Let's Talk About Your Breasts

Dorothy Gibbons, CEO & Cofounder
  • 4.8 (25)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Weekly

The Rose Breast Center of Excellence presents Let's Talk About Your Breasts with Dorothy Gibbons. Each week, Dorothy hosts candid conversations with an array of people in the breast cancer community. From doctors and employees to donors and individuals who influence policy, you'll learn all there is to know about the disease which impacts so many women in our community.

  1. 4d ago

    Why Being Your Own Advocate Could Save Your Life

    LaTrease Price-Gistard didn't know about The Rose when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She's convinced things would have ended up quite differently if she had. During this episode, we talk about her breast cancer journey, the effects of her battle as it relates to her children, and how she ended up serving as a volunteer for The Rose. Help us grow the show by leaving a review on your podcast platform and sharing with your family and friends. And please consider supporting our mission at therose.org. Your help could help save the life of an uninsured woman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 6d ago

    From Survivor to Board Chair: Maria Boyce’s Fight for Breast Health Equity

    Former 36-year trial attorney, breast cancer survivor, and a passionate advocate fighting for healthcare equity. Maria Boyce steps into her new role as Board Chair of The Rose, channeling her own life-saving early diagnosis into a mission to ensure quality breast healthcare is a right for all women, not a privilege. From navigating structural barriers across 45 Texas counties and supporting women through patient advocacy to making a legacy gift for future generations, Maria discusses how early detection, dedicated advocacy, and community support save lives. If this conversation has inspired you to join the fight against breast cancer, share this episode with family and friends and consider making a donation at therose.org so another woman gets the care she needs. If this story has helped you think differently about mammograms and breast health, share this episode with family and friends and consider making a donation at therose.org so another woman gets the care she needs. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Maria Boyce’s 36-year career as a trial attorney prepare her to advocate for women facing breast cancer today? 2. Why does Maria believe her annual mammograms—and access to good health insurance—were life-saving after an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis? 3. What does Maria mean when she says health care is a right, not a privilege? 4. How did her work with the Episcopal Health Foundation and her family’s commitment to health access lead Maria to The Rose? 5. Why did Maria decide to join The Rose Board of Directors and eventually accept the role of Board Chair? 6. What story about a woman choosing a mastectomy because she could not miss work for radiation stayed with Maria—and why? 7. How does The Rose help women navigate care after a breast cancer diagnosis, from finding treatment to getting through a confusing system? 8. What strengths does Maria see in The Rose’s board, and how does its professional expertise support the organization’s mission? 9. What does Maria see as The Rose’s biggest opportunity over the next forty years, especially for uninsured, underinsured, and rural women? 10. Why did Maria and her husband choose to include The Rose in their legacy plans, and what does she hope that gift will make possible for women in the future? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Aug 27

    Why One Business Owner Shared Every Step of Her Mastectomy Journey

    Stage one, double mastectomy, and a woman who refuses to keep breast cancer quiet. Marla Hurley is a business owner, fashion show producer, and mother of three who found a lump high on her chest, pushed for answers, and chose an aggressive surgical path that let her skip chemo and radiation. From dense breasts and high risk screening to posting every step of reconstruction and inspiring other women to get their first mammogram, Marla shows how early detection and honesty can save lives. If this story has helped you think differently about mammograms and breast health, share this episode with family and friends and consider making a donation at therose.org so another woman gets the care she needs. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Marla first notice something was wrong and what made her act quickly?2. What does it mean to have dense breasts and a high risk status for breast cancer?3. How did regular diagnostic mammograms shape her outlook when she found the lump?4. What was the process from initial imaging to biopsy and a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma?5. Why did Marla choose a double mastectomy over lumpectomy with chemo and radiation?6. What did surgeons find during surgery that imaging had missed and how did that change her treatment?7. Why is she taking a long term medication for five to ten years and what does it do for recurrence risk?8. What was recovery like from mastectomy and reconstruction, including expanders, fills, and the “great deflate?”9. How did family, friends, and her three adult children support her through diagnosis and surgery?10. How did posting her journey online lead other women to schedule mammograms and catch cancer early? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Aug 25

    What One Woman Did to Ensure She NEVER Gets Breast Cancer

    Ashley Dedmon is a women's health advocate. This week, she shares her compelling story to ensuring she never experiences breast cancer. As a BRCA2 positive patient and having lost her mother to breast cancer, Ashley made the difficult decision to have a double mastectomy. She also speaks about the impact of her father's cancer diagnosis and how it strengthened her resolve. During this episode, you'll hear her story of survival and how her decision helped her to take control of her life. And you'll learn how Ashley's helping women make informed choices.  Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Aug 20

    Re-Grounding Your Life After Overwork and Exhaustion

    Work that never ends, bodies that never rest, and a woman who finally stepped off the treadmill. Emilee Whitehurst returns for another conversation about taking a personal sabbatical from nonstop work, listening to her body again, and building simple practices that support her health, her purpose, and her ability to show up for others. Her story gives anyone in caregiving, nonprofit work, or healthcare permission to pause, heal, and return stronger. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What made Emily realize she needed to step away from her work and take a personal sabbatical?2. How did she overcome the fear that resting would make her lazy or worthless?3. What cultural messages about productivity and work make it hard for women to rest?4. How does Emily describe the toll of sitting at a screen, not moving, and ignoring basic needs week after week?5. What simple practices did she start or return to during her time away from full time work?6. How does she think this pause will change the way she contributes in her next role?7. Why is it so hard for caregivers, parents, and nonprofit leaders to believe they have a right to rest?8. How can women begin to notice what their bodies are telling them before burnout becomes a crisis?9. What parallels does Emily see between overwork, stress, and the way women postpone their own health appointments?10. How can listeners experiment with small pauses that support their physical health, mental health, and breast health? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Aug 18

    The Rose at 39: Dorothy and Dixie Discuss Barriers, Hope, and Healing

    Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast, including discussions about diet, nutrition, and other health topics by our guest surgeon, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your medical condition, health, or diet. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard in this podcast. Reliance on any information provided on this podcast is solely at your own risk. The Rose turns 39!  Join founders Dorothy Gibbons and Dr. Dixie Melillo as they share stories of hope, dignity, and care for every woman, especially those told there’s no way forward.  This special episode honors their legacy, tackles barriers for the uninsured, and reveals why The Rose means a better life for thousands.  Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. Is there hope for patients with advanced breast cancer? 2. What is the hardest conversation Dr. Melillo has had with a patient? 3. What are some challenges faced by patients seeking charity care or financial assistance for breast cancer treatment? 4. How has being a woman influenced their approach to patient care at The Rose? 5. How did personal experiences with poverty influence Dorothy and Dixie’s commitment to healthcare? 6. What is a common misconception about The Rose? 7. What barriers still exist in the healthcare system for uninsured or underinsured women? 8. What role does nutrition play in cancer and medical training? 9. How has The Rose made an impact on the quality of life for its patients? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Breast Health Podcast Insights 03:38 Cancer Program Income Barrier 08:49 Misadventure: Dog, Buick, and Hospital 12:07 Lessons from Unexpected Challenges 13:26 Wig Styling Expertise Shared 16:03 Healthcare Access and Cost Crisis 22:34 Insulin Receptors in Cancer Cells 23:11 Defying Cancer Prognosis with Diet See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Aug 13

    Behind the Camera: Breast Cancer Stories That Change Lives

    Stories start on the phones and in the studio long before you ever hit play. Caitlyn McCraw walked into The Rose as a marketing intern and walked out with a deep understanding of patient stories, breast health, and what it means to know your own body. From cold calling women about their mammograms to learning her own breast tissue and normal baselines, Caitlyn shows how small projects and self advocacy create lasting impact for uninsured women and for The Rose’s mission. If this story has inspired you to make a difference, share this episode with family and friends and consider making a donation at therose.org. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Caitlyn’s internship at The Rose introduce her to patient stories and breast cancer advocacy?2. What did she learn from cold calling women and inviting them to share their mammogram journeys on video?3. How do survivor stories help The Rose reach uninsured and insured women with breast health education?4. What role did early video recording and studio work play in building today’s campaigns and podcasts?5. How does knowing your breasts and understanding your own tissue help you spot changes early?6. Why does Caitlyn believe self advocacy is essential when something feels different in your breast?7. How can internships and volunteer work at The Rose support access to mammograms for women in need?8. What practical advice does Caitlyn offer young professionals about adding value and finding their path in health care?9. How do stories from survivors and regular screening patients shape The Rose’s marketing and email campaigns?10. In what ways can donors and community members help The Rose continue sharing life saving breast cancer stories? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Aug 11

    CEO & Co-Founder Dorothy Gibbons, on The Rose's 37th Birthday

    What started in 1986 with one paid employee, two volunteers, a donated mammography machine, and used furniture from garage sales, has blossomed into an organization that serves over forty thousand Texans across forty-three counties. On August 1st, The Rose celebrated her 37th birthday. Yes, her birthday. Not "its 37th anniversary." During this episode, you'll learn why The Rose is viewed as a woman and not an organization, as well as its humble beginnings and the people who kept it going in the face of adversity. These stories are both inspiring and harrowing, and they serve as everyday reminders of why we do what we do. To learn more about The Rose's mission and to make a donation, please visit therose.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

The Rose Breast Center of Excellence presents Let's Talk About Your Breasts with Dorothy Gibbons. Each week, Dorothy hosts candid conversations with an array of people in the breast cancer community. From doctors and employees to donors and individuals who influence policy, you'll learn all there is to know about the disease which impacts so many women in our community.

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