Let's Talk About Your Breasts

Dorothy Gibbons, CEO & Cofounder
Let's Talk About Your Breasts

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. 6D AGO

    Navigating Patient-Physician Relationships: Tips from Dr. Y

    Dr. Shuhatovich meets with Dorothy to discuss his journey from a 13-year-old refugee from Russia to fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a surgeon. Despite personal and professional hurdles, his commitment to patient care remained steadfast. Through understanding and empathy, he continues to positively impact the lives of his patients. Key Questions Answered 1.) How does Dr. Shuhatovich approach patient interactions and evaluate their mental state? 2.) What influenced Dr. Shuhatovich’s decision to become a surgeon, specifically a hand surgeon? 3.) What was Dr. Shuhatovich’s experience immigrating from Russia to the U.S.? 4.) How does Dr. Shuhatovich perceive the difference between Russian and U.S. mentalities? 5.) Why does Dr. Shuhatovich prefer the term "physician" over "provider"? 6.) What kind of challenges does Dr. Shuhatovich face with insurance companies in his practice? 7.) How does Dr. Shuhatovich handle patients' emotional states and empowerment during recovery? 8.) What is Dr. Shuhatovich's approach to teaching empathy and patient interaction to medical students? 9.) How does Dr. Shuhatovich suggest patients should prepare for and approach their first meeting with a physician? 10.) What is Dr. Shuhatovich’s view on the importance of communication and interpersonal relationships in healthcare? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Reassuring Medical Care Experience 04:50 Balancing Information in Patient Care 06:54 Understanding the "Russian Soul" 10:24 Surgical Residency: A Grueling Journey 15:22 Plastic Surgery's Multifaceted Appeal 18:33 Empowering Patients Beyond Negativity 21:11 Disagreement on Addressing Physicians 27:23 High Physician Suicide Rates 30:52 Teaching Patient Interaction Skills 33:04 "Choosing the Right Physician" 36:43 Clear Medical Communication Needed See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min
  2. MAR 20

    Meet the Volunteer Dorothy Almost Fired

    During this episode, Linda Strevell recounts the inspiring efforts of the Cancer Fighters group, a dedicated team raising seed money for early-stage cancer research. Their journey is marked by hosting a variety of fundraising events and collaborating with influential supporters. Their relentless commitment has had a profound impact on cancer care, including pivotal support for The Rose. Linda and Dorothy also reminisce about some of the earliest days at The Rose and Linda’s no-nonsense recommendations for patients. Key Questions Answered 1.) Who are the Cancer Fighters? 2.) What types of events did the Cancer Fighters organize to raise funds? 3.) How did Linda first find out about The Rose? 4.) How did The Rose and the Cancer Fighters initially come together? 5.) What significant contribution did the Cancer Fighters make to The Rose? 6.) What was one of Linda's memorable moments while volunteering at The Rose? 7.) How did the second location for The Rose benefit women? 8.) What personal experiences did Linda have with cancer and illness? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dedicated volunteers raise funds for cancer research. 04:45 Started at Stella Link; furnished Rose with carpet. 09:14 Your calligraphy introduced me to new experiences. 11:14 Patrick met important friends first: you guys. 15:31 Birthday celebration despite illness; enjoyed T-shirts. 17:35 Citizen needs police help for neighborhood map. 20:03 Helping cancer patients by connecting in crises. 25:41 80-year-old wishes grandson enjoys life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
  3. MAR 18

    Supporting the One You Cherish Through Cancer (Part 2)

    What are the key differences between palliative care and hospice care in the UK and the US? David Holmes discusses the distinctions between palliative and hospice care from the UK and US perspectives. He reflects on his wife Heather's cancer journey and their experience navigating these systems after moving from the UK to the US. Holmes describes how palliative care in the UK considers holistic care from an early stage. He contrasts this with the US where palliative care often transitions only when curative treatment ends. Hospice care requirements in the US seemed more restrictive, as Holmes found when navigating Heather's final days in a US hospital. He advises listeners on choosing hospice providers, understanding their policies, and making early preparations.  Key Questions Answered What is the main focus of this episode featuring David Holmes? How does David Holmes describe the difference between healthcare systems in the US and the UK? What are some key statistics mentioned regarding healthcare budgets in the US and the UK? How does the UK approach palliative care compared to the US? What was David's experience with the transition to hospice care for Heather in the US? How did Heather use her professional background in palliative care during her cancer journey? What were some of the challenges faced when trying to access hospice care in the US healthcare system? What role did Heather's fight to maintain quality of life play in her decisions regarding her treatment? How did the family handle the arrangements for Heather's end-of-life care and funeral? How did David and his children organize the celebration of Heather’s life after her passing? Timestamped Overview 00:00 UK Health Service Objectives Unveiled 04:09 Evolving Palliative Care Approach 08:41 "Hospice Business Development Concerns" 12:47 Out-of-Network Healthcare Nightmare 15:05 Hospice Care: Important Considerations 18:38 Hospice Care: Support and Challenges 23:26 Unexpected End-of-Life Planning 26:19 Global Event Livestreamed From Houston 28:08 "Family Tribute to Heather" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
  4. MAR 13

    Advocating for Underserved Women in Healthcare: Insights from a Cancer Survivor

    Maria Boyce joins Dorothy to discuss her breast cancer journey and the impact of social determinants on health, the non-medical factors that play an important role in a person’s health and wellness, such as where people live, work, and receive their education. She emphasizes early detection and the value of support from family and doctors. Maria also shares her treatment success and genetic testing results. Her experience battling cancer has strengthened her advocacy for access to life-saving breast cancer screenings and care for all women. Please share this episode with family and friends, and consider making a donation at therose.org. It could save the life of an uninsured woman. Key Questions Answered 1.) Why is addressing social determinants of health important in cancer treatment? 2.) How did early detection play a role in Dorothy's cancer journey? 3.) What factors did Maria credit for helping her battle cancer? 4.) How did Maria's belief in her doctor influence her treatment decisions? 5.) What lessons did Maria learn from her mother's battle with multiple sclerosis? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Support from friends crucial during cancer battle 05:30 Initial meeting about breast cancer diagnosis, empathy. 07:13 Mother had hormone-based breast cancer, serious diagnosis. 10:35 Overcame personal struggle, now advocating for others. 16:28 Ensuring access to mammograms, access versus treatment. 18:51 Addressing social determinants of health is essential. 23:43 Support and transportation are crucial for treatment. 28:23 Doctor emphasized urgency of treatment for small tumor. 29:48 Initial chemotherapy showed tumor shrinkage, but concerns remained. 32:32 Finding out I didn't carry BRCA gene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  5. MAR 11

    Supporting the One You Cherish Through Cancer (Part 1)

    David Holmes shares the multifaceted journey of his wife Heather's cancer diagnosis and their move to the United States, highlighting healthcare system differences and the emotional rollercoaster of caregiving. Throughout Heather’s battle with triple negative breast cancer, the couple balanced reality with hope, even amidst challenging treatments and family life. Ultimately, their experience underscores the holistic approach Heather championed as a specialist nurse, focusing on quality and meaning in every moment. Key Questions Answered 1.) How did David Holmes and his wife Heather come to live in the United States? 2.) What was Heather's professional background before moving to the U.S.? 3.) What were the initial circumstances surrounding Heather's cancer diagnosis? 4.) How did the healthcare systems in the UK and the US differ according to David Holmes? 5.) What type of cancer was Heather diagnosed with, and what challenges did it present? 6.) How did David Holmes and Heather cope with the initial news of Heather’s cancer diagnosis? 7.) What difficulties did being a caregiver present, according to David Holmes? 8.) How did David and Heather communicate Heather's diagnosis and prognosis to their children? 9.) How did Heather's nursing background impact her approach to cancer treatment and care? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Career Shift Sparked by Chance Meeting 04:58 "Navigating Breast Cancer Uniquely" 08:22 Embracing Denial in Mexico 10:09 Marriage and Terminal Illness Challenges 14:23 Telling Children About Mother's Illness 16:25 The Challenges of Cancer Treatment 21:46 Cancer: A Battle and Care Journey 26:04 Heather's Journey: Balancing Life and Chemo 27:42 Heather's Holistic Patient Care Approach 31:10 Heather’s Transformative Nursing Insight 34:46 Coping After Loss: Odd Challenges See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  6. MAR 6

    Surviving Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Giving Back to Help Others

    Dinah McClymonds shares her journey with triple negative breast cancer and how regular mammograms detected her condition. She elaborates on her 2016 diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, until she completed treatment a year later. Dinah had a positive experience with the medical care she received but acknowledges that many women lack such access. Her conversation with Dorothy highlights that early detection can significantly impact outcomes, even for those without a family history of the disease. She stresses the importance of mammograms and the need for broader access to these screenings, especially for uninsured women. Dinah also touches on her role as the chair for the 2025 Everything’s Coming Up Roses Luncheon supporting The Rose. Her background in fundraising and volunteering shapes her efforts to increase awareness and resources for those in need. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts wherever you get your podcasts and consider making a donation at therose.org. Key Questions Answered 1.) What prompted Dinah McClymonds to discuss breast cancer treatment and medical care? 2.) When and how was Dinah McClymonds's breast cancer diagnosed? 3.) How did her age and ethnicity influence her breast cancer treatment and prognosis? 4.) Did Dinah inform her family about her diagnosis, and how did genetic testing play a role for her identical twin? 5.) What is Dinah's message regarding early breast cancer detection and access to treatment? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dinah to chair 2025 breast cancer luncheon. 03:33 Involvement in volunteer work with Kappa Alpha Theta. 09:06 Access to breast cancer treatment varies widely. 10:39 Challenging cancer diagnosis disrupts vacation plans. 14:06 Mammogram detected breast cancer, no symptoms noticed. 18:00 Unexplained triple negative, not hormonal, just fluke. 21:59 Effects of breast cancer treatment on body. 23:43 Accepting aging and medical treatment's inevitable impact. 29:04 Supporting access to early cancer detection and treatment. 30:11 Thank you for being our chair today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
    4.8
    out of 5
    24 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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