Amoena Life Spring 2013

FEELING GOOD. LOOKING GREAT.

www.amoena.co.uk

LIFE Issue 31 | 2013

Painting a brighter picture One woman’s creation of beauty over trauma

Smooth moves

Try these gentle, safe yoga poses

Is Green the new Pink?

Lifestyle changes after breast cancer

PLUS: HEALTH | BEAUTY | REAL LIFE | AND MUCH MORE

Four corners of the earth Readers around the world share their stories

OCEA

N CO

SCE R U O L

NE

New Active Wear

28

Editor fro m t he

French touch touch French Amoena Lingerie

Spring

2013

20

W

hat’s your abiding memory of 2012?

It certainly wasn’t a classic weatherwise, but it was a time when, as a nation, we came together to celebrate all that’s good about being British. We braved torrential rain and hung out the bunting to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and then even those of us who usually run a mile (not literally, obviously!) from all things sporty, got over-excited as the country turned gold during Olympic fever. The Games seemed to fire a sense of both national pride and belonging to a greater international community.

With this in mind, I think it’s highly appropriate that Amoena Life is going ‘global’ for the first time ever this year. We wanted to reflect the fact that Amoena is a truly international company, with customers in 28 countries – so, instead of publishing different versions of the magazine, we decided to bring them all together into one single edition. Now, although you will still be able to read articles, real-life stories, letters and news from the UK, you’ll also be able to connect with women from other nations.

Many of us have been nudged by a summer of sport on TV into thinking about making a bit more of an effort ourselves. If,

like me, you prefer to watch sport rather than take part, you might change your mind when you see our lovely new active wear on page 27. Even I’m tempted (well, at least I can look good while I’m thinking about it!).

Lying by (rather than swimming in) a sparkling pool is much more my style, though, and looking ahead to 2013 with my usual optimism, I’m hoping this summer will be one to remember because of record-breaking temperatures. If you’re already dreaming of sun-kissed beaches, feast your eyes on our new swimwear on page 14.

Of course, paying better attention to our health includes the products we use and what we eat, and a brush with breast cancer understandably prompts many women to reconsider their lifestyle choices. Our feature, Is Green the new Pink?, looks at the stories behind some of the lurid headlines about chemicals in skincare, make-up and foods, and if you’d like to get greener yourself, turn to Stay Naturally Gorgeous for some great websites, products, books and recipes.

I hope you find plenty to inspire you in this issue. We’d love to know what you think of our new format, so turn to page 34 for details of our reader survey.

6

Features 6 Cover Story Is green the new pink? Lifestyle

changes after breast cancer

22 Real Life

Painting a brighter picture How

one woman created something beautiful from the trauma of breast cancer

24 Feature Four corners of the earth

Readers around the world share their stories.

26 Mind and Body Safe haven Working together to

help women with breast cancer

28 Smooth moves Gentle yoga poses

to boost mobility

Fashion 14 Swimwear Ocean colour scene Our pick of

this season’s swimwear

18 Fashion Baroque’n’roll Feminine, floral lace 20 Walk on the wild side This season’s

animal print is pure sophistication.

Regulars 4 Up Front All the latest news on

issues that affect you

12 In Contact Readers offer

Contributors Christina Relf has been features writer for Amoena Life for more than ten years.

She is delighted that the magazine is going global: “I think we live in an increasingly global society. The internet connects us all, allowing news, culture, fashion and technology to be shared regardless of geographical boundaries. I believe we all benefit from knowing what people in other countries are doing and thinking, as well as sharing our own experiences, and I’m sure Amoena Life readers will enjoy this new format.”

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 and again in 2005, she realises that humour has helped her deal with her diagnosis 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.

www.amoena.co.uk

encouragement and support

10 Beauty and Nutrition Stay naturally gorgeous 30 Write Back Readers’ forum 33 Back Chat Dianne Armitage

gets to grips with what it means to be green

FEELILNG GOOD. LOOKING GREAT.

www.amoena.co.uk

LIFE Issue 31 | 2013

Painting a brighter picture

One woman’s creation of beauty over trauma

Smooth moves

Try these gentle, safe yoga poses

Is Green the new Pink?

Four corners of the earth Readers around the world share their stories

ICAL se TROP par adi

On the cover Our cover model, Michele, aged 51 has had breast cancer.

Hair and make-up John Elliott, photographer Dorothea Craven

Lifestyle changes after breast cancer

PLUS: HEALTH | BEAUTY | REAL LIFE | AND MUCH MORE

Copyright: The entire contents of this publication is copyrighted to Amoena UK Ltd, 2013, E & OE. 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 once a year and is available free of charge on request. No liability for unsolicited manuscripts. Amoena UK Ltd cannot be held responsible for pictorial or typographical errors. Whilst 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. All prices quoted were correct at the time of going to press. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any subsequent price changes. The editor reserves the right to edit or abridge letters. While Amoena Life accepts third party advertising, it cannot endorse or take responsibility for non-Amoena products or services. If you have any questions about third party products, please contact the advertisers direct.

Publisher: Amoena UK Ltd. Editor: Rhoda White, email: rhoda.white@amoena.com Research/Features: Rhoda White, Christina Relf, Lee Thrash Photographers: Amoena GmbH, iStockphoto Design: Bela Weiss, Shan Willoughby

>>> UP FRONT

Upfront

BREAST CANCER CARE LAUNCHES E-BOOKS

All the latest news on issues that affect you

! g n i v o m t Ge Macmillan Cancer Support is spreading the word about the healing powers of exercise, following a survey of over 1,000 people living with cancer. The charity found that, despite the wealth of evidence about the benefits of physical activity during and after cancer treatment, only around a fifth of patients had been told by their medical teams about the ‘wonder drug’ type effects of exercise. These include about a 40% lower risk of breast cancer returning, as well as improvements in physical function and psychological wellbeing.

Adults in the general population are currently

advised to engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. The charity suggests that otherwise healthy cancer survivors (who do not have cancer complications or other health conditions) should be advised to gradually build up to these levels, adding that it’s important that activity is carefully tailored to each individual.

If you want to get started or get back to exercise, why not download Macmillan’s information pack? The Move More pack is available on the charity’s website, www.macmillan.org.uk, under Cancer Information.

GREAT

read!

If you love your Kindle, you’ll be pleased to know you can now get seven of Breast Cancer Care’s most popular publications as e-books.

Topping the bill is the charity’s award-winning picture book, Mummy’s lump, that helps parents with children under seven explain what is happening when mum is diagnosed with breast cancer. Narrated by Zoe Wanamaker, it can be downloaded free from the Breast Cancer Care website (www.breastcancercare. org.uk) in a new read-along format for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

Other titles released in this format include Living with Lymphoedema, Radiotherapy for Primary Breast Cancer and Diet and Breast Cancer. In future the charity will also release its clinical factsheets and booklets as e-books.

NICE recommends denosumab

Help for people with bone metastases could be on its way.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published final draft guidance in August 2012 recommending the drug known as denosumab (also known as XGEVA, Amgen) as a treatment for bone metastases from breast cancer, following studies showing it to be more effective than other bone-strengthening treatments currently in use. Denosumab is licensed to prevent ‘skeletal-related events’ such as fractures, or the need for radiation surgery to the bone, both of which can occur as a result of bone metastases that arise when cancer spreads from its original tumour site to the bone.

The drug is not being appraised as an anti-cancer or pain-relief treatment. However, Professor Carole Longson, Director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at NICE, said: “Bone metastasis can severely affect a person’s quality of life, stopping them from doing things so many of us take for granted. We are therefore pleased that our draft guidance recommends denosumab for those patients who are most likely to benefit from the treatment.”

Fresh clickings

for bone metastases

WE

love!

Fed up with constantly trying to cover your arms or walking past racks of clothes that ‘just won’t work’ anymore because they’re sleeveless? If that sounds familiar, we’ve got some good news for you. It’s time to ditch your hot shrugs and stuffy cardigans and liberate your wardrobe with Wingz! Cool and comfortable, because they don’t add another layer of clothing, Wingz are sleeves that slip under any outfit and stay in place thanks to a gently elasticated under-bust band. Available in a range of styles, colours and sizes – see the full range and buy online at www.wingzfashion.com.

If you haven’t yet visited Amoena’s all-new website, click on www.amoena.co.uk today to find everything you need, all in one place. Look out for some very special features, including the ability to store your personal details and delivery addresses, look up your order history and create a wish list for those ‘must have’ items. You can also sign up for special offers and personalised product recommendations, track your orders online and read the latest issue of Amoena Life. What’s not to love?

Is broccoli the new secret anti-cancer weapon?

Your mother always told you to eat up your greens, and new research shows she was right! Scientists at the Institute of Food Research in Norwich have identified a molecule, sulforaphane, found in broccoli, that can boost protective enzymes in breast tissue. It’s thought that sulforaphane turns on genes that boost antioxidant levels and blocks enzymes that prevent the body suppressing tumours.

Dr Maria Traka of the IFR said: “Sulforaphane is very important.

The evidence suggests that it helps maintain a healthy balance of antioxidants in the body to counter the effects of dietary, environmental or other carcinogens. To get the benefits, you would need to eat three or four portions of broccoli a week. Some may find that difficult but, having seen the evidence, my family now eat it three or four times a week.”

In the US, two new trials using broccoli-based medicine are taking place, while researchers are also looking at whether broccoli extract taken three times a day for up to two months slows the growth of tumour cells.

COVER UP IN STYLE Amoena Life | 5

>>> COVER STORY

Useful Contacts

green

Lifestyle changes after breast cancer

Is

the new

pink?

Cancer Research UK: the world’s leading cancer research charity provides reliable, easy-to-understand information about all types of cancer. http://cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org CancerQuest: a cancer education and outreach programme based in the US. http://www.cancerquest.org/ Sense about science: a UK-based charitable trust that equips people to make sense of scientific and medical claims in public discussion. http://www.senseaboutscience.org/ index.php/site/project/13/

Seldom does a day go by without a headline about something that will either cause or prevent cancer. Our report looks at some of the research behind these sensationalised headlines to see if there is any real evidence that lifestyle or environmental factors increase your risk, and whether significant changes make sense following diagnosis.

O

nce they have emerged from the ordeal of breast cancer treatment, it is understandable that many women are determined to do all they can to avoid anything that could cause a recurrence, while doing ‘the right things’ to prevent the disease. The problem is knowing where to start.

It could be very easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting reports and scare stories. As the ‘green’ movement has made it clear that our Western habits have grown increasingly unnatural, even more potential risks have come to light in our foods as well as our personal care products like make-up, shampoo and lotions. We’ve never questioned these products on a large scale, relative to our overall health—but perhaps we should have, all along.

On the other hand, could it be that the Internet Age is helping make mountains out of molehills? Not everyone who is exposed to DNA-mutating influences will develop cancer. So how do we get the headlines into perspective? And if we want to reduce our risk of breast cancer and recurrence, how do we prioritise so that we focus on the real ‘baddies’ and understand the reality behind some of the tabloid scares?

Biology 101: DNA mutations U.S. expert Dr. Greg Orloff developed an award-winning website, CancerQuest.org, when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998. As his site points out, “... simply put, cancer is the result of unregulated cell division. Cancer cells divide when they are not supposed to, don’t stop dividing when they are supposed to and don’t die when they should. In the worst cases, cancer cells leave the area in which they arose and travel to other parts of the body.”

It seems that the reason cancer cells behave in this way lies in their genes. In cancer cells, changes (mutations) to key genes cause the cells to act abnormally. Because there are many different things that are capable of causing mutation, there are an equally large number of potential causes of cancer. These include: zz Over-exposure to certain minerals and chemicals in the environment including asbestos and toxic waste, and to the sun (in the case of skin cancer) zz Dietary factors such as too much fat and alcohol zz Lifestyle factors such as smoking and too little exercise

6 | Amoena Life

The lifestyle lowdown Some reliable conclusions about cancer prevention are emerging.

For example, there is increasing evidence that lifestyle plays a part.

In December 2011, Cancer Research UK published the results of the most comprehensive study undertaken to date on the effects of lifestyle on cancer. The study concluded that 45 percent of all cancers in men could be prevented, and 40 percent of all cancers in women. This staggering figure takes into account every type of cancer—not just breast cancer—but it still provides some serious food for thought.

The charity estimated that tobacco smoking, dietary factors, drinking alcohol and body weight accounted for 34 percent of UK cancers during 2010. While acknowledging that in most cases, cancers have multiple causes, Dr. Harpal Kumar, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Leading a healthy life doesn’t guarantee that a person won’t get cancer but this study shows that healthy habits can significantly stack the odds in our favour. We know that cancer risk can be affected by family history and getting older, but these figures show that we can take positive steps to help reduce our risk of the disease.”

Like any statistical information, these conclusions need to be put into perspective when it comes to breast cancer, for which it remains the case that being female and over 50 are the two highest risk factors overall; however, it’s impossible to ignore the conclusions of this research.

Think before you eat Scientists predict that the continuation of existing trends in obesity could lead to about 500,000 additional cases of cancer in the United States by 2030. There is no reason to question the medical community’s insistence that healthier diets are our first line of defence, and the general recommendations are becoming a familiar refrain: zz Replace animal fats with polyunsaturated fats (found in many vegetable oils) and monounsaturated fats (such as olive oil) zz Get more isoflavones (found in peas and beans) and lignans (found in vegetables, fruits, grains, tea and coffee)

>>>

“Leading a healthy life doesn’t guarantee that a person won’t get cancer but studies show that healthy habits can significantly stack the odds in our favour.”

>>> COVER STORY

5 CHANGES YOU CAN MAKE NOW!

Alcohol is toxic and the body’s detoxification process can cause DNA damage. What’s more, research has shown that alcohol is a particular risk factor for breast cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, two large combined reviews of the published evidence and the UK Million Women Study showed an increase in breast cancer risk of about seven to 12% with every extra unit of alcohol consumed per day. (One unit is a half pint of beer, a small glass of wine or a measure of liquor.)

To be on the safe side, it is best for women not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. Experts also advise having at least two alcohol-free days each week, believing it important that alcohol consumption is not an everyday occurrence.

8 | Amoena Life

Where lifestyle and environment intersect Does your healthy diet need to be all-natural or organic to provide the best protection against cancer? It’s difficult to say. For one thing, the definitions of ‘organic’ are still emerging, and can differ from nation to nation. Sometimes foods or food additives are blamed for directly causing cancer and described as carcinogenic. These can include: zz Growth hormones and antibiotics in animal farming zz Pesticides and herbicides in plant farming zz Bisphenol A (BPA) in some types of packaging Other researchers doubt that this is really true, claiming that although sometimes a food is found to contain a substance that can cause cancer, it is present in such small amounts that we could never eat enough of it to do any harm. According to the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Guidelines on Nutrition, these additives and compounds may not directly cause cancer, but they may influence cancer risk in other ways—for example, by acting as hormone-like substances in the body. Its website says,

“Whether organic foods carry a lower risk of cancer because they are less likely to be contaminated by compounds that might cause cancer is largely unknown.”

However, unprocessed and organic foods are typically more nutrient-dense, and less likely to include artificial and unintended ingredients. They may be a better nutritional choice for your peace of mind and for their other benefits: they are good for our planet, the welfare of farm animals and—because this seems to be the direction in which agriculture is heading—the livelihood of local farmers.

Marie Spano, a nutrition communications expert and member of the American Dietetic Association, agrees. “At this time, research hasn’t clearly indicated that pesticides cause cancer or eating an organic diet prevents cancer,” she confirms. “However, for many people, choosing organic foods after a cancer diagnosis or when going into remission may put them at ease and it won’t hurt. Does it help? I don’t think we know the answer to this question yet.”

“

I have found that by cutting out dairy, plus some wheat products,and eating smaller, regular meals, I feel extremely healthy from the inside out!

“

BE DRINK AWARE

zz Eat more fibre from wheat bran, cereals, beans, fruits and vegetables zz Make sure you have enough calcium in your diet—from low-fat milk, cheese and yogurts, green vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage and okra), nuts, bread and fish zz Eat foods high in carotenoids (chemicals that the body changes to vitamin A) such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale and tomatoes We also know that a woman’s stage of life is a factor—breast cancer in post-menopausal women is more likely if they are overweight, due to the high levels of oestrogen present in their body fat. However, this is not the case in pre-menopausal women, where it’s thought that because women who are overweight ovulate less than their slimmer sisters, they are exposed to lower levels of oestrogen. It’s best, in either case, to maintain a healthy weight (go to Cancer Research UK’s website for a Body Mass Index, or BMI, calculator) and avoid gaining that dreaded ‘fat around the middle’ that seems to beset anyone who is either heading for a natural menopause or plunged into one by breast cancer treatment.

Spano recommends a few initial considerations, for people making small dietary changes: start with foods with an edible skin (berries, for example) versus a skin you peel off and discard, like a banana. “There are other aspects of a healthy diet that may possibly reduce one’s risk of developing some types of cancer, including reducing intake of red meat and packaged luncheon meats, cutting off any charred portions of meat, cooking low and slow instead of fast/ high heat, and cutting off burnt crust on pies and baked goods,” she adds.

What about chemicals on the skin?

A synthetic preservative found in many food and cosmetic products, parabens are one of the media’s favourite chemical ‘nasties’ and have been found to have an oestrogen-mimicking effect, although this is at a far lower level than the amount of oestrogen produced naturally in the body.

As of our publication date, there have been no conclusive studies to support any connection between parabens and breast cancer, and in fact several groups have

spoken out to try to calm consumers’ fears.

Sense about Science—a UK charitable trust that equips people to make sense of scientific and medical claims in public discussion—even issued a news release in January 2012 stating there is no evidence that parabens increase the risk of breast cancer.

Links are often made between cancer and chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants but these, too, are refuted by cancer charities. Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s publication, The facts: deodorants and antiperspirants, concludes, again, that there is no reliable evidence to suggest that using these personal care products increases the risk of cancer.

Nevertheless, the cosmetics industry has begun, in the last several years, to re-evaluate and reformulate, making many all-natural products available if women choose them. Ultimately, this change is a good thing, says Alison Raffaele, founder and chief creative officer of New Yorkbased Alison Raffaele Cosmetics.

Raffaele’s company began a product overhaul in 2007, after careful study of the parabens debate. “When we reformulated,” she says, “I asked, ‘What ingredients can I live with, and what do we need to get out?’” She and her team determined that the following could easily be replaced with equally effective and less dangerous preservatives instead: zz Parabens: endocrine disruptors - the parabens that are used commercially are synthetically produced, although they can be identical to those found in nature. zz Talc: “In pressed form it’s not an issue,” Raffaele says, “but in a loose form it’s a major inhalation risk. It doesn’t break down in the body and can potentially form cysts.” zz Synthetic fragrances zz Mineral oil and petrolatum: a by-product of petroleum, significant exposure to mineral oil mist (usually in industrial settings) has been shown to cause an increased risk of developing some cancers. zz Propylene-gycol: at 100% concentration, propylene-gycol is found as anti-freeze. In beauty products, it is not used at such a high concentration but is nonetheless a potential skin irritant.

1

Stop smoking! You know it makes sense. Go to www.QuitNet.com for expert advice, email tips and a community forum to get you started.

cycle to the park rather than taking the car; get together with friends for an early morning swim a few times a week.

2

4

Eat fresh! Avoid processed foods like white breads, sugary drinks, chips, cakes and cookies. Snack on nuts and dried fruit if you get the munchies; remember your 5-a-day of vegetables and fruits; get plenty of fibre and focus on whole foods and lean protein like grilled fish or chicken to curb hunger.

3

Get out there! Add a little more activity into your daily life. Go for a 20-minute walk in your lunch break;

The best choice is your choice To date, then, scientific research does not point to increased risk from chemicals in our food or in health and beauty care products. However, many women remain convinced that reducing the chemical assault on their bodies has to be a good line of defence against cancer.

Amoena Life talked to several women who have taken their own approach, making certain lifestyle changes that fit with their own values and ease their personal fears.

One reader, Sandi, believes that the effect of the changes she has made, like giving up most processed food and using organic skincare, is more to do with peace of mind than a tangible benefit. “We all know how dangerous these things can be and although we can’t avoid all of them, we can do a little bit,” she says. “For yourself and for the environment and future generations, it’s important to think about changing our chemical world and living more naturally.”

Nutritionist Susannah Olivier’s book, The Breast Cancer Prevention and Recovery Diet, has been very popular since it was first published in 2001. Since reading it, Mary Jennings has cut down her intake of dairy products, salt and sugar, and tries to follow Susannah’s recommendations.

Mary finds that she has more energy and has been able to keep her weight down since following the plan, which can only be a good thing: “Although I have been vegetarian and eaten quite healthily for

Cut back on the drinks! Try to limit your alcohol intake to just a few units every now and then, and don’t make alcohol a daily habit.

5

Get your rest! Create a sleep schedule and stick to it (even on weekends), so you get the recommended seven to nine hours a night.

This can help with weight loss, mood and concentration and is a relatively easy—and totally natural—way to ‘up’ your overall health.

many years, I have found that by cutting out dairy, plus some wheat products, and eating smaller, regular meals, I feel extremely healthy from the inside out!”

Many of the women we spoke to about lifestyle changes were convinced that eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and cutting back on saturated fats and processed meats helped them feel better and stay trim. And while the cancer-causing properties of some of the foods women had cut out are not scientifically proven, the protective benefits of healthier eating and maintaining a sensible weight certainly chime with the recent advice published by Cancer Research UK. In conclusion, if you feel better about the choices you make, and if you read widely and make sure you stay in touch with what leading research organisations have to say about the key issues, you can only benefit from those choices as part of a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps green is your new pink. Once you understand the risks and precautions associated with certain lifestyle choices, you will be better placed to decide which steps you want to take to help arm yourself against cancer. “It’s like avoiding a car accident,” concludes Dr. Orloff. “You can limit your risks by wearing a seat belt, not going out late at night and not driving while talking on your cell phone. But all these things can’t guarantee that you won’t be involved in a crash. The same goes for cancer. Individuals have to decide what they want to live with.”

Amoena Life | 9

>>> BEAUTY & NUTRITION

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Visit Victoria Health (www.victoriahealth.com) for an amazing array of gorgeous goodies, ’s Ultra and health-and-beauty-boosting Organic loWorld uid Ch iq L treats. There’s so much more than ps ntrated e ro c d n o w C fe – add a detox, shopping, too. With contributions rophyll to d o fo r from a range of experts, including to you nd load nergy a boost e nutrients in-house pharmacist Shabir Daya, Phylia de M ha ir care – up on and celebrities like Lulu, you’ll find a wonderfully nu rturing pr od uc ts made from wealth of articles, interviews and blogs, all-natural ingredient s to boost ha plus ‘how-to’ videos on make-up ir strength and growth rate techniques and much more. Sign up for their newsletter and regular freebies, discounts and special offers.

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10 | Amoena Life

At Mypure (www.mypure.co.uk) everything is non-toxic, non-irritant and free from harmful chemicals.

You’ll find natural make-up plus products for skin, hair and body, as well as oral care and household cleaning ranges. We love their certified organic Alva lipstick in six gorgeous colours, and if you fancy a winter boost for your skin, why not try the wondrous A’kin Pure Rosehip Oil? It’s perfect for tired complexions and can help heal your skin and reduce scarring.

Organic, fresh and farmer-friendly!

Ca deod n your orant canc cause er?

Despite regular scarestories in the media, there is still no evidence that substances like aluminium and zirconium, found in deodorants and antiperspirants, or parabens (a form of preservative) found in many toiletries as well as in foods and medicines, cause breast cancer. Parabens are known to mimic oestrogens in the body, and many breast tumours are fuelled by oestrogen. But while parabens have been found in cancerous breast tissue, there is no evidence that it caused or contributed to the disease. Dr Tim Key, a Cancer Research UK scientist based at Oxford University, says: "There is no need for concern about deodorants, in my view. The way science works is that someone puts an idea forward and others follow it if they think it is worth doing so. At the moment, not many people think this is a worthwhile line of investigation." One recent study of 1,500 women found no evidence to support the hypothesis that antiperspirant use increases the risk of developing breast cancer. If you are concerned, however, and would like to reduce your exposure to parabens, try rock crystal deodorants like Crystal Deodorant or PitRok Crystal Stick, both available from Boots.

If you sometimes think you should eat more vegetables, but somehow never get around to it, help is at hand! Abel & Cole aim to make it easy for you, by delivering organic vegetable boxes (and much more) to your doorstep each week. And you don’t even have to be at home when they deliver. Over the years, the company has developed close relationships with farmers and producers, while helping customers enjoy sustainable, seasonal eating. They also sell organic meat, delicious prepared meals, drinks and household products, as well as providing imaginative recipes, both in print and online at www.ableandcole.co.uk.

Do try this at home!

If you thought vegetable-based recipes were all frightfully worthy and rather boring – here’s a recipe from Abel and Cole that could make you think again.

Organic Jazzy Roast Roots

Prep time – 10 mins Cooking time – about 45 mins Feeds – 4 Ingredients 6 large handfuls of root veggies, peeled (or any other veg) A glug of olive or sunflower oil Sea salt Freshly ground pepper 2cm piece of fresh ginger A splash of soy sauce A drizzle of honey 1 lime A handful of toasted seeds or nuts Fresh basil, mint or coriander

Step by step • Pop your roasting tin in the oven when you preheat it (200°C/Gas 6).

• Cut your veg into good-sized hunks (think golf ball or a touch larger) – they shrink when they cook. Season and coat in oil.

• Tumble the dressed roots into the hot tin and cook until golden and crisp. Check and shake the pan every 15 mins or so. Feel free to add slices of leek or onion, as well.

• Grate over some fresh ginger as soon as you’ve removed the hot roots from the oven. Drizzle with a bit of soy sauce and honey.

Squeeze a bit of lime over. Mix well.

• Finish with seeds or nuts and fresh herbs.

Want to try it?

Go to www.abelandcole.co.uk and look under ‘recipes’. You can also click from the recipe page to shop for the entire list of ingredients and some very tempting accompaniments too!

Healthy and wholesome If you’d like some more recipes like this one, why not treat yourself to the Abel & Cole Veg Box Companion recipe book? At just £12.99 from their website, this book shares Keith Abel’s ‘seasonal food chuck-anything-in-and-it’ll-turn-out-great’ cooking philosophy.

It’s packed with practical recipes, storage tips, helpful hints and ideas, and it will definitely help you make the most of the wonderful selection of seasonal veg available in this country throughout the year.

Amoena Life | 11

>>> IN CONTACT

Incontact

Zoladex fertility hope

Do you have a story you’d like to share, some words of encouragement for other readers or a comment to make about any of the items featured in our magazine? Send your letters and photographs for inclusion in Amoena Life to: Rhoda White, Editor, Amoena UK Ltd, FREEPOST, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 4BJ or email info@amoenalife.co.uk

Hair today...

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and originally my medical team thought I’d be able to avoid the dreaded chemotherapy.

Unfortunately, however, a biopsy revealed that I had a more aggressive form of the disease than they had believed, and I was told I would have to take Herceptin for a year and have a four-month course of chemo. I was stunned, but agreed to be guided by my oncologist’s expertise.

A friend was undergoing a similar regime with lung cancer at the same time.

We both had long dark hair and she was dreading running her fingers through hers and it all falling out, or finding it on the pillow. This filled me with dread also, but being the practical type who usually tries to ‘fix things’, after my first chemotherapy session I took the scissors out, divided my long hair into sections and carefully cut and saved each section. My life had been so out of control and handed over to the medics, I felt this was one decision I could take charge of and make for myself. Oh dear, I did laugh at the result. My other half came to the rescue with his clippers.

I then rang the wig shop, only to be told I could make an appointment for the following week! I must have let out a scream as the lady on the other end

12 | Amoena Life

of the phone asked in a very concerned voice: “My dear, what have you done?” I explained and she fitted me in the next day. I got my wig (which I hated), some scarves and hats and was all set - I felt so good I went supermarket shopping, but wearing a furry hat and not the wig.

Over the next week even the last stubbly bits of hair fell out and my head became very shiny; in fact all of me became very shiny - I felt a bit like an android.

I can relate to your article on the loss of eyebrows, and I still have to pencil them in as they have not returned to anywhere near what they were before chemotherapy.

By this time, we were fast approaching Christmas and I had identical twin grandsons aged just under 2 and identical twin grand-daughters aged 6 months, all coming home for Christmas with their parents and Nannie and Grandpa. I had to be up to making Christmas good for all of them. The boys toddled in and found me reclining on the sofa, big cuddles and yes, you guessed it, off came the scarf! Total non-event - the boys just stroked my shiny

head and gave me a kiss.

We have had some laughs over the hair loss, but the most positive thing to come out of this, apart from dealing with the cancer, has been that the dilemma I had over how long to keep dying my hair has now vanished. When my hair grew back it was white. I love it - it is short, I don’t have to worry about it, everyone says I look well, it takes minutes to get ready to go out and OK, it may not be that glamorous, but I am very, very happy with it.

It’s now nearly three years since I finished chemotherapy; most of the side effects have diminished and life is good - I was going to say “back to normal”, but I don’t know what that is any more. We just have to adjust to a different life from the one before we heard those two words – “It’s cancer.”

My best wishes to all who have undergone treatment. We are a special bunch - never forget that: we are the survivors.

Aleksandra Berryman

PS. I love your magazine and devour every page - well done - you give us all a boost.

I wanted to share my story with you about pre-menopausal breast cancer. I was 34 when diagnosed with grade 3 aggressive ER+ breast cancer, in June last year. Not the best diagnosis in the world! My partner and I had been trying for a baby for just over a year and I already have an 8-year-old son.

Just before surgery my breast care nurse said there was a slight complication – I was pregnant (I did not know). The surgeon delayed the operation as I needed to speak with my oncologist regarding my options about keeping the baby and what treatments I could still have while in the first trimester of a pregnancy.

I was advised that I would need a full mastectomy, followed by a course of chemo which would be delayed until I was at least 12 weeks’ pregnant, but it would be a less effective chemo called FAC; whereas, if I was not pregnant, I would have FEC. There was no evidence that the chemo would harm the baby but when I was pregnant with my son I wouldn’t even take a paracetamol, let alone chemo.

He would not even send me for a scan to see if the cancer had spread to my bones or lung/liver due to radiation harming the baby. Basically I felt I had no choice but to terminate. My own health was at risk and I had my son to think of.

So the operation went ahead and a week later I had the termination. Chemo was planned six weeks later. I asked my oncologist if there was any way he could help me preserve my fertility, as I understood chemo can put you into early menopause. Due to my cancer being

oestrogen receptive there were no options with regards to freezing embryos or eggs, as I would have to pump my body full of hormones and that’s what my cancer fed off. His answer to my question was “You are young, so there’s hope that it comes back.” Great!

At my pre-chemo assessment the nurse informed me of a drug called Zoladex, which is used to treat men with prostate cancer. This drug can be given to pre-menopausal women who want to try and retain their fertility. It’s basically an implant that is injected once a month into your tummy and makes your ovaries think that your body has enough oestrogen already, so they don’t produce any more; it’s like putting your ovaries to sleep, and the chemo can’t harm them if they are not working. I decided to go ahead with Zoladex - even if it did not work, it gave me some hope.

I have now finished my treatment and I am a year on from diagnosis, my periods have returned and I have had four cycles to date. I have to remain cancer-free for at least two years, then my oncologist has said I can have a break from tamoxifen for a year to try for another baby.

One of my friends had exactly the same treatment as me and also trialled Zoladex and her periods have returned too. I just would like to share my story with as many young pre-menopausal women as possible, just to give them some hope that it is still possible to have a family after breast cancer.

Contact is a lifesaver!

I have just been reading an article in Amoena Life by Joy Foord. She was saying how good her Contact breast form was. I have to agree with her.

Although I had reconstruction surgery at the same time as having my mastectomy it was a little disappointing as the reconstructed breast was a lot smaller than my other breast, so I had to wear a balancing prosthesis. This was OK, but I had a lot of problems with it pulling away when I bent over and suffered from bad heat rash too.

At Betty and Belle in Altrincham I had a chat with one of the specialist fitters and she suggested I try Contact.

It has proved to be a lifesaver! I now feel normal again. I put the Contact on in the morning and don’t think about it again. It is so comfortable. I wear it at the gym and while swimming with no problems. Thanks for developing this breast form.

Isabel

Louise Lloyd

Letters will be published where space permits. Rhoda regrets that she is unable to reply to your letters personally.

If you do not wish your letter to be published in Amoena Life, please make this clear when you write in.

Amoena Life | 13

>>> SWIMWEAR

Arabian Sea Stunning tankini in black and grey splashed with deep pink Persian roses Arabian Sea tankini, 34-44 B C, 34-42 D, £39

Ocean Colour Scene If you’re looking forward to a tropical getaway this year, here’s our pick of the season’s slinkiest swimwear

Coral Sea AS WORN BY

Michele, 51

A simple one-piece in shimmering jewel-bright colours Coral Sea swimsuit, 34-46 B C, £38

Amoena Life | 15

GULF OF MEXICO SWIMSUIT, 32-42 B, 34-40 C, £35

INDIAN OCEAN SWIMSUIT, 34-42 B C, £32

Atlantic Ocean Bright poppies dance on an abstract animal print background in this striking costume

INDIAN OCEAN BIKINI, 32-42 B C, 34-42 D, £30

Atlantic Ocean swimsuit, 34-42 B C, £34

Dive in…

ARABIAN SEA SWIMSUIT, 36-46 B C D DD, £34

here are a few more of our favourites – to see the whole range, go to www.amoena.co.uk ATLANTIC OCEAN PACIFIC OCEAN SWIMSUIT, 32-42 B, 34-42 C, £46

SWIMSUIT, 36-48 B C, £39 TASMAN SEA BIKINI, 32-40 B, £35

INDIAN OCEAN SWIMSUIT, 36-48 B C D, £33

r See ou fu l l range

For further information on our full range of swimwear complete the coupon on page 35, telephone us on 0845 072 4027 or visit our website at www.amoena.co.uk

PACIFIC OCEAN BIKINI, 32-40 A, 32-42 B, 34-42 C, £49

Our model, Michele, aged 51, 16 | Amoena Life

has had breast surgery.

Amoena Life | 17

>>> FASHION

Baroque ‘n’ roll If you’ve ever fancied channelling your inner diva, this is your ideal fashion moment. Feminine, floral lace is trending right alongside a cool, rock-chick vibe that calls for mixing flesh tones with darkest black plus high, high heels. Wear with attitude!

Dark secret Rock your lingerie to the foundations in sultry tulle and lace.

Charlotte bra and brief set 32-36 A, 32-40 B C D, £62 bra; £33 briefs, Amoena

Darkly demure A lacy collar that ties sweetly around your neck will bring any outfit right up to date.

Gold lace necklace, £15, M&S

Lacy lady Pick a pretty clutch that works from day to night.

Lace bag, £60, Dune

Secret sizzle Take your fashion fantasy right down to the foundations with this gorgeous monochrome French Touch set adorned with the finest Parisian lace.

Charlotte camisole and brief set, 32-36 A; 32-40 B C D, £69, Amoena 18 | Amoena Life

Steppin’ out These lacy courts are sexy yet sophisticated.

Lace shoes, £60, Debenhams

Dress to impress Black lace looks tempting on a flesh-coloured base.

Autograph black lace peplum dress, £99, M&S

Amoena Life | 19

>>> FASHION

Walk on

DER A E R ER F F O

Save £5 when you spend over £40 on Amoena lingerie during 2013. Simply quote AL13 when placing your order. For further information on our full range of lingerie complete the coupon on page 35, telephone us on 0845 072 4027 or visit our website at www.amoena.co.uk

the wild side

Pink lady

This season’s take on animal print is pure sophistication – especially when it’s interpreted in shades of grey. Mix in a pop of gorgeous magenta for a smouldering twist that will keep your look totally ‘now’.

Smouldering magenta doesn’t have to be reserved for outerwear.

This dazzling lingerie is so hot, though, it seems a shame to keep it under wraps!

Leona bra and brief set, 32-42 B; 34-42 C D, £37 bra; £15 briefs, Amoena

Lady luxe

Pink all over

Work a leopard print dress for day or night.

Pink up your lingerie with the lovely Lea multi-way bra in fuchsia.

Black velour animal print dress, £35, Bonmarche

Lea bra, 32-40 A B C; 34-38 D, £29.90, Amoena

• • PLACEHOLDER • CAN be retouched • • picture will be reshot on a professional model with plain background

Walk tall

It’s a wrap

Hot tote

Bootilicious

Pull it all together with the plainest of courts.

Update your look with a gorgeous scarf that wraps up the look perfectly.

Add this fabulous bag to your outfit for a shot of pure cerise.

A great pair of boots never goes out of style.

J by Jasper Conran quilted shopper, £59, Debenhams

Leopard print ankle boots, £50, Next

Court shoes, Bon Prix 20 | Amoena Life

Abstract animal print scarf, £30, East

>>> REAL LIFE

Painting a

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“

How could I turn this whole experience into something special for myself, to help me get over it and even look forward to the end result?

“

22 | Amoena Life

hen Julia Savidge was diagnosed with breast cancer she wanted to create something beautiful out of the trauma. Diagnosed in 2008 at age 52, Julia had recently gone through a distressing divorce after 26 years’ marriage, and was devastated to be losing her breast too. She admits that the impact of these events was enormous, leaving her at a crossroads where the outlook seemed pretty bleak.

When she and her husband divorced in 2004, Julia had never dated any other man. “I had been with him since I was 17—30 years in all. He was good-looking and we led a fantastic, active, outdoorsy life. We had lived in Sydney for a couple of years, and back home we had a big house, big garden—all I could have wished for.”

Determined to rebuild her personal life, Julia had finally gathered up the courage to try internet dating in October 2007. “I looked at some dating sites, signing up to one in October,” she says, admitting that once she got over her initial reservations, she had fun meeting new men—in fact, one of them even turned into her first one night stand. “I met this guy just once and surprised myself by going to dinner with him. Then I went back to his apartment and ended up staying the night. I’m really glad it happened, although I’ve never done anything like that before.”

Understandably, Julia’s diagnosis slowed down her dating activities—there was simply too much to deal with all at once.

“I’d had enormous fun. I didn’t really think anyone could ever measure up to my ex-husband but I was enjoying the process of meeting new people,” she says. Some of her acquaintances from the dating sites turned out to be very supportive when she was reeling from the shock of her diagnosis. “I felt comfortable telling them about my fears—more so, perhaps, than I would have been with a husband or permanent partner.

They had no vested interest in an ongoing relationship so I didn’t need to be guarded. The night before surgery, I called one of the guys at 2:00 a.m. and he was really reassuring.” She also saw her ‘one night stand’ friend again—he offered her a champagne dinner just before her surgery.

‘Little sparks of loveliness’ Having these men in her life at such a distressing time made Julia feel a bit special. “Little unexpected sparks of loveliness were coming out,” she says. “Each man in his way played such an important part in helping me cope. Their attitudes were reassuring because my body, my sexuality, was the core of my concern over my breast cancer diagnosis. They were part of my healing.”

Once Julia had recovered sufficiently from her surgery, she surprised herself by arranging to meet up with Ian, one of the men she had met online. “I hadn’t been that interested in his photo but he was much better looking in person—tall, slim, quiet and very nice. I thought I would never have another relationship again, so I was probably fairly cool at our initial meeting. We met another three or four times over the next few months, however, and I began to really like him.” Julia knew she had to tell Ian about her breast cancer experience. “I broke it to him one Saturday morning. He was surprised, but by that time we had something going together. I had stopped the online dating and decided I would just see Ian. And we are still together—nearly four years later.”

The eye of the needle Before her surgery, Julia had promised herself that she would emerge from breast cancer treatment with something beautiful and utterly personal to show for it. This is what led her to take the unusual step of creating a beautiful tattoo that would cover her reconstructed breast.

Her decision felt both courageous and defiant—and it surprised her as much as anybody else, she confides. “I opted for a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, but I got a shock when the surgeon told me that, even with a lat flap reconstruction, I would lose my nipple,” she explains. She worried that there would be a very noticeable difference between her breasts even after the reconstruction. But driving home later, Julia started to think about something that she had never considered before. “How could I turn this whole experience into something special for myself, to help me get over it and even look forward to the end result?” She considered having her nipple pierced once she’d had it reconstructed. “Then I thought, why not cover the new breast with a tattoo?”

Her first concern was safety, so she asked her surgeon about this at her next appointment and was told that she would have to be very careful with cleanliness to avoid infection, but otherwise everything was fine. “I asked her for a letter saying it was safe to go ahead, so that I could reassure whoever was going to do the tattoo.”

Julia had her nipple reconstructed—“It was the same diameter as my other nipple but completely flat, like a button”—and then she set about finding a tattoo artist.

“I just couldn’t imagine how to start, what the design would be like, who I would get to do it—most tattoo artists are male and I wanted a female. My friends were horrified—why would I put myself through all that? What about the risk of infection? But I was determined.” It took about a year to find the right person.

“Eventually I found Hai. I wasn’t sure anyone would want to tattoo a reconstructed breast, but when I emailed Hai she said she was OK with it—her grandmother had had breast cancer, so she knew what I had been through. She was lovely when we spoke. I explained that it would have to be very clean to avoid infection.” Next came the design of Julia’s tattoo: “I wanted something delicate, twirly, maybe flowery but I didn’t have any fixed ideas. Hai said she would take a picture of my breast and create some images and email them to me.

She then sent me some drawings superimposed on the photo of my breast which were amazing. I was thrilled with the design, which had tendrils—one that comes out over the top of my bra and one below. I had decided that the centre would be a large flower because of the nipple area.”

The tattoo itself was created over the course of three visits.

“Luckily, on the reconstructed breast you don’t feel anything!”

Julia spread the visits out over about a year. “She drew it on first, so I could see what it would look like when finished. I didn’t want anything brash or obvious—I wanted to be able to wear T-shirts that showed a couple of leaves but mostly you don’t see it at all when I’m dressed.” Her final visit was in September 2010.

Picture this Some men may have balked at Julia’s next move—to have her tattoo professionally photographed—but Ian, who had helped her design the tattoo and thought the results were amazing, was with her all the way. “I was so pleased with the tattoo that I wanted to see what it actually looked like,” she explains.

“I had only seen it in the mirror or just looking down on it. I wanted a photograph that I could frame and put in my bedroom. I wanted a very professional job and, oddly, a male photographer. A friend recommended someone who turned out to be a really nice guy. I met him and told him I didn’t want anything sexy or raunchy. He assured me that he’d had other commissions from women who wanted photos of their tattoos. He was fantastic—he put me at ease.”

Despite some nerves, by the end Julia thought the session was pretty fun. “I did my own hair and make-up and we used my own clothes, because I wanted it to reflect who I really am.

When the CD finally arrived I couldn’t look at it for about two weeks! I felt slightly embarrassed that I had had photos taken of me, naked.”

When she eventually did look at the pictures, she was delighted. They really do show how Julia has embraced the challenges that breast cancer threw at her and turned them into something positive and empowering: “This has been part of my personal journey—I thought out each step carefully and each one had to make me feel good.”

Look how far I’ve come Julia knows she has come a long way in the past few years.

“The whole tattooing thing—I didn’t know how Ian would view it, but he loves it. It looks just stunning and it makes me feel so good about myself. I hadn’t expected to feel this way, but I am so proud of it. I am not suggesting every woman who has breast cancer should have her boob tattooed. But I think every woman should just have something lined up for herself that perhaps she wouldn’t have done if she hadn’t had this trauma in her life.”

Many women who find themselves newly single after many years are daunted by the prospect of online dating, regardless of whether they’ve had breast surgery or not. Julia was no exception—and she thought that following her diagnosis she would never have another relationship. “The outcome was absolutely the opposite of what I had expected. Not only did I meet my partner Ian but I also found it helped me at a very difficult time. If I hadn’t already been internet dating before my surgery, I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to sign up after my diagnosis. I hope my experiences will give other single women the courage to give it a try.”

Amoena Life | 23

>>> FEATURE

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There is only one cancer center in the country of Zambia, so when Rachael found a lump in her left breast at age 37, she traveled six hours to get there from her hometown. But this wasn’t the most difficult aspect of her cancer experience. She was pregnant at the time of her diagnosis and had to wait until after delivery of her healthy baby boy to begin the costly treatments; during the treatments, she was away from her family for almost a year. Moreover, the state of medical delivery in one of Africa’s poorer developing nations meant that she didn’t have access to certain medications in use in Western medicine, so chemo took its toll: “I was put on medication to stop lactating after my son was born and then I had surgery; underwent chemotherapy for 5 months and radiation treatment for 6 weeks. My hair fell out and I was vomiting all the time,” she remembers.

Healthcare advocates like the Cancer Support Network of Zambia say that proper care during and after cancer wouldn’t even be possible without generous contributions from charitable organisations.

They and others have helped distribute breast forms and pocketed bras to women like Rachael. As improvements continue being made in Zambia, Rachael and her husband now serve as community advocates and educators, giving other women courage and hope.

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At the time of Mrs. Wang’s mastectomy, the incidence of breast cancer in women her age (she was 25) in China was extremely low. There was undoubtedly some distress and stigma associated with the disease, which shaped her experience. She had a Halsted radical mastectomy in 1991, years after the procedure had been mostly phased out in Western practice. Concern and fear before the surgery, and the physical pain afterwards, were her most difficult experiences.

Of course, her surgery, which removed lymph nodes and chest muscles, required major rehab for recovery, which was given by her medical personnel and patient support groups. She mentions, “The advanced rehabilitation knowledge and products surely helped me come back to life and be a woman again.”

Mrs. Wang is a relatively new user of Amoena breast forms and bras, as the company has only recently begun expansion into Asia. She wears an Individual Light with Comfort+ and likes it because it is more comfortable than standard weight forms. She told Amoena Life that her husband and son have given her loving support all the way through her journey. Today, she’s a very optimistic survivor who runs 5 km a day and travels frequently with her husband.

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24 | Amoena Life

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Suzanne, age 62, United States Bilateral mastectomy (2000/2001) Suzanne realises she is one of the lucky women, as far as medical coverage is concerned—her surgeries and treatments were covered under her employment-based health insurance with a well-known U.S. insurance company. But her journey was full of healthcare delivery problems. “I vaguely remember receiving a [post-mammogram] phone call saying, ‘Something suspicious, but not cancer,’” she says. In fact, Suzanne got that message twice more, but after several additional tests, a surgeon she had never seen before asked her abruptly, “What are we going to do about your breast cancer?” To say she was shocked is an understatement.

In retrospect, Suzanne wishes that she’d been given better information and the compassion she knows she deserved. This fast-paced, impersonal care is one of the common complaints about U.S. healthcare; as a prime example, when she asked her insurance company about support groups in her area, they suggested that she start her own! She also says that her recovery time in the hospital was too short— she felt “pushed out the door.”

Like many women, her journey included heartbreak, depression and ultimately, newfound strength.

Suzanne left her unsupportive husband, lost more than 7st in weight and started wearing Amoena Contact breast forms, which she has loved. Despite 12 years of saying “no more” to hospitals and surgeries, Suzanne’s currently making her second attempt at reconstruction.

20

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While many of the emotional aspects of breast cancer are shared globally, we can’t begin to know the daily nuances of every breast cancer patient’s journey. Healthcare delivery is different the world over—if it exists at all in a particular location—and of course, family and other circumstances play a role, as well. We think it’s valuable to peer into other women’s lives for a moment—to understand some of their daily healthcare trials and triumphs. If you’ve ever wondered what having breast cancer can be like in other . countries, here are the personal stories from survivors around the globe.

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omen in some countries have yearly mammograms; in others, a lump might be found without having visited a doctor in a decade. Breast surgeries are routinely performed in Western a ve r a si e d ove r £ hospitals but might be more difficult to arrange across the globe. No matter where we experience ry h 45 a G ,0 0 breast cancer, though, this truth remains: it’s a journey that changes our lives, and we will nd forever share survivorship in common with women around the world.

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The opening ceremonies of 2012’s Summer Olympics showed the world that the UK’s National Health System (NHS) is a point of great pride—and Pauline credits it for her excellent medical care throughout her cancer journey. “The dedication and access to treatments has been fantastic,” she says. Able to receive medications through drug trials and the National Cancer Drugs fund, she recognises that this system is helping her live life to the fullest while she continues to battle secondary cancer in her liver.

She was disappointed when costs and NICE (National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence) guidelines required her to be taken off Herceptin after three and a half years, while other women continue on it longer in the hopes of slowing down the disease.

Otherwise, she’s had strong medical support.

After her first treatment round, Pauline experienced the fear of “What if it comes back?” which she knows is universal. “I think that never leaves your thoughts.

I know ladies after 20 years who still have that fear.”

But she also knows there is life after cancer. Amoena Life helped her feel less alone, she says, and then she helped the magazine in return! She and some friends wrote in, suggesting that “real women” should serve as models alongside the professional models. “We wanted more ladies to think, ‘Well, we could look great in that, too!’” Pauline modelled lingerie and swimwear for Amoena for several years and had a great time. She has now had reconstruction, but continues to wear Amoena products, and loves them!

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Amoena Life | 25

>>> MIND AND BODY

Good to go

Safe Haven Amoena is teaming up with The Haven to help you get moving Here at Amoena we’ve been huge fans of The Haven breast cancer support centres for years, so we’re delighted to announce that we are partnering with them to help raise awareness of the amazing range of therapies and other services that the charity provides, completely free of charge, to help people deal with the physical and emotional side effects of breast cancer.

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pecialist nurses and experts in nutrition, exercise and emotional support at each of The Haven’s three centres (in London, Hereford and Leeds) provide tailor-made programmes for each visitor, and no referral is necessary.

The Haven programme provides a unique model of care that is fully integrated with hospital medical treatment. It is a global leader in its field – cancer specialists from all over the world visit Havens and learn from them. Help is also available from the charity’s website (www.thehaven.org.uk) and via an outreach programme for people who can’t get to the centres.

A moving story The Haven offers an amazing range of seminars, groups and classes, from acupuncture to bra fitting and from how to make smoothies to Shiatsu. There is a strong emphasis on a holistic or ‘whole body’ approach to healing, which puts physical fitness high on the agenda. The Haven’s Fit for Life programme is specially designed for women who want to improve their range of movement after surgery; it also helps prevent lymphoedema, increases wellbeing and teaches relaxation skills. Classes include Yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, The Lebed Method and Stretch & Relax, which is taught by fitness expert, Pippa Plaisted.

Pippa has been teaching fitness for 27 years, and combines Yoga and Pilates in her classes at the London Haven. Diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago, she was dismayed to find that there was very little emotional support or information available: “I was recovering in hospital when I learnt about Sara Davenport’s decision to create The Haven after her children’s nanny, Wendy Ricketts, was diagnosed.

Sara believed that no-one should have to face breast cancer alone, and when I read an article about her in The Times I knew I wanted to be involved.”

Initially, Pippa worked as a fund-raiser for the charity, but

26 | Amoena Life

when its programme of therapies was being put together she suggested that she could introduce an all-over body workout. “I knew this was something I could contribute in a very positive way,” she explains. “The class has proved to be very popular. Although it’s called Stretch & Relax, we do some pretty hard work in between!”

Pippa believes her own breast cancer experience helps her to empathise with the women who come to The Haven, although she doesn’t usually mention it when welcoming new visitors. “Often, one of the other therapists will tell them, and then they see that you can lead a perfectly normal, healthy life post-breast cancer. A lot of people think they will never be able to do the things they did before, but they absolutely can. There are so many issues to deal with when you’re diagnosed, though, it can be overwhelming at first. But it is helping people learn to cope with that and deal with it which The Haven does so well.

“It really is a haven, because you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. When I was going through treatment, I found that coping with everyone else’s emotions was one of the most difficult things, because people don’t know how to treat you. The relief of being able to go somewhere where everyone has a total understanding of what you’re going through is so profound. I wish I had had that when I went through it.”

Get involved If you would like to help The Haven, go to thehaven.org.uk and click on ‘How you can support us’ for ways to donate, details about volunteering and to learn how you can get involved in fundraising events. To sample the supportive and nurturing Haven programme for yourself, why not attend one of the Haven Introduction Days in Leeds, London or Hereford? Find out more online, and explore the website for further help on many aspects of living with breast cancer.

Here in the Amoena Life editorial office, we’re up for anything that puts us in the mood to do ourselves good. That’s why we (literally) jumped at the chance to grab some of the fabulous new Amoena Active range – somehow we just know that being beautifully kitted out will make us feel better about getting fitter! And now there’s the perfect excuse for you to treat yourself too, because for every item sold from the Active range between now and the end of 2013, we’ll donate £1 to The Haven. Take a look over the page for Pippa’s top Yoga poses to get you in the mood.

Keep it light Whether you’re new to exercise, returning gently or a fitness junkie, it’s important to feel comfortable while working out and, as well as the right active wear, the right breast form is a must. Your breast form is important for your posture and body balance, in addition to its role in restoring your outline, and some women find that a lighter weight form gives them more freedom of movement.

Most of Amoena’s breast forms come in a lightweight option – at up to 30% lighter than our standard range, they help with shoulder problems and lymphoedema, and are great if you have a larger bust. They are designed to look and feel just as natural as our standard breast forms, at less than three quarters of the weight. You may find that once you try a lightweight breast form you’ll be hooked, so why not kit yourself out when you buy your new Active wear? You’ll be helping The Haven too - we’ll donate £1 to the charity for every lightweight breast form retail sale between now and the end of the year.

For further information and to see our full range, send for a mail order catalogue or visit our website, www.amoena.co.uk, where you can browse and buy online. To find out more about The Haven and how you can help raise funds or spread the word about the charity’s work, go to www.thehaven.org.uk.

Amoena Life | 27

>>> MIND & BODY

1 From Tadasana, breathe out and step your feet apart.

Try these gentle, safe yoga poses to boost mobility.

Smoothmoves

RaisedHandspose

2

From Tadasana, breathe out and bring your

arms out to the side and up.

2

Press the palms together, keeping your arms straight, and gaze up towards your thumbs.

3

Slide your shoulder blades down your back.

4

Hold for 30 seconds to one minute.

5

Inhale and take your arms out to the sides and slowly back down.

Benefits Great for shoulder mobility and for improving lymph flow.

Beginner’s tip Try this pose seated on a chair with your feet flat on the floor and knees parallel, or standing with your back against a wall.

rt Looking the pa

3

4

Exhale and bend your left knee over the left ankle, so that the shin is perpendicular to the floor. Don’t lean your torso over your left thigh.

5

Turn your head to the left and look out over your fingers.

6

Hold for 30 seconds to one minute.

7

Inhale and then return to a standing position.

Repeat on the other side.

Warriorpose Benefits

Beginner’s tip If you have neck problems, do not turn your head to look over your hand—instead, look straight ahead.

1

For further information, complete the coupon on page 35 or view the range online at www.amoena.co.uk.

Our models, Michele, 51 and Annette, 47, are wearing products from Amoena’s 2013 Active range.

Stand in Tadasana. Breathe out and step your feet apart.

2

Raise your arms parallel to the floor and reach them out to the sides, shoulder blades wide, palms down.

3

Turn your left foot in slightly and your right foot out 90 degrees.

Turn your right thigh outwards, so that the centre of the right kneecap is in line with the centre of the right ankle.

7

Stretch your left arm towards the ceiling, in line with the tops of your shoulders. Keep your head in a neutral position or turn it to the left, eyes gazing at your left thumb.

8

Hold this pose for 30 seconds to one minute.

9

Inhale and return to a standing position. Repeat on the other side.

Exhale and extend your torso to

the right, directly over the plane

of the right leg, bending from

the hip joint, not the waist.

4

5 Rotate your torso to the left,

keeping the two sides equally

long. Let your left hip come

slightly forward and lengthen

your tailbone towards the back heel.

6

Amoena’s fabulous new line of activewear is perfect for your workouts. Choose from a racer-back or tank-style top (or both!), all with a built-in shelf bra with pockets for your breast form or symmetry shaper. We’ve even integrated Comfort+ temperature-equalizing fabric in just the right places to absorb body heat and reduce perspiration, helping you stay fresh and comfy at all times – always a bonus when working up a sweat! Team with sassy capris and your fashionably fabulous look will not go unnoticed!

28 | Amoena Life

Turn your right foot in slightly and your left foot out to the left 90 degrees. Align the left heel with the right heel.

Strengthens and stretches your legs and ankles, stretches your groin, chest, lungs and shoulders and stimulates your abdominal organs.

1

3

Tadasanapose Before you start any of the following poses, stand in Tadasana (Mountain pose), looking straight ahead, legs straight and feet together, arms by your sides, shoulders relaxed.

Raise your arms parallel to the floor and reach them out to the sides, shoulder blades wide, palms down.

Maintaining mobility after breast cancer treatment is important, and a little yoga is a great way to get started. We asked Pippa Plaisted, who teaches yoga and Pilates at The Haven in London, to recommend her favourite yogo poses that are gentle and safe for everyone* - no matter what their level of fitness.

1

2

Rest your right hand on your shin or ankle (but not on your knee joint).

4

Benefits Stretches and strengthens your thighs, knees and ankles, stretches your hips, groin, hamstrings and calves and your shoulders, chest and spine, as well as stimulating your abdominal organs.

Beginner’s tip Brace your back heel and the back of your torso against a wall if you feel unsteady in this pose.

Trianglepose

*Consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise programme.

Amoena Life | 29

>>> WRITE BACK

Writeback

Acupuncture helped with overheating

Write Back, our readers’ forum, puts you in touch with other women who have undergone breast surgery. Write to us if you would like to hear from other readers on a particular subject and, if your letter is published, we will send any replies received to you.

Requests Long term side effects I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and had a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a year of Herceptin. I am now well, except for a lot of soreness over my breast where I had radiotherapy. I would like to hear from anyone who suffers the same. I also have had two episodes of memory loss which was thought to be TIA but all tests have ruled this out, so I would like to know if anyone else has had this experience too.

Help for Chris Brett

Arimidex side effects

I love your magazine and have written in many times over the past 9 years, and have kept in touch with some women who I would never have known if not for your magazine. I thank you for that.

I’d like to reply to a letter from Chris Brett about long-term side effects. I had breast cancer in 2002, had surgery, chemo (trial) and radiotherapy, I have been told many times that all this bone pain I still get is from the chemo/radiotherapy. I do have a damaged immune system and still have follow-ups for erosive lichen planus, for which I’ve been on low-dose steroids for 9

I am writing to help other readers regarding Arimidex. I am sixty and in 2008 I had a double mastectomy plus all my lymph glands removed, then chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I was put on Arimidex and was sick at first, then I read in your magazine that taking it at night stopped this, and it worked.

Then two years ago, I started to get urine infections and I was very ill, running high temperatures. This was followed by several upset tummy attacks, with lots of pain.

Then came the worst symptom – I started to suffer panic attacks. I did not want to go anywhere, didn’t want anyone to see me. I was sweating, aching all over and exhausted. No-one knew where all these symptoms had come from. I phoned the cancer help line, and explained the problems I was experiencing. Evidently they had just done a survey on Arimidex and these symptoms were happening to women over sixty who had been on it for two years. So I have now changed to Aromasin, which is part of the same group of drugs. It has taken three months for me to start to feel the effects, but I now cannot believe how much better I am. I just wish I had changed the medication sooner and not had the last year of hell. So anyone else going through the same, do not hesitate to change your tablets, the difference is amazing.

“

Nobody comes out of their cancer experience unscathed, but we have to learn to love and accept the path we have been put on, as it makes us a stronger person.

“

I love your magazine – it is a great source of information for everyone who has had breast cancer. Keep up the good work.

Mary

years. I am, however, very happy to have survived all this time and take every day as it comes. I am 52 and work full time in a busy hospital – it does help you when you sit back and look at others who are doing very well through your help.

I agree with Chris that all cancer patients should be told of long term side effects and the help they can get with this. Nobody comes out of their cancer experience unscathed, but we have to learn to love and accept the path we have been put on, as it makes us a stronger person. I do feel rewarded when I know I’ve helped someone.

Elaine Sutton 30 | Amoena Life

Pauline Harvey

In response to Chris Brett’s request for help, I suffered terribly badly with sweats and temperature control issues as cumulative side effects of chemotherapy, premature menopause and Herceptin.

I was unable to sleep and three times an hour the sweats would wake me. I had a fan permanently by the bed that would go on three times an hour, large Chillows at head and feet and nothing but a cotton sheet over me. During the day, I carried a hand-held fan at all times, various ones being accessible about the house. I was exhausted.

My oncologist kindly referred me for acupuncture, saying it doesn’t work for some people, but perhaps I’d be able to do away with the ‘hovercraft’, as he called the hand-held fans.

He talked of some drugs that could also work if necessary (most of which are likely to exacerbate my lymphoedema, so I was not keen to try them).

I was lucky to hit immediately on an excellent acupuncturist at the Fountain Centre in Guildford. It took three weekly sessions before I saw a reduction in the sweats and easier temperature control.

After 10 sessions (most private health insurers

will pay for a course such as this) I was able to cope much better, sleeping well with just a couple of waking times in the night. While the sweats haven’t gone completely, they are now much easier to handle. It’s more like my body runs permanently warm now, with very few peaks and troughs - none of that ‘let me out of here or I’ll explode’ or ‘my head is going to blow off’ type heat now!

This result is also thanks to taking the advice of the acupuncturist on diet.

I have completely cut out chilli, caffeine, alcohol, dark chocolate and ginger and have just the odd small taste of onion, garlic, milk chocolate and sweet things. While once I would not have thought life worth living without many of the above ingredients, it was a matter of priorities for me.

I still wear lighter clothing and cannot be in a closed hot room, but life is do-able where previously it just wasn’t at all.

Acupuncture has also helped the lymphoedema, general health, energy levels, fluid retention etc. I’d recommend it to anyone willing to try a course. My husband has started having it as he witnessed such a difference for me. We now both go fortnightly, and I expect to reduce to every three weeks until I have finished treatment for breast cancer.

You are not alone In response to Chris Brett, I too was a breast cancer victim 11 years ago and also find it difficult to cope with all the things that come with having this disease. At times when I get something wrong with me I get extremely anxious, but then when all is OK again, I think “Thank God,” and get on with my life, feeling lucky I’m still here after so long, and enjoy every day. So keep smiling - you’re not alone.

Lorraine Megace helped me Hopefully this will help Chris Brett.

I had a mastectomy when I was 45 years old. I was initially and erroneously prescribed tamoxifen.

I too suffered severe menopausal symptoms, as described by Chris.

The tamoxifen and incorrect dosage contributed to the cancer returning, and, to cut a long story short, I subsequently was prescribed Megace which I have been taking for 25 years with no menopausal symptoms or any side effects.

Hope this will be of help.

A Redder

Elizabeth Lazell

Replies My thermostat is damaged too!

In her letter about the long term side effects of chemotherapy, Chris Brett said she feels that the mechanical menopause brought on by her chemo was very severe, and in particular the hot flushes, leading, she believes, to long term damage to her body’s temperature control system. I have always felt the same way, although I did not have the same digestive problems as her.

For me, going into an instant and very powerful menopause meant terrible and constant night sweats and hot flushes – several an hour, all day long, at times making me feel faint. As far as I could read up at the time (nearly 20 years ago) hot flushes should have been just a few a day! I was having many an hour – this did deteriorate but they never truly went away. I had this menopause at the age of 46, nearly eight years earlier than my

mother had hers (she was at least 53/54). Ever since, I have had hot flushes regularly and often feel very cold as well, and this has never left me so that sudden changes in temperature leave me unable to adapt very quickly! I never know when I am going to feel suddenly hot or very cold and it is difficult to get dressing right. Over the years I was able to go back to wearing thicker garments but for several years I couldn’t, and didn’t even wear a winter coat.

I used to complain to the consultants or breast care nurses that I thought my temperature control mechanism did not work properly since my chemo, but they never took any notice. Things got worse when I had to go back on tamoxifen again after a lump was found in my remaining breast and, although they have improved since I came off tamoxifen last year, I still often feel unnaturally hot or cold at times and I can never tell how I will react. I have never heard of anyone suffering like this before, so I was very interested to read this letter.

Cherry Hollingworth Amoena Life | 31

>>> WRITE BACK

Mia insured me!

First may I say what a wonderful magazine this is. My letter is about travel insurance. I was diagnosed in 2006 and after initial treatment which included a mastectomy in 2007, I opted for mastectomy of my remaining breast, with reconstruction, in 2010. In February 2012 I was diagnosed with bone cancer. I’ve been told there is no cure but I am trying to hold it steady with drugs and radiotherapy.

I wanted to go on holiday for a week last July, to Austria. I tried several insurance companies whose details I got from past issues of Amoena Life, and obtained just two quotes: one was for £1,331.82 and the other for £500-600 with a written medical statement from my doctor or oncologist. I then rang my hospital’s drop-in centre and as a result I called Mia (01268 782745). They insured me for a week for £55.50 – what a difference! This makes me feel positive again.

Sheila

>>> BACK CHAT

Stay in touch!

If you find it helpful to connect with other women who understand what you’re

going through, don’t forget to log onto our forum at www.amoena.co.uk.

Once on the site, click on ‘Your Lifestyle’ to join in the discussions, or start a thread of your own.

If you would like to hear from readers on a particular subject, or would like to reply to any of the letters featured in this issue of Amoena Life, please send your letters to Rhoda White, Editor, Amoena UK Ltd, FREEPOST, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 4BJ or email info@amoenalife.co.uk. Rhoda regrets that she is unable to reply to your letters personally; however, all replies received will be forwarded to the readers concerned and will be published in future issues of the magazine, where space permits.

If you do not wish your letter to be published in Amoena Life, please make this clear when you write in.

Try Freedom Insurance Having taken tamoxifen since a mastectomy in November 2009, I contacted John Lewis for cover to travel to Australia, only to discover that they do not insure anyone who has had cancer of any form. A referral to Freedom Insurance was successful, albeit costly. Did I misread the info in your magazine? If so, the above information may be useful to another reader.

Margaret Grindrod Editor’s note: We rely on our readers to share their experiences and tips, and are always happy to publish recommendations. We do check that all information is correct before we go to press, but please be aware that company and product details may change, so it’s always wise to verify before you buy.

32 | Amoena Life

The other side of the fence

Writeback

Dianne Armitage gets to grips with what it means to be green

O

K, I’ll be the first to admit it. I’m lazy. That’s right.

L-a-z-y with a capital L. My lethargy doesn’t affect my commitment to exercise, work, or even my undying desire to make people laugh. Nope, in those areas I’m the proverbial Duracell Bunny™. But when it comes to trying to unravel the never-ending onslaught of what’s good, what’s bad, what’s in, and what’s out when it comes to being ‘green’ I’m pooped before I even get started.

Of course I don’t litter. And I make every attempt to use glass instead of plastic, organic instead of pesticide-laden.

Free-range, grass-fed and humanely treated rather than corporate farmed. Heirloomed instead of perfumed… wait…

I’m not sure that’s actually a choice. Which brings me to my point.

How the heck can anyone keep up with all of this stuff?

Not only keep up with it, but keep it all straight? At about the time I’m worrying myself sick because there is a massive island of plastic the size of Texas floating in the Pacific Ocean (and if you’ve ever driven across Texas, you know this is NOT good), I hear that it is also toxic. I found this even more disconcerting because for one brief moment I’d hoped perhaps the polar bears who are losing their habitat due to global warming could just hop a ride on the plastic island.

Apparently, things are never that easy.

Then I heard that even our cosmetics are laced with lead and other things known to be hazardous to our health. In fact, the average woman uses about a dozen personal care products containing more than 120 chemicals, many of which are known to be carcinogenic. At first I thought this wasn’t going to be such a tough problem to overcome. I found one site that showed me how to make an avocado face mask.

Another that pointed out how sliced cucumbers could be

used to get rid of puffiness under the eyes. And still another that assured me using yogurt on my hair was a great way to get rid of tangles. Unfortunately, avocado and yogurt make a great dip for cucumbers. I know, I know – but I was hungry.

To make matters worse, I live in California. Usually that’s a good thing, but when it comes to being trendy, in-the-know, up-to-the-minute – and all sorts of other hyphenated words – Californians like to think they are numero uno (we used to say number one, but that’s no longer politically correct!). I can’t just walk into a store and buy something that is bad for me without getting (a) startled looks, (b) rolling eyes, (c) shaking heads, or (d) all of the above. Most of the time the answer is (d) but I can never be quite sure if the person in question is actually reprimanding me or has already made this same poor choice and can no longer control their bodily functions.

Is it too much to ask for someone to come up with a list, that doesn’t change every news cycle, of all the things we should and shouldn’t be doing? And then, would it be silly for me to wish someone would open a store filled with everything good so I can simply go there and know that, regardless of the choice I make, it will be right? Would it also be possible that I might not have to take a second job to pay for these things? Could the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy run the checkout lines? (I just added that for those of you who feel I’m being childishly naïve. Hey – are you from California?)

So in conclusion, let me just say that yes, in my case, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, and do you want to know why? Because I’m so busy trying to figure out ways to be more ‘green’ that I don’t have time to water my lawn.

Amoena Life | 33

>>> SURVEY

Tell us what you love about Amoena Life

Issue 31 | 2013

Further

We hope you’ve enjoyed this all-new, global edition of Amoena Life. We wanted to reflect the fact that Amoena is a truly international company—our products are helping women in 60 countries around the world, and Amoena Life has a readership of more than 400,000. With a mix of regular international features, letters, fashion and news, plus country-specific pages, the new Amoena Life will draw on the best selection of stories from around the world while still keeping a local flavour.

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after breast cance

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34 | Amoena Life

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