A Better Normal: Your Guide to Rediscovering Intimacy After Cancer

by Tess Devèze

“This book has been a life saver. I know my quality of life is better. Every cancer patient should be gifted this book” S. Cancer survivor."Omg!!!! Your book changed my life and is saving my relationship! Thank you so much for making me feel like a woman again!!!!". P.M Cancer survivor.“This book is so wonderfully written and full of such helpful information I cannot recommend it highly enough, I would give it 6 stars if I could! .” K.V, cancer carer.Changes in sexuality from cancer treatments is one of the most common challenges people face, yet is one of the most under-addressed. Cancer can impact all aspects of our sex and intimate lives, so why is no one talking about sex and cancer?If you’ve received a cancer diagnosis, or are the loved one of someone who has, this book is for you. A Better Normal offers support and solutions to recover and increase connection, intimacy, sexuality and sex, during and after treatments. Simply put, this is the #1 'sex and cancer' manual.Jam-packed with practical ways and easy-to-do strategies for how to improve things like; low libido, changes in body image and body confidence, when things are ‘dry & sore’, dating, the more direct side-effects treatments can have on our body and ways to heal and work around them like pain, fatigue, when sex hurts, low sex-drive and so, so much more. This book is a must-have for anyone impacted by cancer who may need support, because we all deserve love and connection.Written by a sexuality clinician and educator, who's also had cancer, this book is filled with practical information (and quite a few laughs) so you can reconnect with yourself and/or a partner, from someone who’s literally been there.Divided into easy-to-read sections, Devèze is no fluff and no fuss, with down to Earth humour mixed in with a dash of neuroscience. A better normal offers a positive path to your intimacy recovery, so what you thought was sexually impossible, becomes possible.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2021

Reviews

[Stephen Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few clinicians, I suspect, feel entirely confident and comfortable discussing sexuality with their patients. In the context of a patient suffering from cancer, where the need for discussion is probably greater, most would find the task even more difficult.

The author of this excellent guide, Tess Deveze, is eminently qualified to write such a book as this. Not only is she an occupational therapist with a special interest in sexuality, she is herself a cancer survivor. She has seen the view from both sides of the fence.

Deveze has clearly put a great deal of thought and planning into this project, and has not been afraid to include her own experiences, where relevant. She has chosen a path few have the courage (or knowledge) to tread, and has done so with great passion, humour, and attention to detail.

I would recommend this book highly to all those who suffer from cancer, all those who are close to them, and all clinicians working in this challenging field.

[Megan Liscomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a short read but it’s packed! I love her motto: no pain, no pain. She’s very inclusive of lgbt+ folks, poly relationships, and has helpful and compassionate advice for people of all genders. As a breast cancer survivor, so much of the info I come across on this topic is extremely heteronormative and full of assumptions. This book is a breath of fresh air. I recommend it to anyone, and that includes my care team!

[Kate Kohler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super Helpful

This book is changing the way I think about intimacy after cancer… for the better. Thanks to the author for delivering this to an underserved community!

[Carol Irvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for ladies who are suffering with intimacy problems