The (re)Issue
In 1998, a federal law went into place that provides protections to patients who choose to have breast reconstruction in connection with a mastectomy. Even though the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) has been around for nearly 20 years, we are contacted far too often by women wishing they had the choice to reconstruct, or knew that they even had the option following their mastectomy.
Cancer, while a word that brings to mind thoughts of survival, resilience, and medical intervention, also often ushers in a series of less-discussed but profoundly impactful side effects. One of the more intimate complications many cancer survivors face, particularly women who have undergone breast cancer treatments, is vaginal dryness. This essay written by the founder of Rosebud Woman, delves into the causes of this symptom, its impact on quality of life, and potential solutions.