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Distant relationship result of breast cancer?

Page last modified on: August 18, 2008
Question from KT: My partner and I have become very distant emotionally and sexually and I think I'm the one asking the serious questions, like is this really good enough for me? How do you know what's real and what's a result of the aftermath of the breast cancer?
Answers —Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: Whatever you experience has reality. It may be related to the breast cancer but often breast cancer exaggerates the problems that were already there. Relationships rarely change completely because of breast cancer. They just become more true to what they were before.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: There is no question that after any life-threatening challenge, you come to realize what's important to you and how precious you and the people in your life are. If you find yourself in a relationship that is unfulfilling, after a breast cancer diagnosis, you may all of a sudden feel an urgency to make it great. I think it's worth your stopping, looking around, listening, and thinking about what you share together and what you hoped you could have in a relationship together. Be patient, but also be open minded to making changes if you think they are necessary.

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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Meet the Experts

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D.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.

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