Lillian Simpson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, AOCNP
Certified Oncology Nurse - Radiation
CHI Health Regional Cancer Center, Good Samaritan
- What safety precautions during active chemotherapy AND/OR radiation should be taken when participating in intimacy acts? How long should they be implemented for? (i.e. Open mouth kissing, sexual intercourse, skin to skin hugging, caregiver assisted showering/toileting)
From a radiation standpoint, there are no restrictions on intimacy. Radiation does not pose a risk to anyone around you. The breast may feel more tender or painful and the skin over the treated breast may become irritated but this would not preclude a person from engaging in these activities. If you do develop these side effects, they typically improve within 2-4 weeks after the completion of radiation.
- What medications or treatment CAN be transferred to a partner through bodily fluids?
With breast radiation you are not at risk to anyone around you and cannot transfer radiation to others.
- Are there types of sexual acts that should be avoided during active treatment? (i.e. Oral, penetrative, anal, etc)
Breast radiation does not restrict any sexual intimacy or act.
- How do estrogen suppressing medications impact drive and health of vaginal tissues?
This does not apply to radiation.
- Many individuals with limited sensation still seek opportunities to enjoy self care activities (i.e. Pedicure, manicure, massage). Are there products or services that breast cancer patients must avoid or be cautious of? (i.e. High water temperatures, essential oils, vigorous scrubbing, hot stones, hormonal lubricates) How long should these be avoided?
We encourage our patients to continue living their life, however there are few restrictions during radiation. Some herbal supplements may interact or decrease the effectiveness of radiation. We also do not recommend getting any IV doses of certain vitamins during radiation for the same reason. Make sure your radiation oncologist reviews your medications and supplements. Additionally if you develop certain side effects you may have some restrictions to promote recovery and healing. For example, if the skin peels or becomes open you need to keep it clean, well moisturized, and limit irritation.
- How does your clinic/organization address sexual health and intimacy?
See below
- Do you discuss intimacy questions regarding body image for pre/post surgical mastectomy patients?
Answer to 6 & 7
We are here to support our patients in all aspects of health. If the patient has specific questions or concerns, we are happy to discuss them. Additionally, we screen all patients for any type of distress using a screening tool that includes sexual health and intimacy. If a patient indicates sex and intimacy as a concern, we work with them to address concerns and provide support. Our clinic also has a mental health provider available to our patients who can help address body image. We also offer a survivorship program called, “A Time to Heal” that addresses many topics of survivorship including intimacy and offers patients a safe place for discussion and connecting with others going through similar life events. Lastly when we discuss these issues we can and will refer to appropriate providers, i.e. pelvic floor physical therapists, menopause specialists and endocrinologist if needed.
- What time period should an individual wait after mastectomy to perform self exploration with vibration and/or soft touch?
This does not pertain to radiation oncology and would need to be answered by a surgeon.
