Intimacy After Breast Cancer

By Gina M. Maisano

Okay, you’ve made it through breast cancer. You’re a survivor. You’re ready to jump back into life – but are you ready to jump back into bed? Few topics are as touchy or necessary as our sexuality after a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. It took decades for women to feel comfortable even talking about the disease itself, so it’s a small wonder conversations about sex and intimacy have taken place in whispers, if at all. Two-time breast cancer survivor Gina Maisano decided it’s time to open the discussion in a straightforward and honest way.

Intimacy After Breast Cancer is divided into two sections. The first deals with regaining control of your body and your spirit, examining ways to deal with the emotional and physical issues a woman may be facing so she can regain her sense of confidence and self-esteem.

The second tackles ways to reclaim your sexual self. Maisano discusses options for both married and single women candidly. The book is filled with survivor’s stories, enabling the reader to read firsthand accounts offering personal perspectives as well as specific examples of both physical and mental healing.

Intimacy After Breast Cancer also provides expert advice and scientific research, helping to round out and validate the information provided.

Many women are plagued by body image issues after their surgeries. They may also experience physical changes that are either unpleasant or at the very least, previously unexplored issues because were not previously a problem. Often times, when you’ve faced your mortality, it’s difficult to feel safe believing joy can once again be a part of your life.