This is Real Talk, a new podcast series where we’re going to break down the stigmas and feelings of embarrassment and talk openly and honestly about just how difficult breast cancer can be – from diagnosis, to treatment, to living with metastatic breast cancer, to life after treatment ends.    

Today’s episode is part of a collaboration between Susan G. Komen and Young Survival Coalition on the ways breast cancer treatment affects a woman’s connection with her body. Depending on the treatment she needs, a woman can struggle physically with the way she looks and feels sexually due to hormonal and emotional changes. These are shared experiences across ages and races. Today, I’m excited to welcome Dr. Kristin Rojas, Shanae Ollison and Kyneitres Good to talk about the intimate changes women experience from their breast cancer treatment and getting comfortable with a different version of themselves.

Dr. Rojas is a breast surgical oncologist and a national leader in treating sexual dysfunction in women receiving cancer treatment. She even identifies herself on Instagram as a #sexaftercancer expert. I love that. We’re honored to have you with us today.

And welcome Kyneitres and Shanae. Shanae was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer last year at age 34. She became involved with Young Survival Coalition during her search for a supportive group of women who could relate to what she was going through. And Kyneitres, I know you’ve had trouble feeling feminine and sexy following your treatment and work hard at reconnecting with yourself.

Dr. Rojas, I’m going to ask you to start this conversation around Getting Sexy Back by explaining some of the changes women experience during their treatment that causes sexual dysfunction and how they feel about being intimate.