What can we expect in terms of symptoms and side effects from my partner's treatment?

Part of being a good source of support for your partner is understanding how cancer and cancer treatments are affecting him or her, both physically and psychologically. It is important that you are aware of how the cancer treatment may affect your partner’s body.

WOMEN

For young women going through chemotherapy or radiation, the concern is not only the impact of cancer therapy on fertility, but also the impact on her overall health.

The ovary really has two purposes: (1) to produce eggs for reproduction, and (2) to provide a number of hormones that are necessary for a healthy body. When a woman undergoes cancer therapy that impacts the ovary, both the eggs and the production of hormones may be affected. Changes in the levels of these hormones can lead to menopause-like symptoms such as weight gain, insomnia, and hot flashes. These symptoms come about not because of the chemotherapy, but because the ovaries have lost the ability to produce essential hormones.

Because cancer therapy may suppress normal reproductive function, your partner may stop menstruating during treatment. For some women, this occurs only during treatment, and the menstrual cycle resumes once treatment is completed. Other women, however, experience a permanent loss of the menstrual cycle. Being able to help your partner think through and cope with the consequences of the loss of normal reproductive function is important and should be explored.

MEN

Cancer therapy may not only harm sperm production, but may cause changes in testosterone, which can lead to a lower libido and difficulty having or keeping an erection. Psychologically, the stress and anxiety of having a cancer diagnosis could significantly affect the way your partner feels about himself and his relationship to you. It is important that you anticipate these effects of cancer treatment so that you can provide logical and sensitive support if and when they arise.

It's important that you be patient with your partner. Understand that most men do recover normal libido and normal erections after cancer treatment. Also, most men preserve their ability, naturally or otherwise, to reproduce after cancer treatment.