What happens when two sisters are diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks apart and then find that menopause after cancer affects each of them in very different ways?

In this episode, I speak with Sarah and Sophie about their diagnoses, the family support that carried them through treatment, and the lasting effects of medically induced menopause.

Though the sisters faced similar diagnoses, their symptoms and experiences were really different: Sophie describes mood changes, anxiety, rage, and sleep difficulties, while Sarah shares the profound impact on her libido, sexual function, and sense of identity.

In this open conversation about sexuality and intimacy, Sarah explains why “medical castration” feels more accurate to her experience than the word “menopause.”

Together, we discuss feeling unprepared, navigating care between oncology and gynaecology, advocating for support, and adapting intimacy when bodies and relationships change.

Make sure you listen to the end, I share one of my favourite poems with you!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:51 Genetic mutation and sister's diagnosis

11:53 Support system for Sarah's diagnosis

18:06 Dealing with post-cancer life changes

22:06 Going through cancer and menopause

28:09 Frustration with managing menopause

35:44 Discussing relationship challenges and joy

39:22 Discussing IVF and Medical Menopause

53:17 Finding peace with low libido

55:03 Discussing Medical Menopause Transition

Read more about Sarah here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SarahBarness

And here are the links to some of my other episodes on intimacy:

Episode 201 - Sexual Health After Cancer Treatment: A Practical Show-And-Tell Guide

Episode 196 - From GSM to Tantra - A Story of Discovering Pleasure After Cancer