PRESSURE

Feeling good, looking great.
www.amoena.com.au
LIFE
Spring 2014
From Diagnosis
to Strapless
Wedding Dress
A Cinderella
story in Real Life
BEHIND
THE SCENES
Our survivor
Ambassadors are
picture-perfect!
Grace
PRESSURE
under
Dealing with stress is a personal pursuit
PLUS: HEALTH | BEAUTY | PORTRAITS | AND MUCH MORE
SPECIAL
G
N
I
H
T
E
SOM
NEW
AMOENA
Awareness
FASHION
for every moment
with style
6
PAGE 12
Editor
fro m t he
Look lovely in pink this
October in honour of breast
cancer awareness month—
and all year long.
29
Amoena is a registered trademark of Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH. © 2014. All rights reserved Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH, 83064 Raubling, Germany
Amoena’s
Passionate Pink
Valletta Top and
Sports Bra
Ginger and Eden
are breast cancer
survivor models.
I
can hardly believe how fast this year
has gone. We have been so busy
at Amoena creating beautiful new
products. With all the deadlines that
we now have – it has been somewhat
stressful. Stress is a feeling you have
when you face a situation you think you
cannot manage. You can feel anxious,
irritable, forgetful, sleepless and unable
to cope. I think we all can identify with
this feeling.
In our article “Grace under
Pressure” Christina talks about how
to deal with some of these stressful
situations. Please read the article on
page 6.
Kirsty Sword Gusmão was a young
uni student in Melbourne when she
became interested in human rights
in Timor. After travelling to Timor she
met Xanana Gusmão who went on to
become Prime Minister of East Timor,
now known as Timor-Leste. They
subsequently married and have three
sons. Please read Kirsty’s story on
page 10.
12
Features
We are pleased to welcome our
2014 Amoena Ambassadors to this
issue! Don’t miss Behind the Scenes,
on page 22 for a glimpse into their
photo shoot – plus the gorgeous results
in our Fashion pages, beginning on
page 12. These extraordinary ladies are
helping us tell our story in a bright new
way – we know you are going to love
getting to know them.
It is so lovely to hear from Moira
McEwan again. Moira is very involved
in support groups and helping so many
ladies through the global web site
forum to understand fashion following
their surgery. Please read her story on
page 20.
Please read on....there are many
more fabulous articles in our spring
edition of Amoena Life.
We do hope you enjoy reading
this issue.
Kerry Paul
Editor
6
Cover Story
Grace Under Pressure Dealing with
stress is a personal pursuit
10
An Inspiring Woman
Kirsty Sword Gusmão
Chair of the Alola Foundation
20
12 Months On
By Moira McEwan
22
Behind the Scenes
Our survivor Ambassadors are
picture-perfect!
26
Mind & Body
Two Workouts we bet you haven’t tried
28
Nutrition
Superfood Alert! Cauliflower Comes
into its Own
29
Real Life
From Diagnosis to Strapless Wedding
Dress A Cinderella story in Real Life
Fashion
12
You, On the Go
Amoena Fashion for every moment,
modeled by our survivor Ambassadors
18
Make A Splash
Amoena Swimwear Collection
Regulars
4
News and Reviews
All the latest news on
issues that affect you
24
Survivor Portrait
Turning the interview table 180 degrees
to meet Dianne Armitage
Publisher Amoena Australia Pty Ltd
25
Editor Kerry Paul
Feelin‘ Kinda Funny
Pressure Cooker
Contributors Christina Relf, Dianne Armitage, Moira McEwan, Kirsty Sword Gusmao
Art Director Shan Willoughby
Design Sekayi Stephens; Bela Weiss; Dianne Lyndon Red Pepper Design
Feeling good, looking great.
www.amoena.com.au
LIFE
Spring 2014
From Diagnosis
to Strapless
Wedding Dress
Photography Dorothy Craven, istockPhoto, Shutterstock, Veer
A Cinderella
story in Real Life
BEHIND
THE SCENES
Our survivor
Ambassadors are
picture-perfect!
Contact Amoena Life, Level 1 235 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, 1800 773 285
Grace
underP
PRESSUR
PRES
PRESSURE
SUR
RE
Dealing with stress is a personal pursuit
www.amoena.com.au
The entire contents of this publication is copyrighted by Amoena Australia Pty Ltd 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction
or use of the contents in any manner is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher. Amoena Life
magazine is published twice a year and is available by request. Amoena Life magazine is distributed to subscribers.
PLUS: HEALTH | BEAUTY | PORTRAITS | AND MUCH MORE
SOMETHING
SPECIAL
O the cover
On
Ginger, age 38, is a breast
G
cancer survivor and Amoena
ca
Ambassador for 2014.
A
>>> NEWS & REVIEWS
Did you know?
Relaxation CDs
Relaxation CD’s available through
Cancer Council of NSW
www.cancercouncil.com.au
The Amoena Energy has improved softness and a new back layer design
that provides even more optimal air-flow for better moisture evaporation.
Quest for Life
Relaxation CD’s by Petria King
www.questforlife.com.au
Plus, Amoena breast forms are the only ones with patented Comfort+
temperature-equalising benefits—more than any other breast form.
5
GREAT
Ways to Relax
Little things you can do right now
See for yourself below, and ask for Energy!
When we’re able to mindfully relax
and wind down, our bodies get actual
health benefits. The best medicine
30 minutes
would be eliminating stressful situations
altogether, but barring that miracle,
here are a few super-easy things to try
to relieve the stress for a moment.
1
Energy
Form
Manufacturer
A
Energy
Form
Manufacturer
A
Tea-Time: Green tea has
a natural compound called
L-theanine that can help relieve
stress and calm your nerves.
Countdown: It may sound
silly, but close your eyes and
count slowly to 10 and back
down again. Feeling better yet?
SEW Unique
3
Amoena’s Fabric Technologies
Amoena believes in making you feel good, and one way to do that is by using
fabrics that feel good! In all of our seasonal fashion collections, like Active wear,
Home wear, and Leisure wear—as well as in the pockets of many of our Everyday
bras—we use performance fabrics that do amazing things! A few examples:
Look Out: A window, that
is. Take a 5-minute break to
do nothing but stare out the
window. Natural scenes are
particularly refreshing—watch
the birds and breezes. Pay
attention to your breath.
Smell something: Fragrant
CoolMax® by INVISTA. Moisturewicking was one of the first
performance technologies Amoena
embraced; we added it to bra pockets
years ago to help keep your chest wall
drier and cooler.
Modal® by Lenzig. Women everywhere
have gushed about how soft and
comfortable our Valletta tank top feels!
It’s no wonder – Modal resists fading and
shrinking, and can even feel cool to the
touch. Even better, the Austrian process
used to make it is ecologically sound.
Supplex® by INVISTA. All the benefits
of cotton, only better! Supplex is often
used in sportswear (like Amoena Active)
because it’s breathable, holds its shape
and dries faster than cotton.
For more fabric facts, go to www.amoena.us/fabrics
4 | Amoena Life
relax
time to
flowers, a drop of essential
lavender oil, a scented candle.
Aromatherapy is awesome and
can be a quick stress release.
5
2
4
Yep, Yoga: Stretching can
cure your tight shoulders and
neck. Melt down into child’s
pose at the end of a long day to
go inward and release tension.
Amoena Life | 5
>>> COVER
SECTION
STORY
HEADER
Grace
under
PRESSURE
Dealing with stress is a personal pursuit
by Christina Relf
Stress. Emotional Overload. Symptoms of the way we live
now, the price we pay for ‘having it all.’ It’s hardly surprising
that stress is a big issue these days — in the developed
world, we can do almost anything, and most of us feel we’re
not doing enough.
This pressure is fuelled by our ‘always
on’ culture and the media’s wallto-wall stream of reality TV, news
and opinion-as-news, and digitally
manipulated images.
So many women juggle a career,
marriage and children, while trying
to be there for family and friends,
volunteer on the side and still be slim,
fashionable, perfectly groomed and
youthful (oh, and financially solvent,
of course). As if this were not enough
— and some believe that our modern
lifestyle is to an extent culpable —
many are also coping with all this while
fighting a life-threatening disease.
Because when breast cancer strikes,
everyday pressures don’t go away.
GOOD STRESS, BAD STRESS
Some pressures are healthy, and even
necessary. The adrenaline rush we feel
6 | Amoena Life
at the start of a new project, or when
we have a deadline approaching, helps
motivate us. But when we try to do too
much, all the time, stress becomes the
enemy — quite literally.
Cortisol, the primary stress
hormone, raises the body’s metabolic
rate in readiness for a ‘fight or flight’
response. It increases heart rate,
breathing and blood pressure. It affects
background body functions too, like
digestion, cell division and even our
reproductive processes — putting them
on hold until calm returns.
Being on constant alert and able
to react to an imminent, life-threatening
emergency is great when you need
it, but living constantly in that state is
detrimental. Stress affects our ability to
think clearly and remember things; it has
been shown to increase the likelihood of
depression and can exacerbate health
Amoena Life | 7
>>> COVER STORY
risks like stroke and heart disease. It
also impacts our immune systems,
which scientists now fear can impair our
ability to fight cancer.
WHEN DID EVERYDAY PRESSURES
BECOME ‘STRESS?’
In the last 100 years women’s
roles and the opportunities open to
them have changed almost beyond
recognition. Now, for most of us, it’s
perfectly possible to get a PhD, be the
company CEO and call the shots in
our relationships. Yet, we are still the
bearers and nurturers of children and
many of us still seek to create that
romantic ideal of the family unit.
This gives rise to the inevitable
stresses of running a career alongside
a busy home life. And ‘having it all’
can very quickly turn into ‘having to
do it all.’ When my marriage collapsed
when my son was three years old,
I was catapulted instantly to sole
breadwinner, while also having to
single-handedly create and sustain a
life for the two of us. In this situation,
stress is a double-edged sword:
you can’t afford to acknowledge it
(because you might be overwhelmed),
or succumb to it (because you have no
choice but to press on).
STOP THE MERRY-GO-ROUND
Life coach Isabel van der Ven was living
with husband Peter in her native Holland,
holding down a high-powered job as a
project manager for the Dutch Ministry
of Agriculture, as well as being mom to
her two- and six-year-old daughters.
Combine this with a three-hour commute
every day and you’ll see her life was just
about as full as it could be.
Isabel didn’t feel it was too much:
“I would have described my life as
a fairytale existence,” she says. But
when she found a breast lump while
showering, shortly after her 40th
birthday, she could almost hear the
plates crashing down around her.
Shocked to learn she would need
a full mastectomy, Isabel coped with
ten months of treatment, two failed
attempts at reconstruction using an
expander implant, then finally a TRAM
flap using skin and muscle from her
abdomen. She was forced to give up
her career, as the treatment exhausted
8 | Amoena Life
her and ‘chemo brain’ meant she
couldn’t think straight.
Isabel felt the resulting stress in
her life most keenly once treatment
had ended. “When there are no more
appointments to attend, it’s as if your
safety net has been taken away. That’s
when the anger, fear, confusion and the
big questions like ‘what next?’ come
out.” She tried a few volunteer roles
to create a regular daily routine, but
couldn’t find the right thing. The family
even took three months to travel across
the U.S. in a camper van — an amazing
adventure but, alas, not a life-changer.
Then Peter was offered a job in the
U.K., which seemed like a fabulous
opportunity. “When we first met we
agreed we’d love to travel as much
as possible and experience different
cultures, so we decided to take the
plunge and relocate.”
Living in the rural south of England
was wonderful but, after helping her
daughters settle into school, Isabel
still felt she needed some direction.
Flipping through a magazine at the
hairdresser’s salon one day, she came
across an article about a life coaching
retreat in Spain. “I’d never even heard
of life coaching before. But just by
reading this I knew it was what I
needed right now.”
EQUAL BILLING
Spurred on by finding out so much
about herself on the retreat, Isabel
decided to study for a degree in
coaching. She applied the teachings
to her own life: “I now understood
more about my values, the things
that are necessary for me to feel truly
fulfilled. These include getting in touch
with nature, which is why we got our
wonderful Golden Retriever, Max,
who gets me out on daily walks in the
countryside.”
On the coaching retreat they
asked Isabel if there was something
she’d always wanted to do but never
got around to it. “I’d always wanted
to play the saxophone — although I
didn’t know if I’d be any good.” So she
started learning just four years ago,
although to hear her play you would
think she’d been doing it all her life.
Isabel’s other key value,
independence, had to be matched with
at just 37 and commenced the gruelling
treatments, she didn’t want to give up
something that not only gives her great
pleasure but also makes her feel she’s in
control of at least one area of her life.
Trish was spinning lots of plates
when she found a breast lump back in
2011. She and her husband and small
daughter were staying in Portland,
Oregon for the weekend, looking at
schools and a place for them to rent
when Trish took up her new job and the
family relocated from Wisconsin.
her need to work and be productive.
And that’s how Live Your Life After
Cancer (LYLAC) was born. Together
with her partner Jo Lee, a doctor and
life coach who has also had breast
cancer, she now runs workshops
across the south of England, helping
women get their lives back on track
after breast cancer, as well as coaching
clients individually.
Coaching helped Isabel realise
what stress is for her, and how to deal
with it. “It’s about finding a balance —
Feel the love
Sometimes,
relieving stress is
about escaping
from the everyday
and just turning
down the volume
for a while.
giving equal billing to all the things that
are really important in your life,” she
concludes. “For me, cancer was a gift
in ugly wrapping paper. If I hadn’t had
cancer, I wouldn’t have travelled across
America, moved to the U.K., got a dog
or be playing in a successful jazz-swing
band as well as an orchestra. Once you
know what changes to make, you have
to think hard about how you can make
them possible. Then you know what
you have to do.”
GRACE AND BALANCE
Running marathons and climbing
mountains might not be everyone’s idea
of stress relief, but when podiatrist Trish
Otto was diagnosed with breast cancer
Contributors: Christina Relf is a writer, stylist and communications consultant and single mom. Sue Baughman is a registered
psychologist, an accredited Satyananda Yoga teacher, an energy therapist and co-facilitator of psychosocial spiritual retreats.
doctor thought I was mad, but I know it
helped keep my energy levels up.”
Trish accepts that her life had been
stressful before she had cancer. “As a
doctor you are on call, and your schedule
gets crazy. I am a workaholic and after
my diagnosis I was forced to put my life
into perspective. I now know you have to
take time out and relax, but for me that
doesn’t mean doing nothing!”
Far from easing up since her
diagnosis, besides running marathons
and ultra-marathons, Trish has started
Find a better balance by nurturing your ‘Inner Child,’ says Sue Baughman.
“Think of the Inner Child as your emotional body, your vulnerability,” she
explains. Try placing this list somewhere you’ll see it every day.
How have I met my own needs for the following today?
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Security
Approval
Authenticity and acceptance
Hope and encouragement
Love
✔ Attention, stimulation and
physical contact
✔ Sleep and rest
✔ Fun
✔ Healthy, respectful boundaries
(based on work by Shakti Durga, author of Empowering Relationships)
A subsequent mammogram, ultrasound
and biopsy resulted in a positive
diagnosis — a complete shock to Trish.
Galvanised into action, she called
on all her medical colleagues to help
decide on the best course of treatment
for her — a double mastectomy. “I had
an aggressive form of cancer and I
wanted to eliminate, as far as possible,
the chance of it returning,” she
explains. This was followed by a difficult
course of chemo, all of which took
place in the middle of Trish’s move to
Portland and the start of her new job.
“They told me I could take time off,
but I said no. I think working helped
me, and I ran about six miles every
other day while having chemo — my
climbing too. “That’s how I met a lady
named Linda, who is 72 and has breast
cancer that’s spread to her bones
— but she’s unstoppable!” The two
women climb together on weekends,
and have raised money for breast
cancer charities.
Trish knows many women would
find this form of stress relief pretty
daunting but, like Isabel, she firmly
believes we all need a way to switch
off and forget about everything. “You
need an avenue that you can filter
energy through. In the early days after
my diagnosis, I would have nightmares
about the future. But meeting Linda
and seeing how she lives life to the
fullest, I’ve realised I have to do that
too. And in getting my life back, I’ve
banished all my nightmares.”
FIND YOUR SAFETY-VALVE
Because most of us can’t simply
cut out large chunks of our lives, we
need other ways to relieve stress
and rebalance. For Isabel, finding out
what was important to her led to a
different career and, crucially, some
hobbies that really inspire her. For Trish,
endurance running has remained a
constant comfort in her life.
Sometimes, relieving stress is
about escaping from the everyday and
just turning down the volume for a
while. That’s why weekend retreats and
spa breaks are so popular: they give
you time to focus on yourself, sort out
your thoughts or choose to think about
nothing at all. You don’t have to wait for
holidays either — a Sunday afternoon
walk or a long soak in the bath can
work wonders when your schedule
won’t stretch to anything more.
Rebalancing is therapeutic.
Australian psychologist Sue Baughman
reminds us that ‘therapy’ is any
technique or activity that promotes and
assists with healing — it can be passive
or active, the choice is yours. The key
thing is to find your safety-valve, and
then make time to practice releasing it.
Sue counsels scheduling ‘me time’
just like a regular meeting. “It’s about
making a commitment to a regular
practice of self-care — even if it’s only
five minutes a day,” she says. “This
allows you to develop and cultivate one
of the most important relationships in
your life — the relationship with the
self. If our energy reserves are topped
up and we are feeling love for the self,
then we are in a much better position
to give to others.”
This is no time for peer pressure,
advises Sue: “Don’t take other people’s
word for it. Have your own direct
experience and trust your intuition.” You
might already have found your stressreliever. Think about the things you love
most — whether it’s reading or morning
walks, spending time with your children
or baking. If you haven’t found it, allow
yourself to embark upon a gloriously selfindulgent journey of discovery. Give it all
the love and energy it deserves, because
this time it really is all about you! |
Isabel van der Ven’s UK-based coaching business for women who have had breast cancer, Live Your Life After Cancer,
can be found at www.lylac.net.
Amoena Life | 9
>>> SECTION
PORTRAITHEADER
An
inspirational
woman
By Kirsty Sword Gusmão
(Chair of the Alola Foundation
and founder of Timor-Leste’s
first women’s cancer support
group, HALIKU)
n May 2013, my husband, Prime
Minister Xanana Gusmão, visited me
in Melbourne where I was receiving
treatment for breast cancer diagnosed
in December 2012. I had had the very
good fortune to have access to one
of the region’s most impressive and
professional cancer hospitals in the
city of my birth, Melbourne. The Peter
MacCallum Cancer Centre is where I
received surgery and chemotherapy for
the hormone-receptor positive lobular
cancer detected by my GP at the time of
a Christmas visit with my three children.
Sadly, treatment of the kind available to
me in Australia was not a possibility in my
adopted homeland of Timor-Leste.
In the course of his May visit, my
husband shared with me the story
of a woman he encountered during
a short stay a month earlier in the
town of Ainaro in the mountains
some 70 kilometres south of Dili. He
was in Ainaro to share details of the
government’s decentralisation plan
and to highlight the important role of
local government in supporting the
country’s burgeoning democracy.
Amongst the citizens waiting
patiently for an audience with the Prime
Minister was a middle-aged woman
I
10 | Amoena Life
and judge from Suai called Francisca
(name changed to protect her privacy.).
She had made the long journey from
the southern coastal town, taking leave
from her job at the Suai district court,
with the intention of raising her health
concerns with my husband. To begin
with, she spoke of a stomach ailment
for which she had received treatment at
the Guido Valadares National Hospital
in Dili. She was distressed that the
medication had caused her to lose her
hair and teeth. The only food she could
eat was rice porridge. When the Prime
Minister, suspecting that Francisca was
not disclosing the full story of her health
status, pressed her to provide more
detail, she revealed that she was also
experiencing swelling and hardness
in her breasts, with an unpleasant
smelling liquid issuing from her nipples.
Fresh from a visit to Melbourne to
visit me following my lumpectomy,
Xanana was perhaps a little more
mindful of the signs and possibility of
breast cancer than he otherwise would
be, and hence he quizzed Francisca
as to whether she had considered
that she might have breast cancer.
Her response was a downcast look
and a shrug. Upon his return to Dili,
my husband made arrangements
for Francisca to travel to Bali and to
be given a medical assessment at a
private hospital there. Some months
later, Francisca sought my husband
out again, this time at his office in the
imposing Government Palace in Dili.
Xanana was rather dismayed to learn
that she had failed to make mention to
the Balinese doctors of her concerns
about her breasts, possibly as a result
of shyness. Francisca revealed to
the Prime Minister that she had been
taking traditional medicines made
available by members of her family
in Suai, and that she was confident
that there had been an improvement
in the condition of one of her breasts.
Subsequently my husband got in touch
with Timor-Leste’s Consul-General in
Bali and requested that a consultation
with a breast cancer specialist be
organised for Francisca. The results
of this consultation are unknown as
yet, nevertheless it would appear likely
that Francisca has suffered for some
years with undiagnosed breast cancer.
According to World Health
Organisation statistics, breast cancer
deaths in Timor-Leste account for
less than 1% of all deaths caused by
disease, with tuberculosis, malaria and
infectious diseases rating significantly
higher as potential killers. It is not
surprising then that establishment
of cancer treatment facilities and
services are not on the top of the
priority list of the Ministry of Health
at the present time. Nevertheless, as
a direct result of receiving my own
treatment at the highly regarded
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in
Melbourne, the Board and staff of the
Centre are presently exploring the
possibility of a collaborative partnership
with Timor-Leste in the months and
years to come. My women’s NGO,
the Alola Foundation (http://www.
alolafoundation.org), will lead the
charge in the all-important health
promotion work that needs to be done
to raise awareness of the importance
of breast care and breast selfexamination leading to early detection.
It is my hope that with the vast
experience and technical expertise
of Peter Mac made available to our
own fledgling health services, an
important step may have been taken
in ensuring that future generations of
East Timorese women like Francisca
can be diagnosed early, treated and
cured of cancer in their own country
and therefore surrounded by the love
and support of friends and family.
On 7 March 2014, our Ministry of
Health in collaboration with partners
from WHO, UNFPA, Marie Stopes
and the Alola Foundation organised
the nation’s first National Conference
on Cancer. In the course of the
conference, the nation’s first ever
women’s cancer support group was
officially launched. I am proud to
have joined forces with a group of
inspiring women survivors of breast
cancer to establish and run “HALIKU”,
which is an acronym for the words
meaning “I chose to get better”. We
are conducting an intensive program
of education and awareness raising
activities aimed at encouraging women,
particularly in rural areas, to present
early to their family doctor and to
have suspicious changes followed up
upon. This is a daunting task given the
current low levels of utilisation of health
services and standards of education.
We are in desperate need of
practical, technical and financial
assistance to achieve our goals.
Hence, in early 2014 I was delighted
to receive the very generous offer
of mastectomy bras in a range of
sizes and colours from our friends at
AMOENA. Unfortunately, most East
Timorese women who undergo surgery
for cancer do so with limited access to
information, support services and items
such as mastectomy bras which are so
important for the comfort and dignity
of women cancer patients. Together
with a number of prosthetic breasts
kindly donated by the Cancer Council
of Victoria, the bras are being proudly
distributed to women across the
country. I was delighted to be able to
say thank you in person to AMOENA’s
General Manager, Roxanne Parker
and Sales and Marketing Manager,
Kerry Paul, during a recent Alola
Foundation fund-raising gathering in
Melbourne. Even more rewarding has
been seeing the smiles of satisfaction
and gratitude in the faces of the
women taking receipt of the bras in
Dili and elsewhere. Obrigadu barak
(thank you so much), AMOENA! |
Amoena Life | 11
>>> FASHION
SECTION HEADER
o
G
e
th
n
O
,
u
Yo
SECTION HEADER <<<
Going
Keep
Fashion
for every moment
How do you go about your day? Like a honeybee,
hovering one minute, zooming the next — everyday
in action? Maybe you move like water, going with the
flow. Or, maybe you’re most like a jetliner — you can
go anywhere, defying gravity! Amoena fashions support
every moment of this go-go-go life that is yours.
Small space at home? No gym membership? Keep
going anyway! Use your own body weight for strength
(pushups, planks), a chair for balance, and a timer —
they’re all you need for an excellent full-body workout.
Try the 7-minute workout: www.7-min.com
1
1
2
2
5
4
3
3
4
5
6
6
ing
Back smooth
Carletta, 42, is a breast cancer survivor.
Amoena bras give this woman-onthe-go the support she needs and the
smooth silhouette she desires.
12 | Amoena Life
7
7
Bra included!
1. Lara Satin in Blackberry soft bra: 10-20 AA,A,B,C,D; Brief 8-20
2. Lacy Karla soft bra: 10-20 A,B; 12-20 C,D (also available in underwire)
3. Handy way to add a pop of colour.
4. Show your unique side with a one-of-a-kind bracelet.
5. Er-go-nomic sandal? Yes, please!
6. Back-smoothing Magdalena soft bra in Black and Nude, 12-28 B,C,D,DD,E
7. Lovely Lucia convertible bra, 10-18 AA,A,B,C,D; 12-16 DD
1. Power medium support sports bra in Passionate Pink /Grey, 10-20 AA,A,B,C,D,DD
2. Hula Hoop to burn up to 420 cals/hour! I
3. Don’t forget the tunes! A hot pink armband rocks.
4. Performance medium sports bra, 10-20 AA,A,B,C,D,DD
5. Monitor your happy heart with a Heart Monitor watch.
6. Active pant in Deep Blue/Lilac
7. Two-in-One: Short Sleeve Top and Sports Bra in Lilac/Deep Blue, XS,S,M,L,XL
Images courtesy of A-SHU.CO.UK; Konplott; and FitFlop.
Images courtesy of dotcomgiftshop.com; and Primark.
Ginger, 38, is a breast cancer survivor.
She’s working out in the High-Neck
top and Contrast Seam pants from
Amoena’s Active collection.
Amoena Life | 13
>>> FASHION
SECTION HEADER
SECTION HEADER <<<
The Places
Time for
You make travel look easy in wrinkle-free Amoena
Leisure wear, made of modal. Have no fear about
your breast form at the security checkpoints — those
scanners won’t harm the silicone, we promise.
Time in the sun, away from the hustle of your
busy world, refreshes like a cool shower. Make an
effort to breathe in and appreciate these moments
of getaway.
You’ll Go
a Getaway
2
1
2
4
Amoena Swim Cruise
line available in stores
November!
3
4
5
7
14 | Amoena Life
3
6
5
Ginger’s jet-setting in a Relax Carmen
long sleeve shirt and Casual pants.
1
6
7
1. Valletta in Passionate Pink! 10-26
2. Explore the eco-friendly planet with reusable bags.
3. The world’s calling: a phone case shows your adventurous side.
4. Fan fave Valletta t-shirt in Black, 10-18
5. Cosy Relax infinity scarf in dark grey mélange.
6. Lara Lace Desire in Raspberry/Dark Berry, 10-20 AA,A,B,C,D
7. Comfy ballet flats go anywhere.
1. Glow anytime with a bronzer powder.
2. Sophia tankini in elegant Black, 8-18
3. Dazzle with a turquoise starburst pendant.
4. Sophia Tank with centre crochet, 8-16
5. Sienna tank in Espresso/Jade, 12-24
6. Feel tropical in leaf-inspired sandals.
7. Aqua Wave Swim Form, the quality standard in post-surgery swimming.
Fits into a pocketed swimsuit and safe in both salt and chlorine.
Images courtesy of dotcomgiftshop.com; Accessorize; and FitFlop.
Images courtesy of Marks and Spencer; Konplott; and Accessorize.
Eden, 36, is a breast cancer
survivor. Here she wears the
Luxor tank in Lipstick.
Amoena Life | 15
>>> FASHION
SECTION HEADER
SECTION HEADER <<<
Easygoing
Out
Going
There’s simply nothing like a gorgeous dress, a
strapless bra, a lingering scent and, let’s face it,
something sparkly, to lift your mood. With Amoena
underneath, your possibilities are endless — maybe
your special evening will be, too!
Ease into a delicious evening alone or a totally
relaxed weekend morning. To get the most benefit
for both body and mind, go deeply inward with
music or meditation.
2
2
1
1
3
3
4
4
5
6
7
Carletta’s evening-wear secret is the
Barbara underwire, worn strapless.
16 | Amoena Life
342 Breast Form
A lighter and
cooler option
1. Red glamour in dangling earrings. 2. Colette Soft Cup Chemise in Dark Grey,
10-14 A; 10-20 B,C,D; Matching Colette Boyshort, 8-18 3. Simply stunning hard
ring clutch. 4. Johanne soft bra in Red Amber, 10-14A; 10-18B,C,D (also available
in underwire); Matching Johanne brief, 6-18 5. Dazzle your fingers and toes in silver
and gold. 6. Barbara underwire bra in Black or Nude, 10-18 A,B,C; 10-16 D
7. 342 Breast Form is a lightweight breast form with 30% more Comfort+. A lighter
and cooler option.
Images courtesy of Konplott; Dunnes Stores; and Crabtree & Evelyn.
5
6
1. Cosy up with a natural throw pillow—and the one you love. 2. Ambiance
Nightdress in Light Grey Melange, S, M, L, XL 3. A staple accessory: stacking
rings. 4. Flower Bolero in Plum, S, M, L, XL 5. Indulgent Body Soufflé: The
perfect way to end a busy day. 6. Feel balanced, even when you’re lying down
and lounging around, in Amoena’s slightly weighted Leisure Form which fits
into the pocket of our ultra-soft Home wear.
Images courtesy of www.gettingpersonal.co.uk; Accessorize; and Crabtree & Evelyn.
Want to see more?
View complete Amoena collections at www.amoena.com.au
Click on the Store Locator to find a retailer near you.
Eden is relaxing in the Flower
Pajama set with Capri pants.
Amoena Life | 17
>>> SWIMWEAR
Confident curves
Retro is trendy again with cool
colour blocks and soft gathers
at the waist.
Maui Bikini
8-16 A; 8-18 B; 12-18 C
Make a
Splash!
This season’s hot blue and
deep aqua add bold depth
to the flirty styles of the
islands. A wider range of
cuts and styles you’ll love—
this collection makes
a splash across the big
blue planet.
Sparkle and sass
Exotic island-print tank
accented with golden
details.
Barbados Tank
10-18 C
18 | Amoena Life
Christ
a breast cancer survivor m
ine, 30, is
odel.
Sporty sensation
Sleek V-shape colour instantly
slims, helped by a control lining
in front.
Antigua Tank
12-24 B,C
Tropicali
Simple styling paired with
irresistible floral flair! Also
available as a tankini.
Jamaica Tank
10-18 B,C
Skirty-flirty
Fashionable one-piece
in a modern print flatters
your figure.
Java Sarong
12-24 B,C
Amoena Life | 19
>>> PORTRAIT
A
months on
By Moira McEwan
20 | Amoena Life
bout 12 months ago, I sat in
this exact spot, writing about
my recent experience of
diagnosis and Unilateral Mastectomy
(UMX) surgery.
I had recently moved to a new
home. After the surgery, everything was
different and raw and I was attempting
to get used to my “New Normal”.
Although I had no idea how the writing
of my experience would progress, it
actually came easily and was cathartic
putting everything into perspective.
I was very fortunate. I managed to
escape any further treatment after my
mastectomy, just had to keep a close
watch for the next 5 years, for my
remaining breast. The first mammogram
was nerve wracking, as were the first
couple of visits to my surgeon. But
as the time has passed and seasons
changed, the focus shifted from “what
if” to “it is time to move forward!”
I have always been interested
in fashion and had discovered the
Valletta Camisole when I went for my
first fitting for a breast form. The very
idea of having clothing with a bra
inside, not to mention pockets for a
breast form, was something I never
knew existed, but I loved the concept
instantly. I adore these camis and
t-shirts as they are comfortable for
both the real and prosthetic sides,
and I have them in every colour!
I soon discovered that dressing
post mastectomy, really has its own
set of challenges. My first negative
experience was one morning at
the supermarket. I was loading the
groceries onto the belt and glanced
up to see the young lady look down at
me, there was a slight gasp and she
looked away. I looked down at myself
to see the shirt I was wearing had
moved to reveal what I now call “The
Fall Forward”! That’s when you lean
forward and the silicone breast form,
in a pocketed bra falls forward and
you see that empty void … Oh dear!
I went home and like a woman
possessed, I went through my
wardrobe and removed all those tops
that were the wrong cut, for the new
me! It was a brutal cull, I had no idea
how many low cut tops I owned,
and they all went to new homes!
I had become very involved in
a global Breast Cancer Forum and
discovered that many women I was
connecting with, had exactly the
same concerns as I did, so I started
to search the internet for comfortable
attractive tops which could be worn
with mastectomy bras and prosthesis.
This search took me to sports bras
and crop tops, some with pockets, but
none were intended for the weight of
silicone breast form, so I then looked
for lighter weight foam forms that
would be suitable for this leisure wear.
In my opinion, the introduction
of these weighted foam leisure
forms, for the times you want to
relax and kick back, or if you just
don’t want to wear the structured
silicone form, is a brilliant innovation.
They will never completely replace
the silicone form, or my favourite
‘Contact’ breast form, but I believe
they have a place in the wardrobe of
everyone who has undergone a UMX
or a BMX (Bilateral Mastectomy).
in this range, which can be dressed
up or down and I love it. I know it
will be worn for a very long time!
Having the bra inside these dresses
and tops is genius and although
intended for the post-surgery market,
I can imagine all women would
love wearing them. The clothes are
comfortable and easy to wear, great
fabrics, they are easy care, wash
like a dream and they look HOT!
It is tough trying to navigate around
what is available for us, after this
life changing surgery. I have found
after incorporating these items into
my wardrobe, it so much easier to
get dressed without experiencing
any loss of confidence I know so
many of us feel, when clothing just
doesn’t fit, or feel right, or if we have
experienced and don’t want to ever
repeat, the dreaded “Fall Forward!” |
After the surgery, everything
was different and raw and
I was attempting to get used
to my “New Normal”.
I also discovered Amoena pyjamas
last year and, coupled with the
light weight foam forms, they make
having breakfast with guests in your
pj’s possible, and ultra-comfy! They
are a great option for travel too!
I’ve found having a range of
different forms, has made dressing
so much easier. There isn’t much I
can’t wear these days. A friend has
actually named my place for my
mastectomy items, “The FoobMoire”!
Recently, I discovered another new
range by Amoena, which has exceeded
all expectations in clothing that have
a pocketed bra constructed within the
garment. I love the versatility of this
range which incorporates, not only a
camisole, sleeveless tunic top, short
and midi dress, but there are flowing
pants, a skirt and jackets which pull
the whole look together. I have left
my favourite piece from this range
till last. There is a black maxi dress
12
Amoena Life | 21
>>> BEHIND THE SCENES
ShiningBright
and
GivingBack
Amoena’s Mission Strength Ambassadors in the spotlight
Global Marketing Director
Malissa Magyar greets Amoena
Ambassadors Eden Lackey,
Carletta Cunningham, and
Ginger Johnson in April 2014.
Inset: The girls enjoy some
steam in the sauna, and a spa
lunch afterwards.
It started with a wish to do more.
To go big. To do it up right. Amoena’s Mission Strength essay
contest and ambassador search was an opportunity for us to
share your strength. With Young Survival Coalition’s support
in getting the word out, we launched a webpage, crossed our
fingers, and hoped we would get adequate response.
Well.
22 | Amoena Life
What is an Amoena photo shoot like?
Picture this: We’re on location at a
modern home in the most elegant part
of Atlanta, on a slightly-too-cool spring
day. Background music by favourites like
Katy Perry and Rihanna keep the mood
upbeat (Rihanna’s “Diamonds” feels
particularly appropriate and reminds us
to “shine bright”). We start at 8:00 a.m.,
and while our ambassadors get prepped
in hair and makeup, the photography
team sets up the first shot: lighting,
angle, props and colour balance.
“You know girls just want to have fun,
right?” remarks Eden. “This has been so
much fun!” But, she adds, “It is hard work!
We don’t give models enough credit.” As
she goes to get fitted in an elegant red
swimsuit and high heels, we ask Carletta
what her favourite part has been.
“Other than the spa day?” she
replies with a grin. “Truly, just meeting
everybody, and learning what goes on
behind the scenes. From photographers,
makeup people… surprisingly, for me
it’s just feeling normal. Even though this
[opportunity] is related to having breast
cancer, it doesn’t feel like it.”
Several scenes later, we break for
lunch. It’s the first time many of the
crew sit down in four hours. We chat
about the products: All three women
agree the fabrics are super comfortable,
particularly in the Active wear and
Leisure wear lines. They agree the
weather needs to warm up a bit more
before we take the next Swimwear shot!
And they agree with Ginger, that
what they’ll take home with them
includes: “Lots of good memories, and
the feeling that I was able to participate
in something that will help other women
feel beautiful.” |
Who? What? Why?
How many people does it take?
• Photographer
• Photographer’s assistants (2)
• Digital photography manager
• Location coordinator
• Stylist
• Stylist’s assistant
• Hair & makeup (2)
• Props stylist
• Marketing Director
• Models (3)
Three donations
of $10,000 have
been made to YSC
on behalf of each of
our Ambassadors.
We were delightfully overwhelmed. Nearly 100 entries
from standout women all over the nation flooded our inbox.
We are honored to have “met” each and every one of them.
Our three winners have introduced you to some new
Amoena fashions in the previous pages. Ginger, Eden and
Carletta joined us at our U.S. headquarters in Atlanta for 3
days of quickly-formed friendship, luxurious pampering at Spa
Sydell, and some hard work modeling.
Amoena Life | 23
>>> PORTRAIT
FEELIN’ KINDA FUNNY <<<
The Real
Dianne
Cooker
Bubbling away my toil and troubles
Turning the interview table
180 degrees, and dealing
with a third diagnosis
I
If you’ve been an Amoena Life reader for any length of time, or if you’ve ever visited
TheBreastCareSite.com, then you probably feel like you know Dianne. She’s a critical part
of our editorial team and has shared her wise words and funny anecdotes with us for years,
both here in the U.S. and all over the world. She never fails to make us smile.
Dianne’s a survivor with a new tale to tell. As of press time, she’s just recovered from
a double mastectomy—it’s her third time hearing a breast cancer diagnosis. She’s done
interviews with women in this very situation so many times, but admits: “I have found it both
ironic and puzzling that I could have spoken with so many women over the past 15 or 16
years who have elected to have this surgery—and felt I would be fine with it in the abstract—
and then struggled so when it became a reality for me.”
Amoena Life wishes you continued speedy recovery, Dianne, and sends you our love to get
you through!
We asked Dianne to let us peek into her world a little, with her handling the answers, for once.
Q: Have you come to a place of peace about the double
mastectomy since we last talked? How have you gotten there?
A: When I got the initial DCIS diagnosis back in October 2013,
I didn’t realise what it would mean. Once I wrapped my brain
around [the double mastectomy], I could only feel blessed my
diagnosis wasn’t more ominous. Since this was my third time,
I knew it was time to make a life-saving move. In the nearly 18
years since my initial diagnosis, it’s been my honor to share the
stories of so many women who have faced a similar decision.
Their stories helped me to know there is not just life after a
mastectomy, but the opportunity for a fantastic life.
Q: Tell us a little more about your Ta-Ta for Now, No Pity… party.
A: Since I was celebrating a landmark birthday just a week before
my surgery, I decided I wanted to surround myself with women I
love and admire – and who would help me make this transition. So,
with the assistance of two of my oldest and closest friends, I came
up with my Ta Ta for Now, No Pity for No Titty Birthday Bash. About
35 women showed up to help me embrace what a wonderful life I
have. At one point during the evening, everyone had to tell one thing
they’d like to “get off their chest.” Nearly everyone shared a story
about something I’d done to crack them up. I came away feeling
much braver – and amazed at the love showered on me.
Q: How is [your French bulldog] Lulu handling it all?? (That’s
our attempt at being funny like you.)
A: …I was a bit concerned when she asked me to sign over
the rights to all of my jewellery prior to surgery. Seriously, the
24 | Amoena Life
moment I got home and could just have her next to me on the
bed (don’t tell my doctor), I knew I was going to be fine.
Q: What’s different this time for you than the other two times
you’ve been diagnosed?
A: I have been very open about what I’ve been facing this
time, because we need to move past our modesty and fear to
further the dialogue about breast cancer. I was even candid
with male co-workers (if I knew I wasn’t going to make them run
for the exits) because I feel men need to realise what makes us
‘desirable women’ has much less to do with our breasts and
more to do with our character, strength, humour and grace.
Q: Will you keep writing about the topic of breast cancer?
Does it still inspire you?
A: On the day of my surgery, when I was still sort of coming
back to reality, I received one of my daily inspirational emails,
and all it said was: Write it down, write it down, write it down.
I am SUCH a blabbermouth, I have no doubt I will not only
continue writing (and talking) – but hopefully I will be able to
delve into some areas I wasn’t well-versed enough about before,
or was too timid to tackle.
used to love to cook… and then I married a
chef. In no time at all, I had relinquished my
kitchen privileges and turned my attention to
other pursuits. Unfortunately for me, eating was
at the top of that list.
Through the years, I was still able to dabble
in the delights of creating something from
scratch, but this was likely to involve vegetable
and cheese platters for our restaurant’s catering
needs. Every now and then, it might include a
simple cracker dip like a block of cream cheese
covered in jalapeño jelly to munch on at a gettogether or party. My grandmother’s fried chicken
recipe, my mother’s scalloped potatoes and my
highly praised teriyaki sauce were relegated to
the land of lost memories.
With my most recent breast cancer
diagnosis (let me just say, I did not find the
third time the least bit charming), I discovered
I was trapped by incessantly looping negative
thoughts. I was exhausted by this non-stop
head chatter, and moreover, I knew it served no
positive purpose and might actually interfere with
my healing both physically and spiritually.
I needed to fill my headspace with something
better, and I had plenty of downtime on my
hands. I also really wanted to discover ways to
eat healthier, so it was high time to venture back
into the kitchen. My husband, God bless him,
has tried over the years to embrace my desire for
healthier fare. Alas, as a traditionally trained chef,
if it doesn’t have sauce, gravy or butter he’s less
than enthusiastic. Since it’s common for great
cooks and chefs to show their love and devotion
by bombarding the objects of their affection with
food, I had my work cut out for me, in more ways
than one!
The first thing I noticed was that after nearly
30 years on the receiving end of a completed
recipe, the kitchen felt like a foreign landscape.
Sure, I knew what a measuring cup was
designed to do, and I recognised a spatula, but
on more than one occasion, I would open a
drawer or cabinet and pick something up, only to
put it back and walk away.
My mantra became “baby steps” because I
recognise my propensity for biting off more than
I can chew (both literally and figuratively) and
then quickly losing interest because the task at
hand is too difficult.
I began looking for simple, healthy recipes
online. I love how the Internet has streamlined
our ability to find great recipes quickly, see what
we need to purchase at the store, and even read
what people who have tried the recipe have to
say. If I’m going to invest my time, energy and
money, I’m happy to know someone else feels
it’s worthwhile.
My first foray into feasting involved a simple
lasagna recipe with a great tossed salad and
garlic bread. What I noticed was: not only did I
enjoy the meal, but I also felt a sense of pride
in my accomplishment. Throughout the entire
endeavor, I felt relaxed and renewed. My time in
the kitchen kept me focused on the task at hand,
not the fear and uncertainty I had been stirring
around in my brain beforehand.
This I know for certain: There is muscle
memory and recipe recall. The kitchen feels more
familiar all the time (as does my new body). So
today, when I start to feel the pressure, instead
of stewing in my own juice, I start cooking!
And when my husband insists on lending a
hand – I get sauced! |
Dianne (Browne) Armitage was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. The eldest of six children, her early aspiration was to write
the great American novel. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, 2005, and again in 2013, she believes humour has helped
her deal with each diagnosis and just might be therapeutic to others as well. In addition to her work with Amoena, Ms.
Armitage has written for Dr. Susan Love’s website and is a frequent contributor to several other health-related sites.
Q: What are the words of wisdom you want to share about
journeying the breast cancer path, or just living life?
A: I don’t know that I have any words of wisdom to impart, since
I’m still trying to figure out how to navigate in the world with my
nose being my new centre of gravity for the front of my body! |
Amoena Life | 25
>>> MIND & BODY
T W O W O R KO U T S
T
E
B
E
W
You Haven’t Tried
Mindfulness Meets Martial Art
You love yoga. You long for the wisdom gained on the mat,
and you “Namaste” from your heart centre. Not to mention,
your glutes and biceps look great after all those Sun
Salutations you’ve done since 2004.
If you’re curious about adding another flow to your
vinyasa, you might consider Tai Chi. Often described as
“meditation in motion,” this gentle exercise keeps the
body constantly moving in slow, graceful forms. Its origins
are mysterious but attributed to China, and sometimes
described as a fighting form used for strength, balance
and flexibility training. Through time Tai Chi evolved into
a globally recognised contemporary exercise that can be
enjoyed at all ages.
Body Benefits
The twists and turns of Tai Chi are like an internal organ
massage that enhances blood flow and strengthens the
muscles. You’ll also benefit from:
• Reduced heart rate and blood pressure
• Increased cardiovascular efficiency
• Increased flexibility and energy
• Improved posture and sleep patterns
• Improved mood and feelings of well-being
How-To
Under the supervision of a qualified instructor, you’ll
get the most reward. Some features of a Tai Chi class
include:
• Forms – These are series of movements often based
on animal actions like Grasp Sparrow’s Tail and White
Crane Spreads Wings
• Stability through the legs – It’s easy to get caught up
in the sometimes complicated arm movements, but
power and energy flow through the legs
• Relaxation – Perhaps the most important, but one of
the more challenging aspects of Tai Chi is relaxing
through the practice
Learn more about Tai Chi at
TheBreastCareSite.com.
Tai Chi. Need to
ght also enjoy the art of
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ic flair. These two workouts
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never thought to explo
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Low Impact, High Cardio
You faithfully tie up your sneakers three times a week
for cardio maintenance. You’ve done it solo, with your
neighbors, and sometimes even on the “dreadmill.” Nature’s
exercise is easy for most everyone – and no equipment
required!
Amping-up a walk to increase the benefit usually leads
to running… but it doesn’t have to. Nordic Walking, where
specially designed poles help with balance and add upper
body to the workout, might just be the next “step” for you.
While running can be hard on the knees and ankles (and the
breasts, if we’re being honest), Nordic walking remains lowimpact – yet it can burn up to 50% more calories per hour.
Body Benefits
Get a set of poles and a good pair of walking shoes. Crosscountry skiers know this is a symmetric, total body workout that
can reward participants with:
• Average heart rate increase of 10-15% over normal walking,
but no increase in perceived exertion
• Upper body strength built by resistance to improve bone
density
• Posture, balance and stability with the poles (which also
increase safety and prevent falls)
• Better sleep, focus and mood
How-To
The right kind of poles, adjusted to your height, are essential.
Once they’re in-hand, you will learn these and other proper
techniques:
• Find a comfortable rhythm — the pole on your right goes
forward with your left leg
• Specific techniques for uphill and downhill walking protect
the joints; poles can be used to propel the body forward,
especially on uphill slopes
• Keep the shoulders down and relaxed throughout the walk,
and remember to keep the hands loose as you “grip and
release” the pole – the movements should feel very natural
• Advanced Nordic walkers can try other strides like jogging,
skating and even jumping
The International Nordic Walking Federation
(http://inwa-nordicwalking.com) and the American
Nordic Walking Association (http://anwa.us/) are
good places to get started.
For Tai Chi, Amoena’s High Neck pocketed tank and Contrast Seam pant are perfect. And Nordic Walking’s super-chic with
our Long Sleeve Shirt and coordinating racer back bra. Find Amoena Active wear near you at www.amoena.com.au.
26 | Amoena Life
Eden, 36, and Ginger, 38, are breast cancer survivors and winners of
Amoena’s 2014 Mission: Strength ambassador search.
Amoena Life | 27
>>> NUTRITION
REAL LIFE <<<
SUPERFOOD
ALERT!
Cauliflower Comes into its Own
Your taste buds
will thank you!
Do you keep a food journal? Experts say they’re great for tracking calories, learning to recognise
your food bug-a-boos and stumbling blocks, and making sure you get the right balance from all
the food groups.
.com/cauliflow
http://ifoodreal
er-pizza-crust
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at
in her vo ice, th
air of “foodie”
an
ith
w
protest!
,
id
,
to
sa
ry
g
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w
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on Channel 3
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I
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po
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re
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e you that.
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vit
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operties, I adm
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gh
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er has ca nc
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ve show n
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et
sa
iet
two nutrients ha
trition and D
r went on to
e
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rte
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of
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re
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e
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th
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n
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).
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trigued whe
d breast ca ncer
ane and indoleokesperson for
I was slightly in
ers (prostate an
trition ist and sp
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tr
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pe
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ty
ed
ce
in
certa
Reg ister
ray of antican
rcinogens.”
ith prevention of
ov ides a wide ar
cells and help w
ect cells from ca
ot
er
pr
nc
d
ca
“Cau liflower pr
an
of
ns
th
xi
n to
in in hibiting grow
dough!
zym es that clea
a positive effect
m ed into pizza
production of en
’s
dy
bo
r
ou
se
ag ica lly transfor
m
ea
cr
be
in
n
lp
ca
he
er
so
uliflow
They al
ng revelation: Ca
m e to th is startli
led
n’t forget it:
en
do
th
I
)
so
bit
n
ha
y Pinterest
th is one dow
m
e
.
rit
.a
w
.k
(a
to
ch
nt
ar
wa
I
My on line se
my pizza fix?!
am ins as well as
So I’m getting vit
to 235
• Increase oven
S
T
sfer
INGREDIEN
degrees C. Tran
m ix ing bow l
a
to
e
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er
w
ca uliflow
ately 20cm
im
ox
pr
ap
,
er
cheese, herb
1 head ca uliflow
along with egg,
d
de
ed
bla ck pepper
grated/shr
1 la rge egg
season ing, sa lt,
za rella cheese,
oz
M
or
an
es
bine.
1/2 cu p Pa rm
and m ix to co m
ed
ck
pa
g
t
in
& no
ower m ixture
) season
• Transfer ca ulifl
y, basil, pa rsley
ar
m
se
ro
r
(o
rb
ba king sheet
1 tsp Ita lia n he
onto the sa m e
lt
sa
of
h
t it (line it
A good pinc
you used to roas
er
pp
pe
ck
bla
nd
ng pa per), and
Freshly grou
with clea n ba ki
ha nds until
flatten with your
S
N
forms.
en.
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th in pizza crust
ove from the ov
ng
ki
ba
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m
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til cheese
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15
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r
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ai
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lin
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and ba ke ag
grees C and
gs
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18
to
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ur
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• Preheat ov
• Top with your
e and enjoy.
ng pa per.
rate into
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go
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ve
sheet with ba ki
tu
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te
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e
th
e
od
er, remov
er florets in a fo
to 2 days. You
• Rinse ca uliflow
. Pla ce ca uliflow
e covered for up
ife
at
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kn
g
rig
e
ef
m
rin
R
pa
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:
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ns
ctio
for 1 month.
e” textur
florets with
Storage Instru
til you have “ric
rapped in plastic,
un
w
s
ly
es
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oc
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pr
t
d
us
an
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the
processor
ca n also freeze
are fine.
m inutes.
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r
fo
ke
coarse ch unks
ba
d
sheet an
epared ba king
it, Dear Diary.
crumble and
• Pla ce on a pr
There you have
from the oven,
er
ow
ifl
ul
ew?!
ca
d
ed
re
ok
ye
a Crust. Who kn
triple-la
• Remove co
Cauliflower Pizz
with doub le- or
ed
er
lin
l
ow
, Me
w
ifl
ve
bo
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Lo
a
ca
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ll,
of the ba
transfer it
e the liquid out
ez
ue
do
sq
d
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Th
tie
h.
pa
cheeseclot
as you ca n. Be
secloth, as ha rd
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m
inside the chee
co
d
liqui
until ba rely any
th is a few tim es
28 | Amoena Life
If you’ve discovered a new use for cauliflower, feel free to share the recipe with
us! It’s good for you. Visit www.facebook.com/amoenaaustralia
From Diagnosis to
Strapless
Wedding Dress
Feeli ng
good , look
ing
www.amoena
grea t.
L I FE
.com.au
Autumn 2014
Resilience
and
Reinvent
ion
Stren
W
to just accept the situation and follow all the
hen Christine walked down the aisle she was more
e
therapies her doctors recommended.
excited—if you can imagine it—than the typical
It was a frightening period. Christine
blushing bride. Because, for a year and a half, she wasn’t
worried about not being around anymore
sure she’d get there.
and was unnerved at the thought that
The wedding was originally scheduled for July 2012.
lon
g
“everything will go on without me.”
Christine was caught up in a flurry of arrangements. She
Fortunately, she had plenty of
had booked a location, selected music, and even found the
emotional support from her family, her
perfect long white dress.
fiancé, and her little dog, Buddy. “He made
Then, one evening in April 2011, Christine noticed
me smile and forced me to go outside even when I
a lump in her right breast. “It was big, like a
One thing that
had no energy,” says Christine.
cherry stone,” she says. Terrified that the lump
helped Christine through her
After each round of chemotherapy,
meant cancer, Christine went, right away,
cancer experience was Amoena
doctors tested Christine to see if the
to get herself checked out at a hospital in
products. “Whether I need something
tumor had shrunk, but for three months,
Munich. They scheduled her quickly and did
comfortable
or sporty, Amoena always
it stayed the same size. Finally, she
a sonogram, an MRI (magnetic resonance
offers the perfect solution,“ she says.
switched to a new chemotherapy
imaging) test, and then a biopsy.
It allows her to wear lingerie that fits
regimen and, just a few days before
perfectly – and looks youthful and sexy.
Christmas, got the good news: her
Too Young For Cancer?
And now Christine models for Amoena,
tumor had gotten smaller. “It was the
“You’re too young to have breast
sharing her enthusiasm with women
most beautiful Christmas present for my
cancer,” the doctor told her. “We don’t
around the world. “Modeling for
fiancé, me, and my family,” Christine says.
see anything concerning. Come back in a
Amoena gives me a lot of
Due to the change in chemotherapy
year and a half and we’ll check you again.”
self-confidence.”
regimen, though, Christine’s treatment lasted
But Christine wasn’t reassured. “My inner
longer than expected, for a full nine months.
voice told me I should get a second opinion,” she
Then she had another surgical procedure and by May
remembers. Her fiancé agreed. “He said that I would
2012, Christine began the third leg of her journey: radiation
feel better if the good news was confirmed a second time,“
treatment. She had 35 sessions of radiation.
she remembers.
Christine went to another hospital and again underwent
Happy Endings, New Beginnings
various diagnostic tests. But this time, the diagnosis was
Christine had her final surgery in January 2013 and is very happy
different. On July 13, 2011, one month before her 28th
with her look. Then, on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2013, she
birthday and right in the middle of the wedding planning,
re-entered the work world, returning to her job as commercial clerk.
Christine got the news that she had breast cancer.
“My fiancé, my family, and my strong belief in God
Specifically, she had mucinous carcinoma of the breast, a
helped me to manage all this,” Christine says. “And, well,
rare form of invasive ductal carcinoma that is usually found in
o.k., my absolute fighting spirit.” These days, Christine is very
women in their 60s and 70s.
optimistic. She says, “Life is so beautiful and I decided to be
“It was a nightmare,” Christine remembers. Instead of the
happy. I’m well again and thank God for that.”
joyous bustle of wedding planning, Christine was thrown into
The best part of the story is that, on December 27, 2013,
the terrifying tumult of cancer treatment.
Christine got married. She wore a lovely strapless wedding
One week later, Christine had her chemotherapy port
dress with a generous train. “We celebrated our dream
installed and started treatment. She stayed in the hospital for
wedding—everything was exactly like we had wished.” |
three days after each round of chemo. She found it easiest
gth, faith
acy win the and
fight
self-advoc
So Hot Rig
ht Now
Happiness
in science is trending
and socie
ty
ALL
Second
c
DAY
!
hances
PLUS : HEAL
PLU
TH
| BEAU TY
Dramatic
actio
ÁRZVIURPD n that
ELJ
ZDNHXSFDOO
| FASH ION
| AND MUC
H MOR E
Amoena Life | 29
>>> SURVEY
Have you
joined Club
Amoena yet?
Visit us online…
Submit our Survey To Do a Good Deed
More
great
articles
online!
Eight easy questions for your consideration
We love hearing back from you; it really helps us prepare the content and products you need most.
We’re asking women worldwide to answer the following quick survey this spring.
Take our survey online...
OR complete this page and mail it to us.
The quickest option: Go to
www.amoena.com.au/survey
to do the questionnaire online.
If you prefer, you can tear out this page and send it to us at:
Amoena Life Survey, Reply Paid 119, Fitzroy VIC 3065.
Our “just for you” Amoena
Community of breast cancer
survivors who focus on good
health and overall wellness.
Please ensure your completed questionnaire is with us by no later than December 31st 2014. Thank you!
YOUR BRAS
YOUR LIFESTYLE
1 How often do you purchase pocketed bras/
camisoles?
1 How aware are you about your diet since your
diagnosis?



Less than once a year
At least once a year
Twice a year
More than twice a year
2 Where do you typically purchase your pocketed
bras/camisoles?



An independent retailer/boutique
A department store
Online




Underwear to match the bra
Exercise/active wear
 Loungewear
 Swim wear
 Nothing else
 I didn’t know these other apparel items were available
from Amoena













Very likely (or I have already purchased)
Somewhat likely
Not likely
Would not consider
30 | Amoena Life
We would love to hear from you!
Email au.info@amoena.com with “Letter to the
Editor” in the subject line.
I exercise much more now than before my diagnosis
I exercise somewhat more now than before my diagnosis
I exercise about the same amount
I exercise less than I used to
I do not exercise at all
Join us in conversation.


Facebook.com/amoenaaustralia
Walking
Jogging
Bike riding
Yoga
Aerobics
Pilates
Other
4 Do you share your breast cancer survival story with
people outside your family and immediate circle of
friends?


We want
your letters!
Email au.info@amoena.com

Yes
No
If Yes, describe how you share your story:
Visit www.amoena.com.au to sign up on-line with your
email address.
LIKE Amoena Australia on
Facebook and keep updated
Tell us about your favourite Amoena products or how
you’re living well, or comment on our articles.
3 If you exercise, tell us your favourite workout
(check all that apply):

4 Amoena recently introduced its newest lingerie
collection called Seduction. It is designed in Paris by
leading fashion designers and comes in a beautiful
array of colours trimmed in lace. How likely are you to
purchase something from the Seduction collection?
Write back
I am much more careful about what I eat
I am somewhat more aware of what I eat
I eat the same now
2 Have you changed your exercise patterns since
your diagnosis?

3 What else do you purchase when buying your bras/
camisoles? Check all that apply:
GO TO: www.amoena.com.au
Youtube.com/amoenausa
Amoena Australia Pty Ltd
PO Box 119
Fitzroy VIC 3065
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Information in Amoena Life is provided to assist women to become informed consumers/
decision makers. No recommendations for personal product choices or treatment options
are to be inferred. Amoena is a registered trademark of Amoena Medizin-OrthopädieTechnik GmbH. ©2014 All rights reserved Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik
GmbH, 83064 Raubling, Germany. ID RP08/14
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Save $10 when you
spend $75 or more
on any Amoena seasonal
collection purchase*!
®
*Discount not available on core Amoena styles.
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Consumer: This is not a rebate program. Discount given at time of purchase by your Amoena retailer. Limit one coupon per person.
May not be reproduced, purchased, traded or sold. Any other use constitutes fraud. Offer void where prohibited or restricted by law.
Retailer: Amoena Retailers may redeem coupon for credit on your Amoena account statement for 50% of the face value if terms are met.
Redeem coupon by sending original coupon with PROOF OF SALE with account name, account phone, account number and style of
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YOUR
FREE
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Amoena is a registered trademark of Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH. © 2014. All rights reserved Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH, 83064 Raubling, Germany
from Amoena
Purchase an Amoena
breast form and bra
during October and
receive FREE a Samira
Bra and Brief set*
To find a retailer near you, visit our store locator
at www.amoena.com.au/storelocator or
Freecall 1800 773 285.
*while stocks last.
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