Secrets.
Romance novels abound with them. Because real life does. As Maury Povich can attest.
But don’t expect to see me on that show. I lead a pretty dull existence, and I like it that way. Still, a little drama has touched my life.
Two years ago, after a routine mammogram, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I told my husband and my employer. That’s it. My writing buddies are reading about it here for the first time.
Why did I keep it a secret?
For one, my writing groups were a refuge. I could forget about my condition for a while and just enjoy the good company and the supportive atmosphere.
And, two years ago, my dearest friend was watching someone close to her die of the disease. Knowing that my cancer was caught in the early stages, I wasn’t so worried about myself. I was worried for my friend and how my news would affect her at an already difficult time–whether she heard it directly from me, or if someone in our circle accidentally let it slip and word got back to her.
Much later, when we both had some distance from our respective traumas, I shared the truth with my friend. In a locker room, right before swimming, as a matter of fact–when my secret was about to be exposed. Literally. I’m glad I waited till then. When we were both in better spirits.
How am I now? Thanks to the current health care system in Canada, within a matter of weeks, I was diagnosed, sent for a biopsy, and received a lumpectomy, where they removed three hairs width of tissue. Amazing!
I have a cute little scar on what my punning husband and I call my “busted booby,” received follow-up radiation as a precaution, and I’m cured. I feel like I had cancer for about five minutes. As the Reba McEntire song goes, I’m a survivor.
So is my heroine in A Stranger’s Kiss. Not of cancer, but of life. A single mom, Amy Tesher guards the secrets of her childhood with lies. Until she meets the hero, Sam Hutchinson. He has a hidden agenda of his own, including the reason for his appearance at Amy’s B&B in Bandit Creek, Montana.
What Amy and Sam don’t know is that each one’s secret threatens to destroy the other. That is, unless the killer on the loose gets to them first.
Guarding information is sometimes a matter of self-preservation. Especially in fiction. But, not in real life when it comes to breast examinations. Pass the word along. If you’re a woman, get regular checkups. And make sure the women in your circle do, too.
You owe it to yourself. And your friends.
Roxy Boroughs
Roxy’s giving away an advance copy of her Bandit Creek novella, A Stranger’s Kiss, as well as 2 copies of any previous Bandit Creek releases, to a lucky commenter!
* The draw has been made. The winner is Clover Aubrey! *
I am so glad to hear that your breast cancer scare is over and that it was “easy”. I do my annual stuff religiously. My cousin was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is having surgery in a few days and the older I get the more women I know with breast cancer; scary! Thankfully all of them have survived!
Your book sounds like a good read.
Thank you for the giveaway!
books4me67 at ymail dot com
Thank you for stopping by. I’m glad to hear you’re staying on top of your check-ups.
OMG! How wonderful you found it in time. I too had a similar situation about 10 years ago,but was caught in time and only had to have a lumpectemy.No further treatment,Mamo’s at least every year. So I am so glad for you and your family. Sorry for your friends. This is a disease that affects everyone,young or old,male or female.This book sounds awesome,would love to win this…
ApprilR
You’re absolutely right. I don’t know a single person who hasn’t been touched by this. Thanks for sharing your story.
Roxy.
Welcome to blogging. I can relate to keeping a secret like that for the reasons you did. We all need a refuge.
Thank you, Clover. I can’t tell you how much support I got just from being in the same room as my buddies. Friendship is huge. I should know. I married my best buddy and we just celebrated our 25th anniversary this past December.
Roxy.
This is Pamela, one of Donna’s critique partner’s, and I’m so thankful that my dear friends is okay. I love you Donna, and reading your post made me teary-eyed. Knowing you is a joy, and when I think about all the times we’ve talked and laughed and joked (Donna has a Cosmo-girl mind, and says things that you wouldn’t believe!
over the years I can’t help but smile. YOU are the reason my writing has gotten better, stronger, why I scored another contract with Kimani Romance, and the next time we get together, I’m going to give you a big hug. Love you lots! No more secrets though, okay?
Thanks, Pamela. And you’re right. No more secrets. I’ve run out. (Can’t wait for my hug.)
Oh, my! I’m so glad you found it in time. You’re a strong woman, truly blessed and healed.
I’d love to read A Stranger’s Kiss. Congrats!
Carol DeVaney
Thank you, Carol. Yes, I’m absolutely blessed.
Roxy.
I get regular checkups, for sure. I would hope that if anything ever happened, my story would be like yours. Thank you for sharing!
Good for you, Jody. Thank you for sharing.
Roxy.
There is no history of cancer in my side of the family. One day 17 years ago my sister went for the uaual mammo and sure enough the radiologist saw a tiny spot. The did a needle biopsy and it was cancer. The doctor said it’s small lets just do a lumpectomy. My sister rebelled and demanded a full mastectomy
. Sure enough there was more cancer under the breast where it hadn’t shown on the mammo.
She took Tomoxifan (I think that’s right) for 5 years and has been cancer free for 16 years..
There’s no more being cocky in our family. My two grown daughters, my mom and myself have a mammo religiously every year.
Congratulations on being strong and fighting the good fight. YOU ARE A SUVIVOR!!
Wow! Your sister was very smart and brave to follow her instincts. What an incredible story!
Roxy
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This is a pretty big secret, Ms. Roxy. Glad you’re okay. Can’t really imagine this world without your sunny smile in it and again…gonna say that cover is haaaaaawt. Congrats on the release and overcoming your secret.
Yup, my secret was a biggie. But I only have the one. Had.
(And it’s those kinds of covers, and the material behind them, that give me that sunny smile.)
Roxy.
Wonderful and touching insight into the truths that we maintain within so that their power does not destroy us. I believe that there is a time and a place to share with others what we carry with us, the most fascinating and courageous people we meet are ones that know how to preserve their experiences, good and bad, until they can find meaning and significance to share. Beautifully written.
What a poetic post. Thank you.
Roxy.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Roxy. I have my very first mammogram coming up in about two weeks and am not looking forward to it…but your story reminds me how important it is to take care of myself and to go for regular check-ups. I have a similar story about cervical cancer-and catching it early enough that it was really nothing. Thank God for our (albeit imperfect) but effective healthcare system in Canada.
Can’t wait to read a Stranger’s Kiss!
Nothing to fear, DL. A mammogram is a breeze. You’ll ace it.
Roxy.
Your experience is inspiring Roxy! Thank you for sharing it. I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of A Stranger’s Kiss and it’s a wonderful book!
You’re an inspiration yourself, Ms. Rowe. Whenever I think, “Aw, heck, I don’t wanna write today,” I think about you working on your pages, rain or shine.
Loved your book, ICEBOUND, BTW. An inspirational read there, too.
Roxy.
I am very, very, very, glad—and relieved—to hear about your early diagnosis and treatment. I accompanied my elderly mother to hospital and doctor appointments on several occasions (six years ago, she had surgery and radiation for a tumour in her neck, then more recently she had laser surgery for skin cancer). She’s a survivor, too. I’m grateful that you’re well again, my friend, and I’m so excited about your new book!
So good to hear from you, Catherine. What a good daughter you are. Glad your mom is doing well.
Roxy,.
I’m glad you’re a survivor. When my mom told me she had breast cancer. I told her no, that’s not allowed. She finally passed the 5 year mark. And I routinely go for my mammograms. Every year. If I’m going to get it I want it caught early enough so I will survive. You’re book sound great and I’ll be adding it to my TBR pile.
Thanks, Linda. I’m looking forward to your upcoming blog, too. And your most excellent book.
Roxy.
Oh Wow! Thanks for sharing this long-held “secret” with us!! I’m so glad that your cancer was caught early & you’re doing better!
I had a best friend who passed away from breast cancer just a few short years ago…she was only 28, and left behind 2 small boys (ages 2 & 4). No one is too young or too old for that dreaded disease to hit!
May God bless,
Trisha Wilson
That is such a tragedy, Trisha. It certainly reiterates the importance of starting regular exams early.
Roxy.
Wonderful post and so glad you’re okay! I’ve never had a mammogram but I really should make an appointment. Your books sounds great and the cover is awesome. Can’t wait to read it!
You should definitely be getting regular check-ups, Jade. A friend once told me, she scheduled her appointments to fall in around her birthday. That way she always remembered to stay on top of it. I’ve done that ever since.
Thank you for sharing! Cancer is so incredibly frightening, so I’m glad your situation was “about five minutes” worth. It is wonderful that you had a supportive group as a refuge.
Congratulations on your book release! I’m excited for you.
Thanks, Lorraine. Hope to see you at an Alberta Romance Writers’ Association meeting soon.
Roxy.
I’m excited to hear about your new book and relieved your health scare wasn’t worse. Bernie
Hey, Bernie. What’s up? Glad you could stop by.
This is your first blog post?? One would never know.
Congrats on the book release. I’m so grateful your good health means you’ll continue to write more.
Thank you, Jan. Good to hear from you.
Roxy.
My dear Roxy!! I understand wanting to keep it secret. Although if I’m diagnosed with soem weird disease, y’all are going to know. I want lots of hugs from my CARWA peeps!!!
I’m so glad you’re good to go, and are raring ahead with your writing. The world is better for it and you.
You’re so sweet, Vivi. And I’m there for you, girl.
Roxy.
I’m so glad you were able to catch the disease early and receive treatment. Congrats on the clean bill of health and the upcoming novella!
Thank you, Gretchen. It’s certainly made me appreciate more in my life. I make more time to be with my husband, my friends…and my characters.
Awesome story Roxy! I’m very glad you caught it in time
That nasty disease seems to touch everybody’s life in one way or the other, be it personally, through a friend or family member. So glad you’re okay. And I love your husband’s use of words “busted booby”. PERFECT!
My husband is so supportive. And he makes me laugh every day. I’m a very lucky woman.
Thanks for stopping by, Lawna.
Roxy.
Roxy, What a great story of healing and triumph! My mother had breast cancer. Thankfully her story was a lot like yours. Caught it early, removed the lump, had radiation treatments and her caner never came back! I have had some close calls, biopsies, masses that had to be removed, but thankfully, no cancer!
Thanks for sharing!
Joy Dent w/a Darcy Flynn (MCRW)
Darcy, you remind me that my mother-in-law survived cancer thirty years ago. It’s amazing how this disease touches everyone.
Roxy.
Congratulations on being a survivor, and on having the courage to share your story with others. Cancer is a devastating disease that touches so many lives, but, as you demonstrate, does not have to kill one’s spirit. I hope the women who read your blog post will remember to be vigilant with self-exams and mammograms. They save lives! In the meantime, I promise to keep working hard in the laboratory to discover more effective treatments for breast cancer – having heard all about the terrible side-effects of current treatments from my mom and cousin, I know we need something better!
I wish you continued good health and happy writing!
All the best,
Dana
I was asked to be part of a test study while receiving treatments and I jumped at the chance. Thank you for your work in the field, Dana.
When I found out I had thyroid cancer in the week before our Editor/Agent workshop in Oct 2010, I couldn’t conceive of keeping it a secret for long from the CaRWA peeps, not only because they are refuge, but also because I’m a notorious over-sharer. Now I have a neck smirk for the world to see, and I figure if I’m not smiling (which is rare) then my neck is doing it for me!
Glad to hear everything was quick and relatively easy. Love the busted boobie!
And I love the neck smirk, Shanna. I think we are all the more beautiful for our scars. Gives us that worldly air.
Roxy.
Roxy, you are the strongest person I know but I’m always here for you. Thank you for reminding everyone that cancer doesn’t believe in age discrimination. I’m barely into my 50′s and within the last couple of years I’ve had a cancer scare myself, lost one close friend to breast cancer, but fortunately have had three others survive. Another of my closest friend’s survived cancer in her early 20′s. Ladies, it’s a matter of life and death – GET ANNUAL CHECKUPS AND MAMOGRAMS!!!
.
RIGHT ON!
Roxy.
Such an inspiring story Roxy! Canada has a wonderful health care system and although, I’ve been fortunate enough to not require it, I know many who needed it and got the care they need. I’m glad it inspired a story -there are so many kinds of survivors out there
Congrats on your Bandit Creek book debut. Also, Happy Release Day for “Prohibited Passion” 
We are indeed fortunate to live in this country. Thanks for the good wishes.
Roxy.
Courageous and lovely, Roxy. Your story is inspiring and a testament to your inner strength.
I can’t wait to read your upcoming release!
You’re a honey, Sheila. Thank you.
Roxy.
Donna,
So glad you’re okay. Big hug from me to you. (I miss your smiling face. I’m going to have to make a trip to CARWA for something.)
Linda
Come present for us. We’d love to have you. Thanks for that hug. Wow! You’re strong.
My dear friend Roxy. I have always loved your writing and look forward to A Stranger’s Kiss. And, since I haven’t had a mammo in a couple of years, I promise to book my next one this Spring.
I will hold you to it.
XOXOXO
Roxy.
What a big secret to keep by yourself. i don’t think I could do that. but in the end, the important thing is that you’re fine. I have annual mamorgrams. uncomfortable, a pain in the.pat..no in the booby but well worth it, as your experience shows.
good luck with your release. can’t wait to read it.
A mammogram can be uncomfortable for a few minutes. Sure beats what could happen without one, though. Glad you keep up with your annual appointments. Thanks for posting.
Roxy.
Roxy, can’t wait to read A Stranger’s Kiss. My best girlfriend was diagnosed with breast cancer, lost one breast, and went through chemo. One afternoon over a cup of tea she remarked, “My hair is starting to fall out, can you shave my head for me?” I told her, “Sure. And you really know who you friends are when they ask you to shave their head!” She’s cancer free and doing fine. Get those mammograms done, gals. A few minutes of discomfort is totally worth saving your life!
Brenda
You said it, Brenda. Get those examinations.
You’re a good pal.
Roxy.
Wonderful job! You are a virgin no longer!
Thank goodness, Mary.
Roxy.
Wow, thank you for being willing to share your experience! I’m glad you’re healthy now. No need to justify your decision either. Healthcare is a personal matter, and however you choose to deal with it is the right way.
Absolutely. Thanks for stopping by, Kat.
What a great and inspiring post. I’m so happy you are doing well and that you shared. -Susan.
Good to hear from you Susan. Thank you for commenting.
Interesting post. I need to check out Roxy’s works; she’s a new author for me.
Thanks,
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
Thanks, Tracey.
The Bandit Creek novella I mention in the article will be coming out Feb. 15th. And I have a category length book, the prequel to the novella, which will make it’s appearance early February. It’s called, “A Stranger’s Touch.” Both are stand alone books in the same series.
This is a post that takes my breath away. You are one brave and strong lady. And I am so, so relieved that you are cancer-free. The world is a better place with you in it. xxxx
And you’re a love.
Roxy.
You are a very strong woman Roxy! I feel honoured to know you
You’re a doll, Steena. Same right back atcha.
Roxy.
I handled my situation in much the same way Roxy. The lower version of this nasty disease. All is well and you said “We survived.” In a way it shapes who we were really meant to be, not just who we are. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Congrats and happy dance for you <3
Thank you, bakinstuff. (That photo of yours looks yummy.)
Roxy.
Thanks
That Godiva cake has won me a ribbon or 2 
xoxo
stacey jo
LOL @ that cute Busted Booby name!
I’m glad all is well now. Belief, willpower and prayer does wonders.
Thanks, F.L. Humor always sees me through.
Roxy.
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What a great story and out come. I’m so glad that your cancer was caught early. Your blog is very nice.