Too private?

Ladies, it has been more than  a year since I  checked in on the BCNA site.So I was so pleased to see this discussion on vaginal dryness.  I finished my breast cancer treatment nearly 3 years ago and I have really struggled with vaginal dryness and atrophy.  Like others I was directed to various lubricants and vagifem.  It wasn't just intercourse that was impossible some days walking was uncomfortable.  I am nearly finished a course of the Mona Lisa procedure with good effect.  I was also plagued with what seemed like thrush and was finally diagnosed with Vulvar Lichen Sclerosis.  Treating this has also greatly improved my comfort.  Intercourse is still not possible due to pain - but at least I can walk!!  I agree that vaginal dryness is often dismissed as not serious but the loss of libido and  intercourse being impossible has been one of the sadest side effects of treatment.   Your would think that not having breasts would be the main showstopper for intermacy but that was manageable.  Once I started on the oestrogen blocker was the beginning of the end of a relaxing sex life.    My oncologist tells me I'll be on Tamoxifen for the rest of my life so   no count down to 5 years for me and the hope of symptom relief.

Lichen Sclerosis was not a side effect of the oestrogen blocker but was made worse by the vag. dryness.  That's a good reminder to not blame all sysptoms on your treatment.  Lucky us we can still get routine problems as well.

Thanks so much for the posting.  There is comfort in knowing you are not the only one struggling.

Anna B