June is National Cancer Survivors Month – a time to recognize and honor the strength of those who have faced cancer.
Cancer survivorship encompasses the experience of an individual and their caregivers, from the time of cancer diagnosis until the end of life. It’s a broad concept that includes the physical, psychological, social, and financial effects of cancer, as well as the impact of treatment and the ongoing need for monitoring and support.
Surviving cancer and its treatment doesn’t mean everything goes back to normal when it is completed. For many, it’s the start of a whole new chapter—one that brings emotional ups and downs, changes to the body, shifting roles in relationships, and a slow process of rediscovery.
At Intimate Pathways, we believe healing after cancer treatment isn’t just about what your body has been through—it’s also about how your heart, mind, and relationships continue to heal. This month, we’re talking about common challenges survivors face and sharing simple, caring ways to support yourself, your partner, or someone you love.
Emotional Health: The Feelings That Linger
Even after treatment is over, emotions like sadness, grief, worry, or fear of cancer coming back can stick around. Some people feel like they *should* be fine, but the truth is, healing emotionally takes time.
- For individuals: Try journaling or talking with a trusted—naming your feelings can help ease the weight.
- For couples: Set aside time each week to talk about how you’re both doing emotionally—no fixing, just listening.
- For caregivers: Your feelings matter, too. Support groups can give you space to be heard and supported.
Recommended Resources:
Mind-Body Connection: Learning to Trust Your Body Again
Cancer can make you feel disconnected from your body. Pain, numbness, or scars may leave you feeling like a stranger to yourself.
- For individuals: try different breathing techniques to increase oxygen to all the body, gentle and progressive stretching, or other mind-exercises to get back in touch with how your body feels—without judgment.
- For couples: Moving together, like going on walks or doing light stretching, can help you reconnect.
- For caregivers: Just being present in a calm, steady way can help ground someone who feels disconnected.
Recommended Resources:
Hydration & Nutrition: Feeding the Body with Care
After cancer, eating and drinking might feel different. You might not have much of an appetite, or food just doesn’t taste the same. But staying hydrated and nourished is still really important.
- For individuals: Sip water often, and aim for small, healthy meals. Pay attention to what smells, textures, tastes, and temperatures feel good to you.
- For couples: Cooking or sharing meals together can turn eating into a moment of care and connection.
- For caregivers: Offer favorite foods without pressure. Simple and comforting is often best.
Recommended Resources:
- Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment: Answers to Common Questions
- Nutrition During Cancer Treatment
Physical Recovery: Redefining What Strong Looks Like
Even when cancer treatment ends, tiredness, soreness, or weakness can linger. Progress may be slow, and that’s okay.
- For individuals: Set small movement goals, like a short walk, and notice your progress.
- For couples: Dance in the kitchen, stretch together, or explore gentle ways to enjoy movement again.
- For caregivers: Go at their pace. Joining your person provides gentle encouragement that goes a long way.
Recommended Resources:
Fatigue: The Kind of Tired That Doesn’t Go Away with Sleep
Cancer-related fatigue is different from everyday tiredness. It can affect your thinking, mood, and motivation—and rest alone might not fix it.
- For individuals: Notice what drains your energy and what helps, and give yourself permission to rest.
- For couples: Plan time together when energy is higher, and rest together when needed.
- For caregivers: Be patient. This isn’t about laziness; it’s a real part of recovery.
Recommended Resources:
Body Image and Rediscovery
Changes like hair loss, scars, or weight shifts can really impact how you see yourself. It takes time to feel comfortable in your skin again.
- For individuals: Start small. Find one thing about your body you can appreciate today.
- For couples: Say kind, honest things to each other. Intimacy is about presence, not just appearance.
- For caregivers: Remind your loved one they are more than their body—and that you see their beauty.
Recommended Resources:
- How Cancer Affects Your Self-Image and Sexuality
- Reclaiming Self: Navigating Identity and Body Image After a Cancer Diagnosis
Sexual Body Health: Saying Yes to Reconnection
Sexuality often changes during and after cancer. You may feel different in your body, experience pain or dryness, or just not feel in the mood. That’s normal—and okay.
- For individuals: Reconnect with your body slowly, through gentle touch, breath, or using a vibrator or dilator if it helps.
- For couples: Try tools like a “yes, no, maybe” list to explore intimacy in a new way. Take the pressure off.
- For caregivers: Approach conversations about intimacy with care and patience—not urgency or expectation.
Recommended Resources:
- Sexual Health and Intimacy Issues Affecting Couples After Cancer
- A Better Normal: Your Guide to Rediscovering Intimacy After Cancer
Relational Health: Finding Each Other Again
Cancer can change relationship roles. Sometimes, partners feel more like patients and caregivers than lovers or friends. Finding your way back takes time and intention.
- For individuals: Take time to reflect on how cancer changed you—and share those thoughts.
- For couples: Plan time together that’s *not* about cancer. Play, laugh, or just enjoy being together again.
- For caregivers: You matter, too. It’s okay to focus on your own needs and identity again.
Recommended Resources:
Final Thoughts
To all cancer survivors and their caregivers, may we hold this important message closely: survivorship is NOT a finish line; it’s an ongoing, lifelong journey of healing, rediscovery, and growth. Whether you’re navigating the emotional waves, rebuilding intimacy, or reclaiming a sense of self, know that you are not alone.
At Intimate Pathways, we stand with you—with compassion, expertise, and hope. Your story matters. Your healing matters. And your joy is worth nurturing.
If you or a loved one needs support, we’re here to walk beside you.
With hope and gratitude,
Traci
Need support?
We offer individual and couple sessions to help with sexual health, emotional healing, and connection after cancer. Reach out to schedule a consultation, and follow us on Facebook.