Love, Connection, and Everything in Between
February is supposed to be about love... from a partner, family, friends, or yourself. But for many of us living with breast cancer, whether in treatment, long after diagnosis, or with metastatic disease, love can look different now, partnered or not. Relationships shift. Bodies change. Futures may feel uncertain. And still, the need for connection remains. Maybe more than ever.
This month, we're exploring the real conversations: when intimacy changes, when dating feels tender, when self-love is complicated, and when caregiving reshapes relationships. Whether you're grieving what feels lost, navigating something new, or simply meeting yourself where you are — you're not alone. And many in our community have found that these challenges can also open unexpected doors: deeper vulnerability, creative intimacy, and new ways of connecting.
If any of this resonates, we invite you to share your thoughts with us below.
Comments
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I loved my breast, as large as they were (44DD) the magical beautiful twins were part of me and how I viewed myself as a woman. Since my surgery, I have shared my story with two men I trusted and thought I could have a long term relationship with. One wanted to see them often like they were some unique creatures and the other would hold me at night but said the he wanted me to be more expressive sexually. I couldn't express myself with the latter guy, even though I liked him and had deep feelings. I didn't feel sexy anymore, his touch did not always arouse me. I felt intimately inadequate . I tried but I couldn't. There was no excitement on my part. I am now single and have been for a while. I am hoping that one day my sexual drive will return. I understand the sex is part of a healthy relationship. I have grown to like my new body for me but I do desire to have a man in my life.
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I have to say I'm so fortunate to have a caring and understanding partner who has been there for me every step of the way through the "dumpster fire" that has been my diagnosis and treatment. It hurts me that he has to endure this especially after losing both parents to cancer.
While I realize losing my breasts was the price of survival, and my rational brain gets it, when it comes to my sexuality I feel so ugly and broken. The side effects of treatment along with the surgical alterations of my body have affected me far more that I imagined they would.
We still enjoy spending time together and my husband is always there to hug me, hold my hand and tell me he's so grateful to still have me. I feel like I have let him down. This not how I imagined our lives would be. It's been a year and a half, but it's still so hard. I mourn for our old life.
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