Ovarian Cancer Patient Education Day in Toronto

wholfmeister said:

Very helpful ideas!!

You really are the best friend!

I agree with Merrily that you've given us very helpful ideas!  I've been on an antidepressant for about six years and my libido has definitely tanked.  You've given me some helpful options.

Kelly

Alexandra said:

Well you came to the right place Merrily

Here is a good guide on the sexuality subject:

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/sexualsideeffectsinwomen/sexualityforthewoman/sexuality-for-the-woman-with-cancer-toc

Sexuality after cancer is somewhat of a hobby of mine. It all comes down to 2 things: low libido and vaginal atrophy / dryness.

I was pre-menopausal, but menopause symptoms are no longer an issue for me either, because I am on oral and vaginal estrogen since my hysterectomy. If someone tries to take my Premarin 0.625 away from me, I would chop their hand off.

Dryness is an easy fix - estring, vagifem, vaginal premarin make tissues supple and pliable. Topical estrogen does not spread, so you can have it even if your cancer is E-positive. If you don't want estrogen - buy Replens suppositories (3 times a week). Use tons of lube with intercourse (Astroglide, KY, ideally water- or silicon-based), re-apply as needed.

Athrophy - Kegel exercises, dilators (any old dildo will work too) or regular sex or masturbation.

Low libido is very much connected to your general state of mind. Anti-depressants, painkillers, fatigue, anxiety, low self-image can all tank your libido. Testosteron cream or patch help, but it's hard to get the doctor to prescribe them, because there is no safety reasearch for women with cancer. You might need something extra to get in the mood (many girls like candles, bubble bath, perfume, lingerie, XXX magazine or movie; I prefer a glass of red wine or a joint). Change the scenery for extra adrenalin, do it in the shower or some place semi-private: in the car, on the balcony, in the park, etc.). If your partner always initiates - approach him first. Dress up and role play. Start with 69 mutual oral. Whatever it takes, JUST DO IT. In the words of the nurse Cathie from the SHARE sexual health clinic - "busy vagina is a happy vagina".

Here goes too much information.

In my case libido dropped significantly; but it dropped from the "nympho" level, so now it is about the same as any 45-year-old woman. Instead of thinking about sex 20 times a day, I now maybe think about it 5 times and act on it once or twice. I kept my cervix, so there are no changes to vaginal sleeve length. Reaching orgasm takes much longer than before cancer (maybe 10 minutes of foreplay or vibrator instead of 30 seconds). Squirting days are over. Orgasms are still strong and multiple but shorter because there is no uterus to resonate contractions. Sex was one of 2 things that pulled me out of my existential funk after cancer diagnosis, 2 surgeries and while on chemo. Second one was Heavenly Hush ice cream.

Alexandra,

This sounds like a wonderful event, with lots of helpful information.  I do beg to differ with regard to using hormone creams vaginally.  Our vaginal tissues are very absorbant and just like anything we put on our skin, the ingredients will be absorbed into the body.  Safe alternatives to the products you mention are coconut oil for lubrication and "Women's Replenishing Oil" from Dancing Willow Herbs for atrophy and other issues.

2Timothy17

I heard that they have opened an arm of the Phase1 Sorcimed trial at MD Anderson. 

Hi Alexandra:

I joined this board two years ago and posted frequently in the beginning; the last year I have lurked.  I was there at the Ovarian Cancer Patient Education Day on May 25th and I also live in Toronto (North York).

I really enjoyed the day and learned a few things.  You have given a very good overview of the event.

I was DX'd in May of 2010, had optimal debulking by a gyn-onc at North York General Hospital and six sessions of chemo.  Today, at age 68, I am doing well and in remission and fervently hoping this happy state of affairs will last.

I  do seem to recall someone from the audience mentioning Metformin (probably you) and they sort of glossed over that, I noticed.  I am on Metformin for Type 2 diabetes (2 a day).  I have read on other forums that Metformin could perhaps prevent recurrences.

I really appreciate and enjoy reading your very thoughtful and well-informed posts.

English Gal (Ann)

Alexandra said:

Hello Ann. Congratulations on the 3 years NED!

Glad to meet a fellow Canadian. I live in Maple (next to Wonderland).

Yep, I was asking tons of questions with a heavy Russian accent. About Metformin too. I am taking 2x500mg a day and I'm not diabetic. Dr. Vicus didn't give an answer even though she co-wrote an article on it.

Enjoy your summer travels and come back to this board all refreshed in the fall. We'll be here minding the store.

Thanks for coming in, Alexandra.   As mentioned before, I hail from North York, I live in the area of Yonge/Sheppard.  It's nice to find a fellow Canuck!  I really do think there is something to this Metformin perhaps preventing recurrence.  I don't think it's doing us any harm anyway.  I take two Metformin pills day.

I met a lady at the seminar from Alliston, Sally, 64 years of age who was DX'd at  the same time as me but is having a recurrence.  Her partner, Mark was very nice.  We are exchanging emails and hope to get together when I've finished my summer travels.  It would be lovely to get together with you too.

Ann