Broaching the subject: Partners of cancer patients have needs, too.

Broaching the subject

December 19, 2006

Partners of cancer patients have needs, too. But often they feel
selfish for asking, or clueless about how to start a conversation about
sex. Here are some ideas. But remember: Sexuality and intimacy include
far more than intercourse.

"Honey, I miss being close to you."

"I love the way it feels when we lie together. Can I just hold
you?"

"Can I rub your back?"

"Would you like to take a shower together?"

"Would it be OK if I rubbed lotion into your scar?"

"I've really missed having sex with you. Is this something we can
talk about now that you seem to be feeling better?"

- Source: Hester Hill Schnipper, "After Breast Cancer," Bantam
Books, $16.


SEXUALLY SPEAKING: RESOURCES
PRODUCTS

Sexual enhancement: Pure Romance offers certified consultants trained
to help women facing cancer find appropriate lubricants, toys and skin
care through their Sexuality, Sensuality, Survival program. Call (612)
419-6807 or check www.pureromance.com/sss:


UNMENTIONABLES

This new Minneapolis boutique, an extension of Extrados spa, offers
post-surgery fittings of the finest lingerie in a private and
comfortable setting. Call (612) 920-0227 or check www.extrados.com.

Removable nipple enhancers: www.bodyperks.com.

Post-mastectomy lingerie and swimwear: www.amoena.com.

BOOKS

"After Breast Cancer," Hester Hill Schnipper, updated 2006.

"Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book," updated 2005.

"Breast Cancer Husband," Marc Silver, 2004.

"Making Love Again: Hope for Couples Facing Loss of Sexual
Intimacy," Virginia and Keith Laken, 2002.

WEB SITES

American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org.

American Foundation for Urologic Disease: www.afud.org.

Is there a book for when the man is impotent and the wife is satisfied
with things being that way? (


NICK wrote:
> Broaching the subject
>
> December 19, 2006
>
> Partners of cancer patients have needs, too. But often they feel
> selfish for asking, or clueless about how to start a conversation about
> sex. Here are some ideas. But remember: Sexuality and intimacy include
> far more than intercourse.
>
> "Honey, I miss being close to you."
>
> "I love the way it feels when we lie together. Can I just hold
> you?"
>
> "Can I rub your back?"
>
> "Would you like to take a shower together?"
>
> "Would it be OK if I rubbed lotion into your scar?"
>
> "I've really missed having sex with you. Is this something we can
> talk about now that you seem to be feeling better?"
>
> - Source: Hester Hill Schnipper, "After Breast Cancer," Bantam
> Books, $16.
>
>
> SEXUALLY SPEAKING: RESOURCES
> PRODUCTS
>
> Sexual enhancement: Pure Romance offers certified consultants trained
> to help women facing cancer find appropriate lubricants, toys and skin
> care through their Sexuality, Sensuality, Survival program. Call (612)
> 419-6807 or check www.pureromance.com/sss:
>
>
> UNMENTIONABLES
>
> This new Minneapolis boutique, an extension of Extrados spa, offers
> post-surgery fittings of the finest lingerie in a private and
> comfortable setting. Call (612) 920-0227 or check www.extrados.com.
>
> Removable nipple enhancers: www.bodyperks.com.
>
> Post-mastectomy lingerie and swimwear: www.amoena.com.
>
> BOOKS
>
> "After Breast Cancer," Hester Hill Schnipper, updated 2006.
>
> "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book," updated 2005.
>
> "Breast Cancer Husband," Marc Silver, 2004.
>
> "Making Love Again: Hope for Couples Facing Loss of Sexual
> Intimacy," Virginia and Keith Laken, 2002.
>
> WEB SITES
>
> American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org.
>
> American Foundation for Urologic Disease: www.afud.org.