Remaining breast not sensitive as before?
Meet the Experts
Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.
Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.
Question from Teaching Toddlers: I had a single mastectomy in 12/8/00, and my breasts were always sensitive. My remaining breast is not sensitive like it was before. Why is this?
- Answer —Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: If there was no surgery on your remaining breast, the change in sensitivity may be emotional. Or it could be related to hormone changes, if you have gone through that if you have had chemotherapy after your surgery, for example. Many women say that touching and caressing of their remaining breast doesn't feel good after a mastectomy because it reminds them of their breast cancer. Instead of focusing on good feelings when their breast is touched, they get distracting thoughts about their other breast or their cancer, and that takes away from their pleasure.
On Wednesday, February 21, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Intimacy and Sexuality. Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how breast cancer diagnosis and treatment affect your sex life.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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