SEXUALITY AND GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER: SEX SURVIVAL STRATEGIES
• Don’t place unrealistic expectations on yourself-discuss with each other what aspects of intimacy and sex you can cope with at each phase of your recovery• Have a very supportive partner whom can act as an advocate in consultations, particularly when you are not well enough to think clearly• Maintain a sense of humour – try and build in times for laughter and relaxation with your partner and others who can laugh with you during this tumultuous time• Try to accept the changes in your physical appearance as necessary to preserving your life – most partners will be relieved you are still living• Try to feel better about your physical appearance -buy some hats, new clothes, make-up, fragrance, facial. Ask friends to donate some of these as gifts instead of flowers. The physical outcomes of treatment (hair/weight loss) may be the hardest things to cope with• Participate in a free ‘Look Good, Feel Better’ session at your treatment centre – does wonders for the soul and reminds you that you are still a ‘glamour puss!’• Pamper your partner as well as yourself- as often as possible! This is the one time when you both deserve extra attention• Communicate, communicate, communicate*44/144/5*
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