Amoena Life Autumn 2016 - AU by Amoena

AMOENALIFE For you, like no other.

amoena.com.au

Autumn 2016

FASHION: INSIDER SECRETS

Be amazed as we shed light on some common fashion questions

FEELING FEMININE

Trusting her new body is key to embracing every good day

THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT

Explore your options for cooling those hot ďŹ&#x201A;ushes

PLUS

NEWS PORTRAITS AND MUCH MORE!

LEARN TO LOVE YOU

The answer for handling intimacy after breast cancer

Life is Good We make it a promise with comfortable support designed for your life. To find Amoena near you, visit our store locator at www.amoena.com.au/Store-locator or call 1800 773 285.

amoena.com.au Amoena is a registered trademark of Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH. “For you, like no other.” is a trademark of Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH pending registration. ©2016 All rights reserved Amoena Australia 107 Fergie Street Fitzroy North VIC 3068

FROM THE EDITOR Kerry Nash, Editor • au.info@amoena.com Facebook.com/amoenaaustralia

How the months ﬂy by! The beautiful Autumn leaves are now on the trees. Last November Amoena moved our office. We did only move about two kilometres up the road but that certainly did not make it a small move. Having been in our previous office for almost 10 years we certainly had a lot of cleaning and culling to do. The move was a huge job not only for us but for the poor guys from the moving company as the new office has two ﬂights of stairs. I can only say thank goodness for those very strong young men.

We have now settled in well to our new surrounds and are enjoying the larger space and the facilities that are available to us. We recently conducted a training school at the office in our conference room which is an added bonus. We’re talking about secrets and intimate details in this issue, because they are topics that deserve attention. Our cover story on page 10 goes behind bedroom doors to reveal a gentle solution for your intimacy – after cancer fears. Following that, a new “Ask the Experts” feature answers

IN THIS ISSUE... FEATURES

FASHION

10 Cover Story Learn to Love YOU Handling intimacy after breast cancer

6 Amoena Lingerie Insider Secrets: What every woman needs to know

15 Mind & Body Color Your HeART! An old childhood favourite

24 Amoena Home and Leisure Comfort: Every Treasured Friendship

REGULARS

16 Report Important Questions after Breast Cancer Treatment Professor John Boyages

4 Up Front The latest on issues that affect you

20 Real Life Feeling Feminine Learn Elian’s key to embracing every good day

19 Feelin’ Kinda Funny Hints and Allegations Talking about intimacy isn’t easy

21 Mind & Body Your Health is a Core Issue Strengthen the whole body, starting at the centre

32 Survivor Portrait Rituals of Remembrance for Survivorship by Teresa Schreiber Werth

22 Report Heat of the Moment Options for cooling those hot ﬂushes

to actual sex questions. We’re also sharing Amoena fashion secrets and busting some bra myths, beginning on page 6 — plus, your favourites: survivor proﬁles, beauty advice and healthy recipes from our lovely Glenda. Enjoy your time reading Amoena Life and as always ‘Stay Positive’

CORRECTION: In our Spring 2015 issue, Marjorie Schwartz was incorrectly identiﬁed as a peer counselor with Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC). She is a helpline volunteer, support group facilitator and board member for SHARE. We regret the error.

ON THE COVER

Our cover model, Elian Daris, 48, is a breast cancer survivor. Photographer: Dorothea Craven

26 Beauty A Story of Lipstick and Rouge …and our changing attitudes about beauty Publisher Amoena Australia Pty Ltd | Editor Kerry Nash | Contributors Dianne Armitage, Paula Flory, Beth Leibson, Christina Relf, Teresa Schreiber Werth | Art Director Shan Willoughby | Design Sekayi Stephens, Dianne Lyndon Red Pepper Design | Photography Dorothea Craven, iStockPhoto, Shutterstock, Dollar Photo Club | Contact Amoena Life, Level 1, 235 Brunswick Street Fitzroy, VIC 3065 | The entire contents of this publication is copyrighted by Amoena Australia 2015. 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, retailers and medical facilities. No liability for unsolicited manuscripts. Amoena cannot be liable for pictorial or typographical errors. While every effort is taken to ensure the information contained in this magazine is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any use of or reliance on the accuracy of such information. Any information provided is not a substitute for professional care and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you have, or suspect you have a health problem, you should consult your doctor. The editor reserves the right to edit or abridge letters.

[ up front ]

Up Front

The latest news and tidbits relevant to you

Around the World to Celebrate Amoena went across the globe in a monumental 40th Anniversary effort to express our gratitude for making us who we are today, and for helping us celebrate throughout 2015. The resulting video is a gift FOR YOU! Yes, absolutely—you, reading this magazine—and all of our worldwide retailers, partners and friends. Visit amoena.com.au/thank-you to get a personal glimpse inside the Amoena offices in every country we could think of—then, please share it in social media! Danke… Merci… Gracias… Tak (that’s Danish)… Thank YOU!

Mammogram Recommendations A woman can develop breast cancer at any age but the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. BreastScreen Australia offers a national mammographic breast cancer screening program for Australian women. Free mammograms are available every two years to all Australian women aged 40 and over who do not have any symptoms of breast disease. Research shows for women aged 50-74 screening is most effective in detecting breast cancer. Women in this age group receive a reminder letter for their mammogram every two years. Women outside this age group are eligible to have a mammogram but do not receive reminders. From surgeon, researcher, and activist, Dr. Susan Love www.drslrf.org “The ﬁrst thing to remember is that science is not static. We do research and we analyse data and we make our best guess based on what we know at the time…. It is important to point out that the risk for the average woman of getting breast cancer increases with age. As to early detection, it can be important but not always or often. It is still true that one in eight women will develop breast cancer but that risk is calculated over a lifetime. Depending on your age, the risk over the next 10 years is not as high. From breast surgeon, Dr. Beth Dupree www.drbethdupree.wordpress.com “A benign diagnosis from a breast biopsy is not an “unnecessary” biopsy; it is fortunate for that patient that she does not have cancer. Many aggressive breast cancers mimic benign growths in the breast such as ﬁbroadenomas and 4

Autumn 2016

complex cystic masses. It takes a minimally invasive breast biopsy to tell them apart…. Know your breasts. Since 20% of breast cancers are not found easily with screening studies, and some cancers grow rapidly, breast examinations matter. So become familiar with your breasts and if you feel something, don’t panic, see your doctor…. The take home message is to be aware of your personal risks and modify those that you can. Experts stress that these recommendations do not apply to women who are at higher risk of breast cancer; that is, women with personal history of breast cancer, a suspected or conﬁrmed genetic mutation (e.g., BRCA), or previous radiotherapy to the chest at a young age.

For Your Bookshelf “A dear friend bought me a copy of your book, it was like turning the light on!!!!” These books, by renowned breast cancer specialist Professor John Boyages, provide support and guidance for patients and their families throughout the stress and confusion of diagnosis, treatment and life after Breast Cancer or Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS). Professor Boyages is one of Australia’s leading breast cancer specialists. Order from all good bookstores, www.bcpublish.com or Amazon, iTunes and Google Play.

Two encouraging books from author Judi Moreo Both books are available for purchase at www.judimoreo.com and at Amazon.

You Are More Than Enough

Overcoming Cancer: A Journey Of Faith

Self-help titles abound, no doubt about it. But none zeroes in on the heart of women’s desire to know, “You Are More Than Enough,” as directly as this book does. If you don’t crave an uplifting statement like that, more power to you, but Judi Moreo’s book intends to ignite your “purpose, passion and power” if you do. Her personal success glows bright as inspiration: Now a world-renowned speaker and influencer, Judi started as an entrepreneur with just $2,000 to launch her first business. The book includes self-discovery exercises and powerful affirmations you can use to create the habits you need for a whole new fulfilling life.

When Judi was abruptly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, the disorganised and frightening way that “standard” doctors began advising her didn’t feel right. “I wanted treatment,” she writes, “that was ‘above standard.’” So when she searched out and found a naturopathic doctor, and his ﬁrst words to her were, “Let’s see if we can get you well,” it resonated. Her 2013 book details how an alternative healing plan helped her change her lifestyle and focus on her health in a positive way. It’s a motivational, faith-ﬁlled account, which Judi wrote to give others the courage to listen to their own bodies and hearts.

#happiness A few recent faves from the Twitterstream: Dean Gloster @deangloster You can’t buy happiness. But you can buy #books and #coffee Close enough.

Zen Moments @Zen_Moments Don’t seek Happiness. If you seek it, you won’t ﬁnd it, because seeking is the antithesis of happiness. ~ Eckhart Tolle

Epic Women @Epic_Women A secret to happiness is letting every situation be what it is instead of what you think it should be, and then making the best of it.

amoena.com.au

[ fashion ]

Insider Secrets: What every woman needs to know Thin moulded foam inserts – the smoothing secret ingredient!

Modeled by survivors Annette, 50; Karin, 55; Angela, 57. Our secret is out! To see the full Spring 2016 collection, go to www.amoena.com.au/amoenalife.

Autumn 2016

Pssst! Lean in a little closer... Would you like to know what really makes great lingerie? When you step into the fitting room do you ever wonder why one bra fits and another one doesn’t? With 40 years’ experience, Amoena and our expert fitters are uniquely qualified to answer questions like those, share our insider secrets, and maybe dispel a few myths you might have encountered. It’s no mystery that you deserve, and can have, a perfectly beautiful bra that’s just right for you.

PICTURE PERFECT: Bestselling Lara in smooth satin helps hide any imperfections. Lara Satin wire-free bra in Terracotta, sizes 10-20 AA-D and matching brief, sizes 8 to 18.

FLIRTY FEMININITY: Scalloped lace trim and a springtime play on “neutral.” Angelique padded wire-free bra in Apricot, sizes 10-14 A; 10-18 B-D.

“My lumpectomy left me so uneven, I didn’t think I’d wear fitted shirts again, but a padded bra and a partial shaper does the trick.” –Karin

ANIMAL OPTION: T-shirt bras don’t have to be plain! Jane padded wire-free bra in Hazel, sizes 10-20 AA-D and matching brief, sizes 8 to 18. SMOOTH AS SILK: T-shirts love this bra and a partial shaper can lift your décolleté. Lilly padded wire-free bra in Off-White, sizes 10-20 AA-D and matching brief, sizes 8 to 20.

amoena.com.au

[ fashion ]

ABOVE AND BELOW: We love extra padding on the shoulders; straps should never dig in. Below the bust, a wider underband adds stability.

Isadora wire-free bra in Raspberry, sizes 12-28 A: 10-26 B,C,D; 10-22 DD,E,F and matching brief, sizes 8 to 26.

“The bras I used to buy were never 100% comfortable. I thought my breast surgery would make that even worse… but then I discovered Amoena bras.” –Annette

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Softer trims and elastics make the difference in comfort. Katy wire-free bra in Cognac, sizes 10-22 AA-DD.

PRETTY AND COMFORTABLE: We’re experts at soft bras, but even our underwire bras are gentle. Tracy wire-free bra in Apricot/Off-White, sizes 10-18 A-D and matching brief, sizes 8 to 18.

In 2016, look for more comfort improvements to every bra style! 8

Autumn 2016

EXTREMELY ELEGANT: Amoena Seduction bras have lower necklines and fabulous embellishments, to ensure “sexy” is an everyday possibility. Adriana wire-free bra in Off-White/Bisque, sizes 10-14 A; 10-18 B-D; 10-16 DD and matching brief, sizes 8 to 18.

HINT: LACE OVERLAY: When we lay lace over nude, it hints at romance while still supporting you. Popular Annette, now in a wire-free bra in Black/Nude. Sizes 10-18 A-D.

New Nude! Introducing a rich, modern shade of neutral.

“When I imagined mastectomy bras, “lace” and “sexy” were definitely words I thought I’d left behind. Happily, that is not the case!” –Angela

STRETCH AND BEND: The secret to great lace is to make it elastic, so it hugs close to your skin for breast form support and a better ﬁt. Karla wire-free bra in Nude, sizes 10-20 A, B; 12-20 C, D and matching brief, sizes 8 to 18. amoena.com.au

[ cover story ]

Learn to Love

Autumn 2016

YOU The answer for handling intimacy after breast cancer By Christina Relf

Did your sexuality suffer when surgery changed your body? Intimacy is possibly the last taboo when it comes to talking about the effects of breast cancer. Here, we take a peek under the covers, and share some personal stories from different viewpoints. What happens when cancer strikes and surgery leaves us with scars—both mental and physical? For some women, the loss of one or both breasts changes the way they see themselves—they feel less sexy, less feminine, and this inevitably impacts their intimate relationships. It’s all too easy to compare yourself with other women and feel inadequate. But—brace yourself—the expert advice here is not to run away from your altered reﬂection, but learn to love it. According to Barbara Musser, breast cancer survivor, author, coach and founder of sexyaftercancer.com, reconnecting with yourself is your key focus, before reaching out to your partner. Barbara has made it her life’s work to help women and couples reboot their sex lives after cancer. And she’s adamant that the ﬁrst step is to look in the mirror.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS Many of us find it uncomfortable even to be left sitting in front of the hairdresser’s mirror for too long, but Barbara’s ‘mirror practice’ course invites us to see our reflection in order to change the way we see ourselves. “This is a way of engaging with yourself as if you were looking at someone you love. It works because it can actually create new neural pathways in our brains, so we start to think differently,” she says. The process is split into three stages—the first involves simply looking into your own face in the mirror for 5 minutes a day and saying “I love you. You’re beautiful.” Doing this each day for 30 days is ideal. Then you move on to looking at your whole body, dressed in clothes that make you feel gorgeous, and repeat the process. This sets the tone for the final, and most difficult, part—standing naked at the mirror, looking at your breast area and your whole body, and affirming your love and acceptance. Barbara recognises that our negative inner voices may not instantly respond to all this positivity, but insists that repetition is key: “You know the saying, ‘seeing is believing?’ It should really be ‘believing is seeing,’ because when we change our inner thoughts to positive ones, that’s what we start to see in the mirror. When your inner voice criticises you, consciously change your thoughts and say, ‘I love myself’ or ‘I am gorgeous.’ Over time, your beliefs about yourself will begin to shift.”

SEXUAL HEALING Accepting ourselves is one thing—but how do men cope when their partner experiences a life-threatening diagnosis, disﬁguring surgery and the side-effects of hormonal therapy? Amoena Life reader Jackie feels grateful that her husband helped her shower immediately upon returning home from hospital. It meant he had no choice but to see her scar, and she had no choice but to show him. “It must have been very difficult for him, but what he said helped me so much.” Jackie’s husband reassured her that a reconstruction was not important, but that if she wanted it, then that would be OK too. “Relief ﬂooded through me, and to this day I am eternally grateful for those words,” she says. amoena.com.au

[ cover story ]

Jackie acknowledges that over the coming weeks and months she struggled with her body image. “I felt half little girl and half woman—definitely less feminine and definitely not sexy!” Making more effort with pretty lingerie helped, and Jackie is grateful that there’s so much more to love about mastectomy lingerie these days. She still prefers to stay partially covered when making love, but has come to terms with the way things are. “I think it’s important to enjoy what we do have,” she says. Moira found that being diagnosed in her late 50s meant she was already secure enough in her sexuality not to be threatened by the loss of a breast: “I may have had a very different reaction had I been younger.” Although at first she was hesitant about revealing her scar to her husband, her fears evaporated when she did so. “He said, ‘You don’t need two boobs to be gorgeous!’ That

“And remember, it’s not realistic to believe you’ll be able to resume your previous sexual activity during and after treatment—particularly if a woman is having hormonal therapy. This is where you need to talk about what you can do to keep the intimacy alive. Trust me, it is possible. You may even end up with a more intimate relationship than you ever had before diagnosis.” Barbara offers practical tips on her website and in her book, Sexy After Cancer. One that’s especially effective: “When you get home each day, have a 30-second kiss. It’s so much more intimate than a peck on the cheek and really puts you in touch with each other.” ■

RESOURCES Barbara Musser www.sexyaftercancer.com |

@sexyaftercancer

“Most partners are just so relieved that their partner is safe. They don’t care about her scars as long as they can hold her, kiss her and love her. But a woman has to be ready to accept that love, in whatever form it comes.”

was all it took; I relaxed and I have never looked back.” She also found an unexpected bonus about her mastectomy: “What I actually love about my ﬂat side is how I can snuggle right up close to my husband and I can feel his heart through my chest.” Both Jackie and Moira emphasise that intimacy comes in many forms and it’s crucial to keep the lines of communication open. “Men are used to being able to fix stuff, and this just isn’t an easy fix,” says Moira. “Women are afraid they will be rejected, so they don’t talk about their fears, and the silence just grows. For us, talking about everything and keeping a sense of humour has got us through some scary times.” Jackie says it’s also vital to stay close: “Cuddle, kiss, hold hands, spend time with each other. There are so many ways to be intimate.” Barbara Musser couldn’t agree more. “Most partners are just so relieved that their partner is safe. They don’t care about her scars as long as they can hold her, kiss her and love her. But a woman has to be ready to accept that love, in whatever form it comes. “Breast cancer can bring a couple together or blow them apart. It ampliﬁes what is already going on in the relationship. This is why the need for communication becomes so much stronger. It is really important for the couple to be able to share what they are experiencing, and not be unhinged by whatever they hear. 12

Autumn 2016

Intimacy issues can occur for some women following their diagnosis of breast cancer. These issues are the same for women in a same sex relationship and it is important to remember that this is just as challenging for these women as they experience the same issues as heterosexual couples.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND SUPPORT If you are looking for further support, you might like to consider the following resources: • BCNA’s ‘I wish I could ﬁx it’: Supporting your partner through breast cancer booklet provides information for male and female partners of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 12 months. • You can ask your partner’s breast care nurse if she knows of any useful sources of information and support. • Your local Cancer Council (13 11 20) may have contacts with counsellors or support groups who will be sensitive to your needs. • Cancer Australia provides information for partners of women diagnosed with breast cancer. • beyondBlue has information on depression and anxiety, and where to get help. • Speak with your BCN

Writer, stylist and communications consultant Christina Relf lives near Winchester in the south of England and is a frequent contributor to Amoena Life.

Amoena Life received these two thought-provoking personal reflections about intimacy, one from the married perspective, and the other from a single woman. To honour their privacy, we’ve omitted the authors’ names. For Worse and For Better Getting back on course in my marriage When my husband, Chuck, and I met in 1988, I was all boobs and big hair. The chemistry between us was off the charts. On our very first date I couldn’t pull my neon floral Betsy Johnson mini-dress off fast enough. We quickly got engaged and married. And so began our big beautiful life with houses, babies, careers, vacations, and amazing sex. All that came to a screeching halt when I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. We were in our forties and in the prime of our lives. Nothing could have prepared us for the extreme levels of anxiety and confusion we endured: breast cancer changed us as a couple. We walked the journey through treatment with grace and gratitude. I continued to wear sky-high heels and a Cheshire cat smile, despite my embarrassment of my flattened, scarred chest. I locked the door when I showered. Chuck followed my lead and respectfully averted his gaze when I had to undress for what felt like daily examinations by doctors. But he took care of me, he rubbed my back and brought me soup and held my hand. When all was quiet at night I would cry quietly next to him and wonder where that sexy couple had gone. Weeks of no sex turned into months, which eventually turned into a year. This, for a couple that could ignite a fire with a simple kiss. The subject of sex had become awkward with a capital A. So I finally confronted it head-on. In a pivotal, emotional moment one morning, I woke Chuck from a deep sleep, took off my pink t-shirt, and sobbed. From there, a warm and eventually sensual conversation began, as did our journey to becoming a newer, wiser, sexier pair. Some days I think I should have let him in sooner. I should have made him look at my scars. I should not have allowed him to be the one to shave my head. I should have touched him in the darkness. I should not have been so caught up in fighting cancer. But that very cancer has taught me to never look back. It’s been four years and my hair is long. My chest? Still under construction. But my relationship is better than ever. We are intimate in every way. With fabulous date nights and infinite amounts of love and laughter we are a super-sexy survivor couple.

That Betsy Johnson dress still hangs in my closet as a reminder to never let a little thing like cancer stop you from a fantastic roll in the hay. And, it still fits!

Owning It, On My Own Empowered as a single woman Our story had all the makings of a Hollywood movie, meeting as strangers at the airport, bound on the same trip that began a wonderful year and an endless series of adventures together, so much so we often joked about selling the film rights. The relationship went from strength to strength, until that is, the tests results came back I suddenly felt diseased and unattractive. Something ugly was growing inside me and I didn’t want him to touch me or look at my body. After the operation, I openly showed him my body, swollen, battered and bruised—the lump was gone and so I felt there was nothing left for me to hide. It was then I needed his touch more than ever now, to make me feel feminine and desirable again, but as the scars began to heal the rest of me started to fall apart. One by one, the bad days outweighed the good—but more than that, I didn’t like the person I was becoming. There was nothing familiar, fun or even attractive about her and she was starting to have an effect on our relationship. I was certain that no matter what he would stick by me, but it seemed increasingly unfair of me to let this man, whom I loved deeply, be tied to a woman with barely a hint of the girl he fell in love with remaining. So I let him go—free to find someone else, someone who could make him happy. The road since for both of us has been a rocky one but we’ve been there for each other, not as partners but as the dearest of friends. I’m happy to say that I’m now back to being “me,” just with more purpose and drive than ever before. I like to think that our film has become a sequel and the “happily ever after” is still within reach for both of us. Whether that’s ultimately together or separately, one thing is for sure, the body I have and the scars that it bears are only a reminder of a battle that I fought and won. They will not define me. They are not the sum of me. They are simply a part of me and the story of my life. ■

amoena.com.au

[ ask the experts ]

Ask the

EXPERTS

Helping you is our pleasure! If you have a question for our experts, visit www.amoena.com.au/amoenalife to submit it for the next issue. We can’t guarantee an answer to every question, but we will get in touch if we use yours in the magazine.

Amoena Life experts answer real intimacy questions for you Isabel van der Ven, a UK-based life coach, is also a breast cancer survivor. Her coaching business for women who have had breast cancer, Live Your Life After Cancer, can be found at www.lylac.net. Here, she offers answers to your intimacy questions.

Q: “It has been 7 months since my treatments have ended; I should be over it by now, shouldn’t I? I still have no interest in sex. Is this normal?” A: Most people expect or hope that once treatment is completed, it’s all over-and-done! The truth is you will need time to adjust to this new situation. All you’ve been through can make intimacy a lot more challenging. Give it time and take small steps. You’ve dealt with a life-threatening illness and you need time to recover from the experience, both physically and emotionally. No matter how small the steps seem, they will improve your conﬁdence and soon start to snowball. Learning to be comfortable naked, massaging your body, dancing—these can all help you toward a new sense of ease with your body. Be kind to yourself. It sounds so obvious, but we notice many women are harsh in the way they speak to themselves; ‘I should be over it now,’ ‘I should feel better now,’ ‘I should be the same mum/

partner/employee/daughter/friend as before,’ etc. These ‘shoulds’ are unhelpful and problematic. The more compassion you give yourself, the easier your new life will feel. Imagine what you would say to a close friend in your situation. Talking to friends, family or a counselor, or writing a diary or letter or poem may help you process what’s happened.

Q: “I’m worried my partner doesn’t find me attractive anymore—we haven’t made love for a long time.” A: It can’t be said too much: Communicate with your partner. This will eliminate misconceptions on both sides. He might think he’s being caring and considerate, but you assume he doesn’t find you attractive anymore. Communication creates a space to share the worries you both have and to find solutions together— because, of course, your partner has been affected by your cancer, too. You can also communicate in more subtle ways that you’re ready to try at intimacy again. For example,

lovely lingerie and clothes that you feel comfortable in can really affect how you feel. Exercise will increase your physical energy and boost your conﬁdence. Although these things don’t seem directly related to your sex life, the body conﬁdence will spread into all areas.

Q: “My partner and I have talked things through, and we’ve tried being intimate, but it just doesn’t go the way it used to. What else can we do?” A: Look for support groups. Being with others who have similar issues after cancer can bring a sense of relief and comfort. See your doctor. Something simple like being prescribed a good vaginal lubricant can make a great difference. If you continue to struggle and need more speciﬁc help, ask your primary care doctor or Breast Care Nurse to refer you to a sex therapist who will help you explore both the emotional and physical factors that may be affecting you and your intimate relationship. ■

Clare Gibson is an Amoena fit specialist at our Showroom in Hampshire (U.K.), and with 11 years of breast form and bra fitting experience, is more than qualified to help you with your questions about lingerie and symmetry. For more Q&A, this time with Clare, please visit www.amoena.us/amoenalife and click on Ask the Experts.

Autumn 2016

[ mind & body ]

Colour Your HeART Nouveau meditation is an old childhood favourite Have you tried it yet? Colouring, we mean. As an adult. It’s the same as what you did as a child: The rainbow of implements still smells delightfully of school-room wood, wax, and ink, and the motions feel familiar— back and forth, up and down, sweeping long lines, swirling around—although it’s probably a lot easier now to stay inside the lines. And yet, colouring for adults has a different feeling, too. It’s more purposeful. Adult minds carry more baggage, deflect more stressors, and flit among the zillion daily tasks we require of ourselves. Adults somehow forget how to play— how to relax. So the goal with adult colouring is to lose yourself in it. To let all the other difficulties fade away for a moment, while you focus on one thing—the picture that’s in front of you. “An activity like colouring can have multiple psychological benefits,” explains licensed psychologist Pamela Ginsberg. “We know that engaging in art has been shown to decrease distress overall….[and] play activates the reward circuits of the brain, releasing dopamine (a feel-good neurotransmitter). That increases the brain’s neural plasticity. The mindfulness meditation community has embraced adult colouring because some of its effects are similar to meditation.” Big, beautiful artbooks are available at bookstores and online, and free downloads are all over the Internet. Don’t let the choices overwhelm; just pick one that speaks to you, and go. There’s no right or wrong. No pattern you must obey. Create. Breathe. Let go. Enjoy. ■

Amoena Life wants to get you colouring!

Artist Sam Parker has created this original mandala just for Amoena Life readers! Download it at www.amoena.com.au/ amoenalife, and find more on Instagram, @samparkerartist. Why and Wherefore Ginsberg says she has recommended colouring to patients who are stressed or upset, but find meditation to be daunting. “I believe that the activity of colouring is very soothing and can be a way to quiet oneself down,” she says. “Engaging in colouring may also open the door for a patient to [try] other mindfulness meditation practices, especially once they feel the benefits of the colouring activity.” Big-Time Books • French publisher Hachette Pratique’s “Art-thérapie: 100 colouriages anti-stress” (2012) has sold more than three and a half million copies worldwide. • Johanna Basford’s 2013 “Secret Garden” has sold two million copies worldwide and remains a top seller on www.amazon.com

To get you started we have 50 colouring books and pencil sets to give away. Email or call Amoena Australia and we will send you a set.* Email: au.info@amoena.com Phone: 1800 773 285. *One per call/email. amoena.com.au

[ report ]

Important Questions after Breast Cancer Treatment

Autumn 2016

In this article John Boyages, Professor of Breast Oncology, at Macquarie University Hospital and author of Breast Cancer: Taking Control answers some of the common questions he gets asked from patients after treatment. 1. HOW OFTEN DO I NEED CHECKS? This needs to be discussed with your treatment team. The current Australian guidelines state that “patient history and clinical examination should occur every 3-6 months for the ﬁrst 2 years, every 6-12 months for the next 3 years and annually after 5 years”. However in practice, the frequency of follow-up can’t be recipe driven and needs to be individualised. This depends, to some extent, on the complexity of treatment, associated side-effects and the degree of psychological support a patient may need particularly in the ﬁrst few years post-treatment. For example patients who have very early localised breast cancer disease that has not spread to the lymph nodes or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who do not receive chemotherapy after their surgery could be seen once by their surgeon with imaging such as mammography and breast ultrasound on one or both sides on the “anniversary” of their diagnosis and once by the radiation oncologist 6 months later.

2. HOW LONG DO I NEED TO GO FOR CHECKS? Some patients request or require follow-up for ten years after diagnosis because they feel reassured being seen by a specialist, or because they continue to take certain medications such as hormonal treatments (including tamoxifen and/or aromatase inhibitors). However, most patients see one or more of their specialists for 5 years after which time the chance of a recurrence tends to be low. Make sure you see your general practitioner at least once a year for all your regular checks (which may include testing for high cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, blood pressure, pap smears) and make sure your Vitamin D levels remain at a good level to protect your bones. If you have any new symptoms which don’t go away see your general practitioner who may order more x-ray or other tests. amoena.com.au

[ report ]

3. WHAT IMAGING TESTS DO I NEED? Usually, most patients only need a mammogram and an ultrasound. For patients with very dense breasts or with a very strong family history of breast cancer, it may also be worthwhile having a breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) every second year. There is no evidence to suggest that patients need imaging with a bone or CT scan if the disease has not spread. Large clinical trials have shown that regular testing only increases the radiation dose, anxiety and the risk of a false positive result. A false positive is when a radiologist states that something is abnormal, but this may just be a side-effect of the treatment (radiation changes in the lung) or due to something you have had all your life. The role of PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanning is not clear, but I do recommend this for some patients, who need extra reassurance that everything is OK or if there is some doubt about a particular new symptom. Clinical trials and most guidelines worldwide do not show that either imaging tests or breast cancer “blood markers”such as CA15-3 are worthwhile for routine follow-up.

4. WHAT ABOUT MY FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER? You should be referred to a family history clinic if you meet the referral criteria. Usually this means having breast cancer in two or more family members, having a family history of ovarian cancer or having a case of male breast cancer in the family. For complete guidelines in Australia, see the Cancer Australia link at: http://www.cancer.org.au/. The clinic will organise a blood test looking for abnormalities in two genes known as ‘BRCA1’ or ‘BRCA2’.

5. I AM CONSTANTLY AFRAID OF RECURRENCE. IS THIS NORMAL? This is a very common feeling which, for most patients, gets better over time. Most aches and pains are due either to treatment (for example, aromatase inhibitors can cause some aches and pains) or the normal aches and pains we get from sitting in a chair or working in the garden. Remember the old adage: ‘If pain persists, see your doctor’. Cancer pain tends to be persistent in one area and doesn’t get better with paracetamol. If your pain persists, see your GP for tests or X-Rays. If your pain is in a bone area, I would normally do a bone scan, although sometimes a PET CT scan is useful. To manage your fear about the recurrence of your cancer, you can get help from the Cancer Council Helpline (131120), various breast cancer support services or by asking your doctor to refer you to a psychologist with expertise in breast cancer. Don’t feel guilty getting in touch with your team if something is worrying you. You are not wasting anyone’s time. If someone starts off telling you some sort of horror story, tell them “stop right there, let’s talk about something other than breast cancer”. Don’t forget about “retail therapy” and planning your next holiday.

6. WHAT IS MY RISK LYMPHOEDEMA? Most patients do not get lymphoedema, but if you’re having axillary clearance, axillary radiotherapy, or both, your risk may be high and it may therefore be valuable to see a lymphoedema therapist to compare the size of your limb on the treated side with the untreated side using girth measures. A new test called L-Dex is a type of bioimpedance device which can more accurately detect how much extra-cellular ﬂuid is present in the stock. 18

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7. DO I NEED TO WATCH MY DIET AND EXERCISE AFTER BREAST CANCER? A good diet with reduction in saturated fats and avoidance of high amounts of sugar is a good idea, not only to protect against weight gain, but also to protect your bones. A couple of studies have now shown that keeping weight down is important and that moderate exercise of 30 minutes per day at least four times per week does have both physical and psychological beneﬁts. Don’t forget to read Dr Susan Hart’s book Healthy Living After Breast Cancer – the BABE Method (download from Amazon or iTunes).

8. CAN I HAVE A BREAST RECONSTRUCTION? There is no real contraindication to a breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. There are many types of reconstruction, ranging from the use of silicone implants to having a ﬂap reconstruction, where normal tissue is moved from the abdomen, back or leg area to the chest-wall. Speak to a plastic surgeon who has had some experience working with patients who have had a mastectomy, particularly if you’ve had radiotherapy.

9. WHEN CAN I GET PREGNANT AGAIN? This is a difficult question. There is no contraindication to sex after breast cancer, although for many couples, it can take a long time to regain the intimacy you had before your breast cancer treatment. Barrier contraceptive methods are generally used, although intrauterine devices coated with hormones (e.g. Mirena®) or standard IUDs can be used. When considering contraceptive choices, it is important to note that most, although not all, women over the age of 45 have an early menopause after chemotherapy. Blood tests to measure hormonal levels (known as FSH, LH and estradiol) can be done after your treatment and monitored periodically, but they are not entirely accurate. If you are still fertile, another test you can take to check your ovarian status is AntiMullerian Hormone (AMH) test. If you are taking tamoxifen, it is better to stop this for three months prior to falling pregnant. Pregnancy is never an easy decision. In my book Breast Cancer: Taking Control (www.bcpublish.com), I cover this in more detail.

To ﬁn nd out more about breast brea cancer and lymphoedema get lym Professor Boyages Pro book boo Breast Cancer: Taking Control from Tak www.bcpublish.com ww Use U promotional discount code d “AMOENA” or buy “A online at Amazon o or o iTunes.

[ feelin’ kinda funny ]

Hints and Allegations Talking about intimacy isn’t as easy as some clowns make it seem!

I was all set to write about intimacy and then I realised – wait, I can’t do this! It’s too… oh, how can I put it? …Intimate! First off, I like to write about things I know. And not just know, but have present-day, up-to-the-minute data to support any claims I make. Sad to say, a meaningful conversation about intimacy is not one of those topics. I wish I was one of those women who has a trapeze hanging from the ceiling of her bedroom, handcuffs and feather boas galore, but actually, I’m much more likely to have a clown car. It’s not that I don’t have my share of intimate moments, it’s just that I was never taught exactly where the boundaries lie, when it comes to talking about personal stuff. I come from a long line of people who don’t even want to hint about the personal, erotic or sexual. Not only didn’t we have a discussion about the birds and the bees when I was growing up, I think if my parents had had their way, the birds and the bees would have been wearing clothes! My folks were so modest that when, as a teenager, I happened to ﬁnd a condom wrapper in the bathroom trash, I didn’t speak to my father for weeks because I thought he’d had a lady of the night to the house while Mom was at work. Years later, I confessed this to my parents at some family gathering, and although we all laughed hysterically, I knew I’d broached a subject that was not at all comfortable for us. My, how times have changed. I work with young women who share intimate information with anyone who will listen. And while I applaud their moxie (and their right to feel

comfortable in their own bodies) – I sometimes wonder if all of this sharing is actually healthy. Is it sort of like violence? You know, the theory (which I fear is proving to be true) that if you see enough violence you become desensitised to it? Could the same be true when we reveal too much, too often? As a woman with no breasts, I’ve had my share of struggles when it comes to intimacy. Although I’ve interviewed scores of women who have faced this same dilemma, when it is my own body, it feels signiﬁcantly more profound. Prior to surgery, I imagined I would just view my body as I had when I was a young girl, before I’d sprouted a bosom. I thought I’d feel comfortable going without breasts and sporting tank tops. I was mistaken. While I do spend most of my time around the house in this garb, I’ve noticed that the minute I think about going out in public, I feel shy. Some of this is because I still feel the need to lose weight (yes, unfortunately, vanity always seems to remain an adolescent trapped in our head, reminding us in a whiny voice of our perceived faults). And some of it is because I have yet to learn how to embrace a fundamental part of intimacy— loving my own body. A year and a half post-surgery, this is a hurdle I still need to get over. I’m working on it at my own pace, and I don’t beat myself up when I have a day where I feel somewhat diminished. I’m hoping to get to a place where I can use the trapeze in my bedroom to soar right over any obstacle I might face. Okay, let’s be honest here—send in the clowns! ■

Dianne (Browne) Armitage was born in Indianapolis. 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 humor has helped her deal with her diagnoses and just might be therapeutic to others as well. In addition to her work with Amoena, Dianne has written for Dr. Susan Love’s website and is a frequent contributor to several other health-related sites.

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[ real life ]

Feeling Feminine Learning to trust her new body is Elian’s key to embracing every good day

“Femininity is not only in your breasts, but also in your heart, soul, and what you radiate,” says Elian Daris, 48, who lives in The Netherlands. And Elian should know, having been through the wringer and come out as strong as she is beautiful. “I feel more feminine now than ever before.” A friend of the family died of cancer and that, combined with being a DES baby (she was exposed in utero to a synthetic oestrogen called diethylstilbestrol, used from 1938 to the early ‘70s and later found to be a breast cancer risk factor), led Elian to go in for a mammogram. Just as a precaution, she insists; she had no reason to believe there was anything wrong. It turned out, though, that Elian was smart to see her doctor. She had two malignant tumors in her right breast and a number of micro-calciﬁcations in her left breast. “My world turned upside down,” she recalls. After being thoroughly checked and thinking through all her options, Elian had a mastectomy on her right side and a lumpectomy on her left. In addition, the doctors also removed all of the lymph nodes under her right arm; fortunately, she has only a moderate form of lymphoedema. Elian’s initial response to the diagnosis was incredulity. “You can’t believe it’s happening to you,” she says. But she never asked, ‘why me?’ If anything, Elian accepted the situation with equilibrium. “It happens to so many women, why not me!” After the surgeries, Elian had ﬁve rounds of chemotherapy, followed by hormone treatment. She’s still receiving the hormones nine years later, with no ill effects. Two years after the lumpectomy, Elian had the remaining half of her left breast removed so that she could feel symmetrical again. During this period, Elian’s mother died. “It was a very emotional time.” Elian chose not to reconstruct her breasts. “I don’t want things in my body that don’t belong there, but I’m glad that 20

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women have the choice.” she says. In addition, she has found that the Amoena breast forms “work perfectly for me,” she explains. That’s not to suggest that the diagnosis and treatment was smooth sailing for Elian. She started out afraid, worried about the diagnosis, concerned about what it might mean for her future. But then she realised that she didn’t have time to sit back and worry. “You have to fight the ultimate battle,” she says. So she reached deep within herself and found the power to fight, quite literally, for her life. “The chemo left its marks and I was very tired for several years,” she says. She had to feel comfortable in her body, with all its new fatigue and little pains. ”You have to learn to trust your new body,” she says. It takes a lot of time to adjust to all the emotional and physical changes, Elian adds, but, at the same time she avers that time is the only way she has processed everything that has happened to her. “Emotionally I feel very strong and physically, I accept my limitations.” While Elian’s femininity emerged intact from her breast cancer experience, her marriage did not. “I have dated a few times,” says Elian, but she finds it difficult to share her story. She’s still figuring out how and when to tell a partner about her medical history. But she knows she will sort it all out. “There is someone out there who wants to grow old with me and accept me for the person I am,” she says. These days, Elian is feeling healthy and running her own business selling waterproof carryalls designed to withstand heavy Dutch rains. Working with Amoena has also been wonderful. “It brings me so much joy and self-confidence,” she says. “I feel privileged to (possibly) be an example for women.” She enjoys living as a role model—proving that there’s life after cancer—and that you can feel feminine without breasts. “I wake up every morning with a smile on my face, count my blessings, and think ‘this is a good day.’” ■

[ mind & body ]

YOUR HEALTH IS A CORE ISSUE

Strengthen the whole body, starting at the centre What we call our “core” is a complex series of muscles, extending far beyond the abdominals and including just about every body part other than our arms and legs.

What Is Your Core and What Does it Do? When you think of your core, imagine it like a box. The bottom of the “box” is your pelvic floor. The top is your diaphragm. In the front you have the transverse abs, and the internal and external oblique muscles, working in conjunction with the rectus abdominis. In the back it’s the erector spinæ muscles coupled with the multifidus. Every one of these muscle groups needs to be properly exercised to effectively strengthen your core, and doing so will stabilise your spine so that it can easily support the body and move fluidly in any direction.

How to Improve Your Core Strength Effective core exercises require a combination of multiple muscles engaging together to maintain appropriate support and keep you safe from injuries. You might be surprised at just which injuries: Core strength and balance can help you avoid back injury, of course, but even twisted ankles and sore wrists (particularly in yoga). According to National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certiﬁed Personal Trainer Erin Cox, “Your core is where most of your strength and balance originates, which affects how efficiently you move and balance through daily life. Everything you use to move connects to your core…. so strengthening the core will also assist in strengthening the rest of your body.” In her work as an instructor at York’s Core & Fitness in Ventura, CA, Erin coaches individuals of varying abilities and ages, making sure they reach their ﬁtness goals in a healthy way. “There is no need to do a million crunches to strengthen your core. In fact, a lot of people think core training is simply that, lots and lots of sit–ups,” says Cox. “This is not the case. Planks, sideplanks, many yoga poses, and any sort of strength training that introduces instability will engage the core,” she explains, “because it forces the body to balance, and that is what our core is meant to do. An example is lifting light dumbbells while standing on one foot. Doing sit-ups or planks using an exercise ball adds much more to the exercise because of the unstable surface.”

It’s Never Too Late to Improve YOUR Core Support Pilates and GYROTONIC® instructor Melinda (Mindy) Horwitz feels posture is a great starting place. “As we age, maintaining our sense of balance often becomes a challenge. The most effective way of maintaining our balance is by activating our core muscles. Strong core muscles not only help our posture but also ﬁght gravity, so no slouching!” At her Simpatico Pilates studio in Montecito, CA, Mindy says, “We address core strength, especially during rehabilitation, by teaching our clients how to breathe both diaphragmatically and through the back—expanding the ribcage sideways while keeping the belly ﬂat. This automatically engages the core muscles. After they get the hang of breathing we can then move to other simple core exercises, our goal being to bring them back to vibrant health.” ■

Looking for great workout wear options? Our Autumn 2016 Active wear is perfectly balanced. Click www.amoena.com.au/ amoenalife to see it!

Powerful Core Punch-List We use our core muscles in nearly every type of sport and ﬁtness activity, as well as for posture, so it’s important that they’re strong. Some great training methods: • Martial arts (karate, jiu jitsu, tae kwon do) • Barre workouts • Kettlebell and medicine ball workouts • Yoga/Pilates/Gyrotonics • Tai Chi/Qi Gong • Stability ball training

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[ report ]

Heat of the Moment Explore your options for cooling those hot flushes

Whether your menopause occurs naturally as part of the life cycle, or has been thrown at you unfairly ahead of schedule, one thing is certain: hot flushes are no day at the beach (although you may feel very much like you’ve been drenched by a wave). Hot flushes and night sweats are an often discussed side effect of cancer treatment, and although they’re not always the worst one, they can be troublesome while they’re happening. If being too hot (or too cold) disrupts sleep, the effects can compound and lead to other problems, like insomnia and depression. In your hormonally-imbalanced state, is there anything you can do, besides kick off the bedcovers and crank up the fan? Identifying the triggers Unfortunately, there are nearly as many triggers for hot flushes as there are women experiencing the problem. Here are a few: • Consuming alcohol • Drinking products with caffeine • Eating spicy foods • Being overweight • Being stressed • Lack of physical activity • Smoking or being exposed to cigarette smoke Eliminating these may not tame the symptoms, but it’s a good place to start. In recent years, antidepressants have been used to help many men and women who have hot flushes from cancer treatment. However, if you take tamoxifen to treat your cancer, you need to avoid certain antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about what medicines for are right for you. 22

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Alternative medicine? Although much has been written about black cohosh, an herbal supplement made from the roots of a North American plant, it is not clear if the benefits of alleviating menopausal symptoms outweigh the risks. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) in New York City, patients should use caution, as liver failure has been reported from its use. Perhaps more important for breast cancer survivors, MSKCC warns: If you currently have, or have been treated for, an oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cancer, it is still unclear whether black cohosh acts in the same manner as oestrogen, and might therefore stimulate growth of these tumors. Some evidence indicates that another supplement, red clover, may help reduce menopausal symptoms; however, it contains compounds known as isoﬂavones (also found in soy). In laboratory experiments, red clover extract stimulates the

Mind over matter? Acupuncture and meditation More than one scientific study during the past decade has pointed to the Eastern art of acupuncture as a potential form of relief for breast cancer patients. In 2007, the Journal of Clinical Oncology published results of a randomised, controlled trial where 72 women with breast cancer, experiencing three or more hot flushes a day, were given either real acupuncture or a “sham” version. The results showed that the women who received true acupuncture felt .8 fewer hot flushes per day after treatment. While these results aren’t statistically significant, the fact is that many cancer patients and menopausal women are seeking out acupuncture, trusting the wisdom of the ancients. But there may be something even easier, and more readily available, that can help. A 2011 study originally reported by U.S. News & World Report, said that an easy-tolearn meditation technique could help ease the hot flushes,

A FEW COMMON SENSE CHANGES YOU CAN MAKE RIGHT NOW ●

Stay hydrated. Your body’s cooling system operates within a narrow margin of error during menopause, and a vital component of managing that system is providing enough water to keep it cool. Keep a glass or bottle of water with you all day long, and refill it often.

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Moisture-wicking products like sheets and pyjamas can be your saving grace at night. Amoena’s Home wear is one example; our pyjamas and nightdresses feature a built-in pocketed shelf bra with breathable COOLMAX® ACTIVE® fabric pockets, to hold a leisure form in place and wick moisture away if you start to sweat in the chest area.

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Wear breast forms with the best fit and feel, and with Comfort+ technology. Amoena breast forms with Comfort+ actually absorb the body’s heat, store it until your body cools down again, and then release it back to you—so in effect, you feel no change at all. Your temperature has been equalised! Our newest form, the Natura Xtra Light 2SN, offers extraordinary wearing comfort, especially for women who want their form to feel “lighter than light!”

proliferation of ER+ breast cancer cells, indicating that this herb may also not be safe for women with oestrogen-sensitive cancers. Dong quai is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat menstrual and menopausal symptoms and to ‘tonify’ blood. A few studies have tested effectiveness of dong quai for menopausal symptoms but results are inconclusive. And once again, Dong quai has oestrogen-like effects and was shown to increase growth of breast cancer cells in other laboratory experiments. Evening primrose oil may be the least questionable of the popular “natural” remedies, but its impact on hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms is weak, at best. Scientists have not determined exactly how it exerts its effects, but theorise that it has anti-inflammatory properties. It may be beneficial for patients with mastalgia (breast pain), as well as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, premenstrual syndrome, eczema, or high cholesterol but there is not enough data to support such effects. So, while we would love to find something natural that effectively manages hot flushes and night sweats, nothing in a bottle has been proven both safe and effective, to date.

night sweats and insomnia of menopause. The University of Massachusetts research showed that mindfulness training based on a Buddhist meditation concept reduced the distress associated with hot ﬂushes. Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S., Administrative Director of the Johns Hopkins Breast Centre, advises: “Menopausal symptoms for some women can truly impact their quality of life. Women with a breast cancer history, however, cannot take hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) as others can for relief. Some get relief using such methods as a chill pillow for night sweats. Acupuncture has helped some women, and wearing cotton in layers is key.” Shockney, a breast cancer survivor herself, advises women to avoid spicy foods and hot beverages, and to “keep a diary of when your symptoms hit so you can identify patterns and therefore create solutions.” It is advised that before commencing any alternative therapies to speak with your Oncologist or Breast Care Nurse. Some alternative therapies can have a negative impact on your breast cancer treatment. ■

This article was adapted from “Finding Ways to Cope When You’re Hot, Hot, Hot,” available at www.TheBreastCareSite.com, Amoena’s educational website.

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[ fashion ]

COMFORT:

Every Treasured Friendship We’re most at home with the ones who know our secrets. For girls’ night conversations or a team-building jog on a crisp morning—in Amoena’s comfortable Active, Leisure and Home wear (no bra required!)—you can be there for each other time after time. 24

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Amoena Active: 2-in-1 T-Shirt in Melon, sizes S, M, L, XL

Amoena Leisure: Wrap Top in Navy, sizes S, M, L, XL

Amoena Home: Lace Top in Raspberry, sizes S, M, L, XL

amoena.com.au

[ beauty ]

A Story of

Lipstick and Rouge …and our changing attitudes about beauty It’s clear that the collective female attitude about cosmetics and “beauty routines” is evolving. While a celebrity’s makeup-free photo shoot still makes headlines these days, real women have been more comfortable in their own skins for a long time, some choosing only the most natural beauty products available, and others foregoing the practice altogether. Who needs makeup, anyway? Consider a few things we’ve learned about your makeup motivation. ✔ Confidence In our last issue, we asked Amoena Life readers, “Why do you wear makeup?” The answers indicated a 21st-century “empowered” mindset: You wear it to “feel more attractive and boost your confidence.” Not one participant checked the box next to “I wear it for my partner.” Women definitely don’t need the opinion of anyone else these days, to tell them they’re beautiful. Whether we wear makeup or not, consider our confidence boosted! (For more results from our Reader Survey, turn to page 30). ✔ Health As scientists continue trying to pinpoint exactly what causes confounding diseases like cancer, consumers are taking a more cautionary approach to the products we put in and on our bodies. If you Google “safe cosmetics,” you get over eight million results. More and more women are looking for clean, health-enhancing beauty products—not the “paints and potions” of our grandmothers’ days. ✔ Accountability Moreover, we expect that those who regulate and distribute beauty products to women will do so responsibly. Companies like www.beautycounter.com “are pushing our industry for better ingredients and more transparency… and lobbying for the reform of state and federal bills that keep toxic chemicals on the market.” The shift toward natural cosmetics is encouraging. Led by European cosmetics companies and finally making its way to North America and other nations, women everywhere have high standards for our own well-being, and care less, in this modern age, about impressing others with rouge and lipstick. We want to feel confident (but we’re not here to conform to someone else’s ideal), and we take our health seriously. Now, that’s beautiful. ■ 26

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GET CLEAN Explore better cosmetics made by these and other manufacturers, and study up at www. safecosmetics.org: • Beauty Counter www.beautycounter.com • Dirty Beauty Skincare www.dirtybeauty.com • Ecco Bella www.eccobella.com • Garden of Eve www.gardenofeveskincare.com • Alima Pure www.alimapure.com “As a woman who has dealt with breast cancer three times (breast cancer, I might add, that was triple-negative and BRCAnegative as well), I began seriously looking at my environment. I was appalled when I discovered how many chemicals our cosmetics and personal care products contain— many of which are known to be carcinogenic or hormone disrupters. Since our skin is our largest organ, I feel that using products I know are safe is just one more smart step in staying healthy.” –Dianne Armitage 20-year breast cancer survivor and BeautyCounter.com Consultant

[ nutrition ]

Delicious for Your Life Warm Root Vegetable Salad with Quinoa, Fetta and Pecans As the weather ﬁnally starts to cool down, something a little more substantial is called for in a salad! Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) may seem like the trendy new gluten-free kid-on-the-block, but it is actually an ancient seed which is cooked and eaten like a grain. This salad could certainly be a meal in itself that packs a serious nutritious punch, but it also makes a colourful side to meat, ﬁsh or chicken. 1 medium sweet potato, cubed 2 medium beetroot, cubed 2-3 medium carrots, cut in similar sizes to the sweet potato and beetroot 1 medium red onion, quartered ½ cup quinoa, rinsed in cold water ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts ¼ cup fetta, crumbled (or labne) 2 cups rocket leaves (or salad leaves of choice) For the dressing - whisk together: ¼ cup olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon each honey and seeded mustard Place the vegetables on a tray, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake at 200°C for approximately 30 minutes. Cook the quinoa in 1 cup of water on medium heat with a lid on the saucepan for 15-20 mins, Fluff with a fork. Spread rocket out on a platter and top with the warm quinoa, then the vegetables. Sprinkle over the pecans and fetta (or if using the softer labne, dot teaspoons between the vegetables). Pour over the dressing and serve. With love from your healthy-food-loving Amoena Territory Manager in Queensland, Glenda.

Cook For Your Life is a website, nutrition-based cooking course and now a cookbook created by Ann Ogden, a 2-time cancer survivor who found that her cooking skills grounded her and helped her navigate the effects of treatment and recovery. The website offers hundreds of recipes, carefully categorised so you can ﬁnd exactly what you need (“Easy to Swallow,” “Low Calorie,” “Bland Diet,” and “Gluten-Free” are just a few examples). The 336-page book, ﬁlled with tempting photos and easy instructions, was published in September 2015, and is available at www.amazon.com and other major booksellers. Visit www.cookforyourlife.org for more information.

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Contact Multi An attachable solution for Amoena breast forms

Two new shapes! Contact Multi

Features & Beneﬁts

Art. No. 041 ﬁts Amoena 3E breast forms* Sizes 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 L/R

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Art. No. 040 ﬁts Amoena 2SN breast forms* Sizes 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14

The Contact Multi pad is made of a soft, strong silicone with adhesive on both sides—one side securely adheres to an Amoena non-attachable breast form (even one with a gel back layer); the other to a woman’s chest wall.

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Art. No. 038 ﬁts Amoena 3S breast forms* Sizes 0/1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10

The pad is easy to apply, wear and remove—giving women a new attachable solution and the freedom to choose.

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Wearing a breast form attached has been known to give women a feeling of less weight and more ﬂexibility with clothing options.

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Like Amoena Contact breast forms, the Contact Multi pad requires a clean chest wall for the best adhesion. Daily cleaning of both sides is necessary using the Amoena Soft Cleanser and Soft Brush provided.

NEW

Art. No. 037 ﬁts Amoena 2S breast forms* Sizes 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 *recommended for use with Amoena Natura and Essential breast forms only.

Packaged with a microﬁber drying cloth, one 30ml Amoena Soft Cleanser, and one Soft Brush. 150ml Amoena Soft Cleanser and Skin Preparation Tonic sold separately. The pad is designed to be worn on an Amoena breast form and to be worn with a bra for complete support. Amoena is not liable for any damage caused by placing the Contact Multi pad onto another brand of breast form.

amoena.com.au Amoena Breast Forms are labeled with the CE mark. Amoena is an ISO 9001/13485/14001 certiﬁed company. Amoena is a registered trademark of Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH. “For you, like no other.” is a trademark of Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH pending registration. ©2016 All rights reserved Amoena Australia Pty Ltd Fitzroy Victoria Australia.

[ section header ]

Introducing Natura Xtra Light with Comfort+

Amoena is a registered trademark of Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH. “For you, like no other.” is a trademark of Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH pending registration. ©2016 All rights reserved Amoena Australia 107 Fergie Street, Fitzroy North VIC 3068

The newest addition to the Amoena Natura portfolio.

FIT

FORM

FEEL

Designed in a new anatomical shape

Two-layer design helps the form stay upright in a bra pocket

Weighs 40% less* and includes patented Comfort+ temperature-equalising technology

Natura Xtra Light 2SN Learn more at www.amoena.com.au/xtra-light *Compared to regular silicone forms of the same shape and size.

[ health ]

NEW YEAR NEW RESOLUTIONS! Most of us start the new year thinking about putting aside some of our old (unhealthy) habits and starting the year afresh with new resolutions to eat well, get fitter and staying healthy. This of course is even more important for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and significantly those who are in a younger age group at the time of diagnosis. Women who have experienced cancer at a younger age face a number of age-specific issues; such as concerns about fertility, sexuality issues, trying to deal with menopausal symptoms, weight gain, and physical inactivity. Younger women are also say that sometimes it is a struggle fitting in socially as they feel different to their friends of the same age who aren’t worrying about menopause or recurrence of cancer or the way they look following surgery or treatment. Some studies have reported that physical, psychological, and social concerns remained problematic for some younger women, even 5 years after diagnosis. Research also shows us that there are very few programs that focus on more than exercise or dietary changes; and programs that are available often rely on women attending in person and travelling to appointments or groups, not always easy when you have a busy lifestyle, trying to return to work or juggling baby sitting and childcare or live in a remote or regional are. 30

Autumn 2016

However this is about to change, Professor Debbie Anderson and her team have been developing a series of successful wellness programs the most recent is a project to investigate the effectiveness of a 12 week structured lifestyle program The Younger Women’s Wellness after Cancer Program (YWWACP) in improving health and wellness in younger women who have had breast or gynaecological cancer. YWWACP is a 12-week lifestyle intervention that aims to encourage participants to incorporate positive health behaviours into their everyday lives. This program is highly researched and based on sound evidence; it is not a ‘quick fix’ fad diet and is aimed at sustainable healthy lifestyle choices and habits. It is designed as a flexible tool and is delivered through an online program journal with a fact filled iBook in addition to personal virtual consultations with an experienced cancer care nurse. There are selfdirected resources such as the website, podcasts with a

variety of subjects and wearable technologies (to monitor daily health profile data). As the information needs of younger women continue to change over time the YWWACP’s dynamic, interactive tailored approached will support this need for information. The lead of this dynamic program is Professor Debra Anderson who is based at Griffith University, Australia. Debra has a PhD in Social and Preventive Medicine and over twenty-five years’ experience in education and research. Her research focuses on understanding the basis and effects of risk behaviours in women and the interventions to change them. She aims to promote healthy behaviour change in women with and without chronic disease, including midlife women and women cancer survivors, including physical activity, dietary intake, stress management, and smoking cessation; and to develop and test interventions that promote these behaviours. Debra says: - In The Younger Women’s Wellness after Cancer Program we have developed the program specific to younger women who have had cancer. We have developed a website and included an interactive I-Book. This means women can access the program from their homes, via phones, tablets, or from their laptop. They will be able to get on line and get health professional support and interact and find support with other women undertaking the program through our social interaction site. The site has been constructed so that it is easy to navigate and women will receive timely information on achievement of their goals to a healthier lifestyle. Having the strength to change old habits and begin new ones can be challenging. The fact that you are reading this probably means you are interested in improving your health and wellness after treatment. This program will ask you to make changes in your lifestyle but we also understand that

women undertaking this program will be at different levels of health and fitness and have different lifestyles. These days, many women are very busy juggling family and work responsibilities. An important part of this program is learning to prioritise your own health and to learn strategies that can assist you to make time for exercise and healthy eating. Regular exercise and healthy eating will benefit you in many ways and give you more energy for your busy lifestyle and help you return to optimal health. The purpose of the YWWACP is to start you on your journey towards becoming more healthy and energetic. Using the latest evidence-based information we have created The Younger Women’s Wellness after Cancer Program as an easy-to-follow plan. You will have access to health professional support and an I- book that will guide you through the process step by step, giving you daily or weekly focus points to facilitate your journey Our team is dynamic and committed to finding you the very best information, Sarah Baalam is our dietician. Sarah is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Research Assistant Manager working closely with the Women’s Wellness after Cancer research team. Sarah is passionate about the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices that adopt a holistic approach to wellbeing after cancer treatment. In addition to assisting with the development of our programs, Sarah is currently undertaking her PhD studies which see her work closely with women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer. Sarah’s research looks to identify how different aspects of dietary health and imbedded health behaviours potentially influence overall wellbeing. Sarah’s work is driven by a desire to use and expand upon the current evidence-based research with an aim to greatly improve the quality options available to women who seek sound and well-rounded healthcare advice after completion of their cancer treatment. Sarah is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who is currently completing her PhD candidature at the Queensland University of Technology. Sarah’s research focuses on the benefits of particular nutritional factors, which enhance the nutritional wellness of cancer survivor

Melissa Arneil is our consultation nurse for the YWWACP. She is especially interested in cognitive function for women after cancer treatment. Mel has a wide experience in Cancer nursing and is passionate about wellness and using relevant up to date information to assist you with making changes to your lifestyle and habits. Mel uses her positive bubbly personality to guide you through your 12-week program with YWWACP, setting realistic goals along the way in relation to diet, lifestyle and personal growth. Mel assists in keeping women motivated by taking a stepwise manageable approach to ensure you get the very best out of it. By using the evidence based research she has uncovered during her many years of study including her current Masters of Research, Mel offers strategies to tackle issues around cognitive function, managing menopause and other side effects of treatment such as weight gain, and incorporating exercise into daily routine with the use of ﬁtness trackers to assist women and make sure they reach their greatest potential. ■

We are currently trialing this new program and looking for participants to assist us, who are under 40 years, have completed treatment for breast, gynaecological cancer and are computer literate. If you are interested in ﬁnding out more about the project please email wwacp@qut.edu.au and put Younger Women’s Wellness after Cancer Study in the subject ﬁeld. You will be provided with further information to ensure that your decision and consent to participate is fully informed.

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[ local ]

Rituals of Remembrance for Survivorship by Teresa Schreiber Werth

Acknowledge Your Milestones with a Meaningful Ritual If you don’t have a ritual of your own, but think it might be nice to start one, begin by deciding what event you want to honour. Choose the mementos or activities most meaningful to you. Think about whether you want to celebrate alone, with another person or a group of people, and plan where and when the ritual will take place. You could try: • Re-reading greeting cards or a journal • Creative writing or journaling • on the day • An annual exercise routine, remembrance walk or spa day • A special meal or party with family and/or friends • Listening to inspirational music Teresa Schreiber Werth is a retired communications professional and six-year survivor of stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. Her 2011 book, Pink-On-Pink, Writing my Way Through Breast Cancer, is available at www.amazon.com.

Autumn 2016

Each year on May 8, I meet two friends for a brisk morning walk and a picnic breakfast in the park. We call it our “victory lap.” It’s our ritual on the anniversary of the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. My life was saved by that diagnosis and so we gather each spring to remember and celebrate my survival. I look forward to this walk and time with these friends who were with me every step of my journey. Even though it reminds me of the challenging months and years that followed, it always gives me an emotional and spiritual boost to celebrate the progress I have made. Breast cancer survivors create many different kinds of rituals to observe the ending of life-as-theyknew-it before cancer and the beginning of survivorship. They can be connected to any aspect of a survivor’s journey: the date of diagnosis, the completion of treatment, the three- or ﬁve-year anniversary. They can be private remembrances or they can be shared with others. Whatever form they take, people perform them in order to witness, acknowledge and support a signiﬁcant milestone related to cancer or any other life experience.

Journal-ist of the heart Nancy wrote in her journal from the day of her diagnosis through radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and every day until her doctor proclaimed her “cancer free.” She remembers how euphoric she felt that day. As she skimmed through the pages recently, recalling the highs and lows, she decided to read her journal annually. “It will remind me each year of just how lucky I was to be diagnosed when I was…and feel increasingly grateful for every day and all the experiences I am blessed to enjoy,” she says. A sweet splurge When Mary Margaret arrived home from work one day, she saw her family gathered around the kitchen table where a beautiful chocolate cake with a big pink ribbon was waiting. It took her a moment to realise this was the fiveyear anniversary of her diagnosis, a day that changed her life forever. Her family chose this special way to remember and celebrate her life. Inspired by words of comfort A large collection of poetry written by breast cancer survivors accumulated in Alysa’s living room. She eventually realised that she was drawn to the wisdom of other survivors as she was undergoing treatment. The ritual of reading poetry by survivors not only comforted her, it inspired her to begin composing her own poems and sharing them. Her writing became a sacred space of purposeful intention, and made her feel less alone. Personal symbols and charms I have a little altar next to my dresser. I never intended to create it; it evolved as my survivorship unfolded. Each object I have placed there has special significance: a little brass bear bell, reminding me that something as small as a prayer can ward off something as big and scary as a bear; a small rock painted with the image of a fox, my power animal and a good omen; my bravery bracelet, a gift from my young grandson, worn to every treatment; a quartz crystal given to me by a friend, and said to offer healing power, energy and protection; I notice and acknowledge these items daily. Their power is real and comforting. You can’t un-ring the bell, but sometimes re-ringing the bell fills it with new meaning! ■

Gift With Purchase Receive this beach bag when you purchase an Amoena Breast Form* and an Amoena Bra** To find a retailer near you, visit our store locator at www.amoena.com.au/ storelocator or Freecall 1800 773 285

*Excludes Leisure forms, Aquawave, Essentials range and Partial Balance Forms. **Excludes Leisure Bra

Offer valid 1st April to 30th April 2016 while stocks last

[ reader survey ]

Let’s Get Away From It All 1. Over the past ten years, what type of vacation have you taken most often? a. Beach trips b. Family trips (amusement parks, relatives’ homes) c. Mountain/ski trips d. Cities/Sight-seeing trips e. Cruises f. Other ___________________ 2. With whom do you typically travel? a. Spouse/kids/grandkids b. Spouse only c. Girlfriends d. Tour groups e. Other ___________________ 3. Do you wear your silicone breast form when you travel by air? a. Always b. Sometimes c. Never d. This doesn’t apply to me/I don’t wear a breast form 4. If you do not wear a breast form when traveling by air, what is your main reasoning? a. I am worried about security checkpoints b. I am worried about pressurisation c. I am worried about lymphedema d. I just feel more comfortable without it e. Other ________________________

The Results Are In! Your motivation—Why do you wear make-up?

62.7% 1.5% 0% 25.5% 10.3%

I wear it to feel more attractive or boost my conﬁdence I wear it because it’s expected. I wear it for my partner. I rarely wear make-up. I never wear make-up.

Autumn 2016

We love your feedback: Tell us the best ways you travel, recreate, vacate, and relax! Your response enters you to win a handcrafted Inﬁnite Hope Breast Cancer bracelet! (One winner drawn randomly from all entries.) Your response must be received by 30th June, 2016. Full contest rules available at www.amoena.com.au/contests. You can do the survey online: Go to www. amoena.com.au/amoenalife. Or complete this page and mail it to us. Send it to us at: Amoena Life Survey, Reply Paid 119, Fitzroy VIC 3065. PLEASE PRINT.

5. When you travel, how do you use your mobile phone? (Check all that apply) a. Boarding pass/Tickets b. Restaurant/Hotel reviews c. GPS/maps d. Translation/Foreign Language Assistance e. Uber/Taxi services f. E-Book apps (Kindle, iBooks) g. Watching movies h. Other _____________________ 6. When you travel, do you pack/ wear Amoena clothing? (choose all that apply) a. Leisure—They really don’t wrinkle during travel! b. Active—My workout goes where I go! c. Home—I’m on holiday, therefore I relax! d. Swim—Most hotels have a pool!

8. How often do you buy bras/ swimwear/clothing online (in general—not just for travel)? a. Rarely/Never b. Less than twice a year c. Several times a year d. Once a month e. More than once a month 9. Have your online shopping habits increased in the past 12 months? a. Yes b. No

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Beauty habits of Amoena Life readers – results from our Spring 2015 survey What do Amoena Life readers around the globe think about skincare, makeup, cosmetics and feeling beautiful? We’ll tell you: Your standards—How often do you use organic/clean skincare products (lotions, moisturisers, cleansers)? 24.5%

39.6% 20.5% 15.4%

Always

Sometimes Rarely Never

Your Style—What percentage of your bras are “stylish” versus “everyday”? 4.5% 13.5% 26.4%

33.9% 18.7% 2.9%

100 percent stylish 80 percent stylish/20 percent everyday 50/50

20 percent stylish/80 percent everyday 100 percent everyday did not respond or responded “does not apply to me”

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Preview Spring 2016 Colour and textures combine in next season’s collection.

To find Amoena near you, visit our store locator at www.amoena.com.au/Store-locator or call 1800 773 285.