Every October the appearance of pink reminds us of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink pops up on everything from the White House to the NFL to help increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research. ELLE magazine shared a helpful article listing 15 products that will donate proceeds from their purchases to research for helping this cause.

According to BreastCancer.org, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over their lifetime. This means that chances are we all know someone who has been affected by this disease.  And more women than ever before are choosing to have mastectomies as a preventative measure.

What happens if you’re in a relationship with someone who’s had a mastectomy?

Often breast cancer and mastectomies strongly affect both members in a relationship. And post mastectomy passion can be difficult to regain for both parties.

So what can you do to feel sexy again? Just like anything else in life, this will be a journey that is best taken one step at a time.

Step 1: Focus on the Good

Accept that things will be different. Cherish your strong partnership. And one way to remember the sexiness and love of your relationship is to share one reason every day that you find your partner sexy. Does the curve of her neck make you swoon? Does the softness of his lips make your heart flutter? Find ways every day to share your loving acceptance with each other.

Step 2: Start Slow

A women’s breast and nipples are home to a lot of sexual nerve endings that send signals to other sensitive erogenous zones. After a mastectomy, this area could lose these pleasurable sensations or possibly be the source of pain. This is why having open communication with your partner is so important. Let your partner know what changes you’re experiencing and together discuss other options that can make up for lost pleasure in this area.

Step 3: Begin with Sensual Massage

Touch is healing. And according to the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley touch is also the primary means for spreading compassion.

My top choice for a sensual massage is a soy massage candle. Not only will the soft glow from the candle automatically set a sexy mood, soy heats to a warm temperature that is soothing and sensual on the skin.

Pictured here, the Jimmyjane AFTERGLOW Massage Oil Candle engages all your senses for an unforgettable massage. Coupled with the Jimmyjane Contour M Massage Stone, you can enjoy a personal hot stone massage right in your own home.

Step 4: Kiss, Kiss, and Kiss

Your lips also have a neurological connection to your genitals, just as your nipples did. This means kissing is now an important part of foreplay and sex play.

To truly make yourself a kissable treat, try a flavored lip balm with a nourishing formula that will leave an irresistible, sexy scent and sweet, kissable taste on your skin.

Step 5: Explore Your Senses

Part of your recovery process will be to make your connection with your partner stronger than ever. Exploring your senses of touch, taste, sight, smell, and sound together will enhance all aspects of your lovemaking, as well as help grow your sexual passion.

Warm baths, romantic movies, your favorite music, soft materials and sensual touch all offer possibilities to engage your senses and desires.

Things to Remember –

• Love Yourself
• Confidence is Sexy
• Everything Takes Time

Give yourself plenty of time to rebuild intimate pleasures and know that every day is a blessing.