Amoena Life Fall 2015 US / CA

amoenalife For you, like no other.

amoena.us | amoena.ca

Fall 2015

carry on— find your after

Patience and determination helped Anne-Mary Molinie through the difficult seasons

Dessert Perfection The utter delight of eating a French macaron...and a bit about making them, too

your fashion image: choose wisely

You can be flirty, fun and stylish without sacrificing your health

seasons of our lives Strategies for survivorship in your 40s, 50s and 60s

Plus

HEALTH PORTRAITS AND MUCH MORE!

from the editor Lee Thrash, Editor • info@amoena.com AmoenaUSA • AmoenaUSA

YOU are a very caring group of readers, do you know that? In the last issue, we offered you the chance to share Amoena Life — to give a free gift subscription to someone you know.

And a great many of you did just that!

We are grateful, and we bet your friends are, too.

Because you’ve been so generous, we’re continuing this opportunity to give Amoena companionship to a friend. You can find the tear-out card in the back of the magazine (or amoena.us/gift).

But before you get to the back, we’re hoping you’ll be inspired, learn something, and maybe even find rest in a few moments of enjoyment. Why not set an intention for just that, before you read?

“Setting intentions” is something you hear in yoga, and I’ve been working to include it as part of my daily ritual. If I tell myself, and the Universe, that my focus for the hour is acceptance, for example, I’m less likely to worry about little things. If you set an intention for kindness first thing in the morning, it tends to come to mind throughout the day. And there’s a hidden benefit: it’s impossible to be negative when you set an intention. No one would say, “Today, I intend to mope around and be uncooperative.”

Intentional living works no matter what stage or season you’re in. We’ve dug into that topic — the Seasons of our Lives — in this issue’s cover story, beginning on page 10. After all,

in this issue...

A True Companion Just like a close friend, we’re with you every step of the way.

To find Amoena near you, visit our store locator at amoena.us/stores or call 1-800-741-0078.

In Canada, visit amoena.ca.

Fashion

10 Cover Story

6 Texture Trends

Seasons of our Lives Strategies for survivorship in your 40s, 50s and 60s

Amoena Fashion for every moment, modeled by our survivor Ambassadors

17 Real Life

14 Always Looking Up

Carry On—Find Your “After” Patience and determination

Live the days, love the nights, wear comfortable clothing 24/7

18 Mind & Body

20 Holiday Getaway

Regulars

Dessert Perfection The utter delight of French macarons!

4 Up Front

22 Report Coping with Lymphedema What you need to know now — and new strategies in the works Your Fashion Image: Choose Wisely Be flirty, fun and stylish without sacrificing your health

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. ©2015 All rights reserved Amoena USA Corporation, Kennesaw, GA 30144-4582 USA

Amoena’s Cruise and Holiday Collection

21 Tasty Trend

24 Your Style

amoena.us

10

Features

Bouncing [Is] Back! Rebounding is both low-impact cardio and circulation therapy

reflecting on where you’ve been and knowing what might be ahead are both part of an intentional mindset. As we transition from summer to fall, you might also like to know what’s ahead in Amoena fashion, and we’re sure you’ll be pleased with what you see here. Cozy, comfortable leisure wear, workout wear that really works, and exquisite new lingerie in bold, beautiful colors, all pocketed and ready for you.

You’ll even be prepared for what’s ahead in lymphedema management after reading our Report on page 22.

Here’s wishing good intentions for you, every hour, every season.

All the latest on issues that affect you

29 Feelin’ Kinda Funny

28

Seasoned to Perfection Life’s funny way of letting us forget its lessons

28 Survivor Portrait Accentuating Her Positives Consecutive test results were no match for survivor and mom, Kamila Sauze

on the cover

Our cover model, Carole, 37, is a breast cancer survivor.

Photographer: Dorothea Craven

Publisher Amoena USA Corporation | Editor Lee Thrash | Contributors Dianne Armitage, Beth Leibson, Christina Relf | Art Director Shan Willoughby | Design Sekayi Stephens | Photography Dorothea Craven, iStockPhoto, Shutterstock, Dollar Photo Club | Contact Amoena Life, 1701 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Ste. 410, Kennesaw, GA USA 30144, 1-800-741-0078, amoenalife@amoena.com | The entire contents of this publication is copyrighted by Amoena, Kennesaw, GA, USA 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

For Your Bookshelf

In Your Words

Letters to the Editor from women like you

Sweet Dreams Come True The TaTa Topper: Relief for stomach sleepers Marilyn and Michelle became friends, as many of us do, because they shared something in common: The distinction of having had double mastectomies. They also shared a belief that the mastectomy process could be improved! Post-surgery discomfort and the uncertainty of what happens next are certainly the most trying parts of the journey, but “on top of the emotional stuff, you have drains, you have pain, scars… there are just a lot of physical issues that you’re dealing with,” Marilyn explains in a video on their website.

When Michelle couldn’t even get a good night’s sleep because she was a stomach sleeper, the idea for the TaTa Topper was born. “After all,” they agree, “if you’re recovering from surgery, what you need most is a good night’s sleep. Sweet, solid, sleep.”

The TaTa Topper, a patent-pending solution that they’ve created with the help of a crowdfunding campaign, is a singlesize mattress topper with a cut-out area for your chest. It offers a place to tuck your drains if you’re immediately post-surgery, and it’s even good for nursing moms to sleep without putting pressure on engorged breasts. Each mattress topper comes with a set of inserts so you can customize the size of the cut-out, and with an ultra-soft cover sheet you can easily take off to machine wash.

i c r e M Every email, every starred review on our website, every letter you write is important to us. Thanks for your thanks!

Here are some things you’ve had to say recently.

Learn more or order at:

marilynandmichelle.com

Ruby Red to Mark Our 40 Amoena gives, you receive

It’s Not About Perfect

By Shannon Miller with Danny Peary

Crazy Sexy Love Notes

By Kris Carr, Illustrated by Lori Portka

Still America’s most decorated gymnast, Shannon Miller has a lot to teach others about winning, and about getting back up after a fall. Her historic wins at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games permeated the news — and viewers’ hearts — 20 years ago. The brand-new memoir spends most of its pages on her athletic career, and reveals distinct challenges along the way: Injuries, perfectionism and the confusing world of competitive gymnastics weren’t always easy for the teenager. Miller now cherishes her happy marriage, family and post-Olympic career success, but in 2011, the news that she had ovarian cancer came as a surprise for someone who had relied on her body from a young age. The book is a sharing of her best memories and hard-won triumphs. (Thomas Dunne/ St. Martin’s Press, 2015).

An influential name in the survivor community, author Kris Carr dazzles again with her latest “Crazy, Sexy” publication — an inspirational card deck. This set of 52 high-quality, beautifully illustrated “love notes”

by Carr and artist Lori Portka sends loving, encouraging messages to readers. Each card bears a thought like “Slow down,” “Accept yourself,” “Find your tribe,” “Unplug,” and other heartfelt instructions. They’re a sweet little daily compass, each with a short meditation — the box would make a perfect gift. (Lifestyles, 2015).

Amoena Home wear “Amoena’s pajamas …are phenomenal.

They are soft and comfy. Just what the doctor ordered for a blissful night of rest. In addition to the soft, coziness of the pajamas, they are also very stylish. I love the fact that I can even take a walk to my mailbox (there’s a bra built-in)!”

—Carletta C., Austell, GA Amoena breast forms “I have been wearing a [Contact] attachable breast form from the first model you developed and you have come a long way. I am a big advocate of that form and a big promoter. I also cannot live in the summer months without your swim form. I live in bathing suits in the summer! I have used Amoena products for over 26 years and they make my life after a mastectomy (20 years ago) very normal.”

—Deb K., Southborough, MA

Share the Journey: Breast Cancer’s New ‘Appy’ Place

This fall, select Amoena retailers will debut this beautiful Ruby Swarovski Crystal Necklace alongside our Dianna commemorative bra and panty set (turn to page 6 to see it) — just for you! Ruby is the traditional gift given for one’s 40th anniversary, and in celebration, Amoena will donate a portion of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. We give, you receive! To buy the new Dianna bra and panty set, find a retailer near you today at amoena.us/stores.

4 Fall 2015

Up-worthy Update 18-year-old photographer Bayley Sherman, whom you met in our last issue, is self-publishing her book and donating the proceeds to Recovery on Water.

You can help! Donate at gofund.me/ recoveryonwater. Amoena is grateful to Pattie Sheehan of Second Act in Chicago for connecting us with this project!

Your smartphone can now serve for good in the breast cancer research world, with an iPhone app called Share the Journey: Mind, Body and Wellness After Breast Cancer. It’s a new type of ongoing clinical study that aims to understand symptoms and consequences after breast cancer treatment.

Collecting data via smartphones has the potential to revolutionize patient research. Participants contribute anonymous information to a larger pool of knowledge that will help breast cancer patients in the future. In this case, individuals who use the app will self-report about their own:

Download the Share the Journey iPhone app

Fatigue • Cognitive difficulty • Sleep disturbances Mood changes • Exercise performance The app can also collect optional Health data from the participant’s phone itself, such as how much she walks/moves in one day. To learn more, visit TheBreastCareSite.com (it’s mobile-friendly, too!) and search keyword “App.”

Amoena’s 40 years “Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary! I have worn your forms for all those years. My radical mastectomy in 1973 when I was 31 years old changed my life and soon after, your product brought me back to life. Facing the odds with hope and positive action, your firm and I have weathered many storms. I thank you for your ongoing problem-solving approach to business and manufacturing. Thanks to all those involved in the creation of the forms that I wear every day in comfort.”

—Pat M., Indian Head Park, IL amoena.us 5

[ fashion ]

Texture trends Fashion designers have elevated trends by adding a bit of dissonance to their fabrics this season. Graphic patterns and textures meet soft, elegant lace, tempting more than just your eyes. While the textures may look bold and graphic, they have a smooth appearance under your favorite top. Amoena lingerie and night wear showcase the heart of this look — romantic, lush, charming — for fall.

Dianna Our 40th Anniversary Commemorative Bra & Panty Set

6 Fall 2015

Opposite: Dianna wire-free bra, sizes 32 to 42, AA to D, and matching panty, sizes 6 to 16.

This Page: Mona wire-free bra in Night Blue, sizes 32 to 42, AA to DD, and matching panty, sizes 6-16; Holly wire-free bra in Black/Nude, sizes 32 to 42, AA to D, and matching panty, sizes 6 to 18. Worn by survivor model Elian.

amoena.us 7

[ fashion ]

Clockwise from top: Adele wire-free bra in Night Blue, sizes 32 to 40, A to D (also available in Black/ Off-White), and matching panty, sizes 6 to 14; Lace Pajama set in Black, sizes S to XL; Karla wirefree bra in White, sizes 32 to 42, A to D, and matching panty, sizes 6 to 16.

8 Fall 2015

Clockwise from top: Marie wire-free bra in Black, sizes 34 to 48, A to DDD (also available in Off-White) and matching panty, sizes 8 to 20; Lilly wire-free bra in Café Latte, sizes 32 to 42, A to D, and matching panty, sizes 6 to 18; Louise underwire bra in Grey/Mauve, sizes 32 to 42, A to D (also available in Burgundy), and matching panty, sizes 6 to 18. To see the full Fall 2015 Collection, go to amoena.us/amoenalife.

amoena.us 9

[ cover story ]

Strategies for survivorship in your 40s, 50s and 60s

seasons of our lives 10 Fall 2015

Beth Leibson lives and writes in New York City. She is author of I’m Too Young to Have Breast Cancer (2004) and The Cancer Survivor Handbook (2014).

By Beth Leibson

Pondering mortality, your family and friends, your finances, and your changing sexuality is normal and necessary as you age. With a breast cancer diagnosis, these thoughts can become worries, and swirl up to the forefront of your brain quickly. Though the basic concerns don’t change that much whether you’re diagnosed in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, some of the details do vary. Here, we share some stories and strategies for every season of your life.

40s

Diagnosed at age 39 in 1981, Martha Grissom worried first about her mortality.

“I had cancer in three lymph nodes,” Martha recalls. “Back then, lymph node involvement was almost a death sentence,” she says. “I prepared myself in case I wasn’t going to be alive.”

Martha is fine now, more than 30 years later, and has gotten better about handing her fear. “I live every day like it’s a gift — though I’m still a little fearful when I go in for doctor’s appointments.”

Everyone worries about mortality, says Hester Hill Schnipper, LICSW, BCD, OSW-C, chief of oncology social work at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

“For most people, a cancer diagnosis is the end of this innocent feeling that they will live forever,” agrees Marjorie Schwartz, a support group facilitator and board member with SHARE. The fears often don’t arise until after active treatment, because we push them away while we focus on fighting the disease.

Age doesn’t matter, adds Schnipper.

“I’ve known women in their 70s who’ve been scared of dying.” The difference is, though, that older women typically have

more perspective on the issue.

It helps to think — and talk — about exactly why you’re worried. Are you scared of pain, of being a burden on your family, of what happens after you die, or something else? Once you figure out the nature of your concerns, it is easier to address them, advises Schnipper.

Another challenge that cancer survivors often face is dealing with friends and family. That was certainly the case for Martha.

“Most of my friends are lifelong friends, church friends,” she says. But when Martha was diagnosed, they were afraid to talk about it with her. “They weren’t sure how I would react,” Martha remembers. So they didn’t talk about it at all.

“A cancer diagnosis puts stress on good relationships and bad ones,” says Schwartz. Communication can help.

Martha got proactive and started the conversation with her friends. “Once they saw that I could talk about it, they could too,” she notes. And once everyone was talking, Martha’s friends really came through, providing support — and food — throughout treatment and after.

Awkwardness among friends and family is common, perhaps >> amoena.us 11

[ cover story ]

more so among younger women, says Schnipper. “Usually if a woman is diagnosed in her fifties or sixties, her friends have probably faced some real problems,” says Schnipper.

They may not have had cancer, but they’ve confronted other challenges.

Not that we wish for our friends to have struggles, but it does make for compassion.

The flip side of having friends who don’t ‘get it’ is not really having any connections at all. Melody Biehl was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41. She’d just moved to Spokane, Washington and didn’t have any support in the area beyond her immediate family.

She relied exclusively on her husband, daughters, and grandson initially, then joined a support group.

“We did a lot of laughing,” Melody remembers, and says she made some wonderful friends in the group.

When Melody finished treatment, she started a nonprofit that provides housing and support for cancer patients who travel to Spokane for treatment. She named the facility Faye’s House, in honor of one of her support group friends.

40s: Suggestions for this season l T alk

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about any fears and unsupportive friends and family, Schnipper suggests. The advantage to support groups is that all the members know what you’re going through. he 40s is a period of hormonal changes and increased joint pain, so try to avoid T very high-impact exercise like step aerobics and long-distance running, suggests Daniel Destin, ACSM, exercise physiologist and Manager of Shipley Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Focus on moderate cardio workouts, two or three times a week (e.g., biking, fast walking, light jogging) and core-strengthening exercises (think Pilates or weight lifting) three or four times weekly. ormonal changes affect metabolism as well; women in their 40s (and on) find H it harder to lose weight, so it’s useful to monitor your weight regularly, suggests Molly Morgan, RD, owner of Creative Nutrition Solutions and author of several nutrition books. Morgan also recommends eating more plant-based foods. ake heart: Starting now you can really develop and cherish both existing T and newfound friendships, as well as healthy habits!

12 Fall 2015

flexibility in her work life than a younger woman,” says Schnipper.

“Someone who is just starting out may have a harder time coping.”

Another common concern, regardless of age, is body image.

Through treatment, Rikie, diagnosed at 60, gained weight and lost a breast.

“I want to feel like myself — I feel like I’m incomplete with only one breast,” she says.

“A woman with a changing body and changing body image has an extra burden,” says Schwartz. While younger women are often affected, that’s not to say that older women don’t have their concerns. “I’ve known women in their 60s and 70s who felt that the changes in their bodies and their sex lives were the biggest challenges,” says Schnipper.

Rikie was also hit hard financially and now, two years later, is still working with her insurance company. “Lots of women experience unemployment and bankruptcy after breast cancer,” says Schwartz. The financial struggles catch you at your most vulnerable, particularly if you’re older, when you’re already overwhelmed by diagnosis and treatment.

In general, information and support are key to breast cancer survivorship no matter what your age. “If you can learn about the issues and talk about them, you can make choices that are right for you,” says Schwartz.

One other strategy that we tend to only learn as we age: Gratitude for all the good things. n

Friendships that last... or friends for each season?

When we graduated from college, Suzanne and I both moved to New York City to start our lives and careers.

Friday nights were dinner and a movie together. A filmaholic, Suzanne was responsible for making the best cinematic use of our time; I picked a nearby budget restaurant. We’ve lost touch over the years, but I remember her very fondly.

I met Deni in a support group. When we both ‘graduated’ from the group, which was geared to patients and very recent survivors, we connected over an ongoing need for someone who “really gets it.” I’ve gone to doctor’s appointments with her when she was nervous; she visited

50s

When Eileen Mather was diagnosed at age 51, she focused on her husband.

“He’s more sensitive than I am,” she says. Eileen was also concerned about her niece and nephew, whom she was raising. “I didn’t want to tell them because I thought they’d get upset,” she explains.

“People do worry about what is going to happen to their partners and children,” says Schnipper. Eileen worried about emotional health, but others focus on logistics: Who will make sure the kids have food, clothing, and education? “People with younger children wonder, how will my children manage?” says Schnipper.

While older women don’t worry so much about getting their kids to school, they still feel that parenting is a lifelong responsibility and want to be sure someone will be around to guide their children through adult life. This is often a time to turn to your support system of family and friends.

Libby Dechert, diagnosed at 56, wasn’t surprised or scared by the disease. Instead she turned

to her daughters, both healthcare professionals, who encouraged her to get treated in Houston. So Libby left town for a year; her husband sold his business to be with her.

While Libby was gone, her friends fell into two camps: either they kept in good touch or they just moved on with their lives. “When I came back, they wanted to pick up right where we left off — but we’d grown in different directions.”

Libby’s response was to move on from the friends who couldn’t understand what she’d been through — or were uncomfortable because of it — and to cultivate another set of friends. These days, Libby has a wide circle of people who care about her; they’re just not all the same people who’d been in her life pre-diagnosis.

Nominate your supporters 50s: Suggestions for this season l I n

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the 50s, says Destin, bone density starts to drop, arthritis starts to set in, and muscle loss accelerates. Avoid high-impact activities in favor of walking, swimming, yoga or Pilates. Spend about 30 minutes on cardio and 30 minutes on strength training three or four days a week, he suggests.

I ncreasing fiber intake, says Morgan, can be really helpful at this time. Our bodies take longer to absorb nutrients as we age and fiber can slow down the speed at which food moves through the body. Fiber also helps balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels — important, as the risk of diabetes increases as we age. Remember, when you increase fiber intake, you also have to drink more water. tay strong. Starting at age 51, women should increase calcium intake from S 1000mg a day to 1200mg a day, says Morgan, to prevent or minimize bone loss. onfidence and clarity: You’ll enjoy feeling great mentally and physically, C once you make exercise a habit, and this can give you focus to tend the relationships that mean most to you.

me every day in the hospital when cancer struck a second time. We are always there for each other when it comes to cancer – and a lot of other issues as well.

Debby pinpointed me in eighth grade and poked at my shy shell until I stuck my head out and started to talk.

We became the best of friends and now, decades later, still speak every week or two, though we haven’t lived in the same state for what seems like forever. We’re always there when the other needs a compassionate ear.

As the expression — or is it a cliché? — goes: People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. However they last, friendships are invaluable and make life worth living.

Nominate your supporters who’ve weathered the storm with you at amoena.us/amoenalife.

We would like to continue this topic in our next issue, and be a companion for your friends, too!

60s

Marion Ray Behr, diagnosed at 67, only got her mammogram because her daughters kept urging her to. It was a good thing — Marion had a tiny but aggressive cancer.

Marion’s biggest concern about the diagnosis was her work. A visual artist, she missed being in the studio.

For Marion, returning to work wasn’t an issue of finances, but an issue of returning to life.

Many women worry about their careers, but the precise nature of their concerns often varies by age.

“Someone in her sixties [usually] has an established career and more

60s: Suggestions for this season l C ancer

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and Careers (cancerandcareers.org) offers free online and print publications and career coaching, and many lawyers offer pro-bono services.

Triage Cancer (triagecancer.org) provides education and resources. he sixties add joint issues and balance problems to the list of physical T challenges. Swimming is a great option, says Destin, as are yoga and Pilates.

Jogging tends to be rough on the knees. Walk 20 to 40 minutes five days a week and do strength training two or three times a week. uring our sixties, women’s thirst signals tend to decrease, Morgan explains.

D Drink eight glasses of water (or other liquid) every day. Also, the body’s vitamin D requirements rise from 600 IU to 800 IU a day, says Morgan, “Women should talk to their doctors about taking Vitamin D supplements.” ducation is power: Regarding sexuality and body image, it can help to talk with E doctors or oncology social workers. Contact the Association of Oncology Social Work for referrals (www.aosw.org).

amoena.us 13

[ fashion ]

ALWAYS LOOKING UP These days, it’s an effort to observe the arc of the sun as it goes from one end of your day to the other. With everything Hipstamatic, Twitterific, Instagrammed and hand-held, we so often look down into our digital worlds. Look up, instead.

Open a window, take a walk, ask a friend out. Live the days, love the nights. And wear great-fitting, comfortable clothing 24/7 (pocketed shelf bras are built right in).

Rise and Shine: Rose Pajama Set in Night Blue/White, sizes S to XL. On the Move: Power wire-free Medium Support Sports Bra in Flamingo/Dark Grey, sizes 32 to 42, AA to DD, and matching Capris, sizes XS to XL.

14 Fall 2015

New Favorite: Stripe Casual Shirt in Grey Stripes, sizes XS to XL. Worn by survivor model Isabel.

To see the full Fall 2015 Collection, visit amoena.us/amoenalife.

amoena.us 15

[ fashion ]

[ real life ]

EASY MOMENTS, HOPE CONNECTIONS Feel your best every season, morning to night with Amoena’s supportive Active, Leisure and Home wear, all with built-in pocketed bras.

Fall Friendship and Comfort: Mélange Collar Sweatshirt in Light Grey Mélange, sizes S to XL, and matching Long Pants, sizes XS to L; Relax Waterfall Shirt in Dark Grey Mélange, sizes S to L, and matching Relax Casual Pants, sizes S to L.

16 Fall 2015

carry on

find your “after”

Patience and determination helped Anne-Mary Molinie through the difficult seasons

There’s no denying it: Sometimes, life’s ups and downs simply stay “down” for a while. Breast cancer can certainly be one of those times. It’s hard. But with patience and more than a little hindsight, it’s a temporary season that can be survived, as Anne-Mary Molinie, 59, is proud to say she has done.

“I found my first cancer just after my annual mammogram in 2005, which revealed nothing,” she recalls. “While taking a shower, I felt a lump the size of a hazelnut in my right underarm area.

I went immediately for a consult and unfortunately, the second mammogram and ultrasound showed a tumor of 8mm.”

Within 2 weeks she was scheduled for a lumpectomy, and radiation began immediately: “35 sessions — I went every day except Sunday, with the implied promise that I was cured. I should mention that I am a vegetarian, I run 10km every morning, I practice Qi Gong and meditation, and I’m rather positive in my thinking.

Understandably, I found this breast cancer very unfair.”

For Anne-Mary, support was hard to come by. Her friends and her first husband let her down a bit. “I left my town, and my husband, who was more terrified of this cancer than me,” she recalls. “I must say that I did not

feel physically sick and I was in great shape. Perhaps I was even in denial.”

But when she looked through the eyes of her friends and their lack of support, she saw that she was sick. “They were terrified,” she remembers.

Happily, things improved during the next few years. She met a wonderful man who would be a pillar of support when cancer returned in 2011. This time, she was determined to be in control. “My mammogram revealed four new tumors in the same breast.” The surgeon wanted to remove both breasts for safety. Anne-Mary insisted on a second opinion.

“My new doctor told me that he would have taken the breast 6 years ago, that cancer is a chronic disease and that I can die or not.” Not the answer she was looking for. Still, she refused removal and requested another lumpectomy. During that surgery, however, the doctors determined the breast couldn’t be saved, and performed a mastectomy instead.

“At that time in my life I thought I could die. I was working 15 hours a day and almost every weekend,” she notes, and worried about her daughter, who had already lost her father to a heart attack. “I knew I had to ‘redo’ my life.”

Patience and fulfillment

“In this disease, the word ‘patient’ makes sense. We have to wait all the time, and then they don’t really tell you everything. We must pull all the information out of the physicians. ‘How will the mastectomy be? What about after? How many nodes will be taken?

How does one live without a breast?’

All these doctors become amnesic!

They are technicians, they have skills and I have to trust them. Yet, I want answers!” Anne-Mary likely speaks for all cancer patients with these thoughts.

Curious about living without the stress of her job, she left it behind, and wishes she’d done so sooner. She’s now working as a wellness consultant, and enjoying her additional role with Amoena. “The joy of meeting with Amoena gave me so much courage about my mastectomy,” she shares. Her hope and belief is that the photographs she’s been part of — she models the Natura Cosmetic breast form — will convey that there is an ‘after’ cancer.

“Today I am full of energy. I take the time to reflect, to do things without stress, because I think that stress is a loophole through which cancer seeps quickly. I have long wanted to open a hostel with my husband, where we can welcome the public at home with empathy and caring. This project is being finalized since the restaurant opened on April 2.” She also hopes to continue representing Amoena.

Anne-Mary has carried on, and life is turning toward “up” again. n amoena.us 17

[ mind & body ]

bouncing [is] back!

Rebounding is both low-impact cardio and circulation therapy With more and more women living longer after breast cancer, research focus often turns to living with the effects of the disease and its treatments — and one of the most significant is the lingering risk of lymphedema.

Exercise can help prevent and manage lymphedema, and recently rebounding — a workout that uses the mini-trampoline — is getting a second look. You remember the mini-tramp, of course: that classic weight-loss tool of the 1980s (along with leg warmers and headbands). It has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, bolstered in part by doctors’ increased understanding of the lymphatic system. Some experts say rebounding is the only exercise that can move lymph fluid vertically, with its gravitational force and rhythmic motion.

Jump to it: Exercise is IN again!

Fitness centers and athletic clubs worldwide have added rebounding classes to their calendars, and with higher-quality home trampolines available, consumers are buying their own rebounders as well.

“I think [rebounding is] coming back because it addresses so many fitness and health issues in a single, enjoyable, and convenient workout, which are things people are really starting to appreciate,” explains John Hines of bellicon USA, one of the premier manufacturers of high-end rebounders. “In many ways, Americans are less healthy now than they were before the fitness boom of the ’70s and ’80s. Our lifestyle has changed a lot in 40 years. People are more inactive than they used to be, which also makes us vulnerable to a host of health problems.”

Most consumers realize they need to find exercise that is enjoyable, in order to make it a habit. This varies for everyone, but rebounding classes are filling up for a reason – many folks agree that bouncing on a trampoline is fun!

18 Fall 2015

Your lymphatic system is a part of your circulatory system, carrying fluid from tissues to lymph nodes via a network of its own vessels. Lymph fluid is very similar to blood plasma but contains disease-fighting white blood cells (lymphocytes), waste products and cellular debris, along with protein and bacteria.

The major difference between the cardiovascular system and the lymph system is that the lymph system doesn’t use the heart to pump its fluid. Motion is typically slow and lacks pressure.

Lymphatic circulation can be stimulated by manual drainage (massage), muscle contraction and aerobic exercise. Walking, dancing, swimming, hiking and Pilates are all healthy options, but according to popular wellness literature (note that there haven’t been any definitive scientific studies to date), the rhythmic bounce of rebounding allows lymph valves to open and close simultaneously, and this can increase lymph flow significantly.

“People with any existing health issues need to talk to their doctor first before beginning any new type of workout,”

After 30 minutes of heat

Speaking of Sweating…

Women who have avoided exercise for fear of injury or pain have another option in rebounding — just as women who want to avoid the discomfort of sweating behind their breast form have a better option: Amoena Energy Cosmetic.

This new addition to the Amoena breast form portfolio features the temperature-equalizing technology Comfort+, which pulls heat away from the body and stores it inside the form, as well as a back design, which encourages airflow around the form.

In fact, a study published in the journal Orthopädie-Technik in November of 2014 gives several proof points that Amoena Energy breast forms perform better than other manufacturers’ breast forms when under heated conditions.

Dr. Dirk Muscat of the University of Applied Sciences, Rosenheim (Germany) conducted research using infrared cameras to show how well the breast form holds heat

Lymphatic system: Understand the flow

inside, away from your body (see the images on page 19).

Besides heat technology that makes working out more comfortable, Energy Cosmetic boasts a very thin layer of silicone on the front that looks so real, even in the sheerest bras, it’s nearly invisible and very difficult to tell it apart from a natural breast.

“I love the Energy Cosmetic,” says Sonja, a 50-year-old woman who wears Amoena breast forms. “I am very active — I play tennis almost every day — and have always loved wearing my Amoena Energy breast form because it helps me perspire less. I was excited to hear that Amoena now has a breast form that’s even more natural-feeling, but still has the Energy features I love — and the lighter weight is an added bonus! I wear it all day, even while playing tennis, and my bra and I stay dry. I love the color, touch, and how it looks so natural under my clothes — I really do feel like myself again.”

advises Hines. It’s also recommended that people with lymphedema wear compression garments when exercising.

But proponents of rebounding and its resultant lymph-moving say the benefits are numerous: •C leans out toxins such as dead and cancerous cells, other wastes, infectious viruses and metals • Strengthens the immune system by removing antigens • Protects the joints from hard landings and fatigue (it’s been called the second-best low-impact exercise, after swimming) • Improves balance and coordination • Works the heart more efficiently; 20 minutes on a rebounder is said to compare to 1 hour of running • Brings out your inner child — jumping is a fun workout!

Working up a sweat without wearing down your joints — and feeling like a kid again? Sounds like something we should all try! n

After 60 minutes of heat

Amoena Energy

Other Manufacturer

After 100 minutes of heat

Amoena Energy

Other Manufacturer

Amoena Energy

Other Manufacturer

After 20 minutes of cooling

Amoena Energ y

Amoena Energy

Other Manufacturer

stores the heat so you stay cooler.

Resource: Muscat, D., Kaltenecker, C. (2014). Real Heat Balance with Breast Prostheses.

Orthopädie Technik 11/14, Verlag Orthopädie-Technik, Dortmund.

amoena.us 19

[ fashion ]

[ tasty trend ]

Holiday Getaway Cast off in celebratory style with Amoena’s Cruise and Holiday Collection Navigate your holiday getaway with gorgeous Cruise styles that flatter and fit, and call to mind the traditional gift for a certain Ruby (40th) Anniversary. In stores this November.

Dessert Perfection The utter delight of eating a French macaron. . . and a bit about making them, too Just viewing a selection of the nowubiquitous dessert, the French macaron, is an exercise in delight. The rainbow of colors, the tempting creamy middles, the perfectly round caps! You linger there, taking in the sight for a few moments while you try to decide which flavor will be the most delectable. (Hint: There is no right answer.)

And then, the tasting!

Oh, my. A very delicate, whisper of a crunch from perfectly whipped meringue, and the “ahhhh” of finding the soft, smooth filling.

But looks and taste are just two of many reasons the macaron is trending (along with specialty cupcakes, cake pops and whoopie pies) as one of the go-to desserts for elegant tables and bakery cases.

“Macarons are the perfect small, cute, flexible dessert,” says pastry chef Katie Arceo, co-owner of Thumbprints Baking Co. in Seattle. “They’re small enough to delight all the people who are loving small desserts lately — dessert tables have quite taken over weddings and celebrations — they can fit into any theme with matching colors and flavors, and they can be decorated and dressed up,” she explains.

And speaking of trending, they’re the only mini-dessert that’s gluten-free in its original recipe. The outer shells, in case you don’t know, are made with egg whites, sugar, and almond or other nut flours. (If you truly can’t have gluten, do check the filling to make sure it doesn’t contain flour. This is rare — fillings are typically buttercream, jam or ganache, none of which contain gluten.)

It’s tempting to call French macarons a “healthy” dessert, although Arceo won’t go quite that far. “Healthy might be a bit of a stretch, because of the amount of sugar in the shells, and sometimes the butter in the fillings.” But they’re so small — eating one or two has to be healthier than most other cookies or cakes!

For interesting flavors, you can’t beat a macaron portfolio. The grand pâtisserie of Paris, Ladurée, is famous for coloring macarons, and turning them into filled cookies. That spark of genius changed macarons forever and launched them to their current “celebri-cookie” status. Tastes range from cappuccino and dark cocoa to grapefruit, passion fruit, matcha green tea (really!), and honey-lavender. These floral, fruity, rich confections are gracing dessert platters the world over.

It’s the delicate technique required for making macarons that deems them so special. The recipe isn’t overly detailed or ingredient-heavy: just sugars, nut flour, egg whites, and cream of tartar. But even seasoned bakers say it takes a lot of practice. “These are the most finicky thing I have ever made,” Arceo admits. “They require absolute precision; the egg whites must be whipped to just the right stiffness, you must fold them into the dry mixture just so — no over or under-mixing — and you have to pipe them, which discourages a lot of people.”

We’re sure you wouldn’t mind letting a bakery solve those dilemmas for you, however! Recommended: www.thumbprintsbakingco.com n

What Kind of Macaron are you?

Take our Facebook Quiz, then Post and Share your results! amoena.us/amoenalife

Coated in coconut? Not these macarons!

From top: Haiti one-piece in Ruby Red, sizes 6 to 16, A to C; Cuba one-piece in Black/ Silver, sizes 6 to 16, B to C; Haiti bikini in Navy Blue, sizes 6 to 16, A to D; On Linda, our survivor model: Lara Satin wire-free bra in Ruby Red, sizes 32 to 42, AA to D.

20 Fall 2015

If you’re confused because the macaroon you remember involved an abundance of toasted coconut, you’re not alone.

Our writing staff had to sort out the “macarons” versus “macaroons” situation, ourselves! For starters, note the spelling difference. A coconut macaroon has a moist, dense and chewy consistency, while the French macaron is light and airy.

A few causes of this cookie-consumer confusion?

•B oth have origins in Italy, but the macaron traveled to and was perfected in France • Both are made with egg whites and sugar • Both are dainty little desserts, perfect for a sweet treat!

amoena.us 21

[ report ]

coping with

lymphedema What you need to know now—and new strategies in the works

By Christina Relf

Do you have lymphedema or are you concerned you might develop it? Lymphedema can develop immediately following breast cancer treatment, but sometimes symptoms don’t appear until months or even years afterwards. We find out how surgeons, specialists and support communities are helping women manage the condition.

If you’ve had breast cancer surgery or radiation, you may have developed lymphedema as a result. If so, you’re not alone: lymphedema affects one in five women who have breast cancer treatment. Yet despite this sizeable statistic, it seems information about the condition is not consistently provided by healthcare professionals. This could 22 Fall 2015

be because the focus for a woman’s medical team is to cure her breast cancer — a life-threatening disease — and some see lymphedema as a relatively mild potential side effect. Whatever the reason, many women, unaware of the risks and causes, are understandably frightened and confused when they first experience the symptoms.

Stay in the flow The lymphatic system is one of the body’s natural defenses against infection. Lymphatic fluid removes bacteria and waste from our tissues, passing it via a fine network of vessels to our lymph nodes, where it is cleansed.

If the system is damaged, the lymphatic channels can get blocked, which results in fluid pooling in the limbs and causing swelling. This uncomfortable condition is known as secondary lymphedema (as opposed to primary lymphedema, which is caused by a genetic disorder).

Secondary lymphedema is often a symptom of breast cancer treatment because of damage caused by either surgery or radiation. The first signs

include a feeling of heaviness, usually in the arm, tightness in the skin and swelling in the affected area.

Unfortunately if you’re about to undergo breast cancer treatment, there is nothing you can do to guard against lymphedema. However, lymphatic therapist Michael Villemin is adamant that every woman should be made aware of the risks by her doctor before treatment begins.

“Results are much better if treatment of the condition is started in its early stages,” he says. “Yet often a woman will go to her medical team in some discomfort and be told that they can’t help her. It’s only then that she may start to look around for information and help from elsewhere.”

Along with around 200 other registered lymphatic therapists in the U.K., Michael uses a special type of massage called Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD. This treatment, sometimes combined with multi-layer bandaging, together with simple daily exercises, can dramatically reduce lymphedema symptoms and make the condition manageable. Developed back in the 1930s, there are several different types of MLD techniques including Vodder, Leduc, Földi and CasleySmith, and it is important to seek out a trained, qualified therapist.

Despite the availability of this method, there is still a lack of cohesive care for lymphedema sufferers in the U.K., where Michael’s practice is based. “Some [National Health Service] hospitals have a great system while in others there is nothing at all. Often, where there are nurses trained to provide MLD, they can’t spend enough time with patients, which means they don’t get the best results. I spend as much time as it takes with each patient to ensure that the results are sustainable.”

A ticking time-bomb?

If you’ve had breast cancer treatment and have been lymphedema-free, you may be wondering whether you could still develop the condition. While more than 65% of women will be unaffected, there is still a chance that your lymphatic system could succumb —even years after treatment. “We are all built differently,” says Michael. “Some women will develop varicose veins during pregnancy because their circulation is compromised, while others will not.

Similarly, some women will find that their lymphatic system copes well with the trauma of surgery, while for others this intervention could cause irreversible damage. And unfortunately, the effects of this damage are not always immediately apparent.”

been reduced with MLD and multilayer bandaging. Taking care to wear your compression garment, if you have one, and ensuring that you protect the affected limb, will also help.

Whether or not you have lymphedema, Michael advises eating

Could further surgery help?

Pioneering specialists the world over are working hard to offer lymphedema sufferers surgical solutions, including lymph node transfer, where healthy lymph nodes are transferred from a ‘donor site’ on the body to the damaged site, to try and restore healthy lymph flow. Another procedure involves ‘supermicrosurgery,’ where vessels of less than a hair’s breadth are joined under an operating microscope to help improve the flow of lymphatic fluids, thus relieving lymphedema symptoms.

These processes are not widely practiced (nor currently available on the U.K.’s NHS), and neither offers a complete cure, but new developments are taking place all the time and there is a growing community of sufferers, specialists and surgeons campaigning for improved awareness of lymphedema and better treatment options.

With radiation, tissue structures can be damaged over a period of time as the effects of the radiation dissipate across the treated area. “The radiation travels outwards in a kind of ripple effect, and tissue damage sometimes takes years to build.”

Self help If you do have lymphedema, whether you’re treated at your local hospital or seek the services of an MLD specialist, there are some self-help measures that can improve things for you. Spend some time online — many cancer charities, like Macmillan and Breast Cancer Care in the U.K., and Living Beyond Breast Cancer in the U.S., have booklets to download that are packed with information. There are also dedicated charities like the Lymphedema Support Network, the National Lymphedema Network and the HealthUnlocked community — excellent sources of information from sufferers and healthcare professionals.

You could also try SLD — simplified lymphatic drainage, a form of MLD that can be taught to patients to help them keep their condition under control once the volume has

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

a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water to flush out and eliminate toxins. Regular exercise also helps stimulate lymph flow. “Bouncing on a mini-trampoline a few times a week is great,” he says. “When you bounce on a trampoline you are flexing your muscles, raising your pulse, and it’s a softer landing than jumping up and down on the floor.”(Read more on page 18.)

Obviously if you do have any swelling or discomfort, check with your healthcare team before starting any exercise regime. But even if you’re not quite jumping for joy, it is perhaps inspiring to know that help and advice are out there, and lymphedema awareness is on the rise. n References: Professional Association of Manual Lymphatic Drainage practitioners mld.org.uk Michael Villemin, MLD practitioner, santeaunaturel.co.uk Lymphedema Support Network, lymphedema.org Oxford Lymphedema Practice, olp.surgery HealthUnlocked, healthunlocked.com amoena.us 23

Amoena

your fashion

image

Personal fashion choices are a stamp of individuality that defines your image – at least to people who don’t already know your sparkling personality. Think about the women in your life: the friend who’s known for colorful, dangly earrings… the sophisticate who’s always pressed and precise in classic black… the athlete who can get away with a messy ponytail and still look amazing. Right or wrong, style plays a role in defining us.

But even fashion decisions should be carefully thought out, because some of the trendiest styles could cause health problems if you go overboard with them. Consider these pros and cons.

2 Head to the haberdasher

One of the runway trends for 2015 was big, floppy and sometimes downright weird hats. While most of us don’t cap off our looks with Dr. Seuss-style headpieces on a daily basis, wearing

You can be flirty, fun and stylish without sacrificing your health

a floppy topper isn’t such a bad idea when we’re outdoors in the sun. For picnics or beach days, a lightweight, shade-making chapeau can keep you cool and protect your delicate skin.

Fashion Verdict? Pro!

Flat-bottom boots – HOT look!

1

3 Keep pocketbooks pocket-sized

2

1 My, oh, my Manolos and Louboutins

A pretty pair of heels will “up” anyone’s fashion quotient, but your back, knees and feet themselves will likely suffer.

Podiatrists shake their heads in dismay when we women continue to choose stilettos over sensible shoes. Thankfully in 2015, fashion gurus have declared gladiator sandals and flat-bottomed boots the hot look! If you must, wear high heels only for short bursts of time, and bring a pair of supportive sneakers to wear during travel to and from your dressy event or important meeting.

Fashion Verdict? Con.

choose wisely

Floppy hat FUN!

Handbag happiness!

3 Fashion flexibility!

4

Cosmetic Collection A new class of light breast forms inspired by Mother Nature

Looks and feels more like you.

Handbag styles go in and out of favor regularly, but when the heavy tote is on runways, as it is this year, watch out.

We’re tempted to tuck armloads of stuff into our everyday bags — over time, this damages posture. After breast surgery, it’s even more critical to avoid hanging a heavy purse on the affected side – it can aggravate or cause lymphedema. Sorry, pretty big bag: Fashion Con.

4 Contact Multi: More choices for you

Amoena’s new Contact Multi pad is an accessory every style-savvy breast form wearer should have: A silicone pad featuring the same secure adhesive used on Amoena Contact attachable breast forms. The pad can be adhered to any Amoena triangle-shaped form, which allows that form to be attached to your chest wall when you want to.

Besides giving a feeling of lighter weight (attachable forms lessen the pull on your bra straps), it allows you some flexibility with what you wear. Lower neckline?

One-shouldered top? Go for it!

Amoena does recommend that Contact Multi be worn with a bra for complete support. For freedom in your clothing choices, the Fashion Verdict?

Definitely Pro! n

See what women are saying at amoena.us/cosmetic

To find a retailer near you, visit our store locator at amoena.us/stores or call 1-800-741-0078.

In Canada, visit amoena.ca.

For more on Contact Multi, visit amoena.us/amoenalife

24 Fall 2015

amoena.us Patent pending.

Meet Anne-Mary, Amoena Cosmetic breast form wearer.

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 . © 2015. All rights reserved Amoena USA Corporation, Kennesaw, GA 30144-4582 USA

[ your style ]

[ nutrition ]

Embrace Your Box! Supporting local agriculture—and wowing dinner guests—tastes great in late summer If you’re not already on the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) bandwagon, let’s get you up to speed: You find a local farm, purchase a “share” of their harvest and receive fresh food periodically throughout the farming season. You get a firsthand look at how to eat seasonally. You get to taste and appreciate ultra-fresh produce (oftentimes it’s just picked that day!), and you might have an option for other farm-fresh specialties like eggs, homemade bread, jams or cheeses.

Late summer/early fall is a great time for CSA members since many foods are being harvested. Weekly baskets and boxes are filled to overflowing with zucchini, chard, potatoes, eggplant and other goodies, depending on your location.

If you’re willing to take a chance on Mother Nature, be a little more adventurous in your kitchen and maximize your deliveries by cooking or storing them, you — and your local farm — will reap rewards.

New to CSA?

Consider splitting your share with a neighbor or friend, to minimize waste and prevent overwhelm. You might need to negotiate who gets what on a given week.

Major benefits: •

for your health —more

Surf for Success:

We’re lucky that local farming has made a comeback in the Internet age. Amazing recipes and advice are easy to find! Try localharvest.org, food52.com, and localfoods.about.com.

26 Fall 2015

Late-Summer Vegetable Soup 3 tbsp butter 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 lbs mixed potatoes, cubed 5 carrots, cut into chunks 2 small heads/1 large head broccoli (and stem) ½ lb snap beans 2 bell peppers, cut into large chunks 1 bunch scallions 5 cups vegetable stock (depending on how liquid you want it) 1 bunch parsley handful mixed herbs ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved ¼ cup tomato paste 2 cups cooked grain (Israeli couscous, bulgar, barley, quinoa) Cut vegetables into chunks. In a large soup pot over med-high heat, melt the butter and add the garlic. When garlic becomes fragrant, add potatoes and stir for a few minutes, then add 1/2 cup of the broth. Cook about 5-10 minutes, then add carrots, scallions, beans, peppers, and broccoli. Add enough broth to cover the vegetables, along with the tomato paste, and let simmer for another 10 minutes. Now add the herbs, parsley, tomatoes, turn the heat to medium and let simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft enough to eat. Turn the heat off and let sit for at least an hour. Serve over cooked grain; have some for dinner and then freeze the rest!

(Adapted from sangleefarms.com. Reprinted with permission.)

vitamins, less processing •

By trying new things, your tastebuds and experience broaden

•

Paying upfront helps the

•

Both parties win

farmer with cash flow new friendships and understanding of the food cycle

Some cautions: •

Lettuce: It’s not just for salad anymore!

Did you know you can grill lettuces? Or make healthy sandwich wraps or “tacos.”

Cut into strips and add to soups, noodles, or fried rice. Sneak them into fruit smoothies.

Fresh food is better

Try theses! recipe

Nature is unpredictable —you agree to the shared

Lemon Zucchini Slaw 2-3 medium zucchini 1 medium carrot 1 tsp salt 3 green onions, sliced on the bias 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest 2 tsp lemon juice 1 small clove garlic, finely minced 1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill a dash or two of cayenne pepper salt and pepper, to taste

risk of a bad crop •

You may not know how to cook rutabaga, garlic scapes or kohlrabi

•

Vegetable exhaustion is real; sometimes it’s hard to know how to use it all up

Grate zucchini and carrot coarsely or slice into a julienne on a mandolin. Place veggies in a fine mesh strainer and toss with salt. Let sit 30 minutes. Whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, dill, cayenne, and salt & pepper. Squeeze out excess liquid from the zucchini and carrot mixture. Stir the zucchini, carrot, and green onions into the dressing. Adjust the seasoning, if desired. Chill until ready to serve.

(From somethinggoodorganics.com) amoena.us 27

[ portrait ]

Positive test results have a reputation for causing a bit of shock, whether they’re of the medical variety, like a pathology report, or the home-pregnancy type. At age 35, Kamila Sauze was privy to both kinds at the same time.

“I was in such a shock about the cancer that I even forgot to ask the doctor what type it was, so I called later and he told me ‘invasive ductal carcinoma,’” Kamila recalls. During the doctor’s appointment she’d mentioned that she might be pregnant, but the on-site test came back negative — she was only about a week post-conception. But like many women do, she just knew, she says. The doctor wanted to operate as soon as possible, so surgery followed a week later on July 26.

“I had a right breast lumpectomy and lymph nodes dissection, 19 removed, one positive for cancer.”

[ feelin’ kinda funny ]

that made me most sad was the inability to enjoy that pregnancy, to show off, to glow, to go shopping for the baby and all the things pregnant women do; I was in so much discomfort, so sick from all the chemo and, actually, in and out of the hospital.”

Chemo raised complications for Kamila, though not for the baby. She started pre-term labor at 24 weeks, and had an adverse, anaphylactic reaction to Taxol which caused contractions only 3 minutes apart. “From then on I went to labor and delivery just about every week. I had to take Taxotere instead of Taxol, and I was able to tolerate it better, but I always started contractions with every infusion.” The common difficulties of losing her hair and feeling fatigued took their toll, as well.

Accentuating Her Positives

Seasoned with joy and regret One regret does color Kamila’s memories of what should have been a sweet time in her life. “I was so happy for having conceived that baby, but at the same time, so worried about his well-being,” she admits. “The one thing 28 Fall 2015

Perfection Life’s funny way of letting us forget its lessons

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 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.

I realized recently that each of my three breast cancer diagnoses occurred not only at very different times in my life, but also during different times of year (and in much different mindsets)!

Consecutive test results were no match for survivor and mom, Kamila Sauze Workaround July 30th, Kamila remembers, she took a pregnancy test at home. “I was in the bathroom, had the drain [from the breast surgery] still attached and in pain, then I called my husband (boyfriend at the time) and told him the test was positive. He didn’t say a word.” An undeniably difficult moment for the couple, Kamila shares. “It was overwhelming! We did not know whether to get happy or sad, because we truly didn’t know what was going to happen; surgery alone could have already damaged the fetus. After talking to the gynecologist, all we learned was that we’d have to wait: miscarriage was almost certain, and if not, the baby could be abnormal.” Those are the moments in life when you just have to trust your instincts.

And even though her doctors warned that treatment would be better if she weren’t pregnant, Kamila’s instinct said, “Well, we will just have to work around this baby.”

Treatment was postponed until the second trimester.

Seasoned to

Meanwhile, there was also joy. Kamila and her boyfriend were married that January — New Year’s Day, in fact — she says to symbolize “new everything: Home, life, baby to come, and new me after all that treatment.”

Thankful for his loving care and her solid healthcare team, Kamila rejoiced when her son was born on March 12, 2014 at exactly 36 weeks. “He was perfect! I still endured one more chemo and 33 daily sessions of radiation therapy.”

Real life, right now Now at 37, the mom of two busy young boys is back at her job in county government. “I don’t think anything will ever be back to normal for me, nor for anyone else for that matter,” she reflects.

“Physically I’m scarred, emotionally as well, and I’ll always have that concern that it will come back. But I try all I can to live to the fullest right now, to enjoy my little family and the fact that I’m here for them. I look at all the pictures and go, ‘Wow it was so hard, so painful — but we made it,’ and I would do it all over again.

“I love spending time with family, love the outdoors, the movies… I was an avid runner before cancer and now I am slowly trying to get back into it.”

She’s a model of determination and strength, having found a way to focus on a better set of “positives.” n

Summer When I was first diagnosed in 1996, I co-owned a restaurant called Grumpy’s Grill (my motto: Ya’ Gotta’ be Mad to Eat Here). My life was so insanely busy, I’m not sure I was actually doing much conscious living.

In addition to the daily craziness of operating a restaurant, I made ends meet by juggling two other professions. Between early morning and late evening shifts at Grumpy’s, I was employed as a disc jockey. I also wrote how to books in my “spare” time.

I remember being constantly exhausted. I also remember thinking I was old. That was nearly 20 years ago.

I discovered I had breast cancer in July of that year. I thought it would be my last summer. You know you’ve got it bad when you live in Iowa, the humidity is at 99%, and you cry because you’re going to miss summer!

And then, somehow, I lived. And I swore I’d remember the lessons learned.

Spring Life went on. I completed my chemo and radiation and slowly but surely, I jumped back into my day-to-day routine.

Granted, I made changes. I returned to California, which after 12 years was daunting. Many of my friends had moved away or moved on. The saying you can’t go home again was just a bit too close to home for me! But breast cancer had taught me to be strong and count my blessings — so I tried.

In February of 2005, at just the point where I actually thought about something other than my health, I was diagnosed for a second time. Shut the front door, are you

serious? There went my theory about the lab making a mistake back in 1996!

I spent the spring and summer of that year dealing with chemo and the fall getting radiation. Although I went through all of the treatments they suggested, I once again thought my days were numbered.

And then, somehow, I lived. But I realized I’d somehow managed to forget a few of those lessons I swore to remember.

Fall In October of 2013 I had blithely posted on Facebook, “Make sure you get your mammogram, ladies,” as I skipped out the door to go get mine. Long story short — that didn’t end as I had anticipated.

Although I did say adios to my breasts, no one could provide any evidence that further treatment would change the outcome, so I was fortunate to dodge chemo and radiation this go-round.

I tried to stay in the moment, and again, luckily, I’m living.

But I’ll be darned if it didn’t dawn on me that I’d once again managed to let a few life lessons “fall” by the wayside.

Winter So here I am. I’ve somehow survived several seasons of breast cancer and am approaching something remarkable — getting older. I no longer work so hard to stay alive, I forget about living. I laugh when I think about feeling old 20 years ago. But the saying you can’t know what you don’t know, rings so true!

If I’ve learned anything along the way it’s this: • No matter how old you are, you can still be young at heart.

• Don’t forget that to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.

• Regardless of what life throws at you – pay attention – and you will be seasoned to perfection! n amoena.us 29

[ reader survey ]

Share your top makeup-mirror preferences for a chance to win Want a chance to win a year’s supply of Amoena lingerie? We’d be delighted if you’d share a few thoughts about your beauty routine (do we still call it that?), your makeup secrets and tips, and your personal bra philosophy.

Take our survey online: Go to amoena.us/survey. Or complete this page before Dec. 31, 2015 and mail to us at: Amoena Life Survey, 1701 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Suite 410, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Please see the complete rules at amoena.us/ contests. PLEASE PRINT. 1. What is the most significant reason why you wear make-up? a. I wear it to feel more attractive and/ c. I wear it for my partner or boost my confidence d. I rarely wear make-up b. I wear it because it’s expected e. I never wear make-up 2. H ow often do you reach for organic/“clean” makeup (eye shadow, blush, foundation)? a. Always c. Rarely b. Sometimes d. Never 3. H ow often do you use organic/ “clean” skincare products (lotions, moisturizers, cleansers)? a. Always c. Rarely b. Sometimes d. Never

Got to Know You!

Thank you for your time! For a chance to win our grand prize of a year’s supply of Amoena bras, or one of 3 second prizes ($25 Visa gift cards), please enter your email address here (PLEASE PRINT): _____________________________________.

30 Fall 2015

Address City

Join us! amoena.us Club Amoena is a worldwide community of women who trust Amoena for fashion and comfort.

We share our favorite Amoena products, ways we continue to live well, and uplifting stories of strength. (Plus coupons, surveys and freebies!)

55.4%

Nutrition and recipes 48.8%

Other

9. W hat’s the one beauty tip that really helped you look and feel your best during your treatment (or anytime)? ________________________________________________________________________

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In-depth news articles

5. When do you typically clean your breast form(s)? a. In the morning when I’m getting ready c. I take it into the shower with me b. D uring my nightly get-ready-for-bed d. I don’t wash my breast form routine e. This doesn’t apply to me

8. W ould you be interested in trying an Amoena Cosmetic breast form, known for being soft and lightweight, but having the very natural drape in front that looks more real? c. I already have an Amoena Cosmetic a. Yes, I’m interested breast form. b. N o, I’m happy with the breast d. This doesn’t apply to me. form I wear now, which is the ______________________________.

If you would like to receive Amoena Life magazine in print twice a year (March & September), please complete the form below and mail it to us at the address below. Please print.

You’re an interesting and talented bunch! We had nearly 850 responses from 10 countries in our last survey (Spring 2015). Between your dining out, walking, book clubs, gardening, knitting, and online activities (we didn’t know you were gamers!), it’s clear you stay quite busy. Many of you (on average 77% of you, worldwide) are already members of Club Amoena.

We asked what you wanted to see more of, in Amoena Life magazine and online. Here are the results in each category (respondents could choose more than one):

Fashion Pages

7. What approximate percentage of your bras are “stylish” (colors, lacy, or embellished) versus “everyday” (nudes/whites, smooth cup, all-day comfort)? a. 100% stylish d. 20% stylish, 80% everyday b. 80% stylish, 20% everyday e. 100% everyday c. 50/50 f. This doesn’t apply to me

Members of Club Amoena receive an online subscription, FREE! Register online at amoena.us/club-amoena.

What we learned in our Spring 2015 survey

4. What’s the one product you couldn’t live without? f. Lipstick a. Cleanser g. Mascara b. Moisturizer h. This doesn’t apply to me c. Foundation/Concealer i. Other___________________________ d. Bronzer/Blush e. Serums

6. D o you ever wish for the option to wear an adhesive breast form for a particular dress or event? (See p. 24 to learn about Contact Multi.) a. Yes c. I already wear an adhesive breast form b. No d. This doesn’t apply to me

For Subscribe you, like no other

We would love to hear from you!

48.5%

Email info@amoena.com with “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. Or find us in social media:

Essays by fellow survivors 41.6%

Survivor Profiles

Email: info@amoena.com

38.2%

Pinterest.com/amoenausa Facebook.com/amoenausa

14.6%

Some of your suggestions for other topics included: “The ins and outs of healing;” “Advice about the most suitable sports;” “Diet advice because we hear conflicting reports;” “The psychological side of recovery;” and “Skin care after chemo,” among many other good ideas.

And we were inspired by your wisdom. We can’t print every response, of course, but here is one that sums it up nicely: What have you discovered about yourself that you never knew before? “[Before,] I lived mostly for others.

I’ve learned to find what I want to do with my life, I found myself. Today I enjoy every moment intensely.”

–a reader in France Keep them coming! Feel free to email us anytime with questions, wishes or suggestions. And if you’ll do us a little favor, too: Spread the word about Amoena products!

Twitter.com/amoenausa Instagram.com/amoenausa Youtube.com/amoenausa

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. ©2015. All rights reserved Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH, 83064 Raubling, Germany

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q Breast Cancer Survivor q Family/Friend of a Breast Cancer Survivor q Health Care Professional q Please sign me up for Looking Ahead, an informative e-newsletter about breast cancer and health from TheBreastCareSite.com (e-mail required).

Mail to: Amoena, Attn: Amoena Life Magazine 1701 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Ste. 410 Kennesaw, GA 30144 Subscriptions available to US residents only.

Amoena retailers, please call Customer Care to request printed copies for special events.

Take $10 Off

Save $10 when you spend $75 or more on any Amoena seasonal collection purchase*! ®

*Discount given by your Amoena retailer.

Consumer: This is not a rebate program. Discount given at time of purchase by your Amoena retailer. Limit one coupon per person. You pay any sales tax. May not be reproduced, purchased, traded or sold. Any other use constitutes fraud. Offer void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Retailer: Only US retail distributors of Amoena products may redeem coupon for credit on your Amoena account statement for face value if terms are met. Redeem coupon by sending original coupon with account name, account phone, account number and style of product purchased to Amoena, Attn: Coupons, 1701 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Ste.410, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Redeemed coupons must be postmarked by January 29, 2016 to receive credit. Amoena reserves the right to deny and/or disregard any redeemed coupon if deemed to be false or fraudulent. Offer void where prohibited or restricted by law. Keep a photocopy of all materials submitted for your records.

Account Name _____________________________________________________ Account #______________________________ Account Phone#______________________________ Product Style# Purchased_______________________________________ Manufacturer’s Coupon | Offer expires December 31, 2015 To find an Amoena retailer near you, visit the store locator at amoena.us or call 1-800-741-0078.

You’re going to love Spring.

Here’s a preview of what’s coming next season.

To find Amoena near you, visit our store locator at amoena.us/stores or call 1-800-741-0078.

In Canada, visit amoena.ca.

amoena.us 49329912 - 08/15 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. ©2015 All rights reserved Amoena USA Corporation, Kennesaw, GA 30144-4582 USA