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. 2h ago

    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.

  2. 2d ago

    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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Aug 6

    Dense Breast Tissue, Ultrasound, and Early Detection

    Dense breasts change how screening works and make early detection even more critical. Lynn Dozier shares how a free mammogram at Texas Southern led to follow up care at The Rose, ongoing monitoring of calcifications, and a new level of ownership over her breast health. Along the way, she talks about Skate Church, community, and staying mentally strong while friends faced 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 Lynn’s free screening mammogram lead her to follow up care at The Rose?2. What does it mean to have dense breasts, and why does that matter for breast cancer detection?3. How do mammograms and ultrasounds work together to give clearer images for women with dense breast tissue?4. What did Lynn’s calcifications mean, and why are six month monitoring visits important.5. How common are dense breasts, particularly among African American women, and what extra vigilance is needed?6. How did friends’ breast cancer diagnoses, caught through regular mammograms, affect Lynn’s view on early detection?7. In what ways does her father’s cancer journey reinforce the need for timely testing and treatment.8. How does Lynn describe the emotional and mental support she offers friends going through breast cancer?9. What role does Skate Church and outdoor skating play in Lynn’s community and mental health?10. How can women without insurance find places like The Rose to access screening mammograms? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Jul 30

    When Corporate Care Meets Community Flair: Celanese’s Touch

    What inspires a company's commitment to community support and engagement?  Michael Bland, Capital Project Stewardship Leader at Celanese, illustrates how their proactive approach led them to The Rose, supporting its mission through donations and involvement. From providing much-needed chemo kits to actively participating in community events, Celanese has become a partner rather than just a donor. Their employees, driven by values and empowered by the organization, strive to make a profound impact in the community. 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 Michael Bland's role at Celanese? 2. What does Michael enjoy most about his job at Celanese? 3. Can you explain what Celanese does as a company? 4. How did Celanese first become involved with The Rose? 5. What kind of community support has Celanese provided to The Rose? 6. Who did Michael Bland dress up as for the Shrimp Boil's 80s costume contest? 7. How did the Celanese team participate in the Shrimp Boil event? 8. What was the significance of the survivor's quilt mentioned in the episode? 9. How does Celanese view its role in community involvement, according to Michael Bland? 10. What is the "Keep the Mobile on the Road" program mentioned by Dorothy Gibbons? Timestamped Overview 00:00 "Breast Health Podcast: Community Support" 04:48 Celanese's Commitment to Community 07:11 Dressing as Slash and Axl, 1986 09:44 Affordable Shrimp Fundraiser & Community Event 14:15 Shared Enthusiasm Impresses New Visitor 16:51 Breaking Silence for Early Detection 21:09 Underestimated Support Logistics 22:13 Mobile Repair Fundraiser Program 25:14 Donations Support Trauma Recovery Program 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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