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. 3h ago

    Faith, Chemo, and T-Shirts: A Survivor Who Refuses to Whisper

    Safiya felt a lump at 36, had no insurance, and almost didn't know where to turn. Thankfully, a referral brought her to The Rose, where our patient navigation team helped her qualify for breast cancer treatment and got her first appointment at MD Anderson scheduled in just 15 days. Through all of it, our navigators walked alongside her, and her faith, anchored by a prayer her father read her the day she was diagnosed, carried her the rest of the way. 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 does The Rose help uninsured women qualify for breast cancer Medicaid and access treatment quickly? 2. What does the path from diagnosis to treatment look like for a woman with no insurance? 3. How did Safiyah get from diagnosis on January 12 to her first MD Anderson appointment on January 27? 4. What does the full course of breast cancer treatment, chemo, surgery, radiation, and reconstruction, look like for a young mother? 5. How do you talk to young children about a parent's breast cancer diagnosis? 6. What role did faith play in Safiyah's ability to get through treatment and stay present for her kids? 7. How did Safiyah take some control during a time when her body was changing in painful and visible ways? 8. Why do women need to know their family history of breast cancer, and why has that knowledge often been kept quiet? 9. What does it mean to be your own medical advocate, and how do you find that voice when you are scared? 10. How does Safiyah now support other patients through MD Anderson's peer program and in her own community? 11. What does The Rose's patient navigation mean in practical terms for someone going through treatment alone? 12. How does humor, specifically Safiyah's custom T-shirts, function as a tool for connection and encouragement in treatment settings? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dorothy introduces the episode: Safiyah found a lump at 36 with no insurance, was referred to The Rose 10 days after her daughter turned 13, and qualified for Medicaid within weeks. 00:32 Dorothy describes Safiyah's treatment journey: chemo, surgery, radiation, hair loss, and hard conversations with two young children. She previews Safiyah's identity as a survivor who refuses to whisper. 01:51 Dorothy asks about the Phenomenal Women's event where Safiyah met Shannon McNair. Safiyah explains how a church event connected her to Nicole, who was donating proceeds to The Rose, and Safiyah shared her story. 02:38 Safiyah begins her story: January 2015, no insurance, a lump she felt and knew was not right. 03:10 Safiyah describes arriving at The Rose on January 5th, just three days after her daughter's 13th birthday, coming alone. 03:36 Safiyah explains a scheduling conflict: a court date for her daughter fell on the day scheduled for her biopsy. The Rose fit her in on a Wednesday, a day they do not normally do biopsies. 04:06 January 12, 2015: Safiyah receives her diagnosis. Invasive ductal carcinoma. 04:45 Dorothy asks how Safiyah knew to go in rather than wait. Safiyah describes several small moments, a missed earlier visit, a coworker's reaction to feeling the lump, that told her to take it seriously. 06:37 Dorothy notes Safiyah is nearly 10 to 11 years out. Safiyah confirms cancer free since July. 06:50 Safiyah talks about telling her daughter, then 13, about the diagnosis. Her daughter became an immediate and steady support, getting up at night to help without being asked. 08:09 Safiyah describes her treatment sequence: chemo first, then surgery, then radiation, then reconstruction. 08:30 Safiyah talks about hair loss. She cut her hair short before chemo started, went wig shopping with her sister as a fun outing, and found a way to own each phase of the look. 09:46 Dorothy asks how The Rose helped her get into treatment. Safiyah explains that a navigator told her not to pay for the insurance she was about to activate, and helped her qualify for breast cancer Medicaid instead. 10:41 Safiyah describes her determination to go to MD Anderson specifically, and the speed of the navigator's work. Diagnosed January 12, first MD Anderson appointment January 27. 11:33 Safiyah outlines the full treatment arc: one year of chemo including Herceptin, surgery, radiation, then reconstruction with one revision the following year. 12:23 Safiyah shares the lighter side of reconstruction. Her surgeon mentioned a tummy tuck was possible. She says that became her personal motivating bright spot. 12:55 Safiyah stopped working after her first round of chemo landed her in the hospital. Being home allowed her to be even more present for her kids. She now works from home. 13:40 Dorothy asks Safiyah to explain what she means by "a survivor who refuses to whisper." 13:55 Safiyah explains: refusing to whisper means being a voice so others know they do not have to walk alone. She describes cancer as something people mistake for a death sentence and calls herself a walking, talking testimony. 15:24 Dorothy asks whether Safiyah's optimism is inherited or developed. Safiyah says she has always been naturally optimistic and has always found purpose in speaking hope into others. 16:15 Safiyah talks about knowing family history. She was 36 at diagnosis, which means her daughter should start screening at 26. Her son also knows the full family history. 18:18 Safiyah shares that her mother had found a lump at 40 and never told anyone. Had she known, Safiyah would have started screening earlier. 19:08 Dorothy asks about Safiyah's faith. Safiyah describes the moment her father read her a prayer called "Let Go and Let God" the day she was diagnosed. That prayer became the anchor for her entire journey. 20:52 Safiyah traces several small moments she read as God's direction: the insurance paperwork timing, the court date resolving so she could focus on treatment, the Wednesday biopsy slot that should not have existed. 22:46 Dorothy reflects on how naturally encouragement flows from Safiyah. Safiyah describes stopping to talk to strangers, connecting with anyone she meets, and doing it with her kids watching, slightly impatiently. 23:44 Safiyah describes her signature T-shirt: letters rearranged to spell both "cancer" and "you too can survive." She explains it applies beyond cancer to anything hard. 25:11 Safiyah shares how her reach has expanded through family and friends passing along her name. She gets shirts custom made for people in treatment, including one that says "Cancer Chose the Wrong Diva." 26:14 Safiyah describes her radiation cohort. A woman she met daily during treatment was there the day Safiyah rang the bell. She still has photos. 26:42 Dorothy reveals this episode is recording on Safiyah's birthday. Safiyah explains why March 4th felt destined, and shows Dorothy a tattoo that reads "faith," marking January 12, 2015, her diagnosis date, as her "New Life Day." 27:41 Dorothy closes the conversation and confirms The Rose will keep Safiyah's name for patient peer support. Safiyah reiterates that The Rose gives people life and that she pours back into what was poured into her. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min

  2. 5d ago

    One Woman’s Gratitude: Ginger’s Story of Survival and Service

    Ginger Clark shares her personal journey battling breast cancer. Despite the challenges, she expresses gratitude and highlights the importance of early detection through regular mammograms. The episode also delves into rural healthcare issues, emphasizing the struggles small hospitals face in providing adequate services. Ginger speaks to Dorothy about healthcare access, particularly for uninsured women, and the complexity of reconstructive surgery decisions. On a broader scale, Ginger discusses the inception of Medicare and changes in the industry, reflecting on her involvement in various non-profits post-retirement. Aging, healthcare policies, and the significance of getting mammograms form the core of this insightful conversation. 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 does Ginger feel about medical interference and its consequences? 2.) What advice does Ginger Clark offer regarding cancer prevention? 3.) What important learning did Ginger gain from switching to Baylor's Stratus clinic? 4.) What critical risk for the elderly does Ginger mention? 5.) What options and decisions did Ginger face during her breast cancer treatment? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Retired from Exxon, involved in nonprofit work. 05:11 Access to health is important for everyone. Women have more health needs. Example: higher insurance costs for reproductive age. System inefficiencies lead to suboptimal results. 09:29 Eye-opening insights on healthcare and aging. 10:56 Exxon changed insurance, strategic maneuvering for cost control. 14:33 Early detection, family history, genetic link. 18:43 Surgeon explains reconstructive surgery procedure and expectations. 20:20 Young vs. old women's concerns, oncologist's insight. 25:51 Lack of women's healthcare access in rural areas. 28:01 Tragic article details fatal outcome of pregnancy. 29:55 Futile medical spending prolonging inevitable death. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min

  3. Jun 16

    Community Theater, Breast Cancer, and the Louise McBee Circle of Wreaths

    Susan has been connected to The Rose since the mid-1980s, when her boss at Texas Commerce Bank handed her a stack of newspaper articles and asked her to learn everything she could about a surgeon named Dr. Dixie Melillo. That assignment turned into a decades-long relationship with The Rose, years of emceeing fundraising style shows, and an unbroken commitment to the mission that continues today. She launched the Louise McBee Circle of Life Circle of Wreaths, an annual wreath auction run entirely by Art Park Players volunteers in honor of her mother. Her message throughout the years is simple, yet profound: everyone carries a light, and even the smallest flame can be the brightest thing in someone's darkest moment. Get involved with The Art Park Players here. 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 Susan's relationship with The Rose begin, and what role did Dr. Dixie Melillo play in building it? 2. What did The Rose's full continuum of care look like for Susan's mother after a breast cancer diagnosis in 1993? 3. How does The Rose support patients beyond surgery, including wigs, prosthetics, and emotional follow-through? 4. What is the Louise McBee Circle of Life Circle of Wreaths and why did Susan start it? 5. How have Art Park Players volunteers sustained a community fundraiser for The Rose since 2001? 6. What is Art Park Players, and how does it serve children, families, and volunteers across the Houston area? 7. How does community word-of-mouth and sustained volunteer loyalty fuel The Rose's mission year after year? 8. Why does Susan send both insured and uninsured women to The Rose, and why does that distinction matter for the organization's funding? 9. How does a small annual fundraiser like a wreath auction contribute meaningfully to The Rose's operating budget? 10. What advice does Susan offer to people who feel their contribution is too small to matter? 11. How does Susan connect her work at Art Park Players with the same values of service, dignity, and community that drive The Rose? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dorothy introduces Susan Mele: 45 years with Art Park Players, decades of Rose support, her mother's breast cancer journey with Dr. Melillo, and the annual wreath fundraiser named in her mother's honor. 00:52 Dorothy delivers the episode CTA: share this episode and donate at therose.org. 01:38 Dorothy asks Susan to start with herself. Susan describes a lifelong passion for performing, being adopted at 16 days old, and parents who nurtured her drive while grounding her in service and faith. 02:50 Dorothy asks how Susan first learned about The Rose. 02:55 Susan describes working for Tom Watson at Texas Commerce Bank in the mid-1980s. He had her clip every newspaper article she could find about Dr. Dixie Melillo, which led to Dixie joining the bank's board of directors and Susan meeting both Dorothy and Dixie. 03:29 Dorothy notes this connection goes back to 1986 or 1987. 03:47 Susan reflects on what drew her in: the compassion she saw in Dorothy and Dixie, and the contrast between how cancer was perceived in the 1980s and what The Rose was actually doing for women. 05:01 Dorothy recalls The Rose's earliest survivor volunteers and the environment Dixie created, including the time they could not say the word "breast" on television or radio. 05:44 Dorothy asks if breast cancer has touched Susan personally. 05:47 Susan describes her mother's 1993 breast cancer diagnosis. She brought her immediately to Dr. Melillo and The Rose. 06:20 Susan describes her mother's treatment: mastectomy on one side, lumpectomy on the other. Her mother declined reconstructive surgery and was afraid of hair loss. 06:55 Susan describes The Rose's follow-through after surgery: a referral to a wig specialist, fittings for prosthetic breasts and special bras, and ongoing mental and emotional support. Her mother survived. 08:02 Dorothy asks whether that experience deepened Susan's involvement with The Rose. 09:09 Susan describes how the Style Shows worked: store fittings, themed productions, silent auctions, and a community turnout that she believes turned many attendees into lifelong Rose supporters. 10:08 Dorothy asks Susan to recall a favorite Style Show moment. Both remember the 1960s hippie theme as particularly memorable. 11:56 Susan reflects on how events like the Style Show built lasting community investment in The Rose. 12:31 Dorothy asks Susan to talk about Art Park Players. 14:38 Susan describes joining in 1980 as a volunteer vocal coach, working for seven years without pay, then moving to part-time work at $6.50 an hour. She recognized her true calling was not performing but watching children find their voices and confidence. 15:01 Susan describes Art Park Players today: 250 students per semester, the largest children's theater in the city, the largest volunteer base in Deer Park, a Carnival Cruise performance group, a competition troupe through Theater Network of Texas, and scholarship and internship programs. 17:23 Susan describes fundraising within the theater: raising money for student travel, competitions, scholarships, and a private donor who quietly funds costumes and tuition for children whose families cannot afford them. 18:32 Susan reflects on being asked by Sue Finley Myers to carry on the mission when she retired. 18:55 Dorothy asks if students must be Deer Park residents. Susan says no, and describes students traveling from Humble, Cypress, Clear Lake, the Woodlands, and Friendswood. 20:19 Susan confirms Art Park Players is still a dinner theater and the only full year-round dinner theater in the Houston area. She shares that food brings in the husbands. 20:45 Dorothy asks Susan to describe the annual Rose fundraiser. 20:52 Susan describes the origin of the wreath auction: in 2001, volunteers wanted to do something meaningful and creative for The Rose. Inspired by a Circle of Trees event she had helped organize, she proposed handmade wreaths, a never-ending circle with symbolic meaning. 22:52 Susan explains the format: a fall wreath auction for show audiences and a Christmas wreath auction for theater families. Anyone can donate a wreath, and the offerings have grown to include wooden signs, stands, and centerpieces. 24:11 Dorothy confirms the event happens in fall and at Christmas. 24:20 Susan describes a piece made by a longtime volunteer woodworker that now sits in The Rose's lobby, bearing her mother's name. She says friends who come to The Rose for mammograms send her photos of it. 26:36 Susan says the Louise McBee Circle of Life Circle of Wreaths will continue as long as she is alive, regardless of the dollar amount raised. 26:53 Dorothy notes the fundraiser has now run for over 24 years. 27:07 Susan points out that Art Park Players was involved with The Rose even before 2001, through the Style Show partnership in the 1990s, totaling well over three decades of support. 27:33 Dorothy asks Susan's favorite Art Park production. 29:43 Dorothy closes the interview and reflects on the richness of Susan's story. 30:50 Susan shares her final message: everyone is valuable, everyone is worthy, and everyone carries a light. No matter how small the flame, it can be the brightest thing in someone's darkest moment, and that light is hope. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min

  4. Jun 11

    Breaking Cultural Taboos: A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Story in the South Asian Community

    How do you talk about breast cancer when it’s something your community rarely discusses, sometimes because of culture, sometimes because of faith, and sometimes just because it’s hard?  Salima Hirani faced breast cancer not just as a patient, but as a mother, a daughter, and someone who knew the taboos around speaking up. In this episode: - You’ll hear how Salima found her own voice in a world that often keeps silent. - You’ll learn how faith and culture shape conversations about cancer in the family. - You’ll find out how sharing your story can help break stigma and help someone else feel less alone. 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 Salima first discover her breast cancer and when was she diagnosed? 2. What was Salima’s initial reaction upon being told she had breast cancer? 3.How did Salima share her diagnosis with her children and what were their reactions? 4. What was Salima’s treatment journey for breast cancer? 5. How did Salima’s children support her during her cancer journey? 6. What taboos or social challenges did Salima encounter in her community regarding breast cancer? 7. Why do some women in Salima’s community avoid breast cancer screening or mammograms? 8. How does Salima recommend supporting other women facing a breast cancer diagnosis? 9. What advice does Salima offer to her community about breast cancer awareness and prevention? 10. How does Salima view the importance of forming support groups and community awareness initiatives? Timestamped Overview 00:00 "Breaking Taboos on Breast Cancer" 06:05 Cancer Chart Reviewer Experience 07:59 Quick Errand Across Street 10:19 Single Parent's Concerns for Kids 13:26 Sibling Misunderstanding Spurs Emotions 17:48 "Nurse Overcomes MRI Anxiety" 21:06 "Personal Choice for Peace" 26:10 Private Strength Amid Diagnosis 29:23 "Prioritize Health Screenings Now" 31:12 Silent Support Network 34:41 Engaging Older Generations in Health Conversations 38:38 Addressing Health Concerns Early 39:51 Silent Struggle: Family's Cancer Journey 43:42 Breast Cancer: Treatable at Any Stage 49:08 Empowering Dialogue for Women's Health 52:58 Breast Cancer Warriors Unite See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    55 min

  5. Jun 10

    Más Allá del Miedo: Cómo El Cáncer de Mama Transformó a Maribel

    En este episodio, hablamos con Maribel, sobreviviente de cáncer de mama diagnosticada en The Rose. Maribel comparte cómo el cáncer de su hermana menor fue una señal de alerta que la motivó a realizarse una mamografía sin seguro médico. Gracias a la ayuda de The Rose, pudo recibir un diagnóstico a tiempo, lo que fue crucial para su tratamiento. Maribel nos cuenta sobre los desafíos emocionales, la pérdida de cabello, y su decisión de someterse a una mastectomía, destacando el apoyo de su familia y la transformación que vivió. Hoy, nos deja un mensaje de esperanza y nos recuerda la importancia de la prevención, especialmente para las mujeres latinas. Escucha este episodio y conoce la historia de Maribel, una inspiración para tomar acción con su salud. Preguntas clave respondidas en el episodio: ¿Cómo descubrió Maribel que tenía cáncer de mama y cuál fue el papel de The Rose en su diagnóstico? ¿Qué papel jugó el cáncer de su hermana en su decisión de realizarse la mamografía a pesar de no tener seguro médico? ¿Cuáles fueron los mayores desafíos emocionales y físicos durante el tratamiento, incluyendo la pérdida de cabello y la mastectomía? ¿Cómo impactó el diagnóstico de cáncer en la relación de Maribel con sus hijos y esposo? ¿Cómo se transformó Maribel a través de su experiencia con el cancer? ¿Cuál es su mensaje para otras mujeres latinas que aún no se hacen sus chequeos? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min

  6. Jun 9

    Attorney, CPA, Philanthropist, and Breast Cancer Survivor: Marilyn Sims

    Marilyn is an attorney, CPA, and president of the Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation, the private foundation whose generosity helped build The Rose's podcast studio. She has been a Rose patient since the late 1970s, when she came in for her very first mammogram after moving to Houston. Decades later, she found herself in a very different role, as a Stage III HER2 positive breast cancer patient. Her advice is simple and direct: check yourself between mammograms, get second opinions, take care of yourself first, and know that The Rose and organizations like it exist so that every woman, insured or not, has a path to care. 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 can a woman with a clean mammogram and ultrasound develop stage three breast cancer within eight months? 2. What does HER2 positive breast cancer mean and how does it affect treatment options? 3. What does a full 18-month breast cancer treatment plan look like, from the Red Devil through post-op chemo? 4. What are the visible side effects of aggressive chemo, including hair, nail, and eyebrow loss, and how do women manage them while working? 5. How did Marilyn continue working through 18 months of treatment and what did that decision do for her mentally? 6. What is the cold cap and why do some patients choose not to use it? 7. What are the stakes of declining post-op treatment, and how should a woman weigh a 45 percent recurrence risk? 8. How does a very private, high-achieving career woman learn to accept help, say no, and make herself the priority? 9. What role does the Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation play in supporting The Rose's mission, including the podcast studio? 10. How does self-exam between annual mammograms save lives, and why does Marilyn emphasize it so strongly? 11. What practical advice does Marilyn offer to women facing a breast cancer diagnosis for the first time? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dorothy introduces Marilyn Sims: attorney, CPA, president of the Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation, and the donor behind the podcast studio. She previews Marilyn's stage three HER2 positive diagnosis, 18 months of treatment, and her evolution from private person to open advocate. 00:52 Dorothy describes Marilyn's treatment arc and the shift in her willingness to talk publicly. Episode CTA delivered. 01:49 Dorothy welcomes Marilyn on air and thanks the Crowder Foundation for the studio gift. 02:22 Marilyn gives the history of the Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation: established in 1998 under Bill's will, started with $3.5 million, has given away $6 million over 28 years, and still has millions remaining. 03:36 Marilyn explains Bill's passion for children's charities throughout his life, how the foundation was structured to give in perpetuity, and why Helen carried on that mission after his passing. 04:46 Marilyn explains why The Rose, while not a children's charity, fit the foundation's values. Children are affected by breast cancer, and the studio would carry Bill and Helen's legacy forward. 05:36 Dorothy reflects on the studio's impact, including young mothers sharing stories that reach other young women who don't know they could be at risk. 06:25 Marilyn shares that she first came to The Rose for her very first mammogram after moving to Houston in the late 1970s. 06:55 Dorothy asks about Marilyn's background. Marilyn traces her path from a small town to Pasadena, through night school, a business associate's degree at San Jacinto College, an accounting degree at UH Clear Lake, and ultimately to the University of Houston Law Center. 08:30 Marilyn explains how she chose estate planning over bankruptcy and litigation, combining her CPA credentials with her law degree at Ernst and Young before joining her current firm in 1993. 10:43 Dorothy moves to Marilyn's breast cancer story. Marilyn says she was shocked. She ate right, exercised, had no family history, and never anticipated a diagnosis. 11:24 Marilyn describes her screening history: annual mammograms, ultrasounds in recent years, and a clean scan in October 2023. 11:47 In August 2024, she felt a lump just before Labor Day. She made an appointment immediately. On September 13, 2024, she received her confirmed diagnosis. 12:47 Dorothy notes the cancer was particularly aggressive. Marilyn explains: HER2 positive, stage three, with lymph node involvement under the arm and in the neck, within eight months of her last clean scan. 13:30 Marilyn describes her treatment sequence: eight aggressive Red Devil chemo infusions every two weeks starting October 2nd, then mastectomy with same-day reconstruction on the right side, then 30 rounds of daily radiation. 14:58 Marilyn describes the post-op decision point. Scans came back clear, but declining the 14 lower-grade post-op chemo treatments carried a 45 percent recurrence risk. She chose to continue. She finished February 15th of this year. 15:50 Dorothy congratulates her. Marilyn reflects on the predictable rhythm of the later treatments: okay on day one, fine on day two, flu-like on day three, and cumulative fatigue over time. 16:56 Marilyn describes how she emailed her fellow shareholders the day she was diagnosed, asked to keep her routine, and worked through the full 18 months. Her colleagues' support gave her stamina and purpose. 18:00 Dorothy asks how many organizations Marilyn stays active in. Marilyn says staying busy and giving back, particularly to young women and girls, kept her mind off how serious things were. 18:55 Marilyn shares that she has no biological children but has long mentored young women. Her motivation for philanthropy is giving others the opportunity and role models she had access to. 19:35 Dorothy asks about Marilyn's support system. Marilyn credits her husband, who attended every single treatment, sometimes napping in the chair beside her, and her fully supportive office colleagues. 20:37 Marilyn describes the physical side effects of the Red Devil: hair loss, eyebrow and eyelash loss, fingernail and toenail loss, and varying neuropathy. She notes no two patients react the same way. 21:43 Marilyn explains the cold cap option, its time commitment of five to seven hours per treatment session, and the lack of guarantees. She chose wigs instead. 22:29 Dorothy notes that Marilyn's wig was convincing throughout treatment. Marilyn explains she had a custom wig made to match her hair before it fell out, then transitioned out of the wig after 18 months. Her hair grew back curly for the first time in her life. 23:41 Marilyn acknowledges the ongoing anxiety about recurrence and scans. She manages it with a deliberately positive mindset and a carry bag someone gave her early in treatment that reads "You Got This." 24:23 Marilyn describes how talking with other patients, even those with different symptoms and reactions, helped relieve anxiety and provided perspective. 24:59 Dorothy notes that Marilyn was once extremely private. Marilyn reflects on how treatment gradually opened her up, partly because of the sheer volume of medical appointments and people involved in her care. 26:41 Dorothy recalls watching the shift happen in real time. Marilyn explains the difference between being at the beginning of the tunnel versus the end, and how the inability to plan ahead was one of the hardest parts of treatment. 28:08 Dorothy observes that treatment forced Marilyn to stop being Superwoman. Marilyn agrees and names the lesson directly: career women push themselves to be everything to everyone, but you have to make yourself the priority first. 29:34 Dorothy asks if Marilyn sees herself as stronger now. Marilyn says not stronger exactly, but with a clearer sense of priorities, especially the importance of time and quality over constant activity. 30:09 Marilyn delivers her most direct advice: check yourself between mammograms. A year is a long time, and her cancer went from undetectable to stage three in eight months. 30:55 Marilyn advises listeners to explore all treatment options, get second opinions, and be clear with their care team about whether the goal is cure or minimal intervention. 32:20 Marilyn reflects on her insurance advantage and acknowledges how many women raising families and working jobs do not have the same options. She names The Rose's mobile units and reach across Texas as a critical resource. 33:04 Dorothy thanks Marilyn for the foundation's support and for coming on the show. Marilyn expresses genuine relief at being finished with treatment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min

  7. Jun 4

    “Dying was not an Option,” a Survivor’s Story

    Linda Petticrew is one determined woman. She’s worked hard and many long hours to build a stunning career as an Executive Assistant to some of the top CEO’s in the city. But her real strength tenacity was when she faced breast cancer, not once but twice. Diagnosed at a young age, she fought and won her battle and then twenty years later had to fight it again. During this episode, Linda talks about her experience. And she gets candid about her treatment in the workplace and the difference an employer can make in the life of someone dealing with treatment. 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 does maintaining a positive attitude and having a strong support system help in coping with a cancer diagnosis? 2.) Why are regular check-ups and screenings important for early detection and treatment of cancer? 3.) How can genetic testing provide valuable information for making informed decisions about preventive measures? 4.) What is the impact of cancer, beyond the individual and their entire family? Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Linda's Background 01:27 The Power of Executive Assistants and Supportive Work Environments 08:14 Maintaining a Positive Attitude and Overcoming Challenges 12:29 Genetic Testing and Preventive Measures 16:13 The Impact of Cancer on Family and Relationships 21:28 Prioritizing Family and Looking Towards the Future 23:17 Hope for a Cancer-Free Future See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  8. Jun 2

    Peace, Love, and The Rose - A Sneak Peek at Shrimp Boil 2026

    Special Events Manager Shannon McNair takes us behind the scenes of The Rose’s annual Shrimp Boil, a nearly 40‑year tradition where fresh Gulf shrimp, auctions, raffles, and desserts turn a casual Saturday with 800 of your closest friends and family into a lifeline for breast health for women in our 45-county service area. 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 is The Rose’s Shrimp Boil and how did it begin?2. Why does the event feel more like a family reunion than a formal gala?3. How do silent and live auctions, raffles, and kids’ activities all contribute to fundraising?4. What food is served besides shrimp, and how do desserts and kid‑friendly options fit in?5. How does the mobile bidding system make it easy to participate in the auction from anywhere?6. What roles do volunteers, committee members, and staff play in making the event a success?7. How can local businesses, families, and individuals donate items for the auction or dessert table?8. How are tickets, tables, sponsorships, and underwriting structured so both families and companies can join?9. Why are unrestricted dollars from this event so important for covering unexpected needs throughout the year?10. What is new this year in terms of date, theme, and logistics, and how can people get involved? Timestamped overview 00:00 Dorothy opens the show with the standard introduction to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts and The Rose’s mission. 00:49 Roxann welcomes Shannon and asks her to describe her role as special events manager. 01:01 Shannon explains overseeing signature events and third‑party fundraisers that support The Rose’s mission. 01:34 They introduce the Shrimp Boil as The Rose’s longest‑running and largest event, approaching its 40th year. 01:41 Shannon shares the origin story of a community‑driven boat raffle that evolved into a major annual fundraiser. 02:41 She describes the atmosphere as casual, indoors at the Pasadena Convention Center, with a family reunion feel and 600 or more attendees. 02:59 Roxann notes there is more than food involved; Shannon adds details about DJ, emcee, and auction. 03:08 Shannon outlines the silent auction: dozens of items ranging from small baskets to big experiences like trips and electric bikes. 03:48 She describes the live auction and the energy brought by the auctioneer, as well as a cash bar supported by beverage sponsors. 04:16 They detail photo booths, popcorn, kids’ games, and adult games like the liquor toss, emphasizing fun for all ages. 05:23 Shannon highlights that survivors, their families, staff, and supporters all mingle, creating generational participation. 05:36 They discuss past themes and introduce this year’s 60s‑inspired Peace, Love and The Rose theme. 05:50 Shannon encourages attendees to dress up as much or as little as they like, from flower crowns to full costumes. 06:42 Roxann asks about donating auction items; Shannon explains that anyone can contribute goods, services, or gift cards. 08:06 Shannon explains the mobile bidding system, how guests register, receive outbid alerts, and check out without long lines. 11:20 They talk about 50/50 raffles staffed by roller‑derby volunteers who sell tickets throughout the room. 12:20 Shannon describes the volunteer and committee structure behind the event, with different leaders owning specific areas like desserts, bar, and kids’ zone. 14:16 They dig into desserts: long tables of homemade and bakery‑donated treats, from sheet cakes to famous pineapple upside‑down cakes. 17:01 Shannon notes that hot dogs and kids’ meals are available for those who do not or cannot eat shrimp. 17:48 Roxann notes the date change; Shannon explains moving to August 8 this year and mentions fresh Gulf shrimp as a highlight. 18:49 Shannon outlines pricing for individual tickets, tables, and sponsorship levels, plus underwriting options for specific elements like the photo booth. 19:56 They discuss buying tickets in advance versus at the door, as well as curbside pickup and why reserved tables work best for groups. 21:41 Roxann asks how the money is used; Shannon emphasizes the importance of unrestricted funds that help ensure no woman is turned away from care. 22:21 They recap the essential details and invite listeners to attend, volunteer, or donate to support the mission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min
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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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