good Looking Man) is in a five mile radius...

but maybe that is a good thing in my case- because

my husband has not TOUCHED ME in my two years out from cancer-

he has severe depression and that treatment makes you sexually dead for sure-

I hate it but sex had lost its place for us. Guess we are a well matched couple in this case.

Andree

www.essentialsoapsinc.com

[Guest guest]

Boy! Talk about a "sisterhood!" Now you know how close we all are when we can talk about and relate to every aspect of our lives...I don't even talk to my friends (without BC) about it. They just wouldn't understand.

You guys are the greatest. I tell everyone about all of you and our "bond."

Best,

[Guest guest]

Pretty funny Ruth:) I might have to try the Vagifem. I definetly notice the difference in pleasure. Sharon Cruthiema36 wrote: I am menopausal and have been using Vagifem for quite awhile. My oncsaid I could continue using it, as it is topical. I only use it aboutevery other week. I am, also, on the aromatase inhibitors. The"thingie" is easier to accomplish if the tissue is plump and moist. Iam definitely a quality kinda gal. It disturbs me that thetreatmentsI have had, so far, mastectomy

and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female. Surely the medical community can dobetter than that!! Just my personal opinion.Ruth> > > > > To anyone out there> > > > > > I am single and had a double mascetomy, I haven't> > > had> > > a relationship with an man since then, now I think I> > > may be ready. But I am shy about my tram flap, and> > > all> > > the resulting surgical scars on my abdomen and> > > chest.> > > My skin keloids and so they are not pretty. I am> > > wondering if the married

couples out there are> > > anyone> > > with an man friend in their lives, how do they react> > > to them> > > Jan.> > > > > > __________________________________________________> > >

[Guest guest]

Pretty funny Ruth:) I might have to try the Vagifem. I definetly notice the difference in pleasure. Sharon Cruthiema36 wrote: I am menopausal and have been using Vagifem for quite awhile. My oncsaid I could continue using it, as it is topical. I only use it aboutevery other week. I am, also, on the aromatase inhibitors. The"thingie" is easier to accomplish if the tissue is plump and moist. Iam definitely a quality kinda gal. It disturbs me that thetreatmentsI have had, so far, mastectomy

and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female. Surely the medical community can dobetter than that!! Just my personal opinion.Ruth> > > > > To anyone out there> > > > > > I am single and had a double mascetomy, I haven't> > > had> > > a relationship with an man since then, now I think I> > > may be ready. But I am shy about my tram flap, and> > > all> > > the resulting surgical scars on my abdomen and> > > chest.> > > My skin keloids and so they are not pretty. I am> > > wondering if the married

couples out there are> > > anyone> > > with an man friend in their lives, how do they react> > > to them> > > Jan.> > > > > > __________________________________________________> > >

[Guest guest]

Pretty funny Ruth:) I might have to try the Vagifem. I definetly notice the difference in pleasure. Sharon Cruthiema36 wrote: I am menopausal and have been using Vagifem for quite awhile. My oncsaid I could continue using it, as it is topical. I only use it aboutevery other week. I am, also, on the aromatase inhibitors. The"thingie" is easier to accomplish if the tissue is plump and moist. Iam definitely a quality kinda gal. It disturbs me that thetreatmentsI have had, so far, mastectomy

and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female. Surely the medical community can dobetter than that!! Just my personal opinion.Ruth> > > > > To anyone out there> > > > > > I am single and had a double mascetomy, I haven't> > > had> > > a relationship with an man since then, now I think I> > > may be ready. But I am shy about my tram flap, and> > > all> > > the resulting surgical scars on my abdomen and> > > chest.> > > My skin keloids and so they are not pretty. I am> > > wondering if the married

couples out there are> > > anyone> > > with an man friend in their lives, how do they react> > > to them> > > Jan.> > > > > > __________________________________________________> > >

[Guest guest]

Hello Andree- That is too bad. I make the most of it but I don't really get "horny" but I like the attention of a man more than anything. Life if too short not to enjoy the contact. (Just my opinion). Sharon CAndreeTerry@... wrote: It disturbs me that thetreatments have had, so far, mastectomy and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female. That is the truth- I was hornier than any toad before chemo and Arimidex and now don;t even notice if a GLM (Good Looking Man) is in a five mile radius... but maybe that is a good thing in my case- because my husband has not TOUCHED ME in my two years out from cancer- he has severe depression and that treatment makes you sexually dead for sure- I hate it but sex had lost its place for us. Guess we are a well matched couple in this case. Andree www.essentialsoapsinc.com SHARON COLEY DIRECTOR OF SALES DOUBLETREE HOTEL LOS ANGELES/ROSEMEAD 888 MONTEBELLO BLVD. ROSEMEAD, CA 91770 __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I am in constant amazement how connected I feel to all of you. Andree, your words hit home with me so hard. My boyfriend and I have been together for 6 years, breast cancer came 3 years ago. We have not had sex since. He is very loving and supportive, but I have no desire, plus the weight gain and loss of the breast doesn't help my confidence any. We enjoy all other aspects of life so I have always been able to justify how we are as a couple. Did not mean to ramble, just wanted to say "I understand". Hugs - Sue

Re: Vaginal dryness and the thingie!

It disturbs me that thetreatments have had, so far, mastectomy and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female.

That is the truth- I was hornier than any toad before chemo and Arimidex and now don;t even

notice if a GLM (Good Looking Man) is in a five mile radius...

but maybe that is a good thing in my case- because

my husband has not TOUCHED ME in my two years out from cancer-

he has severe depression and that treatment makes you sexually dead for sure-

I hate it but sex had lost its place for us. Guess we are a well matched couple in this case.

Andree

www.essentialsoapsinc.com

[Guest guest]

Is anyone having sex???? I know I'm not! Although we "did it" a few times after diagnosis, the truth is that I have NO sex drive at all - none whatsover - am assuming that's from all the treatment. My husband, very depressed due to financial reasons (no finances) has also lost all desire for sex. So, at least we're on the same wavelength. Yes, I miss the closeness. Hard to believe that something that was once so important in our lives is over. Odd, isn't it? That I can I miss something that I no longer want???? Ann Chemo Hats: www.cjhats.com __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

We are doing ok over here :-) Haven't had any problems so far. Since its 16 yrs I doubt that anything will go wrong now.

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.htmlCheck out my other ornaments atwww.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlLots of info and gifts at:www.cancerclub.comCinDWood Craftshttp://www.cindwoodcrafts.com

Re: Vaginal dryness and the thingie!

Is anyone having sex???? I know I'm not! Although we "did it" a few times after diagnosis, the truth is that I have NO sex drive at all - none whatsover - am assuming that's from all the treatment.

My husband, very depressed due to financial reasons (no finances) has also lost all desire for sex. So, at least we're on the same wavelength.

Yes, I miss the closeness. Hard to believe that something that was once so important in our lives is over.

Odd, isn't it? That I can I miss something that I no longer want????

Ann

Chemo Hats: www.cjhats.com

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Ruth, I really like your way of saying things! Right to the point. Since I am pre menopausal, my doctor put me on Zoladex to shut down my ovaries (now single ovary since the other is frozen as a safe guard for my fertility and chances of having a child). Zoladex induces an artificial menopause and can protect the ovaries from chemo. Anyway, I did notice too that I have vaginal dryness and my libido is not the same. My husband says he does not see any diference, that if so, my libido has been altered because of the chemo, but it will come back after it is done. I do hope he is right. My OB/GYN says that I could take topic estrogen (a woman, she understands), since a dry vagina is prone to infections, besides the other aspects. But my onc has to authorize it. So,

another think to discuss. And he is a man.... Sometimes I think that the medical community doesn't do better in this regard because it is made mostly of men. I think if men suffered all this problems, they would surely have been solved... or there would be very good alternatives. ruthiema36 wrote: I am menopausal and have been using Vagifem for quite awhile. My

oncsaid I could continue using it, as it is topical. I only use it aboutevery other week. I am, also, on the aromatase inhibitors. The"thingie" is easier to accomplish if the tissue is plump and moist. Iam definitely a quality kinda gal. It disturbs me that thetreatmentsI have had, so far, mastectomy and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female. Surely the medical community can dobetter than that!! Just my personal opinion.Ruth> > > > > To anyone out there> > > > > > I am single and had a double mascetomy, I haven't> > > had> > > a relationship

with an man since then, now I think I> > > may be ready. But I am shy about my tram flap, and> > > all> > > the resulting surgical scars on my abdomen and> > > chest.> > > My skin keloids and so they are not pretty. I am> > > wondering if the married couples out there are> > > anyone> > > with an man friend in their lives, how do they react> > > to them> > > Jan.> > > > > > __________________________________________________> > >

[Guest guest]

Ruth, I really like your way of saying things! Right to the point. Since I am pre menopausal, my doctor put me on Zoladex to shut down my ovaries (now single ovary since the other is frozen as a safe guard for my fertility and chances of having a child). Zoladex induces an artificial menopause and can protect the ovaries from chemo. Anyway, I did notice too that I have vaginal dryness and my libido is not the same. My husband says he does not see any diference, that if so, my libido has been altered because of the chemo, but it will come back after it is done. I do hope he is right. My OB/GYN says that I could take topic estrogen (a woman, she understands), since a dry vagina is prone to infections, besides the other aspects. But my onc has to authorize it. So,

another think to discuss. And he is a man.... Sometimes I think that the medical community doesn't do better in this regard because it is made mostly of men. I think if men suffered all this problems, they would surely have been solved... or there would be very good alternatives. ruthiema36 wrote: I am menopausal and have been using Vagifem for quite awhile. My

oncsaid I could continue using it, as it is topical. I only use it aboutevery other week. I am, also, on the aromatase inhibitors. The"thingie" is easier to accomplish if the tissue is plump and moist. Iam definitely a quality kinda gal. It disturbs me that thetreatmentsI have had, so far, mastectomy and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female. Surely the medical community can dobetter than that!! Just my personal opinion.Ruth> > > > > To anyone out there> > > > > > I am single and had a double mascetomy, I haven't> > > had> > > a relationship

with an man since then, now I think I> > > may be ready. But I am shy about my tram flap, and> > > all> > > the resulting surgical scars on my abdomen and> > > chest.> > > My skin keloids and so they are not pretty. I am> > > wondering if the married couples out there are> > > anyone> > > with an man friend in their lives, how do they react> > > to them> > > Jan.> > > > > > __________________________________________________> > >

[Guest guest]

Ruth, I really like your way of saying things! Right to the point. Since I am pre menopausal, my doctor put me on Zoladex to shut down my ovaries (now single ovary since the other is frozen as a safe guard for my fertility and chances of having a child). Zoladex induces an artificial menopause and can protect the ovaries from chemo. Anyway, I did notice too that I have vaginal dryness and my libido is not the same. My husband says he does not see any diference, that if so, my libido has been altered because of the chemo, but it will come back after it is done. I do hope he is right. My OB/GYN says that I could take topic estrogen (a woman, she understands), since a dry vagina is prone to infections, besides the other aspects. But my onc has to authorize it. So,

another think to discuss. And he is a man.... Sometimes I think that the medical community doesn't do better in this regard because it is made mostly of men. I think if men suffered all this problems, they would surely have been solved... or there would be very good alternatives. ruthiema36 wrote: I am menopausal and have been using Vagifem for quite awhile. My

oncsaid I could continue using it, as it is topical. I only use it aboutevery other week. I am, also, on the aromatase inhibitors. The"thingie" is easier to accomplish if the tissue is plump and moist. Iam definitely a quality kinda gal. It disturbs me that thetreatmentsI have had, so far, mastectomy and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female. Surely the medical community can dobetter than that!! Just my personal opinion.Ruth> > > > > To anyone out there> > > > > > I am single and had a double mascetomy, I haven't> > > had> > > a relationship

with an man since then, now I think I> > > may be ready. But I am shy about my tram flap, and> > > all> > > the resulting surgical scars on my abdomen and> > > chest.> > > My skin keloids and so they are not pretty. I am> > > wondering if the married couples out there are> > > anyone> > > with an man friend in their lives, how do they react> > > to them> > > Jan.> > > > > > __________________________________________________> > >

[Guest guest]

It has definitely changed for me. Before, my husband only had to touch me and my body responded. Now, even if I want it, my body takes a while to respond and the "thingie" takes more time and more effort. This on Zoladex and chemo. I wonder if Tamoxifen has the same effect... AndreeTerry@... wrote: It disturbs me that thetreatments have had, so far, mastectomy and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female. That is the truth- I was hornier than any toad before chemo and Arimidex and now don;t even notice if a GLM (Good Looking Man) is in a five mile radius... but maybe that is a good thing in my case- because my husband has not TOUCHED ME in my two years out from cancer- he has severe depression and that treatment makes you sexually dead for sure- I hate it but sex had lost its place for us. Guess we are a well matched couple in this case. Andree www.essentialsoapsinc.com __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Tell me about it!! I just joined and I am glad I found this group. I have been feeling very lonely and talking about this with people who have not gone through it is very difficult. ssist@... wrote: Boy! Talk about a "sisterhood!" Now you know how close we all are when we can talk about and relate to every aspect of our lives...I don't even talk to my friends (without BC) about it. They just wouldn't understand. You guys are the greatest. I tell everyone about all of you and our

"bond." Best, __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Boy, I'm SOOOO glad I'm not the only one who has "lost" the desire. I married my "best friend" the year before I was diagnosed, 4 years after a 17 year marriage to a "wild man" ended. (I did get two beautiful children out of the deal!!!!! I've really tried to keep things in the honeymoon phase, but after all the treatment, weight gain, etc., I have a hard time feeling "sexy", My husband is a wonderful, understanding, kind person who lost his sister to BC in 2003, so he's just happy I'm alive. I was hoping menopause was temporary, but now I think it's here to stay. I'm loosing the weight, exercising, eating healthy but less, etc....I always worked hard to stay in shape, but Taxol put and end to my workouts, and this has been the most difficult for me to handle...vain I guess.lol. It's almost like I've lost all feeling "down there". I'm 45 now and up till this point have enjoyed the "physical". So this just SUCKS. My husband is an Officer in the Army, and will most

likely have to deploy in the next year. He was scheduled to deploy last year 2 weeks after I was diagnosed, but his orders were rescinded, so he was able to be here with me. Anyway, like I said, I'm trying HARD to please my soldier, but nobody ever said this 'lack of interest" could happen. I guess I just have to give it time! Thanks for listening, it's good to know I'm not alone. Sue Erbe wrote: I am in constant amazement how connected I feel to all of you. Andree, your words hit home

with me so hard. My boyfriend and I have been together for 6 years, breast cancer came 3 years ago. We have not had sex since. He is very loving and supportive, but I have no desire, plus the weight gain and loss of the breast doesn't help my confidence any. We enjoy all other aspects of life so I have always been able to justify how we are as a couple. Did not mean to ramble, just wanted to say "I understand". Hugs - Sue Re: Vaginal dryness and the thingie! It disturbs me that thetreatments have had, so far, mastectomy and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female. That is the truth- I was hornier than any toad before chemo and Arimidex and now don;t even notice if a GLM (Good Looking Man) is in a five mile radius... but maybe that is a good thing in my case- because my husband has not TOUCHED ME in my two years out from cancer- he has severe

depression and that treatment makes you sexually dead for sure- I hate it but sex had lost its place for us. Guess we are a well matched couple in this case. Andree www.essentialsoapsinc.com __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

, have you thought about trying Primrose oil? It is said to help with PMS and to enhance fertility. And I also heard it is good for sexual desire too. So, when I begin feeling the desire sleeping way I decided I wasn't going to accept it and I have been taking all kids of supplements. Primrose specially. I felt that, eventhough the desire is not the same as before, it is still there and I still have good times and they are not infrequent. For me this is something I could not compromise. I am even going to talk to my onc about reducing the time on Zoladex (which puts me in an artificial menopause) and using something else. And I do use soy products, maybe the phytoestrogen helps too. I am even thinking about increasing my dayly intake. Anyway, don't give up things that are important to you! Hugs nancy hosier wrote: Boy, I'm SOOOO glad I'm not the only one who has "lost" the desire. I married my "best friend" the year before I was diagnosed, 4 years after a 17 year marriage to a "wild man" ended. (I did get two beautiful children out of the deal!!!!! I've really tried to keep things in the honeymoon phase, but after all the treatment, weight gain, etc., I have a hard time feeling "sexy", My husband is a wonderful, understanding, kind person who lost his sister to BC in 2003, so he's just happy I'm alive. I was hoping menopause was temporary, but now I think it's here to stay. I'm loosing the weight, exercising, eating healthy

but less, etc....I always worked hard to stay in shape, but Taxol put and end to my workouts, and this has been the most difficult for me to handle...vain I guess.lol. It's almost like I've lost all feeling "down there". I'm 45 now and up till this point have enjoyed the "physical". So this just SUCKS. My husband is an Officer in the Army, and will most likely have to deploy in the next year. He was scheduled to deploy last year 2 weeks after I was diagnosed, but his orders were rescinded, so he was able to be here with me. Anyway, like I said, I'm trying HARD to please my soldier, but nobody ever said this 'lack of interest" could happen. I guess I just have to give it time! Thanks for listening, it's good to know I'm not alone. Sue Erbe wrote: I am in constant amazement how

connected I feel to all of you. Andree, your words hit home with me so hard. My boyfriend and I have been together for 6 years, breast cancer came 3 years ago. We have not had sex since. He is very loving and supportive, but I have no desire, plus the weight gain and loss of the breast doesn't help my confidence any. We enjoy all other aspects of life so I have always been able to justify how we are as a couple. Did not mean to ramble, just wanted to say "I understand". Hugs - Sue Re: Vaginal dryness and the thingie! It disturbs me that thetreatments have had, so far, mastectomy and Arimidex seem designed totake the fe out of the female. That is the truth- I was hornier than any toad before chemo and Arimidex and now don;t even notice if a GLM (Good Looking Man) is in a five mile radius... but maybe that is a good thing in my case- because my husband has not

TOUCHED ME in my two years out from cancer- he has severe depression and that treatment makes you sexually dead for sure- I hate it but sex had lost its place for us. Guess we are a well matched couple in this case. Andree www.essentialsoapsinc.com __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Last week I went for my annual pap and the gyno took me into his office and

have me a post-menopausal sex talk! He suggested " astroglide " as a lube.

Said it was the next best thing to nature. Apparently you put it on the

guy. I haven't had a sex drive in about 3 years with my depression and the

anti-depressants I've been on...it's gone even more now. My boyfriend is

still interested, so I try to drum up the enthusiam sometimes. O well, we

do what we have to do.

>

>Reply-To: breastcancer2

>To: breastcancer2

>Subject: Re: Vaginal dryness and the thingie!

>Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2006 17:57:16 -0700 (PDT)

>

>Is anyone having sex???? I know I'm not! Although we " did it " a few times

>after diagnosis, the truth is that I have NO sex drive at all - none

>whatsover - am assuming that's from all the treatment.

>

> My husband, very depressed due to financial reasons (no finances) has

>also lost all desire for sex. So, at least we're on the same wavelength.

>

> Yes, I miss the closeness. Hard to believe that something that was once

>so important in our lives is over.

>

> Odd, isn't it? That I can I miss something that I no longer want????

>

> Ann

> Chemo Hats: www.cjhats.com

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

-

Before you increase your soy, speak with your oncologist.

I'm ER/PR+ and stay away from it like the plague!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I plan to talk to him about it. But, by what I have been researching, the

phytoestrogens in the soy actually help avoid breast cancer.

It looks like those phytoestrogens do not act in the body as the endoestrogens

act. What they do, in fact, is to block the receptors for estrogens, thus

avoiding the binding by our estrogens. So, in principle, the more phytoestrogens

we take, more the receptors will be filled with them and less endoestrogens can

bind and do harm.

But, I will talk to him about it anyway. What distress me a lot in doctors,

males specially, is that they think that those side effects, specially the ones

that affects our sexual life, are mild side effects. Well, I tend to disagree

very strongly with this opinion. I wonder what would they think if their

" thingie " would not function half of the time!

Anyway, my opinion and since my sexual life is very important to me, I put a

lot of effort in keeping it going.

Hugs

ssist@... wrote:

-

Before you increase your soy, speak with your oncologist.

I'm ER/PR+ and stay away from it like the plague!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hmmmm everything I have read said to avoid soy if you have had breast cancer.

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

Check out my other ornaments at

www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

Lots of info and gifts at:

www.cancerclub.com

CinDWood Crafts

http://www.cindwoodcrafts.com

Re: Vaginal dryness and the thingie!

Hi ,

I plan to talk to him about it. But, by what I have been researching, the

phytoestrogens in the soy actually help avoid breast cancer.

It looks like those phytoestrogens do not act in the body as the endoestrogens

act. What they do, in fact, is to block the receptors for estrogens, thus

avoiding the binding by our estrogens. So, in principle, the more phytoestrogens

we take, more the receptors will be filled with them and less endoestrogens can

bind and do harm.

But, I will talk to him about it anyway. What distress me a lot in doctors,

males specially, is that they think that those side effects, specially the ones

that affects our sexual life, are mild side effects. Well, I tend to disagree

very strongly with this opinion. I wonder what would they think if their

" thingie " would not function half of the time!

Anyway, my opinion and since my sexual life is very important to me, I put a

lot of effort in keeping it going.

Hugs

ssist@... wrote:

-

Before you increase your soy, speak with your oncologist.

I'm ER/PR+ and stay away from it like the plague!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

The information that my onc. gave me agrees with nne, stay away from it

totally.

ren

[Guest guest]

The information that my onc. gave me agrees with nne, stay away from it

totally.

ren

[Guest guest]

The information that my onc. gave me agrees with nne, stay away from it

totally.

ren