The Elephant in the Room is Cancer. Tea is the Relief Conversation Provides.

Sexuality

Sexuality, wellness and fertility are topics that aren’t talked about enough but are extremely important to the AYA cancer community.  Check out stories and experiences that can help educate you on what to expect with sexual health, fertility and wellness.  Have an experience or story that you’d like to share with the community?  Let us know about it!

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Intimate Issues with Marloe: Your Brain in the Bedroom

by Marloe Esch RN, BSN, OCN July 8, 2021

While it’s true that the physiological aspects of sexual functioning, like vaginal lubrication, erection, and orgasm, are impacted in part by both our hormones and the health of the blood vessels and nerves that supply our nether-regions, that’s not the whole story. 

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Embody Your Body

by Marloe Esch RN, BSN, OCN March 14, 2021

Cancer is not just life-changing; it can be body-altering as well.  We lose body parts to surgery and our hair with chemo.  We acquire scars, develop lymphedema, and experience weight fluctuations. 

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Even Cancer Patients Like Sex

by Amanda Ferraro February 7, 2021

I know this topic is peculiar to talk about but as an adult it is a natural occurrence. Let’s talk about sex! I know you squirmed a little bit reading that and to be honest I am a little uncomfortable too, but I do not know why.

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Sexy Soul Search

by Cat Phillips November 16, 2020

In 2010 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and then breast cancer in 2011. I went through chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, as well as holistic and integrative treatments.

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Dating After Cancer: The Disclosure Dilemma

by Marloe Esch RN, BSN, OCN October 26, 2020

The idea of getting close to someone new after a cancer diagnosis can be nerve-wracking.  I mean, cancer has changed so many things already; what if it’s also changed what a romantic relationship could look like? 

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Speaking of Sex: Be H.E.A.R.D.!

by Marloe Esch RN, BSN, OCN June 29, 2020

But often, such conversations are an important and necessary part of addressing any worries, concerns, or questions you might have about your sex life.  Cancer can change how our bodies look or how they respond to sexual touch, how we feel about our appearance, and our interest in being sexual.  And yeah, bringing up any of these sensitive topics with your partner can feel really awkward.  But is it impossible?  Of course not!  

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Sex Ed for Survivors: Safety First!

by Marloe Esch RN, BSN, OCN March 2, 2020

Safer sex practices are an important part of staying healthy, regardless of your age, gender, sexual orientation, relationship status…or cancer status!  But what does “safer sex” mean in the context of a cancer diagnosis? 

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The Devastation Is Unforgivable

by Chantale Thurston December 26, 2019

Finding out about you was one of the two worst days of my life. My mind went into panic as I had lost my dad to you just seven months before and my father in law was told about you invading him just a mere six days before I heard the words.

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A Goodbye Letter to my Breasts

by Marloe Esch RN, BSN, OCN December 16, 2019

I guess I owe you an apology.  I’m sorry it took me so damn long to love you for what you were.Remember when I was little, and I ran around with balled up napkins and water balloons under my shirt?

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There is Nothing Pink and Pretty with Breast Cancer

by Jacqueline Cashman October 24, 2019

There is nothing pink and pretty about breast cancer…. Way back in 2003 I lost my mum to breast cancer, they say they “lost their battle” like they didn’t fight quite hard enough, I disagree, it’s purely luck, you either survive or you don’t. I feel it is quite a harsh term, nobody wants to […]

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