Friday, October 22, 2010

Running on Pink

I can't say it enough. Early detection means a cure. Five year survival rates for breast cancer detected early in women over 45 is around 98%. And according to guidelines set forth by The American Cancer Society women who are asymptomatic should follow the recommendations found at: http://www.imaginis.com/breast-health/guidelines-women-should-follow-for-early-detection-of-breast-cancer-2
  • Women 20-39 should have a physical examination of the breast (CBE or clinical breast exam) at least every three years, performed by health care professional such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse or nurse practitioner. CBE may often be received in the same appointment as a Pap smear. Women 20-39 should also perform monthly BSE.(Breast Self Exam)
  • Women 40 and older should have a physical examination of the breast (CBE or clinical breast exam) every year, performed by a health care professional, such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse or nurse practitioner. CBE can often be performed in the same visit as a mammogram. Monthly BSE should also be performed.
  • Women 40 years of age should receive a screening mammogram every year. The National Cancer Institute recommends mammography every one to two years for women between 40-50 years of age. Beginning at age 50, screening mammography should be performed every year.
The most recent and comprehensive research on breast cancer detection clearly indicates that regular mammogram screening saves lives, reducing the rate of death from breast cancer by an average of fifteen percent. The American Cancer Society and Mayo Clinic recommend that all American women begin scheduling routine mammograms at age forty.

Today's blog guest is author Lynne Roberts who was touched by breast cancer after her grandmother's diagnosis. But before we talk about Lynne's grandmother and how the disease affected Lynne. Let's find out a bit more about one of The Wild Rose Presses newest authors.

Lilly-
Lynne tell us a bit about your new release, First Date and After Hours. Can you give us a blurb and excerpt from each book

Lynne-
Thank you, Lilly. Well, I’m cheating. They’re not really new releases, FIRST DATE came out a year ago this month and AFTER HOURS released in early December, but it will be a few months before I have anything new on the cyber shelves. FIRST DATE will always have a special place in my heart because it was my first work of erotic fiction. AFTER HOURS is… well, David is one of those characters you wouldn’t mind meeting in real life.
FIRST DATE blurb:
The real estate market is about to heat up.

When Bret Jacob walks into Jill's real estate office, she attempts to maintain a professional demeanor, but memories of accidental voyeurism in high school, years of what-if's, and Bret's drop-dead sexy grin only serve to ignite her fantasies.

Bret needs a farm for his growing landscape business. When he sees Jill Daniels' picture in a real estate ad, he can't believe his eyes: The shy girl from high school has blossomed into a desirable woman. Ten years ago, she didn't stir his blood and drive away all rational thought; now, he's fighting the urge to take her in his arms long enough to ask her on a first date.
FIRST DATE excerpt:
Bret stood inside the door, and she drank him in. His white button-down shirt opened at the neck, accentuating his square jaw and doing nothing to disguise his well-muscled chest. Faded denim wrapped long powerful legs, and she forced her gaze not to linger on the pronounced bulge between them, her mouth filling with saliva at the thought of what lie beneath the denim like a present waiting to be unwrapped. He was tall, muscular and comfortable in his own skin. She’d bet he’d never had an awkward moment in his life. If anything, he looked better than he had in high school.

She blinked, breaking the spell and walked forward, extending her hand. “Good morning.” Her voice quivered a little. “I’m Jill Daniels.”

His hand enfolded hers, his fingers warm and slightly calloused. The contact pebbled her skin, sending shivers rippling over her body. “I remember you.”

Deep and seductive, his voice caressed her body like a physical touch, sending a jolt of pure need straight to her core. He remembers me? Bret released her hand and Jill rubbed a thumb over her now-tingling palm, her skin awake and yearning for those roughened hands to touch more.

Bret’s brilliant gray-blue eyes were now creased at the corners and golden highlights lightened his sandy brown hair as though he spent a lot of time outdoors. The slow, sexy smile hadn’t changed. If anything, it had gained potency.

“I’m Bret Jacobs,” he added.

She reminded herself to smile. “I remember you, too.”

“Well, good, I was afraid...” He left the thought unfinished.

Did he honestly think anyone would forget him? And was that a blush? Did he remember the party, too? He couldn’t. The image of Bret she occasionally used for her late-night showers filled her mind and a shockwave of desire stole her breath. Oh, God, she should have brought a change of underwear.

Bret smiled and Jill’s heart dropped into her stomach.

“So, are you ready?” he asked.

More than you’ll ever know. “Yes.”


AFTER HOURS blurb: Elle Simpson doesn’t deny that the new intern is sexy as hell but he’s also ten years her junior--and she doesn’t date men from the office. Of course, dating isn’t what comes to mind when David Nelson enters a room. When Elle’s boss assigns her to work an important account, she’s thrilled—until David volunteers to help. Working one on one with her desirable new assistant is bound to test the limits of her restraint.

Everything about Elle, from her professional savvy to her hot body, turns David on, but first he has to unravel her mixed signals. After a few late nights alone with Elle in the office, David is at the end of his tether. It was hard enough during the day; keeping his hands off her after hours is proving impossible.
AFTER HOURS excerpt:

Some men simply walk across a room, but not David.

Elle Simpson watched from her office as the new intern, his hips moving in a predatory roll, strolled to the copier and stood with his back toward her. No, not David.

She felt the color rise in her cheeks as her gaze traced his body, from the dark hair just curling at the nape of his neck, past wide shoulders, to the dangerous-looking narrow hips and an ass made for grabbing. Her body warmed and her inner thighs began to tingle.

David turned, as though he could sense her scrutiny, and flashed a smile that could short-circuit a city. Hell, it certainly did a number on her. Elle swallowed, hiding behind a noncommittal nod, and hoped she gave the impression she was too busy for pleasantries. Damn. She needed to be more careful.

After many years with the company, she’d earned her reputation as a dependable, hardworking, no-nonsense kind of woman. She grimaced. What would her fellow employees think if they knew every time David Nelson walked in the room, Elle’s synapses stopped firing as all the blood left her head to settle between her legs? She shifted on her chair and the friction caused her pussy to ache, reminding her of its neglected state.

Evidently finished with the copier, David gathered his papers and walked back to his cubicle. Elle tilted her head to better watch him walk down the hall. A damn sexy man. Perhaps he’d been born with some sort of exclusive hip design. It would explain the fluidity of movement.

Elle shrugged. One thing was certain—when David walked into a room, or out of it, he had her undivided attention. She didn’t think he was trying to be sexy, or if he was, the effort had become, well...effortless. There was just something in the way those well-oiled hips moved that made her wonder what else they could do.


Lilly-
They sound like great stories. Where can readers find them? Is there a buy link?


Lynne-
Thanks, Lilly, you can purchase both at The Wilder Rose Press, Amazon or other online bookstores.
AFTER HOURS:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=142&products_id=745

Lilly-
Now on to the more serious subject of breast cancer. How old was your grandmother when she was diagnosed?
Lynne-
She was in her 60’s when she was first diagnosed.Lilly-
Well, 70% of all breast cancers are in women over 50. But having a first degree relative with breast cancer increases your odds of developing in by 6 to10%. Is this your maternal or paternal grandmother?
Lynne-
She’s my maternal grandmother. The women in my family realize we have a slightly higher chance of developing breast cancer, but I didn’t know the percentage. I’ll be sure to keep up the monthly self-examinations!
Lilly-
Has anyone else in your family been diagnosed with breast cancer?
Lynne-
No one else has developed cancer of any kind. Thank God. We do think my grandmother’s mother might have had cancer. Back then, they didn’t check, but the symptoms sound about right. Knowing I'm at risk is an encouragement to be aware and tuned into my body. Lilly-
BSE's or Self Breast Exams are very important. And while we're talking about risks, I'd like to share a link on breast cancer. http://www.halls.md/breast/risk.htm
This tool can be invaluable when discussing your breast cancer risks and need for earlier mammographic screenings with your doctor. I also understand you run in the Komen Race for the Cure. Tell us something about the foundation and your experience.

Lynne-
I’ve run in the Komen Race for a couple of years now. The first few were in celebration of my grandmother’s win against breast cancer. Last summer, one of my oldest friends was diagnosed with breast cancer and the race took on a whole new meaning. She was undergoing chemotherapy in October and she still participated. It was extremely emotional. This year, she will be one of the survivors.

We gather at the local state University before and after the race. There is an overwhelming feeling of camaraderie, kinship, and a side-helping of humor. Some of the slogans they come up with on the shirts will leave you laughing and sometimes laughter is the best medicine.

Lilly-
I've attended Relay for Life and have twice attended the survivors walk.

 I can't tell you what an emotionally draining and yet life affirming experience that was for me. Especially that first walk when my hair was just starting to grow back. When we released all those purple balloons into the air in dedication and memory of those who didn't survive their ordeal with cancer, it really got to me. And made me that much more thankful to God, my family, and my doctors that I am still alive and now cancer free.

Thanks so much for visiting with us today and for sharing your story. And thank you for Running on Pink.

Lynne-
Thank you, Lilly. I’m so thankful to you that you’re sharing your experience and helping raise awareness.
FIRST DATE
www.thewilderroses.com
AFTER HOURS
www.thewilderroses.com
http://LynneRoberts.net 
 
Lilly-
Thanks for walking for the cure! 










8 comments:

  1. Hi Lilly,

    I just wanted to thank you again for having me on your blog and for getting the word out! Awareness makes a difference!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello Lilly and Lynne! I've read all Lynne's books and they're terrific :).

    My paternal grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her late 40s and had a full mastectomy, which at that time (the 60s) was a huge procedure. Not that it's a small procedure now, of course. She lived another 20+ years before her cancer returned. Early detection is definitely the key. Thanks again to both of you for sharing your stories!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lynne and Lilly, Breast cancer awareness is a worthy cause. Thank you for publicizing for greater awareness.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you so much Helen, and thanks for stopping by.

    You're welcome, Caroline. It's definitely a worth cause.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lilly, thanks for this interview with Lynne.
    Lynne, Thanks for telling us about your grandmother's win against breast cancer.
    Lilly, you are a survivor and I am so thankful because I truly have a special friend in you and am so blessed.
    God Bless You both and your familys!

    ReplyDelete