Corel Medical Series: Cancer/Corel Medical Series: Cancer.iso/mac/Program/p23.dxr/00052_Field_SRC.p23.C.26.txt

Text File | 1997-02-04 | 2KB | 18 lines

  like a burden. But take one day at a time and be patient. Sexual interest and feelings will probably come back
  when the immediate crisis has passed.
• Share your feelings.  Making relationships work is a task we all face, but it can be made more difficult by
  worries about our worth and attractiveness. Whether you are looking for a new relationship or already have a
  regular partner, you may find yourself in the position of having to share your sexual feelings with someone,
  perhaps for the first time.
      This sharing may feel awkward at first. Learning how and when to talk about sexual issues may not come
  easily. You may feel shy or nervous about exploring new and different ways of finding sexual pleasure. You
  may wait for your partner to make the first move while your partner is waiting for you to make the advances.
  This familiar waiting game is often misunderstood as rejection by both people. It may be frightening to think
  of breaking the silence yourself. Yet a good move is to make the first move. Try sharing some of the myths or
  expectations you grew up with about sexuality. Often this is humorous and may break the ice in starting a
  frank discussion about your sexual needs and concerns. Try not to make broad, generalized statements. Talk
  about what is important to you and about how you feel. The payoff is greater understanding of each other's
  needs and concerns, and that is worth the effort.
• Expect the unexpected.  The first time you have sex after treatment, physical limitations or fears about your
  performance, appearance or rejection may keep you from focusing on the sheer pleasure of physical contact.
  On the other hand, you may be surprised by unfamiliar pleasurable sensations. If you expect some changes as