Having cancer can change a person's life in both big and small ways. The healthcare professionals at the Division of Gynecology Oncology know first hand what it's like to live with cancer day-in and day-out.
In addition to patient care, healthcare professionals The Division of Gynecologic Oncology are available to provide information, education and support and guidance to living well with cancer. Living with cancer involves more than the physical aspects of dealing with the disease.
In addition, The James cancer partner, The Columbus Cancer Clinic, offers workshops and events for cancer patients and their families through their program. The Wellness Community.
Here are some additional resources for patients, family, friends and even co-workers:
Cancer patients should follow their doctor's recommendations for follow-up care, including regular physical examinations and avoidance of lifestyle risk factors.
SEXUALITY AND CANCER
Having cancer of the female reproductive system and being treated for that cancer can cause a woman to become concerned about her sexuality. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may affect how a woman feels about herself and her sexuality. Sexuality is more than just the act of sexual intercourse. It involves a woman's thoughts and feeling. Each woman' sexuality is unique to her.
Doctors and nurses a The Division of Gynecology Oncology are available to discuss concern in a private, one-on-one setting. Any of the support group facilitators at The JamesCare for Life can also provide more information.
Following are some of the more commonly asked questions women ask about sexuality and their gynecologic cancer:
Can I give someone else this disease?
No, cancer is not catching. You cannot give cancer to your partner by hugging, kissing, touching or having intercourse. There is not possible way you can give any kind of cancer to anyone else.
Sometimes I'm just tired or I simply don't feel well. How do I let my partner know that I still care about him?
Your cancer or your treatments may make you feel tired. You may not want to have sex. Be honest with your partner about your feelings. You can still be close with your partner by touching, hugging, stroking or massaging. Loving words or gestures are other ways to express your feelings.
I find intercourse to be painful. Is there anything that can help?
Vulvar dryness may be a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Lubricating jellies may make intercourse easier. Vulvar lubricating jellies can be bought at the drug store. Ask your doctor to suggest something for you to use. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful, too. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of HRT.
Is there anything I can do about vulvar drainage or odor?
You may have vulvar drainage after radiation therapy or surgery or because of your disease. Good perineal (the area around the vagina and rectum) care is an important part of cleanliness and controlling vulvar odor. Do not douche without talking to your doctor first.
If I'm getting radiation therapy as part of my treatment, am I "radioactive"?
There are two types of radiation therapy used to treat cancers of the female reproductive system. The first type is external beam radiation. External beam radiation is given from outside the body. With external radiation therapy, you are not radioactive so your partner will not get any radiation.
The other type of radiation used is internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy. Cesium or other types of radioactive sources are a form of internal radiation therapy. These are called internal implants. While the implants are in your body, special precautions must be taken. If you are to be treated with internal radiation implants, you will be given more specific information about these precautions. When the implants are removed you are not radioactive so your partner will not get any radiation.
Is it all right for me to have sex during or after treatments?
That depends on your treatment. The safest rule is to always ask your doctor. People who have had surgery usually should wait 4 to 6 weeks after surgery before having intercourse again. Your doctor will examine you to make sure that you are healed from our surgery. Ask your doctor when it is safe to have sex If sex is uncomfortable, there are things that you can do to make it more comfortable, such as trying to different positions or making sure to nap before sex. Talk with your nurse about it and be sure to include your partner in any discussion.
Will treatment affect my periods?
Perhaps. Ask your doctor or nurse how your treatment will affect you periods. If you have had surgery to remove your uterus (womb) or ovaries, your menstrual periods will stop. Also, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may affect your ovaries. The treatment may stop you from ovulating or releasing eggs every month. If this happens, then you will not have periods.
Will my periods start again after I stop treatment?
If you have had surgery to remove your uterus and/or ovaries, you will never again have a period. With external beam radiation therapy, your periods will usually stop during or soon after you finish your treatments. There's no way to know if or when your periods may start again. Your periods may stop during your chemotherapy treatments. Most chemotherapy drugs will stop your periods permanently.
What will happen to me if my periods stop?
If you ovaries have stopped working, you may have a few side effects. You may have hot flashes, vulvar dryness or vulvar bleeding with intercourse. Hot flashes are a sign that your ovaries are no longer producing enough estrogen. Estrogen is a female hormone. Hot flashes are not a serious problem for most women. Talk with your doctor about what you can do to decrease hot flashes. Also, the lining of the vagina may become thin after some cancer treatments. Vulvar bleeding may occur during intercourse. Your doctor may prescribe a hormone cream to help keep the tissues soft and to decrease thinning.
Should I use birth control while I'm being treated?
You shouldn't become pregnant while receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy. If you have not gone through menopause, you should use some type of birth. There are many types of birth control. These include condoms, vulvar foams, oral contraceptives, vulvar sponges or diaphragms. Your nurse can give you information on any of these methods. Discuss the best method for you with your doctor.
Can I get pregnant aft I finish my treatment?
Whether or not you can get pregnant depends on the ability of your ovaries and uterus to function. If you ovaries and uterus have been removed by surgery or damaged by radiation therapy, you will not be able to get pregnant. Women who have received chemotherapy should discuss the timing of a pregnancy with their doctor.
