Episode 13 - Sex After Cancer: How do I feel “normal” again

Sex & Wellness with Dr. Mary

Let’s talk about sex after cancer with Tara Galeano this week. She is an author, a sex therapist, and a speaker. When Tara and I connected, one of the biggest things that we talked about was how she helped people understand their bodies and navigate their bodies post-cancer regarding the sexual aspect.
I got a letter from Maya, who is 47 years old and is 12 months post-chemo and mastectomy. She asked, “How do I get back to having sex after cancer? I am feeling really uncomfortable in my body.” I am a cancer survivor myself so I am very excited about sharing this episode with you! Nobody really provided me information about sex post-cancer so if you, too, are a cancer survivor, this episode is for you!
Let’s talk about:

00:35 – Introduction to today’s guest

00:58 – What is Tara’s specialization and why am I excited for this episode

01:57 – Introduction to the topic

02:23 – Tara’s initial take on the topic

03:54 – Sharing my own experience when I was diagnosed with cancer

05:23 – How did Tara get into this aspect of sexual health

08:47 – The most common complain Tara hears in cancer patients having issues with sex

12:03 – How does Tara deal with issues that arise in terms of intimacy between partners when a woman undergoes cancer treatment

15:04 – How does Tara deal with women who have/had cancer and are suffering from low self-esteem and low confidence

20:38 – A discussion on going to therapy during cancer treatment

22:23 – Tara’s take on someone getting mastectomy

24:17- Discussion on neuroplasticity being able to create new erogenous zones in one’s body

29:38 –Discussion on allowing yourself to feel negative emotions to be able to go past it and move on

33:23 – The best way to support your partner during and post cancer

36:35 – One other thing that Tara sees in women who have cancer coming to her class

39:01 – Discussion on default pattern, thoughts, anxiety and meditation

45:06 – Tara’s take on dating and/or having sex after going through a huge phase in your life

49:15 – Conclusion
If you want to connect with Tara, check her websites here – taragaleano.com and rediscoveringmybody.com.

If you have any other questions or topics you want to talk about, send me a message on Instagram. And if you loved this episode, please leave me a rating and a comment with your feedback. Please share this with your friends and loved ones, too!

I also have a free resource for you if you're struggling with bladder urgency: https://resilient-rx.com/bladderdiary/

I’ll see you in two weeks!