Have you noticed how many make-over programmes there are on the TV lately? Whether you’re looking to do up your home, soup up your car or transform your appearance, the quest for change seems to have become something of a national obsession. And yet, despite our desire for change, the majority of us are reluctant to step outside our comfort zone, content to stay in that dead-end job or bad relationship, as there’s security in the familiar.

However at certain stages of our lives change is inevitable, and although most of us resist it as far as possible, it’s usually for the better. And while there’s no escaping the fact that breast cancer brings about a lot of unwanted changes in women’s lives, it can also have some surprisingly positive effects.

In Bouncing Back we talk to several women for whom breast cancer was a catalyst that led them to do things they would never normally have dreamt of doing. And not only do they say they’re glad they did it – many of them go as far as to say that if they hadn’t had breast cancer, and hadn’t made those changes, their lives would be nowhere near as rich as they are today.

While moving on with your life can only be seen as a good thing following such a trauma, for some women the ongoing problems they face simply don’t allow them to forget they’ve had breast cancer.

We’ve taken a good long look at our product range and asked our customers what they need to know when they’re choosing a breast form. The result is a new structure that refl ects different needs, to make it easier for you to find the products that are right for you and your lifestyle. So now, whether you have lymphoedema, suffer from hot fl ushes or are looking for a breast form that’s as soft and natural as possible, you’ll be able to go straight to the products that are designed to help.

In Up Close and Personal we take a closer look at breast forms and discover why, although they may not be top of your spring shopping list, the right one is a ‘must have’ once you’ve had breast surgery.

One area where there have only been subtle changes this year is that of fashion. Black and white is still a strong story; volume continues to be big (if you’ll excuse the pun); prints are cropping up again. In our swimwear feature From Catwalk to Boardwalk we look at how fashion’s themes can be carried through to the pool or the beach.

And if all this talk of change has left you feeling stuck in a rut, turn to Nip and Tuck. In an age that seems obsessed with looking good, staying young and keeping up, Dianne Armitage discovers that perhaps one of the greatest lessons is learning to accept ourselves just as we are.

Have a great summer!

(From the Editor)

Download Amoena Life Magazine, Spring 2007

PDF format, 5.44MB, 52Pages.

Post-surgery Blues – When on-going problems won’t let you forget you’ve had breast cancer.

Once you’ve had your surgery it would be natural to think that chapter is closed and you can look forward to your recovery.  But sometimes a whole range of problems can arise that you just hadn’t anticipated.  Here, we look at some of the most common post-surgery concerns and find out how you can make it easier to live with them.

Real life – Would like to meet

It’s still possible to find friendship, love and happiness after breast cancer.  Lisa Booth, 45, didn’t know what to expect when she placed an advert in her local paper’s ‘lonely hearts’ section.  But, as she explained to Christina Relf, it has led to her meeting the man of her dreams.

Bouncing Back – Is breast cancer the ultimate wake-up call?

Although devastating, a diagnosis of breast cancer can also be a catalyst, and for some women it provides the ‘wake-up call’ that leads them to make amazing changes to their lives.  In this article, Christina Relf talks to women about their experiences and asks why it often takes a major crisis before we really take stock.

In Contact: Readers share their experiences

Readers share their encouragement and support and comment on articles featured in previous issues of Amoena Life.   More letters are featured in our Readers’ Forum.

Visit Amoena Life Magazine Website

Amoena provides a better quality of life for women following breast surgery.

We wish to fulfill their need for femininity, to restore a positive body image and renew confidence and self-esteem. Being close to the women, retailers and other health care providers, we develop, produce and source innovative breast care products and services of the highest quality and design.

With empathy, responsiveness and long-term relationships, we aspire to earn our customers loyalty. Throughout the world we wish to strengthen our leadership position and further develop the Amoena Brand.

We attract and encourage people who are energetic, committed and have a passion for our business. Amoena respects cultural differences and responds proactively to ethical, environmental and social responsibilities.

By constantly improving our core competences we provide sustainable growth and increased value for Amoena 's stakeholders.

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