Hope After Breast Cancer: Recent Episodes
Jan James
Welcome to the Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast where women who have endured breast cancer learn to have fulfillment over frustration, clarity over confusion, and faith over fear! There IS HOPE AFTER BREAST CANCER!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/janjames
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/support-groups
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/waitlist
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform! https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/podcast
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Our Contributing Expert and Foundation 96 Director Karen Anderson is building a new app to serve folks with cancer! And she’s asked our community to participate in a virtual focus group to weigh in on what’s needed.
In this podcast, Karen shares how her work in the oncology field shone a light on the need for better “aftercare” options. She started Foundation 96 to help match cancer people with qualified practitioners who could help them with their aftercare needs. But now Karen is going a step further by partnering with app developer, Forbie, to help the cancer community have answers right in the palm of their hands.
If you are interested in contributing to our Virtual Focus Group, please continue reading and email Karen with your input! Thank you!
HELP CREATE A NEW APP FOR CANCER! VIRTUAL FOCUS GROUP!
"I wish I had (blank) during treatment."
Our amazing Contributing Expert, Karen Anderson, has teamed up with FORBIE to create an incredible app to provide a service that will help people during treatment and beyond. And she needs OUR input!
Download the FORBIE app now in your app store!
The Forbie app has been developed by a team of people who are listening to the needs of people during cancer treatment and beyond. The first focus group asked for—
- a daily app to support them
- to be able to do surveys and journals to help track their mental and physical health each day
- Medication tracker and reminder
- To be able to record their appointments with their medical team and other health professionals
- Post-treatment health consulting support, side effects treatment
This is a unique opportunity to have YOUR voice heard! This is your opportunity to help future women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer! We need your input. Take a look at the Forbie app as it is now. Then we'd like to know your thoughts about the following questions. Email Karen Anderson at karen@foundation96.com with your responses to the following five questions.
- When you finished your active cancer treatment appointments, did you find it difficult to transition back into everyday life? If yes, REASONS WHY?
- In reflection, what do you think would have make your cancer treatment experience easier?
- Are you currently experiencing a cancer treatment side effect that you need help with?
- What are your biggest challenges now?
- If you had a health consultant allocated to you from the time you were diagnosed and beyond, a go-to-person you could message and ask questions, do you think it would have helped you?
Please ask reputable providers to add their business listing to the Foundation 96 Oncology Service Directory by watching this short video: How to add your business to Foundation 96 Oncology Service Directory - YouTube
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/janjames
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/support-groups
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/waitlist
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform! https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/podcast
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Our Contributing Expert Lisa Nicholson is a medical professional with many talents. Her thirst for knowledge seems unquenchable! As a licensed acupuncturist, she typically helps our community learn how acupuncture can increase our health and manage pain symptoms from treatment.
But today, Lisa’s deep passion for all things CANNABIS will benefit us. In this three-part series, Lisa will discuss how cannabis can be used for pain management, improved sleep, and sex and intimacy!
Topics discussed in this episode about Cannabis and Pain—
- How cannabis is viewed in Chinese medicine
- A historical discussion of cannabis in the US
- An overview of the body’s endocannabinoid system
- THC and estrogen
Lisa recommends connecting with a “cannabis nurse” to help you navigate to the right producers and products through the American Cannabis Nurses Association.
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/janjames
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/support-groups
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/waitlist
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform! https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/podcast
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Our Contributing Expert, Robyn Towt, is a breast cancer survivor and the co-founder of Global Patient Advocacy Coalition. Soon after she had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, she fell ill. She was fortunate that she didn’t have to do chemo or radiation, so it was easy to narrow down what was making her sick—it was the implants!
Robyn is a now a survivor of “breast implant illness,” and she’s become a patient advocate working the implant manufacturers, our government, and the medical provider community to ensure proper safeguards are in place to ensure informed consent. Her story is powerful and important.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
- If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
- Do you wish there was an affordable solution to rising healthcare costs? There IS! Greg and I use Christian Healthcare Ministries, a non-profit health cost sharing ministry, not insurance. Christian Healthcare Ministries members have shared billions of dollars for medical bills while also keeping participation costs low for over 40 YEARS. Find out more here. CHM (hopeafterbreastcancer.com)
- You can learn more about Contributing Expert Dawn Hopkins at https://www.inspiritusyoga.com
- Subscribe and watch our Hope After Breast Cancer Vodcast on Rumble and YouTube!
- Subscribe and listen to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
- Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
- Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español).
- Meet our Contributing Expert team.
- Joining our Newsletter List will give you an intermittent recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Friends, I am so very excited to bring you this training about “Mindful Eating.” Our Contributing Expert Dawn Hopkins is, among other things, a Licensed Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Facilitator.
“Mindful eating”? What the heck is THAT? From the Am I Hungry? website:
You were born with a natural, instinctive relationship with food.
As a young child, you knew when you were hungry and when you were full.
You ate what you loved without guilt. And when you were done eating, food was no longer your focus. You turned your attention to playing, exploring, and growing while your body used the fuel for energy.
Along the way, you probably picked up messages about food and your body from family, friends, healthcare, and the media. For example, you were told that certain foods are “bad,” and when you eat them, you are “bad” too.
Instead of play, exercise became punishment for eating or for earning the right to eat. Your body was somehow wrong, creating an intense longing to change it to earn acceptance and approval.
This set you up for a life-long pattern we call the eat-repent-repeat cycle.
It’s time to heal your relationship with food.
When you stop obsessing about food and your body and heal your relationship with food, you free your energy to live the big, vibrant life you crave!
Dawn is a world-class “trainer of trainers” in the yoga community. But she’s also passionate about the way the Am I Hungry? Program helped her change her relationship with food and heal deep-seated issues from an eating disorder. As a breast cancer survivor herself, she wants to bring what she’s learned to our community! Please join us—we’re waiting for you!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/janjames
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/support-groups
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/waitlist
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform! https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/podcast
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Our Contributing Expert Dr. Deanna Smith is also a Healthcare Cost Consultant who helps patients and doctors learn techniques to successfully appeal insurance denials. In this episode, Dr. Deanna gives us some practical tips about how we, too, can appeal our own claims and have a positive outcome.
Topics discussed—
- How to find financial assistance programs
- Payment plans
- Collections agencies
- The power of asking, “Can you help me?”
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
When Marci Greenberg Cox was diagnosed with breast cancer, her daughters were ages 5 and 1. How do you explains a breast cancer diagnosis to children? This is a struggle every young mommy faces when they’re diagnosed.
Struggle no more! Marci is the author of Mommy Has a Boo-Boo: Explaining Breast Cancer to Children. The book helps kids ages 3-9 learn what their Mommy is going through. The book explains that you can't see the boo-boo and tells the kids what it is called: cancer. It goes through the timeline of what one mommy went through — from having surgery and losing her breasts, to having to go through chemotherapy and losing her hair. Mommy may look different, and it will take time for Mommy to heal — but in the end, she will get better!
In our interview, Marci discusses her other books, including The Breast Cancer GPS, Breast Cancer Word Search, Courage, Hope & Strength, A Warrior’s Journey and more!
Marci has self-published eight books in the last two years and is currently writing #9! As we discussed in our podcast, she’s also helping new writers get started through her Pad-to-Publishing service.
Marci, you’re doing GREAT things! Thanks for serving the breast cancer community with such passion and love!
Reach Marci through her website at florpublishing.com
Click for Marci’s Linktree
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Do you wish there was a biblical solution to rising healthcare costs? There IS! Greg and I use Christian Healthcare Ministries, a non-profit health cost sharing ministry, not insurance. Christian Healthcare Ministries members have shared billions of dollars for medical bills while also keeping participation costs low for over 40 YEARS. Find out more here. CHM (hopeafterbreastcancer.com)
Subscribe and watch our Hope After Breast Cancer Vodcast on Rumble and YouTube!
Subscribe and listen to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español).
Meet our Contributing Expert team.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you an intermittent recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Our Contributing Expert and Sexuality Counselor Traci Owen helps couples work through the steps to a healthy sex life in this episode.
Topics discussed—
- Intentionality to show up for one another
- Willingness to listen and respond to one another’s thoughts and needs
- How to establish safe and open communication
- Handling unspoken expectations
- Why making a plan is important
- Initiation of sexual intimacy
- The importance of body health for both partners
- The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman - https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
More and more success stories are being told in our private Sex After Breast Cancer support group! Our women are learning about solutions that are available to them to treat painful intercourse and lack of libido from our incredible group of Contributing Experts.
Today’s podcast features one of our women and a newlywed, Erin, who was struggling with both painful intercourse and lack of libido early in her marriage.
Through the encouragement of the women in our support group and the education she was able to get through our team of Contributing Experts, Erin felt empowered to talk to her providers about potential solutions to her issues. As she tried options along the way (including vaginal laser treatment and pelvic floor therapy), her gynecologist suggested that Erin see a different gynecologist who worked more often with women who take hormone blockers.
Erin tells the story of how that new gyny was able to specifically identify why intercourse was painful and how just a tiny bit of topical hormone cream applied a couple of times a week restored her tissue and took away her pain quickly!
And on the libido front, it was recommended that Erin try using a prescription medication Addyi that works in pre-menopausal women to treat decreased sexual desire. Her gyny said 70% of the women she prescribes it to had great results, and Erin was one of those. Although her gyny said it would take three months to have results, Erin experienced increase desire in the first month! (Note that there is one other prescription medication given by injection for pre-menopausal women who have low sexual desire called Vyleesi).
As it is with all of us, friends, painful intercourse and lack of libido is most likely caused by a combination of medical conditions that can be treated. Take Erin’s advice and ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF with your providers to find the answers you need. THERE IS HOPE.
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Do you wish there was a biblical solution to rising healthcare costs? There IS! Greg and I use Christian Healthcare Ministries, a non-profit health cost sharing ministry, not insurance. Christian Healthcare Ministries members have shared billions of dollars for medical bills while also keeping participation costs low for over 40 YEARS. Find out more here. CHM (hopeafterbreastcancer.com)
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you an intermittent recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe and watch our Hope After Breast Cancer Vodcast on Rumble and YouTube!
Subscribe and listen to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Our body confidence story started at a young, impressionable age. What are early stories you have about your height, size, shape, physical appearance that are playing over and over again in your mind? Those stories inform how we feel about ourselves now!
With a breast cancer diagnosis on top of all of that, our body confidence often takes a beating. Join Breast Cancer Transformation Coach to learn 5 Steps to Body Confidence.
The Five Steps discussed—
- Self-care is a conscious act we take to promote our own mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being.
- Self-love is how you show your body love and gratitude.
- Self-compassion is about how hard you are on yourself! The more compassionate you have with your body, the more your body will be compassionate with you.
- Self-acceptance is accepting your body for what it can do, instead of what it can’t. It’s important to become a friend to your body, to admire it, to accept ourselves on every step of our journey, even when there are twists in the road.
- Self-confidence for your body impacts how you show up in every area of your life.
Be sure to join Karin’s private breast cancer support group, Healthy Living after Breast Cancer Community (https://www.facebook.com/groups/HLABC).
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
As a breast cancer survivor herself, Contributing Expert and Licensed Acupuncturist Lisa Nicholson joins us to discuss how acupuncture can relieve neuropathy symptoms and to share her personal experience.
Topics discussed—
- What is neuropathy? How does it feel?
- What causes neuropathy?
- What are solution for neuropathic pain or discomfort?
- Are there home remedies that would help?
Lisa Nicholson is a Licensed Acupuncturist and a member of our Contributing Experts team. Thank you, Lisa!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/janjames
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/support-groups
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/waitlist
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform! https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/podcast
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
We had another great Q&A session with Dr. Lyndsey Harper, OB/GYN who is also the founder of the Rosy Wellness app. See the description below for a special offer from Rosy (https://meetrosy.com). Dr. Lyndsey suggested that we check out the body image course on the Rosy app!
Per Dr. Lyndsey, an astonishing 43% of ALL women have sexual concerns! And lack of libido affects 38% of the general population! You are NOT alone, friend!
Topics discussed—
- Lack of libido
- Painful intercourse with deep penetration solutions
- Dilation protocol
- Quality of life issues
- How depression can affect libido, arousal and orgasm
- “Vaginas have ridges!”
Rosy App Offer—
- Code: AFTERBC
- Good for a FREE 1-Month Silver Membership to the Rosy App
- Link: https://bit.ly/3KV61dt
Links for products mentioned in this episode by Dr. Harper—
- https://cherryblossomintimates.com/
- https://www.anaono.com/
- https://milliforher.com/
- https://ohnut.co/collections/all-products
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/janjames
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/support-groups
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/waitlist
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform! https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/podcast
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
We are so grateful that the AMAZING Carla Mannes is part of our Contributing Expert team! Carla is a Holistic Therapist and Certified Grief Facilitator, as well as a breast cancer survivor. She knows what all of us go through after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Carla’s wisdom about the topics of grief and loss is so important to soak up, friend. We often put our own grief and loss aside because of life’s pressing issues. But ignoring these critical emotions can create trouble down the road. I hope you’ll take the time to learn from Carla’s experience.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/janjames
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/support-groups
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/waitlist
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform! https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/podcast
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Courage for our ancestors typically meant physicality. But in today’s society, courage takes on different forms. These days we are often fighting a war of words. It takes courage to create healthy boundaries. Nothing is truly “dangerous” right now except getting your feelings hurt or being disappointed.
Other topics:
- Being brave in sharing your faith
- Courtesy is the #1 way to settle agitated people down
- What is the cost of being brave? The cost is risk—but the payoff is HUGE
- The best way to settle down fight or flight stress is to BREATHE
- Evangelism today—Any time we take risks for God, He loves to see us growing
- Be honest. Take risks. Depend on Him!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
What a DELIGHT and HONOR to talk with urologist, intimacy expert, top international podcaster, and bestselling author Dr. Kelly Casperson! We had a wide-ranging discussion about sex after breast cancer and had some fun, too!
Main Topics
- YOU ARE NOT BROKEN – This is the name of Kelly’s podcast and book. From her website: “The thing I say all the time, you are not broken! There is absolutely zero upside to telling ourselves that we are deficient or lesser than. Why would we want to tell our bodies that? They’re wonderful as they are. They are good enough and lovable as they are. You might have a medical condition, and you are not broken.”
- Limiting beliefs about our sexuality
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
- What you should know about VET (Vaginal Estrogen Therapy) and MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy)
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Find out more and connect with Dr. Kelly through her website at https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/janjames
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/support-groups
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/waitlist
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform! https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/podcast
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Where in the world did “cancel culture” come from? It causes us to not feel “safe” in even the simplest of conversations. And safety allows you to show your true self. Today’s society does not at all seem “safe,” right? Many people feel as if they’re walking on eggshells.
In this episode of For Such A Time As This—Biblical Hope in a World Gone Mad, Cinthia Hiett and I talk about the phenomenon of cancel culture.
Topics discussed—
- The loss of stress-relieving hormones because of cancel culture
- The lack of physical, emotional, intellectual, and relational safety
- The motives of those who use cancel culture to exert power
- Honoring, caring, and be a champion for yourself
- Cancel culture doesn’t respect the body
- Some tips on communicating with someone using cancel culture and building relationship
- “I’m interested in knowing more about that”
- “That’s fascinating”
- In the end, you can agree to disagree
- The development of our brains is different at different ages
- Just because someone says something confidently does not make it fact
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Topics discussed—
- Vaginal estrogen
- Vaginal estrogen does NOT cause breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence. SOURCE: https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2016/02/acog-supports-the-use-of-estrogen-for-breast-cancer-survivors
- Do your own research about the use of vaginal estrogen! A good starting point is the book Estrogen Matters. https://estrogenmatters.com
- What are the benefits of vaginal estrogen?
- What forms does it come in?
- Andrea recommends the use of Estradiol over Premarin (it’s synthetic and has alcohol in it).
- Other vaginal estrogen products discussed: Imvexxy, Estring, Intrarosa
- Libido solutions discussed: Vyleesi, Addyi, systemic testosterone (OK on aromatase inhibitors)
Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrea.sexplains.it.all/
Andrea’s medical practice: https://www.rachelrubinmd.com/ourteam
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Pink Sister Lesley Rabb’s social media post about firing her oncologist really got my attention. Too often we stay with a doctor that we don’t communicate well with, that doesn’t give us the time we need, that doesn’t seem to “hear” us.
We do that for various reasons. We’ve been taught to “respect” authority, and that might make us reluctant to speak up and be our own advocates with a medical professional. We might worry about if changing doctors will disrupt our treatment and, ultimately, our health. We might worry about hurting the doctor’s feelings. We might just be too dang worn out to do the work it will take to find a new doctor.
Lesley’s cautionary tale explains why having a medical team that communicates well with you, that “hears” you, that gives you the time necessary to make sure you know what is being recommended is CRITICAL to your health.
Thank you, Lesley, for telling your story. My guess is that it will encourage other women to stand up for themselves and make a change. BYE, FELICIA!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/janjames
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/support-groups
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support. https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/waitlist
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform! https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/podcast
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
===============================
Topics in this episode—
- Feeling good or being good
- The planet thinks they’re their own gods, which is arrogance
- Transgenderism
- Gender reassignment surgery
- Truth isn’t something you create
- Only God creates
- God speaks things into existence with His words
===============================
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
In this “Couples Edition” of our weekly Sex After Breast Cancer LIVE! sessions, Sexuality Counselor Traci Owen helps us understand the SEVEN types of intimacy that are critical for healthy relationships.
Schedule a free 15-minute telephone introduction on Traci’s website, https://intimatepathways.org.
Topics—
- What does intimacy mean in your relationship?
- The 7 Realms of Intimacy
- Emotional intimacy (the “goo,” the greatest need in our marriage)
- Intellectual intimacy (our brain connection, providing a safe place for one another)
- Experiential intimacy (what we share)
- Spiritual intimacy (connecting through our faith and beliefs)
- Financial intimacy (understanding what money means to each individual)
- Physical intimacy (physical touch is the #1 need of all humans)
- Sexual intimacy (sexual intimacy is reflective of the other 6 types of intimacy!)
“If your relationship is not what you want it to be, there’s never a better day than today to start making some small changes.” —Traci Owen
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Fear and worry seem to creep into the lives of every breast cancer survivor at one time or another. How do you handle it? Grief Recovery Specialist and Certified Professional Coach Mary Jo Rennert talks us through the battle of fear and worry. As Mary Jo says, “Worry is fear’s little brother!”
Topics—
- Feeding fear and worry vs. recognizing it
- “See what’s really there” – We tend to project the worst on the situation before us
- Rein yourself in—See what’s truly happening and figure our your options
- Fight/flight/freeze mode not only affects you physiologically (adrenaline, cortisol, narrowing vision, hearing changes)—it takes away rational decision making!
- Walk it off
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Almost all women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis have had lymph nodes removed through surgery. That means that the “original equipment” you were born with is not there to do its job.
Few of us understand the importance of our lymphatic system. Having fewer lymph nodes than you were born with can cause issues throughout your life, well after a breast cancer diagnosis. I know women that have been diagnosed with lymphedema over 20 years after their breast cancer diagnosis!
Lymphatic Therapist Deborah Kellogg joins me to discuss the role of the lymphatic system, as well as signs that your body may be in need of lymphatic therapy. We’re very grateful for Deborah sharing her expertise with us as one of Hope After Breast Cancer’s Contributing Experts.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Did you know your brain has more activity during sleep than during your waking hours? Your brain is your “energy center,” says Clinical Sleep Educator and Contributing Expert Lauri Leadley, and it needs to be recharged with rejuvenating sleep to operate at its highest level.
Topics discussed in this episode—
- REM sleep
- Sleepwalking/sleeptalking
- Common dreams
- Mindfulness, prayer, and meditation
- Why we remember some dreams and not others
- Breathing techniques for better sleep
Lauri is always our go-to expert for ALL things SLEEP! Thank you, Lauri, for sharing your expertise with us.
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en Español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
SPECIAL OFFER from Dr. Lyndsey Harper
Dr. Harper is the founder of Rosy Wellness (“The Sexual Wellness Solutions We All Deserve”), and she provided our community an amazing offer. Download her Rosy App in your app store.
Download the Rosy app in your app store to check it out and get a free month of Silver Membership!
Code: AFTERBC
Good for a FREE 1-Month Silver Membership to the Rosy App
Link: https://bit.ly/3KV61dt
Dr. Lyndsey Harper, OB/GYN, joins us to discuss SOLUTIONS to lack of libido—and gives us HOPE!
Libido is a pretty complex topic, and Dr. Lyndsey recognizes that the majority of us were not warned that breast cancer treatment would impact our libido and our intimate lives.
Common causes of lack of libido—
- Change in hormone status could be caused by the addition of a hormone blocker, surgically induced menopause, and more.
- You might have a change in the way you view yourself sexually. Low sexual desire affects us as women and how we see ourselves.
- The relationship component could be impacted. Your partner may view you differently from a sexual perspective.
- Libido can be impacted by a variety of emotional components including stress
Quick numbers
- 39% of ALL women report a lack of libido
- 20% of ALL women report difficulty with orgasm
- 85% of women have orgasm through clitoral stimulation, not penetrative intercourse
- The breast cancer community seems to be impacted at a higher level.
Spontaneous desire (being horny) vs. responsive desire (whatever turns you on)—Some women have neither.
Dr. Harper indicates “the best side effect-free solution is erotica.” There is evidence-based research showing erotic can increase desire.
10% of women have no desire, even if they have the best partner, no stress, etc. They may be suffering from HSDD (hypoactive sexual desire disorder).
There are two prescription medications to consider for low libido.
- Addyi – Take nightly prior to bed. Number one side effect is sleepiness. About have the women who use it have increases in desire. An 8-week trial is usually suggested.
- Vyleesi – Given by auto injection not more than 2x per week. Decreases inhibition. Works in 60% of women. An 8-week trial is usually suggested.
A medication review can be important. Different medications can have negative sexual effects.
“Scream cream” by your provider’s prescription is recommended for help with arousal and orgasm. There aren’t a lot of randomized control trials for its use.
Use vaginal moisturizing (hyaluronic acid, vaginal estrogen therapy) for discomfort, painful intercourse.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a progressive condition, so it’s prudent to be proactive with vaginal health. It won’t get better without your action.
Pelvic floor therapy is HIGHLY recommended for women with breast cancer! This type of therapy helps with issues concerning your bladder, bowel, balance, or painful intercourse. Pelvic floor muscles could be too tight or not strong enough, and only an exam by a pelvic floor therapist can let you know what needs to happen for you to have a happy and healthy pelvic floor.
If you have mismatched libido with your partner—
- Consider erotica as a prescription.
- Make a date for intimacy.
- The lower desire partner should take the lead on initiating intimacy.
- Use of sex toys will help provide more blood flow to your vulvar region.
Remember to download the Rosy app in your app store to check it out and get a free month of Silver Membership!
Code: AFTERBC
Good for a FREE 1-Month Silver Membership to the Rosy App
Link: https://bit.ly/3KV61dt
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en Español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Urologist and Sexual Medicube Specialist, Dr. Rachel Rubin, MD, BRINGS THE GOODS in encouraging us about sexuality after breast cancer! This will be the most encouraging 20 minutes you'll see this week, friends!
Be sure to follow Dr. Rachel on Instagram to help her reach 10,000 followers—I told her we could help her do it! 🙂
https://www.instagram.com/drrachelrubin/
Dr. Rachel mentioned that the UK has now made vaginal estrogen available WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION in pharmacies! 🔥🔥 🔥
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/easier-access-to-locally-applied-hrt-to-treat-postmenopausal-vaginal-symptoms-in-landmark-mhra-reclassification
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en Español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Lori LeBarnes gives us an overview of the role pelvic floor muscles play in our overall physical health. She likes to say that our pelvic floor muscles affect our bladder, bowel, balance, sex, and lymphatic drainage! They’re incredibly important—and most of us never heard of them!
Lori explains what the process of seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist is like, as well as why that anatomy is so important. Most importantly to the women who are experiencing painful intercourse, Lori gives us HOPE!
Lori Barnes is a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist in Roswell, GA, USA. Find out more about Lori on her website, https://www.lebarnespelvictherapy.com/home.html
To find a pelvic floor therapist, see these directories.
https://pelvicguru.com/directory/
https://pelvicrehab.com/
https://aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator/
Finding effective ways to detoxify our bodies is so important to every woman who has faced breast cancer. Our Contributing Expert, Dr. Jayne Marquis, is a Naturopathic Doctor and Homeopath. Jayne joins us to discuss the health benefits of using both traditional and infrared saunas.
Jayne, we always learn something new when we hear from you! THANK YOU for your contributions to our community!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love how I support our community, please help me provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Welcome to our very first COUPLES EDITION of our weekly Sex After Breast Cancer LIVE! In this episode, Sexuality Counselor Traci Owen addresses the partners of a woman who has breast cancer. She has a deep background in helping couples who face cancer be proactive, taking care of their bodies and relationships throughout treatment, so they are ready to become sexual again when they’re ready.
Connect with RN and AASECT Sexuality Counselor Traci Owen: https://intimatepathways.org/
Discussed in this episode—
A cancer diagnosis is a diagnosis to everyone that loves that person.
Men are fixers. While you can’t fix cancer, there ARE things you CAN fix!
Things that need your consideration—
- Roles and responsibilities around the house, meals, shopping
- Fear, the future, your dreams
- Grief and loss
- Money
- Kids—How do we talk to them, how do we care for them, how do we deal with their emotions when we’re having a hard time dealing with our own emotions?
- Social life
- Intimacy, affection, sexual relationship
- What were your strengths as a couple before you were diagnosed? Let’s build on that!
- Who/what are our resources?
- Who can help you mobilize your tribe to delegate duties?
- Identify your needs
- Do one or both of you want to connect with support groups, whether in-person or virtual?
Communication and emotional connection
- Neither of you are at your best
- Give grace and mercy
- Have at least one other person to talk to
- Independence vs. dependence
- Establish a safe zone to communicate and hear one another
- Intentionally create space for self-care and couple care
Body changes/body confidence
-
Surgery decisions - What type of surgery? lumpectomy, mastectomy (single or bilateral)
-
Reconstruction decisions - What type of reconstruction? What is recovery time? Staying flat?
- If I lose my nipples, how will that impact our sexual life?
- Scans
- Healing massage
- Chemo
- Drugs are neurotoxins
- Chemo can be damaging
- Neuropathy causes changes in sensation
- Radiation
- Skin changes
- Fatigue
- Hormone therapy
- Weight gain
- Joint/muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Fear of recurrence is real
Upcoming COUPLES EDITION topics
- Realms of intimacy
- Loss of arousal, desire, orgasm
- How can partners aid in the healing
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en Español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
After I had both breasts removed because of cancer, I got implants. Nobody tells you the "fun" they can be!
My right implant feels as warm as the rest of my skin. My left implant, on the other hand, is ICE COLD. That's a product of the surgeon not doing a great job with the reconstruction. It's not that big of a deal—just an irritant if I allow myself to think about it.
I've had capsular contracture FOUR TIMES. As a layman, I would tell you that my body tried to reject an implant each time by building a "capsule" around it. It then started to tighten down in it, thinking it was an invader. (Of course, it WAS).
The surgery to correct contracture is really simple: a smile incision beneath the implant; the implant and capsule removed or scored; new implant slid in; incision closed. That's it. A couple of hours in outpatient surgery, start to finish. My surgeons and I have joked about them putting a ZIPPER in because I've had contracture so many times over the last decade! (Funny/not funny).
And then there is PHANTOM ITCH. Today I worked out, got pretty hot and sweat a lot. I should have known better. The itching has nothing to do with the skin—the itching is DEEP under the skin. Maybe even UNDER the implant. It's about six hours later, and my Phantom Itch is STILL making me NUTS. I even took an Allegra to see if the antihistamine would help. I'm writing this article to distract myself (and hopefully to let you know you're not alone!)
Phantom Itch is part of something called, "Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome" or "Phantom Breast Syndrome." This article in Cure Magazine says, "It includes symptoms such as swelling of the chest wall, sensitivity to touch, severe itching, restricted range of motion, axillary web syndrome (also called cording, in which ropelike tissue structures form under the skin of the arms) and breast tightness. These symptoms, which can range from mildly annoying to severely restricting, might not be present immediately after surgery but may appear several months to several years later." Oh goody. You might be interested in reading the symptoms that the author of the article had.
The NIH says that Phantom Breast Syndrome may occur in 30-80% of women who have a mastectomy!
Personally, my itch issue has become less frequent over the years, but it severely flares up when my chest gets hot—when I take a hot bath and soak my foobs (fake boobs, for those who aren't in The Club), or when I work out and sweat, like today. I can't do too much about it but grin and bear it. And poke—poke—POKE. Thanks, Breast Cancer.
BreastCancer.org has a good article that lets us know that itching may be tied to chemo, rads, surgery, OR hormone blockers! What the heck? I'm way, way past that, over a decade out from the diagnosis. And I haven't taken a blocker since Year 5. But at least their article has a list of ways to alleviate itching. Unfortunately, that list is for skin itching—NOT the deep itching that you JUST. CAN'T. SCRATCH.
Breast cancer—the gift that keeps on giving.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
If you’d like to partner with me through prayer or financially, please go to Buy Me A Coffee.
If you love how I support our community, please help me provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Women’s Healthcare Provider Worksheet
- Download here – https://sexafterbreastcancer.com/
NOTE: Links shown are informational only and are not indicative of the only pricing available. Please rely on your own research.
ABOUT Sex After Breast Cancer LIVE!
Our largest breast cancer support group is our Sex After Breast Cancer community on Facebook. Every month, our community of thousands from across the world grows, each woman searching for solutions to the issues they are experiencing after a breast cancer diagnosis.
And we have answers! Dozens of professionals have joined our Contributing Experts team to educate the women in our community. Our current Contributing Experts have impressive credentials—
- Board-Certified Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist
- Medical Doctor—OB/GYN, Rosy Wellness Founder
- Certified Sexuality Counselor, Practice Clinician, RN
- Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Christian Sex Therapist
- Occupational Therapist, Somatic Sexologist, Clinical Sexuality and Intimacy Educator
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Pelvic Health Specialist
- Holistic Therapist, Certified Grief Facilitator
- Medical Doctor—OB/GYN
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Specialist
- Life Coach/Relationship Expert
- Board-Certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Internal and Obesity Medicine Specialist
- Naturopathic Doctor, Homeopath
- E-RYT 500 Master Yoga Instructor, Yoga Teacher Trainer, Yoga Therapist, Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner, Reiki Practitioner
- Certified Lymphatic Therapist
- Clinical Thermographer
- Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Cancer Exercise Specialist
- Board Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
- Doctor of Pharmacy, Healthcare Cost Consultant
- Clinical Sleep Educator
- Licensed Acupuncturist
- Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor
- Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Professional Coach, RN
Each week one or more of our experts joins us for Sex After Breast Cancer LIVE! inside the private Facebook group. If you can't join us live, you can always catch each episode on our podcast.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Pelvic floor therapy affects your bladder, bowel, sex, and balance! Two years ago, I had never even heard of pelvic floor therapy—but now I know how incredibly important it is for women whose bodies are changing because of both breast cancer treatment AND the natural aging process!
This interview with pink sister Ann tells her powerful story of reclaiming her intimate life with the help of pelvic floor therapy. She describes what it is, what to expect, and what results she has had. Her story may encourage you to find a local pelvic floor therapist to discuss the issues you’re having with your bladder, bowel, sex, and balance! There IS hope to see significant improvement in these areas, friends.
Find a pelvic floor therapist that is local to you through these websites.
https://pelvicguru.com/directory/
https://pelvicrehab.com/
https://aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator/
Find other resources, including recommended vaginal moisturizers, by going to https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/sex-after-breast-cancer.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
If you value the information I provide, the time I put into serving our community, and would like to support my work, please consider subscribing with a paid membership to TEAM HOPE for just $5 a month at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
If you love how I support our community, please help me provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Many women who have gone through breast cancer treatment experience painful intercourse. This is a frustrating situation for both them and their partner.
Family Nurse Practitioner Kristina Calligan discusses reasons for the pain, as well as some solutions that might alleviate it.
Thank you, Kris, for sharing your expertise with us!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Being a part of breast cancer support groups can be a wonderful experience, learning from one another, being wrapped in the love and support of women who "get it." But one of the downsides is that a breast cancer support group is full of women who have breast cancer. And some will die.
As part of my ongoing conversation with our Hope After Breast Cancer expert, Professional Counselor Cinthia Hiett, we talk about why we feel guilty when one of our pink sisters dies and how to respond in a healthy way to that passing. I hope you find it valuable.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
At Hope After Breast Cancer, we have partnered with professionals in many disciplines to find answers that will help our women heal their unseen wounds.
One of the most often discussed topics in our private Sex After Breast Cancer support group is painful intercourse. Our women usually aren't educated that this issue may arise, and it's not a very welcome "surprise" in their intimate relationships.
Kathy Kates is a pelvic floor therapist that sees patients every day. She helps them with issues including painful intercourse, vaginismus, endometriosis, and other pelvic floor concerns.
We are grateful that Kathy shared her current list of recommended vaginal moisturizers, lubricants for intercourse, and condoms that support vaginal health. You can download it here.
We hope you find this information valuable!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love how I support our community, please help me provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Our Contributing Expert and Lymphatic Therapist, Deborah Kellogg, is passionate about helping our women learn how to prevent lymphedema. But if you are ever diagnosed with lymphedema, Deborah's coaching will also empower you to get the correct care and minimize the impact it has on your quality of life.
In this new Q&A about the lymphatic system, Deborah teaches us the mission of the lymphatic system, lymphedema prevention techniques, and signs that we may be experiencing lymphedema symptoms. We are incredibly grateful for her expertise!
To download the resources about lymphedema Deborah discussed in this recording, click here.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Friends, I know you will be blessed by meeting Samantha Peacock, this week's Thrivers Thursday guest! Sam is a nurse who was diagnosed in 2020 with TNBC. She also found out she was BRCA1+.
Her story is so inspirational! Like many of us, when she was diagnosed, her first reaction was, "I don't have TIME for breast cancer!" Being diagnosed in her 30s presented her with some unique challenges and opportunities, including a new way to decrease her chances of getting ovarian cancer through a revolutionary new hysterectomy surgical plan.
You'll laugh, applaud and cry at the journey that Sam has taken. We appreciate you encouraging our community, Sam! THANK YOU!
Update from Samantha in June 2021
"I did have just my tubes removed, and I’m doing well. My doctor recommends having my ovaries out by 45 due to my BRCA 1 mutation. I have since then had my implant exchange surgery and I am so happy to have those awful things out."
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love what I’m doing, please partner with me to provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Major topics covered—
Caring for your sexual body
- Caring for your sexual body does not require a partner! That is something that you have ownership of. You are a sexual woman whether or not you are sharing sex with a partner.
- It is so much easier to maintain vaginal health than it is to recover vaginal health. Maybe just start with some proactive vaginal hydration every week. This is about health in your body.
- Our urinary system, our vulva (outside), our vagina (inside), and the pelvic floor muscles are all impacted by the loss of estrogen in our systems.
- Using a full-sized vibrator with penetration at least twice a week to promote blood flow to the vagina will help maintain vaginal health, in the flexibility, in the length of its accommodation, and in the circumference of the accommodation.
- Listen to your body and be proactive!
If you have painful intercourse, hydrate for at least two weeks, then move to dilation.
Vaginal moisturizing/hydration (hydrates the tissue and promotes vaginal health)
- Vaginal estrogen
- Oral estrogen
- Oral estrogen combined with a non-hormonal gel
- Non-hormonal (hyaluronic acid products Traci recommends:
- Hyalo Gen
- Revaree
- Gynatrof
Dilation (work) / Vibrators (fun)
- If sex is painful, go for a dilator
- Traci likes the Dr. Laura Berman Intimate Basics - Dilator Set
- Vibrators can be used to promote blood flow, to relax the muscles, and for pleasure
- Start simple until you can figure out what you like.
- https://www.rosetoy-official.com/ is the website mentioned, but it’s certainly not the only one!
Lubricants (reduces friction) - Traci recommends the following lubes
- Water-based lubes: Good Clean Love, Enchanted Rose, Velvet Rose
- Silicone-based lubes aren’t recommended—they can degrade a vibrator so don’t use together.
- Hybrid lubes: Naked Silk, Wet Gold
Vaginal pH
- Prevention (these things will maintain a healthy environment in the vagina): Probiotics (research the biome’s relationship to the vagina), vaginal estrogen, hyaluronic acid
- When you have recurrent bacterial infections in your vagina, Traci prescribes boric acid.
- Please don’t use products that have fragrances!
Urethral prolapse
- Can be caused by a combination of loss of estrogen, chronic constipation, overweight, pregnancy, childbirth, weak pelvic floor muscles, pelvic trauma.
- Typical treatment plan
- Vaginal estrogen
- Hydration of vaginal walls with dilation
- Pelvic floor therapy to strengthen muscles
Use of Cialis in women
- FDA hasn’t been approved for women.
- Option is to use cuddle cream / scream cream. It’s easy. Put it where you want it without systemic effect.
Vaginal exams
- Pediatric speculums are available if you are concerned about adult-sized speculums
- Feel free to ask if you can remain clothed to have a conversation with your gynecologist before your exam. Great idea! Advocate for yourself!
Women’s Healthcare Provider Worksheet
- Download here – https://sexafterbreastcancer.com/
Medications and sex
- All the meds that impact the central nervous system may impact you sexually.
- SSRIs have a pretty high impact on desire (diminished or inability to orgasm OR persistent genital arousal). SSRIs approved to treat depression are Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, Pexeva, Zoloft.
- Play with the timing of your meds
- See if you can lower the dosage
- Some anti-depressants that have fewer sexual side effects: Wellbutrin, Remeron, Viibryd, Trintellix
NOTE: Links shown are informational only and are not indicative of the only pricing available. Please rely on your own research.
ABOUT Sex After Breast Cancer LIVE!
Our largest breast cancer support group is our Sex After Breast Cancer community on Facebook. Every month, our community of thousands from across the world grows, each woman searching for solutions to the issues they are experiencing after a breast cancer diagnosis.
And we have answers! Dozens of professionals have joined our Contributing Experts team to educate the women in our community. Our current Contributing Experts have impressive credentials—
- Board-Certified Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist
- Medical Doctor—OB/GYN, Rosy Wellness Founder
- Certified Sexuality Counselor, Practice Clinician, RN
- Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Christian Sex Therapist
- Occupational Therapist, Somatic Sexologist, Clinical Sexuality and Intimacy Educator
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Pelvic Health Specialist
- Holistic Therapist, Certified Grief Facilitator
- Medical Doctor—OB/GYN
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Specialist
- Life Coach/Relationship Expert
- Board-Certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Internal and Obesity Medicine Specialist
- Naturopathic Doctor, Homeopath
- E-RYT 500 Master Yoga Instructor, Yoga Teacher Trainer, Yoga Therapist, Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner, Reiki Practitioner
- Certified Lymphatic Therapist
- Clinical Thermographer
- Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Cancer Exercise Specialist
- Board Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
- Doctor of Pharmacy, Healthcare Cost Consultant
- Clinical Sleep Educator
- Licensed Acupuncturist
- Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor
- Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Professional Coach, RN
Each week one or more of our experts joins us for Sex After Breast Cancer LIVE! inside the private Facebook group. If you can't join us live, you can always catch each episode on our podcast.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
At Hope After Breast Cancer, we seek our experts in different disciplines to answer questions our community has and to offer us solutions on how to heal our unseen wounds.
Sex after breast cancer can be difficult for various reasons. Our Pelvic Floor Therapist, Kathy Kates, explains how critical it is to keep your vaginal tissue moisturized and how to do it effectively.
I hope you find this information valuable. If you want to learn more about how to improve your intimate life after breast cancer from our Hope After Breast Cancer experts, join our private Sex After Breast Cancer Facebook group.
Kathy Kates, is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a specialty of pelvic health. Learn more about her on our Meet Our Experts page.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love how I support our community, please help me provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
I lost a friend today.
Not in the way you think.
They didn't die.
They disappeared.
Something very unexpected happens when you're diagnosed with breast cancer.
Friends you thought would be there for you .... aren't.
It can be shocking. Disappointing. Wounding even.
A friend you would have thought would rush to your side after your diagnosis might send the standard "Let me know if I can do anything" text.
But that's it.
At least they made an effort, right?
On top of trying to get your head around the fact that you have CANCER, now you are trying to get your head around the fact that the people you thought you could count on aren't around.
For the record, it happens to EVERY ONE OF US.
But WHY does it happen?
There can be many reasons.
- Your diagnosis scares them, and they don't know how to handle that reality. If it can happen to you, it can happen to them.
- They may have been close to someone else with cancer, and for whatever reason, they can't find it within themselves to do it again.
- They are very insecure about their faith, their mortality, what they believe. And seeing you reminds them of their personal insecurity.
- They don't want to "bother" you or "wake you up." That's just their way to avoiding whatever emotions they're struggling with. It's classic avoidance.
- They don't want to "catch" your cancer. Yes, it's true. Some ignorant people actually think cancer can be contagious.
But here is the TRUTH.
The way your friend reacts is about THEM.
Not YOU.
It's hard not to take their reaction personally.
But don't.
It's THEM.
Not YOU.
But I'm here to share GOOD NEWS with you!
There is a truly incredible thing that happens when you're diagnosed.
People you would consider "acquaintances" step up to help.
They offer to drive you to appointments.
They make meals for your family.
They leave cheery voicemails that you cling to as you sink into the depression that comes along with treatment.
It's not easy to just open your hands to release the friends you "lose" because of cancer.
But you should try.
Because then your hands will be open to receive help from the kindness of the "unexpected others" ... the acquaintances who step up to help, the strangers who show you kindness, and the new friends you make because of your diagnosis.
Watch for them.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
I was fascinated to learn about the ways that a rebounder (mini-trampoline) can provide great benefits to your health from our Contributing Expert and Naturopathic Doctor Jayne Marquis. Did you know it builds bone health, helps with balance, builds strength, and helps keep your lymphatic system flowing? Sign me up!
WOW! What a fun way to exercise! Enjoy!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love how I support our community, please help me provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
I'm not a fan of the word "survivor." I don't want to feel as if I just got out of a plane crash and was lucky to live through it. I prefer to be called a "thriver." I want to feel as if I am living an abundant and joy-filled life. But that's just me.
This discussion with Life Coach Cinthia Hiett will give you some fresh thoughts on "survival." As Cinthia says, "If just surviving is the goal, what are you left with?" I hope our discussion gives you some food for thought!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
If you're a woman who is tired of merely surviving breast cancer—If you want to heal deeper and faster in a safe community of like-minded women—THRIVER NATION is for you! Learn more on our website.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favor
At Hope After Breast Cancer, we are blessed to currently have many Contributing Experts in many disciplines who are committed to sharing their professional knowledge with you so you can THRIVE! You can Meet Our Experts here.
One of our new Contributing Experts, Dr. Cheryl Onwuchuruba, an OB/GYN Physician, has recently gone through breast cancer treatment herself! In her recent interview with me, she answers many GYN questions that were asked through our various support groups. Cheryl also is very frank about what she's learned through her breast cancer experience and how she will go forward as a physician serving women.
Dr. Cheryl, we are so grateful for you sharing your professional expertise with our women by being one of our Contributing Experts. THANK YOU!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love how I support our community, please partner with me to provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Soon after Hope After Breast Cancer officially started in 2020, I met Lisa Nicholson through one of our support groups. Lisa is a Master Acupuncturist in San Diego, California, USA, as well as a breast cancer thriver. Over the years, Lisa has educated me about all the different side effects that can be managed through acupuncture treatment.
I recently sat down with Lisa to reintroduce her to our growing community. We talked about the success she’s had in helping women with menopause symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbances, neuropathy, headaches, low-grade gastritis, dry mouth, and even radiation skin burns.
Lisa, we are so grateful for your generosity in sharing your knowledge about acupuncture with our community as one of our Contributing Experts!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Major topics covered—
- Urinary tract infection
- Vaginal hydration
- Dilation and vibration
- Solo pleasure vs partnered pleasure
- An open conversation about porn and sex toys
- New ways to look at how your diagnosis may have impacted your partner/husband
Info shared in this Q&A—
- Intimate Rose Probiotics to help fight UTIs https://www.intimaterose.com/.../womens-health-probiotic...
- Ellura - high concentrate cranberry for UTIs https://www.webmd.com/.../2/drug-162713/ellura-oral/details
- Lube Talk - Traci's opinion is that Replens "is like Chapstick" and does penetrate the tissue to heal it. Also she cautions against using coconut oil if you have recurrent yeast infections or any diabetic concerns.
- Hyluaronic acid brands Traci recommends: Hylaogen, Revaree, Gynatrof
- An Open Letter on Porn - https://www.gottman.com/blog/an-open-letter-on-porn/
- Go to our website at http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ to get Traci Owen's Healthcare Provider Worksheet to use as a tool to talk with your women's healthcare provider about your concerns.
- Traci's website: https://intimatepathways.org/ - Traci provides telehealth services in 34 states.
ABOUT Sex After Breast Cancer LIVE!
Our largest breast cancer support group is our Sex After Breast Cancer community on Facebook. Every month, our community of thousands from across the world grows, each woman searching for solutions to the issues they are experiencing after a breast cancer diagnosis.
And we have answers! Dozens of professionals have joined our Contributing Experts team, including several who can help the women in our Sex After Breast Cancer community.
- Three Medical Doctors: Two OB/GYNs and a Board-Certified Urologist/Sexual Medicine Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Pelvic Health Specialist
- Somatic Sexologist, Clinical Sexuality and Intimacy Educator
- Certified Sexuality Counselor, Practice Clinician
- Marriage & Family Therapist, Christian Sex Therapist
- Certified Grief Facilitator
- Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist
Each week one or more of our experts joins us for Sex After Breast Cancer LIVE! inside the private Facebook group. If you can't join us live, you can always catch each episode on our podcast.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
I believe it's rare that a woman who has had breast cancer really tackles the wounds that grief and loss leave after a life-altering diagnosis. After all, there are tons of physical issues that need to be handled as quickly as possible with cancer—most of us don't have enough bandwidth to work on emotional issues at the same time.
But in order to live a thriving life, it's important that we don't brush grief and loss under the rug. At Hope After Breast Cancer, we've added a few new experts to our team to help women discuss, recognize, and heal their unseen wounds from the losses they've experienced.
Meet our Contributing Expert, Carla Mannes. Carla is a Holistic Therapist who specializes in grief and loss counseling with adults, teens, and families. And Carla is a two-time breast cancer thriver. She's actually walked the road you've been on.
We're so grateful for all the knowledge and expertise that Carla is bringing to our community, both in recorded interviews on our website and live interviews inside our THRIVER NATION membership group. THANK YOU, Carla!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Before breast cancer, I had no idea there was a long list of conditions that are associated with the disease. Many of us are thrown into medically-induced menopause, while others go through chronological menopause. Either way, we need to be aware of a condition called vaginal atrophy.
Mayo Clinic says, "Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause. For many women, vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms."
This video will help you determine if you may be fighting vaginal atrophy and give you information to discuss with your personal provider.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Booby Buddies, Sex After Breast Cancer, and Hope After Breast cancer are three private breast cancer support groups I founded over the years. We have loved serving thousands of women through those groups.
Many breast cancer fighters struggle with taking hormone blockers. Back in 2018, I did a live video on the Booby Buddies group page on Facebook to tell my hormone blocker story. I hope you get a chuckle out of it!
P.S. The forklift was only in my imagination!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Shortly after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was surprised at how much I felt like I was being followed around by a dark cloud. That was something I had never experienced before.
I was even more surprised to being diagnosed with clinical depression soon after that. It turns out that getting a life-threatening diagnosis causes most people to be depressed—it's totally normal!
My longtime counselor and life coach Cinthia Hiett worked with me through that season to make sense of it all. She had some tremendously great advice that she gave me, and I asked her to share it with you here. I hope you find it helpful!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
If you're a woman who is tired of merely surviving breast cancer—If you want to heal deeper and faster in a safe community of like-minded women—THRIVER NATION is for you! Learn more on our website.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favor
The beautiful Pamela Powers has had a dramatic transformation since her breast cancer diagnosis. One of the most significant things that happened is that she changed her self-talk. For years, her words about herself and to herself were negative and even hateful. Today Pamela says, "I'm showering myself with words of love every day now!"
You're going to love hearing from Pamela, a single mom of three children. She has an incredibly positive attitude and is so inspiring! THANK YOU, Pamela!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love what I’m doing, please partner with me to provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Many brilliant and passionate Experts have joined the Hope After Breast Cancer team to help our women heal their unseen wounds.
Our Contributing Expert, Beth Leonard, is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who specializes in sex therapy. She's excited to share her expertise with our community, including details about the "Female Desire Rocket!" You're sure to be inspired by Beth's video.
Beth shares, “My life motto is ‘Don’t waste your pain.’ In life, pain is inevitable. The many ways we try to push it away, anesthetize it, or avoid it can further wound us and cause damage to us and our relationships. But when we allow it, pain can be a powerful tool in the Father’s hand for change and growth. Specific sex therapy issues I address include trauma, sexual /physical abuse, desire disorders, mismatched desire in couples, female sexual pain, and recovery from the impact of sexual addiction/betrayal.”
Beth is a member of the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT) and the American Board of Christian Sex Therapists (ABCST) and is in training to become an AAMFT approved supervisor. She is also trained in EMDR, Sand Tray, and Trauma-Focused Art Therapy.
Thank you for your contribution to our community, Beth!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Info from this recording— * The importance of vaginal health, whether you have a partner or not * Hyluaronic acid brands - Hylaogen, Revaree, Gynatrof * Book: Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire by Lori A. Brotto * Book: Come As You Are: Revised and Updated: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski Ph.D. * Go to our new website, http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/, to get Traci Owen's Healthcare Provider Worksheet to use as a tool to talk with your women's healthcare provider about your concerns. * Traci's website: https://intimatepathways.org/ - Traci provides telehealth services in 34 states.
About Sex After Breast Cancer LIVE!
Our largest breast cancer support group is our Sex After Breast Cancer community on Facebook. Every month, hundreds of new women from across the world join our community of thousands, searching for solutions to the issues they are experiencing after a breast cancer diagnosis.
And we have answers! Dozens of professionals have joined our Contributing Experts team, including several who can help the women in our Sex After Breast Cancer community.
- Three Medical Doctors: Two OB/GYNs and a Board-Certified Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Specialist
- Somatic Sexologist, Clinical Sexuality and Intimacy Educator
- Marriage & Family Therapist, Christian Sex Therapist
- Certified Grief Facilitator
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Pelvic Health Specialist
- Certified Sexuality Counselor, Practice Clinician
- Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist
Each week one or more of our experts joins us for Sex After Breast Cancer LIVE! inside the private Facebook group. If you can't join us live, you can always catch each episode on our podcast.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Many women who have faced a breast cancer diagnosis may have sexual limitations. So how does someone with those circumstances find someone to date without the fear of facing rejection or judgment?
Let me introduce you to the Entwine dating app! Created by pink sister, Anna Leonarda, Entwine is meant to help both men and women who may have sexual limitations connect with one another to find companionship and intimacy, without the expectation of intercourse.
We are so proud of Anna's efforts! This important issue is rarely discussed publicly, but many suffer in silence for various reasons. Please share this article, video, and podcast about Entwine with others to help more folks know "there's an app for that!" Thank you.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love what I’m doing, please partner with me to provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Many women with breast cancer are interested in using natural remedies in addition to traditional treatment. We are grateful that our friends and naturopathic doctors, Dr. Jayne Marquis and Dr. Shelly Frank, have agreed to be contributors to Hope After Breast Cancer.
We hope you enjoy this discussion about the basics of Naturopathic Medicine and Homeopathy. If you have specific topics you would like to have us discuss with Jayne and Shelly, use our Contact form to send us suggestions!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love how I support our community, please help me provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
The woman who has endured breast cancer comes out on the other side of treatment with many unseen wounds and unexpected challenges.
We often hear our women expressing concern about how breast cancer treatment has affected their intimate life. Thousands of women have joined our private Sex After Breast Cancer Facebook group to find solutions to issues such as painful intercourse, lack of libido and more.
One of the least known areas in women's health that should be explored to address those concerns is pelvic floor therapy. We are delighted to introduce our Contributing Expert Kathy Kates, who is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a specialty of pelvic health. Her warm style of educating women, combined with the fact that she has also faced breast cancer and the related challenges, is sure to bring solutions to our growing community.
You can read more about Kathy on our Meet Our Experts page.
Welcome, Kathy! And THANK YOU for sharing your expertise with our women!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love how I support our community, please partner with me to provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Once you've been diagnosed with cancer, it's very important to understand the role hormones have in your health. Exposure to different hormones may impact your risk of recurrence.
Family Nurse Practitioner Kristina Calligan shares her expertise with us in discussing estrogen, progesterone and DHEA.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
In this candid and personal discussion about vaginal health, I share the following golden nuggets.
- NEWS FLASH #1: There ARE answers to reclaiming your sex life after a breast cancer diagnosis. You just need help in knowing how to go get them.
- NEWSFLASH #2: BODY BEFORE BRAIN. You’ve GOT to fix your body before your brain can get back in the game.
- NEWSFLASH #3: THIS ISN’T ABOUT LUBE. You may be experiencing issues that lubes can’t fix. Get to the bottom of it with a diagnosis instead of trying to fix it with a bandaid.
- NEWSFLASH #4: There are typically no quick solutions for our vaginal issues. Be patient and kind to yourself.
- NEWSFLASH #5 – There is a growing body of work that indicates that vaginal estrogen is not harmful to women who have had breast cancer. It’s always a personal choice.
Your Two-Step Action Plan
- STEP 1 — Set up an appt with your gynecologist. Don’t forget to download the Healthcare Provider Worksheet on http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/, and use it as a tool for your appointments.
- STEP 2 — Go to http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/. Join our community. Get into the discussion. Meet our Contributing Experts. Read the articles and videos we’ve provided for you on our website and inside the groups. Listen to our podcast which has brand new content every week.
Resources Discussed
- Book - Estrogen Matters: Why Taking Hormones in Menopause Can Improve Women's Well-Being and Lengthen Their Lives -- Without Raising the Risk of Breast Cancer: Bluming, Avrum, Tavris, Carol: 9780316481205: AmazonSmile: Books.
- Podcast - Is Estrogen the Enemy of Women Who Have Had Breast Cancer? A Conversation with Dr. Melody Rodarte, DO
- Article/Video - Is Estrogen the Enemy of Women Who Have Had Breast Cancer? A Conversation with Dr. Melody Rodarte, DO
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Fear of recurrence is one of the most pervasive, debilitating fears that a women diagnosed with breast cancer has to deal with. Every upcoming scan or blood test can be paralyzing.
Professional Counselor and Life Coach Cinthia Hiett helps us think through how to manage fear of recurrence from a spiritual perspective in this interesting and challenging discussion.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Our largest breast cancer support group, by far, is our Sex After Breast Cancer community on Facebook. Every month, hundreds of women from across the world join us, searching for solutions to the issues they are experiencing after a breast cancer diagnosis.
And we have answers! Dozens of professionals have joined our Contributing Experts team, including several who can help the women in our Sex After Breast Cancer community.
- Two medical doctors who are OB/GYNs
- Board-Certified Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Specialist
- Somatic Sexologist, Clinical Sexuality and Intimacy Educator
- Marriage & Family Therapist, Christian Sex Therapist
- Certified Grief Facilitator
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Pelvic Health Specialist
- Certified Sexuality Counselor, Practice Clinician
- Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist
In July 2022, we began a new weekly event called Sex After Breast Cancer LIVE! which will feature one or more of our Contributing Experts. Women inside the support group can post questions ahead of the live broadcast or send in questions while we're live.
This video is a peek at our very first effort. We believe this new offering will be an effective and personal way to help the women we serve. Come join us!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Check out http://sexafterbreastcancer.com/ for quick access to our Sex After Breast Cancer community, experts, and resources.
Please help me provide more content to our community by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Have you ever thought WHY you have brain fog and/or chronic pain post-breast cancer treatment? I did, and when I made some lifestyle changes, it all went away. You don't need to suffer. Learn more about my story!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
If you're a woman who is tired of merely surviving breast cancer—If you want to heal deeper and faster in a safe community of like-minded women—THRIVER NATION is for you! Learn more on our website.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you’d like to partner with me through prayer or financially, please go to Buy Me A Coffee.
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Foundation 96's mission is to provide a safe and supportive care community, consisting of multidisciplinary service providers, for people and their caregivers who are transitioning from active cancer treatment to everyday life.
If you are dealing with lingering side effects, take Foundation 96's free Personal Care Plan assessment. It will take you less than 5 minutes to complete the assessment, and you'll be emailed the results of the assessment with suggestions about the types of professionals that can help you manage or eliminate your side effects.
To dive deeper, Foundation 96's health consulting services will allow you to talk with one of their staff about issues you are currently facing and to learn the specific types of professionals that you should seek out for treatment. You can use that information to find providers on your own, or you can connect with Foundation 96's worldwide network of health and wellness professionals.
Stay tuned for more great information from Foundation 96!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love what I’m doing, please partner with me to provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
It's another Thrivers Thursday! Each week we feature the story of a thriver who shares her breast cancer story to encourage and challenge you.
Have you ever met someone who said that her life is better AFTER breast cancer than before? You'll enjoy meeting the beautiful Lisa Bernardo. Be encouraged, friend!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
If you love what I’m doing, please partner with me to provide more content by buying me a cup of coffee (or two) at Buy Me A Coffee. And please pray for my efforts to have significance in the lives of the women we serve! Thank you!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
- Does Estrogen Cause Breast Cancer?
- The "Change of Life" and the Quality of Life
- Matters of the Heart
- Breaking Bad
- Losing and Using Our Minds
- Can Breast Cancer Survivors Take Estrogen?
- Progesterone and the Pill
- Debates, Decisions, and Final Lessons in the Case for HRT
That is a list of chapter titles in the book, Estrogen Matters: Why Taking Hormones in Menopause Can Improve Women's Well-Being and Lengthen Their Lives—Without Raising the Risk of Breast Cancer by medical oncologist Avrum Bluming, MD, and social psychologist, Carol Tavris, PhD.
I was introduced to the book by my former PCP, Dr. Melody Rodarte, DO. It reads like a thriller. The introduction is even called, "Who Killed HRT?"
The authors tell a riveting story. Over 20 years ago, they indicate that a poorly conceived and misinformed study from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) swept through the medical community, indicating a causal connection of estrogen and breast cancer and demonizing the use of estrogen to treat menopausal women.
"... We will show in a close examination of the WHI studies, some of those claims were exaggerated, some were misleading, and some were just wrong—and several of the WHI investigators themselves eventually backed away from them."
The book delivers the goods, names names, and provides more than 50 pages of referenced articles and studies to back up their claims that "estrogen matters."
"But wait, Jan! My oncologist has told me ... " Yes, I totally understand. Mine has told me the same things. You'll hear my story in the interview. Now that I've read the book, I'm sending my onc a copy and begging her to look into it. You might consider doing the same thing. This quote in the book says it all.
"All scientific work is incomplete—whether it be observational or experimental. All scientific work is liable to be upset or modified by advancing knowledge. That does not confer upon us a freedom to ignore the knowledge we already have, or to postpone the action that it appears to demand at a given time." —Austin Bradford Hill, 1965 (Hill is the British biostatistician who pioneered the randomized clinical trial)
Why should we even consider using estrogen as women who have gone through breast cancer treatment? Here are a few reasons from the book's back cover.
- "There is no current way to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia—except estrogen."
- "Seven times as many women die of heart disease as die of breast cancer annually. In fact, heart disease, not cancer, is the leading cause of death among breast cancer survivors, and HRT can decrease that risk by 30 to 50 percent."
- "The same number of women die annually following osteoporotic hip fracture as die of breast cancer, and HRT can cut this risk in half."
- "There is no evidence to support the current medical advice to take HRT at the lowest dose for the shortest period of time."
- "HRT is the most effective treatment for all menopausal symptoms, not only the familiar hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia—which can last seven years or longer—but also heart palpitations, joint and muscle aches, headaches, bladder problems, sexual discomforts, and depression, which many women do not realize are often signs of menopause as well."
- "Women taking HRT live, on average, several years longer than those not taking it."
- "Estrogen does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer is not a disease, as some professionals believe, 'of having too much estrogen in your body.' Even breast cancer survivors may safely take HRT under a doctor's supervision, and it will not increase their risk of recurrence."
Please read it yourself. Do your own research. Discuss it with your providers. Be your own advocate.
Find out more about the book on their website at Estrogen Matters.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
If you're a woman who is tired of merely surviving breast cancer—If you want to heal deeper and faster in a safe community of like-minded women—THRIVER NATION is for you! Learn more on our website.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Watch original video here.
This interview is provided as an educational and informational source for our community. As with everything we provide on our website, on our podcast, and inside our private support groups, the information provided is not intended to be a substitute for advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Hope After Breast Cancer Contributing Expert Lisa Nicholson is a breast cancer thriver herself. During treatment, she experienced severe trigger finger symptoms. And as a working acupuncturist, Lisa's hands are her life!
She needed to find ways to alleviate those symptoms, and she was successful. If you're experiencing cramping of any type, check out Lisa's recommendations in this video.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
If you're a woman who is tired of merely surviving breast cancer—If you want to heal deeper and faster in a safe community of like-minded women—THRIVER NATION is for you! Learn more on our website.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Learn about a FREE VIRTUAL event Breast Cancer Health and Transformation Coach Karin Del Maestro is hosting starting Saturday, July 7. The 2022 Reclaim Your Life After Breast Cancer Summit features interviews with 22 breast cancer experts that will be emailed directly to you each day of the Summit, July 9-15. Don't miss this!
Here are a few of the topics that will be discussed in the Summit.
- Trouble Sleeping?
- Thriving with Metastatic Breast Cancer
- Libido & Painful Penetration: What to do and how to recover
- Motherhood & Fertility After Breast Cancer
- Be the Quarterback of Your Medical Bills
- Are you Existing with Breast Implant Illness
- Surviving to Thriving - Your Mindset Matters!
- Safe Use of Cannabis for Breast Cancer
To register to receive interviews from 22 top experts in breast cancer through the 2022 Reclaim Your Health After Breast Cancer Summit, July 9-15, click here. And if you want to re-watch the interviews on your schedule, lifetime access is available for a small fee after you sign up.
Also in our chat, Karin will share the four essential areas we need to focus on to reclaim our lives after a breast cancer diagnosis (nutrition, toxins, stress, self-care), along with simple hacks in each of those areas that you can implement today!
(Don’t miss the special offer provided to you by our podcast guest below).
There is no doubt that every woman will experience changes to her sexual health after a breast cancer diagnosis to varying levels. Perhaps you've gone through medically induced menopause unexpectedly and are no longer sure of how to navigate your intimate life. Were your breasts important for your arousal or orgasm? Has your libido has disappeared without notice? Are you having painful intercourse and don't understand how to fix it? (HINT: It might NOT be about lube!) You need to know you're not alone!
In 2017, I couldn't understand why I hadn't been "warned" about the intimacy issues I would face after a breast cancer diagnosis, but I knew there MUST be answers! Because of the personal issues I faced in my intimate life, I started the private Facebook support group, Sex After Breast Cancer. Since that time, I've developed a Contributing Expert Team to provide us with the information we need. Thousands of women have been helped through our beautiful support group.
Recently I had a very frank discussion about sexual health with one of our Contributing Experts, Dr. Lyndsey Harper, OB/GYN. Dr. Harper is the founder and CEO of Rosy, an award-winning women’s health technology company that connects women who have sexual health concerns with hope, community, and research-backed solutions. Our conversation covered a wide range of issues from lack of libido to painful sex to the use of vaginal estrogen and much more. I think you'll enjoy our discussion.
After listening, I want to encourage you to download the Rosy - Sexual Health for Women app on your mobile device. We are grateful that Dr. Harper has provided our Hope After Breast Cancer community with a special offer. Use the promo code HOPE at meetrosy.com/promo to redeem a 1-Month Subscription to the Rosy Silver Membership! The offer is only good for new subscribers and is only available in the US and Canada. THANK YOU, Rosy!
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
If you're a woman who is tired of merely surviving breast cancer—If you want to heal deeper and faster in a safe community of like-minded women—THRIVER NATION is for you! Learn more on our website.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Learn how to boost your spirits, overcome negative self-talk and discover that missing pep in your step, without adding more to your overloaded plate through the RECLAIM YOUR LIFE AFTER BREAST CANCER Summit. The summit is July 9 through 16, but you don’t have go anywhere or do anything—WHAT?!?! Each day of the summit, THREE expert videos will be delivered right to your inbox! Get an overview by listening to this episode, then learn more and register for FREE here.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
If you're a woman who is tired of merely surviving breast cancer—If you want to heal deeper and faster in a safe community of like-minded women—THRIVER NATION is for you! Learn more on our website.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
I recently asked my long-time professional counselor and life coach, Cinthia Hiett, if we could record our session and discuss why the enemy of our souls attempts to destroy women through breast cancer.
If you're a woman of faith, I think you'll enjoy our discussion and Cinthia's perspective about body image, why you need to have compassion for your body, why your body didn't "betray" you, and how God works all things together for good.
Cancer is certainly not easy. I went through counseling during all the years of my treatment and continue to make appointments as needed. I could never have returned to "normal" life as quickly as I did without the wise counsel Cinthia gave me. I strongly encourage you to consider seeing your own personal "rent-a-friend" who can give you objective counsel about emotional and mental issues that surface because of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
If you're a woman who is tired of merely surviving breast cancer—If you want to heal deeper and faster in a safe community of like-minded women—THRIVER NATION is for you! Learn more on our website.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Disclaimer: While professional experts and the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website and its components relates to medical and/or health issues, the information provided is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.
Breast cancer can unexpectedly cause difficulty in our intimate lives after breast cancer treatment. Amy's success story of healing is sure to encourage you! Watch original video here:
Your intimate life CAN be reclaimed after breast cancer treatment! (hopeafterbreastcancer.com)
Almost all women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis have had lymph nodes removed through surgery. That means that the “original equipment” you were born with is not there to do its job.
Few of us understand the importance of our lymphatic system. Having fewer lymph nodes than you were born with can cause issues throughout your life, well after a breast cancer diagnosis. I know women that have been diagnosed with lymphedema over 20 years after their breast cancer diagnosis!
Lymphatic Therapist Deborah Kellogg joins me to discuss the role of the lymphatic system, as well as signs that your body may be in need of lymphatic therapy. We’re very grateful for Deborah sharing her expertise with us as one of Hope After Breast Cancer’s Contributing Experts.
Shared with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer
Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.
Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available training and support.
If you're a woman who is tired of merely surviving breast cancer—If you want to heal deeper and faster in a safe community of like-minded women—THRIVER NATION is for you! Learn more on our website.
Subscribe to our Hope After Breast Cancer Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
Pink Sister Wendy Marner was suffering from severe hot flashes when her treatment center suggested trying acupuncture. She shares the details of her experience. And the story has a happy ending!
Guess what? I have a secret to share with you. It’s not over. It will never be over. EVER. Because I now have a new label. I am a cancer patient. Forevermore.
Read the original blog post here:
https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/blog/a-note-to-our-loved-ones-from-a-woman-with-breast-cancer
There is a tremendous amount of loss that we experience after a breast cancer diagnosis.
We are stripped of so many things that have been foundational in our lives.
They’re there—and then, all of a sudden—
They’re not.
Breast cancer is a THIEF.
Hi there! My name is Jan James. I’m SO glad you found your way here. I want to tell you about Hope After Breast Cancer.
https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/