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Intimacy after (male) breast cancer
Cancer: Managing Symptoms | Last Active: Jan 7 8:48pm | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
Be careful with medical advice from respondents! Ketamine and SSRI antidepressants might not mix well with even a low dose of tamoxifen!! I have the CHEK 2 gene and have already been treated with proton radiation for prostate cancer and had a mastectomy and 3 positive nodes--all at the MN Mayo. My breast cancer physician told me in no uncertain terms that I was to take 20 mg of tamoxifen for 10 years! Tamoxifen killed my libido and even my appreciation of young, sexy girls. It's a nasty drug and destroys all romantic feelings. My wife has struggled with my sudden, unemotional nature. She feels rejected. However, we decided that my chance of avoiding a recurrence of breast cancer using 20 mg of tamoxifen was maximized and worth the absence of my being affectionate, etc. Surround yourself with good friends (I have lots of bridge buddies)! There are no simple answers.
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@dick61 Thank you for your honesty.
I was being very tough on myself, thinking I had intentionally hurt my girlfriend with rude behavior, and lack of intimacy. Thankfully I have great friends that knew me better. I lost my drive when I turned 40 but after cancer it got much worse. Moodiness and no desire to leaving my home, except to go to work and when I am home, I am reclusive. It was the relationship that prompted to ask my Mayo team if I could change medication or dose.
I am also diabetic, started taking Mounjaro and it has its own set of side effects, combined with Tamoxifen, gives me menopause but less now due to lower cancer med dose.
Would love to stay in touch. I keep in contact with one other male breast cancer survivor in Cleveland. He took Tamoxifen for 7 yrs but also a testosterone med. He is married, has kids that support him. I unfortunately do not have support, but have a good therapist and a Mayo cousin to keep me going.
I was interviewed last May for a cancer podcast. The link is in my profile. Its my way to pay it forward for men fearful of sharing their diagnosis.