Intimacy after (male) breast cancer

Posted by Arvind Natarajan @malebreastcancer47, Jan 1 3:30pm

My NYE did not go well, specifically for my girlfriend. Though I have been transparent with her, on my lack of desire for intimacy, she found out the hard way when I said No repeatedly. The relationship also ended.

Before breast cancer, I was active, however after cancer, chemo and tamoxifen, 10 mg, zero desire to do anything, even show interest. I lack energy, and the energy comes in waves.

Is there anyone that is feeling the way I am. And is there a cure for showing desire? I do not know what other male breast cancer survivors have experienced.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer: Managing Symptoms Support Group.

kenc | @kenc | Jan 4 2:19pm

Have you discussed your symptom with your doctor?

Arvind Natarajan | @malebreastcancer47 | Jan 4 2:30pm

In reply to @kenc "Have you discussed your symptom with your doctor?" + (show)

@kenc Sent my oncology team an update. They knew about the side effects with 20 mg, and said #1 reason why men and women stop taking Tamoxifen is due to loss of libido. What I did not know until this girl friend shared, how I came across before ending the relationship.
I do not want more meds to counter. As dick61 said, have to push on and do your best to tolerate.
I am also diabetic and taking mounjaro. I manage several meds, some days, I cannot get out of bed to go to work. Without any support, I do my best to understand the symptoms and share with Mayo.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 7 8:29pm

In reply to @malebreastcancer47 "@kenc Sent my oncology team an update. They knew about the side effects with 20 mg,..." + (show)

@malebreastcancer47, you may also be interested in this (somewhat) related discussion:
- Men with breast cancer: Your experience wth hormonal therapy? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/male-breast-cancer/

Arvind Natarajan | @malebreastcancer47 | Jan 7 8:48pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@malebreastcancer47, you may also be interested in this (somewhat) related discussion: - Men with breast cancer:..." + (show)

@colleenyoung
I researched the alt meds. Thank you for the link. Very informative.
Leuprolide is for prostate cancer.
Letrozole is an alternative to Tamoxifen if the patient cannot tolerate Tamoxifen.

When I was interviewed for the podcast, a breast cancer researcher, from Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Dr Jose Pablo Leone, said Tamoxifen is the first prescribed med for men and has data to prove its effectiveness. However, women with breast cancer have more options.

My last visit to Mayo in Oct, my oncology team suggested other treatments however after hearing the side effects, I would need to quit my job to self-care. I will stick with Tamoxifen and pray.