Let's Talk About Your Breasts

Dorothy Gibbons, CEO & Cofounder

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. 1d ago

    Early Detection, Big Love: A Breast Cancer Journey With Southern Smoke Foundation

    A breast cancer diagnosis changes everything, but no one should have to face it alone. In this episode, Southern Smoke Foundation Executive Director Lindsey Brown shares what it was like to receive a breast cancer diagnosis in the middle of the organization’s busiest season. Chef Chris Shepherd joins her to talk honestly about being the caregiver, showing up for every appointment, navigating uncertainty, and learning when to talk about cancer and when to focus on living. Lindsey shares how regular mammograms and ultrasounds helped catch her cancer, what aggressive treatment looked like, and why the anticipation often felt worse than the treatment itself. Together, she and Chris talk about community support, a pink wig, a porch full of pumpkins, giant pink balloons, ringing the bell after chemotherapy, and the small rituals that helped them find joy along the way. They also share how Southern Smoke Foundation supports food and beverage workers facing medical crises, including cancer, through emergency relief funding and access to mental health care. Share this episode with the advocate, caregiver, survivor, or friend in your life. Consider making a donation at therose.org. Learn more about the Southern Smoke Foundation (southernsmoke.org). Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What was it like for Lindsey to receive a breast cancer diagnosis just weeks before the Southern Smoke Festival? 2. How did regular mammograms and follow-up ultrasounds help detect Lindsey’s cancer early? 3. Why did Lindsey’s cancer require aggressive treatment even though it was detected early? 4. What did Chris do when he first learned about Lindsey’s diagnosis, and why was it important for him to be present at appointments? 5. How did Lindsey and Chris cope with the uncertainty of waiting for testing, pathology, treatment decisions, and a full care plan? 6. What was Lindsey’s chemotherapy treatment plan, and how did frozen mittens, booties, extra ice packs, and a good cooler help during treatment? 7. Why did Lindsey decide not to use cold capping, shave her head on her own terms, and wear a pink wig instead of trying to look like her pre-cancer self? 8. How did friends, family, neighbors, fellow survivors, and the MD Anderson team create a powerful support system throughout treatment? 9. What can caregivers, friends, and loved ones do to support someone facing cancer without making every conversation about cancer? 10. How does Southern Smoke Foundation support food and beverage workers facing medical emergencies, mental health challenges, and the financial impact of cancer? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 6d ago

    Finding a Lump at 18 and Building a Life Beyond Breast Cancer

    A high school self-exam changed Montsy Duron’s life before she even knew what one was supposed to feel like. In this episode, Montsy shares how a brochure from The Rose led her to find a lump at 18, why repeated tumors led to a mastectomy and reconstruction at 21, and how surviving a health crisis gave her the strength to finish college, become a first-generation graduate, lead an HR team, and become a mother. She talks honestly about fear, recovery, family, faith, and the message she wants every young woman to hear: know your body, trust your instincts, ask for help, and remember that you can do hard things. Share this episode with family and friends, especially the young women in your life. Consider making a donation at therose.org. 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 a self-exam brochure from The Rose help Montsy find a lump when she was only 18 years old? 2. Why did Montsy and her mother come to The Rose for help after discovering they did not have health insurance? 3. What were the recurring breast tumors Montsy experienced, and why did they require multiple lumpectomies? 4. Why did Montsy decide to have a mastectomy at 21 after her tumors kept returning? 5. What was the reconstruction process like while Montsy was attending college, working, and recovering from surgery? 6. Who supported Montsy through treatment, recovery, and the fear of facing a serious health issue at such a young age? 7. How did surviving breast tumors motivate Montsy to become the first person in her family to graduate from college? 8. Why did Montsy choose a career in human resources and education, working with Title I schools and underserved students? 9. How did Montsy’s unexpected meeting with Dorothy Gibbons bring her breast health journey full circle? 10. What does Montsy want young women to know about self-exams, early detection, trusting their instincts, and asking for help? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Oct 6

    Your Pink Purchase Can Help a Woman Get Care: A Breast Cancer Awareness Month Guide

    Pink shows up everywhere in October, but at The Rose, it means more than awareness. It means mammograms, patient navigation, gas cards, and care for women who might otherwise go without. In this episode, The Rose CEO Angie Lane talks with fundraising manager Shannon McNair about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the community partners who make the mission possible. They highlight Nice Winery’s Rosé, Serve Up a Cure, Little Woodrow’s Pink Parties, Alief ISD, Rudy’s Pink Cups, Tacos A Go Go, and the individuals, businesses, schools, churches, and fitness groups who raise money all year long. Shannon explains why every gift matters, from a few dollars to a major fundraiser, and why unrestricted community support helps The Rose respond when a woman needs a mammogram, help getting to treatment, or patient navigation. Share this episode with family and friends, and consider making a donation at therose.org. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. Why is October such a busy and important month for The Rose? 2. Why do more women schedule mammograms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month than during any other month? 3. How does Nice Winery’s Rosé campaign support breast health care at The Rose? 4. What is Serve Up a Cure, and how has its 25-year tennis tournament helped fund more than 5,000 mammograms? 5. How are Little Woodrow’s locations across Texas using Pink Parties, raffles, T-shirts, and hats to support The Rose? 6. How do Alief ISD, Rudy’s Bar-B-Q, Tacos A Go Go, Galveston partners, and other local businesses help women access breast health care? 7. Can an individual, school, church, gym, workplace, or hobby group host a fundraiser for The Rose? 8. Why are unrestricted donations so important for women who need mammograms, patient navigation, gas cards, or support getting to treatment? 9. How can shoppers make sure a pink-ribbon purchase is actually supporting a breast cancer organization? 10. How can listeners support The Rose throughout the year, even outside Breast Cancer Awareness Month? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Sep 24

    How She Became Her Own Best Advocate

    In this episode, Chantel Williams shares her background as a military brat and transition from logistics to finance.  Chantel's involvement with the Junior League of Houston is a testament to her commitment to community service. As the outside board representative for The Rose, she offers a unique perspective, highlighting the invaluable opportunity for Junior League members to serve on nonprofit boards and make a tangible impact. With raw honesty, Chantel opens up about her personal experience with breast cancer, underscoring the importance of advocating for oneself. 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.) In what ways does moving around as a military brat and experiencing different cultures shape her perspective and adaptability? 2.) How does being involved in organizations like the Junior League provide leadership skills and opportunities to make a positive impact in the community? 3.) Why is it important to advocate for oneself in healthcare is crucial, especially when it comes to early detection and prevention of diseases like breast cancer. 4.) How did Chantel’s role in the Junior League inspire her work with The Rose Timestamped Overview 00:00 Background and Moving Around 02:04 Career Path and Starting AFP Group 07:30 Joining the Junior League of Houston 09:21 Being the Outside Board Representative for The Rose 13:36 Personal Experience with Breast Cancer 24:17 Impact of Junior League Membership 26:48 Learning from The Rose 31:36 Importance of Junior League and The Rose See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Sep 8

    Young Mom, Early Lump, and Life Saving Breast Cancer Treatment


    An itch, a small lump, and a thirty four year old mom who refused to ignore what her hand felt. Amber Gonzalez shares how a pea sized lump led to a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis, aggressive chemo, surgery, and hard decisions about what to tell her children. From cold caps and hats to long days at Texas Oncology with her mother at her side, Amber shows what early action, self exams, and strong support can mean for young women facing breast cancer. 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 Amber first notice her breast lump and decide to call her doctor?2. What steps led from a well woman visit to mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, and diagnosis?3. What does triple negative breast cancer, stage two, grade three, mean in practical terms for treatment planning?4. How did Amber’s treatment at Texas Oncology unfold, including Taxol, Carbo, and Red Devil chemo?5. What role did the cold cap and hats play in helping her maintain a more normal appearance for her children?6. How did she balance extreme fatigue, long chemo days, and parenting responsibilities?7. What did Amber choose to share and not share with her younger children about her diagnosis?8. How did her mother support her practically and emotionally through treatment?9. Why does Amber emphasize monthly self exams and being in tune with any changes in your breasts?10. How can friends and caregivers show up for someone in breast cancer treatment, according to Amber’s experience? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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