Amoena Life Spring 2014 - AU by Amoena

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

PAGE 12

Editor fro m t he

Look lovely in pink this October in honour of breast cancer awareness month— and all year long.

Amoena’s Passionate Pink Valletta Top and Sports Bra

Ginger and Eden are breast cancer survivor models.

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.

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

Cover Story Grace Under Pressure Dealing with stress is a personal pursuit

An Inspiring Woman Kirsty Sword Gusmão Chair of the Alola Foundation

12 Months On By Moira McEwan

Behind the Scenes Our survivor Ambassadors are picture-perfect!

Mind & Body Two Workouts we bet you haven’t tried

Nutrition Superfood Alert! Cauliﬂower Comes into its Own

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

Make A Splash Amoena Swimwear Collection

Regulars 4

News and Reviews All the latest news on issues that affect you

Survivor Portrait Turning the interview table 180 degrees to meet Dianne Armitage

Publisher Amoena Australia Pty Ltd

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.

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

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.

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

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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

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

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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

4 3

4 5

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

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

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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!

5 7

14 | Amoena Life

Ginger’s jet-setting in a Relax Carmen long sleeve shirt and Casual pants.

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

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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 1

1 3 3

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

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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 mi u Yo s? res -st de to Are you using yoga ic ﬂair. These two workouts rd No of nt me ele an d Ad tine? re them. spice up your walking rou never thought to explo ve ha n me wo ny ma t bu have grown in popularity

s th a p t n e r fe if d , ts fi e n Same be 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.

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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

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.com.au

Autumn 2014

Resilience and Reinvent ion Stren

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

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Amoena Life | 29

>>> SURVEY

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