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. 1D AGO

    A Women's Bakery, Orphaned Elephants, and Rural Breast Care: Giving With a Bigger Picture

    Nonprofit leaders dream of someone walking in and saying, “I’m going to give you a million dollars.” Very few ever see it happen. In this episode, a longtime supporter explains why she chose to fund multiple mobile coaches, help open an East Texas Regional Service Center, and seed The Rose’s Mammogram to Medical Home program instead of paying for brick and mortar. She talks about dividing her mother’s unrestricted giving fund among education, medical care, and conservation, and why she looks for small organizations whose work sends “tentacles” into whole communities and generations. From a women’s bakery in Africa that feeds thousands of children and sends girls to school, to knowledge mobiles, orphaned elephants, and seed grants for students, she returns over and over to one idea: food and health give people a chance at any future. 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. Why did this donor decide to fund mobile mammography coaches instead of buildings or equipment alone? 2. What led her to support The Rose’s Mammogram to Medical Home program for uninsured women without a doctor? 3. How does she evaluate nonprofits and decide where her giving can reach the most people? 4. What impact has her support had on The Rose’s reach across rural counties in Texas? 5. How does the women’s bakery in Africa change entire families and communities over time? 6. Why is conservation, especially in Africa, a core part of her philanthropy? 7. How have personal family health issues shaped her interest in medical research and smaller organizations? Time-stamped Overview 00:00 Episode begins, Dorothy welcomes a returning donor and recaps her support for coaches, machines, and the East Texas hub.01:00 Dorothy remembers the first meeting, meant to discuss Hispanic outreach, that turned into a million-plus-dollar commitment.03:00 Donor explains why she dislikes brick-and-mortar projects and pushed instead for funding a mobile coach.04:00 She shares why serving uninsured and Hispanic communities and multiple rural counties made the coach gift feel right.05:00 She describes hearing from a friend whose East Side clinics routinely send women to The Rose.06:40 Background on the unrestricted giving fund her mother left, and how she divided it among education, medical care, and conservation.07:30 Story of the women’s bakery in Africa, where uneducated women become bakers, feed thousands of children, and send girls to school.09:30 Benny’s journey from hungry child to baker and first in his family to pursue higher education.12:00 Why she prefers projects with “tentacles” that ripple across generations rather than one-time efforts.13:15 Family roots in geological conservation and how that grew into wildlife and environmental work in Africa.14:30 Description of funding “knowledge mobiles” in Botswana that teach children and teachers about animals and conservation.15:30 Support for vehicles and projects in Madagascar and elsewhere that combine conservation, education, and livelihoods.16:45 How a first trip to Kenya and later bird-watching deepened her awareness of poverty and need.18:00 Why she values organizations where 100 percent of donations flow directly to field partners.19:00 How she vets small organizations through trusted partners and prefers to give seed money.21:00 Dorothy recalls how the donor also seeded the Mammogram to Medical Home program after a declined grant.22:00 Structure of the Mammogram to Medical Home model and why it is unusual in mammography.23:30 Donor shares why reducing fear and complexity for uninsured women matters so much to her.24:20 She reflects on being raised to help people regardless of background and to treat everyone with respect.24:50 Dorothy describes how the coaches and the Lufkin hub expanded The Rose’s reach far beyond Houston.26:00 Dorothy notes the donor’s humility and curiosity, always learning servers’ stories and quietly backing new programs.27:30 Donor shares her introverted childhood and how marriage nudged her into connection and a wide circle of friends.28:20 She considers future giving priorities, including food security on Native reservations and broader food and health efforts.30:30 Examples of seed grants for arts and music students at universities who lack funds for travel, internships, and competitions.31:30 Final reflection that food and health give people a foundation for any future, followed by closing thanks and call to support The Rose. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min

  2. 6D AGO

    How 3D Mammography and MRI are Transforming Care

    Dorothy sits down with Dr. Wei Yang, a renowned professor and breast radiologist. Dr. Yang emphasizes the significance of mammography, recommending annual screening starting at age 40 for women at average risk. During this conversation, you’ll hear about the benefits of digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) and breast MRI for women at elevated risk, highlighting the positive outcomes associated with early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Yang underscores the importance of early detection and the role of emerging technologies, such as contrast-enhanced mammograms and artificial intelligence, in improving breast imaging, and more. Her personal story is as interesting as the work she is doing to level the playing field for all women, insured or uninsured. 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 importance of breast cancer screening, and what are Dr. Yang's recommendations for mammography screening? 2. How do digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) and breast MRI benefit women at elevated risk of breast cancer? 3. What are the positive outcomes associated with early-stage breast cancer diagnosis, and why is early detection so crucial? 4. What new technologies, such as contrast-enhanced mammograms and artificial intelligence, are emerging to improve breast imaging? Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:16 Choosing Radiology and Specializing in Breast Imaging 05:40 Different Screening Modalities in Breast Cancer 07:00 Understanding Digital Breast Tomosynthesis 09:55 The Role of Breast MRI in High-Risk Women 14:11 Diagnostic Workup for Abnormal Mammograms 18:50 Exploring New Technologies in Breast Imaging 20:42 Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Medicine 21:09 Navigating Gender Asymmetry in Medicine 22:36 Supporting Patients and Delivering Clear Communication 25:31 The Importance of Forgiving Self and Taking One Step at a Time 28:23 Hopes for the Future and the Importance of Passion 30:14 Encouraging Women to Prioritize Their Health See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  3. APR 28

    Dance, Culture, and Commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness

    During this mashup episode, you’ll hear from supporters of Hats and Henna High Tea, a community driven event that celebrates survivors, supports patients, and raises critical funds for The Rose. These are supporters, caregivers, and champions. They talk about mothers and mothers in law facing breast cancer, the sacrifices families make, and the resilience that shows up in hospital rooms, small businesses, and dance floors. Hats and Henna Hight Tea brings culture, art, and local leadership together to focus on The Rose’s mission. 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. Who helps bring Hats and Henna to life and why this event matters so deeply to them. 2. How Lin Lin connects restaurant ownership and radio work with advocating for women’s health and mammograms. 3. How breast cancer in the family shaped Iman’s decision to start her own jewelry business and live with more courage. 4. What lessons a young person can carry for life after watching a loved one go through breast cancer treatment. 5. Why Sami believes The Rose stands out among charities working in breast cancer and community health. 6. How Hats and Henna helps raise both awareness and funds for mammograms and navigation services. 7. How Parita used dance to cope with her mother’s diagnosis and to create a supportive community around performance. 8. What it means for children and teens to give up activities and relocate in order to support a parent in treatment. 9. How loss shaped Somya’s commitment to working with The Rose and reaching more families earlier. 10. Why every story at Hats and Henna comes back to the message that self care and early diagnosis can change outcomes. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode and event introduction, focus on community stories00:40 Lin Lin on women’s self care, mammograms, and partnership02:00 Iman on Ashma’s journey, family resilience, and starting a business04:20 Sami on why he supports The Rose and Hats and Henna05:40 Parita on leaving Chicago, dancing through her mom’s chemo06:50 Somya on losing her mother in law and finding purpose with The Rose08:00 Closing reflections, gratitude, and reminder that self care is essential See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    9 min

  4. APR 23

    Yoga Therapy and Breast Cancer: Insights from a Survivor

    Diagnosed with breast cancer while living a health-conscious lifestyle, Nancy Martch aggressively battled her Stage 3B diagnosis head-on. Now, leveraging her yoga expertise, Nancy empowers others through personalized yoga therapy, blending acceptance and self-awareness into her healing approach. 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 Nancy discover her breast cancer? 2. What kind of lifestyle was Nancy leading when she was diagnosed with cancer? 3. How has yoga helped Nancy cope with her cancer diagnosis and treatments? 4. Which specific yoga poses does Nancy find beneficial for relaxation and stress reduction? 5. What is the importance of self-assessment in yoga according to Nancy? 6. What is the role of non-competitive self-acceptance in Nancy's yoga practice? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Yoga therapy is personalized; classes are generalized. 05:04 Yoga integrates body awareness and lifelong practice. 07:37 Advocate for yourself; misdiagnosis taught me. 12:50 Acceptance and awareness: adapting self-care through challenges. 13:57 Breathing techniques helped manage panic effectively. 20:03 Teaching relaxation and breath exercises for self-use. 22:33 Yoga is adaptable and tailored to individual needs. 26:12 Diagnosis doesn't define us; posture can improve. 28:22 Self-love empowers us to support ourselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min

  5. APR 21

    Early Screening, Genetic Testing, and Hope After Loss to Metastatic Breast Cancer

    After losing her mother to de novo metastatic breast cancer, Elise turned grief into long term advocacy and board service at The Rose. She demystifies modern metastatic care, clinical trials, and lifelong treatment while urging women of every age to push for screenings and answers. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. 10 Key Questions Answered 1. How Elise became involved with The Rose board and metastatic breast cancer advocacy. 2. What happened during her mother’s initial breast cancer diagnosis and why it was classified as de novo metastatic. 3. How metastatic breast cancer treatment looked in the early 1990s, including bone marrow transplant approaches. 4. What key advances have changed metastatic breast cancer care since her mother’s time, such as genetic testing and subtype specific treatments. 5. How clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer usually work today and why they rarely involve placebo without treatment. 6. Why metastatic patients often need lifelong treatment and careful monitoring to stay on effective therapy as long as possible. 7. How advocacy groups and steering committees at MD Anderson direct research funds toward metastatic specific projects. 8. Why self advocacy and persistence with providers can be critical, especially for younger women seeking mammograms or additional testing. 9. How Elise balances her volunteer work, legal background, and family life while staying active on multiple boards and committees. 10. What message she wants women and families to remember about screening, self care, and not putting their own health last. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Board recruitment and early connection to The Rose02:30 High risk programs, navigation, and genetic testing03:45 Mother’s de novo metastatic diagnosis and treatment in the 1990s08:30 Limited options then versus today’s targeted therapies10:00 Role of subtyping, genetics, and clinical trials now11:30 How trials work, ongoing treatment, and progression13:00 Starting early mammograms and self advocacy in her 30s17:30 Younger women, “too young” barriers, and trusting your body21:30 Advanced breast cancer steering committee and research funding24:30 Boot Walk fundraising and metastatic specific projects28:00 Broader volunteer work and intensity of patient needs31:00 Navigation, uninsured women, and final call to advocate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min

  6. APR 16

    CPRIT, The Texas Cancer Plan, and You

    How does one man's dedication to community health reshape cancer prevention efforts in Texas? Carlton Allen's passion for public health and population health, sparked during his academic years, led him to an influential role in the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). Through his guidance, CPRIT addresses significant cancer burdens and health disparities statewide. Meanwhile, Allen champions the Texas Cancer Plan as a comprehensive roadmap for continued progress in cancer prevention and care. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Carlton Allen get into public health? 2. What differentiates public health from direct patient care according to Carlton? 3. Where did Carlton Allen complete his education? 4. How did Carlton Allen integrate community health workers (CHWs) into clinical operations? 5. What are the challenges in obtaining funding for community health workers? 6. What is the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and what roles does it play? 7. How does CPRIT impact cancer prevention and research in Texas? 8. What frustrations does Carlton Allen face in his role at CPRIT? 9. What was Carlton Allen’s role in the Texas Cancer Plan? 10. What values does Carlton hope to instill in his children based on his community work? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Community Health Workers' Impact 03:42 Healthcare Worker Reimbursement Challenge 07:46 Expanding Healthcare Outreach with Grants 10:07 Visiting Texas Prevention Grantees 13:27 Advancements in Cancer Prevention 16:51 Cancer Secrecy in Males 21:14 Inclusive Cancer Care Guidelines 25:57 Community Engagement and Volunteerism 27:56 Raising Hardworking, Community-Minded Children Learn more about CPRIT here. 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.

    32 min

  7. APR 15

    De Colombia a Houston: La Historia Personal que Impulsó la Carrera de la Radióloga Cotes

    En este episodio, la Dra. Cotes, profesora asistente y jefa de la división de imágenes mamarias en UT Health en Houston, comparte su inspiradora historia, desde su Colombia natal hasta convertirse en una destacada radióloga mamaria en los EE.UU., su misión de servir a la comunidad hispana y su transición de The Rose a UT Health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min

  8. APR 14

    She Lost Her Job, Then Found a Lump In Her Breast

    Diagnosed with DCIS while underinsured and between jobs, Ayanna Wilcher found compassionate biopsy care at The Rose and chose her own path through mastectomy and multiple opinions. Now, she leads survivor work and Rising in Grace, delivering post mastectomy comfort kits and 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. How Ayanna’s life and work shifted in the year leading up to her diagnosis, including job loss and a move back into higher education. 2. How she first felt a lump, what her recent mammogram history was, and which steps her doctor friend urged her to take. 3. What it was like to be underinsured when a biopsy was recommended and how she was referred to The Rose for care. 4. How Ayanna experienced her biopsy at The Rose, including the provider’s communication, pain control, and overall respect. 5. What happened the day she received her cancer diagnosis while traveling, and how she coped emotionally during her conference responsibilities. 6. Why she and her team named the cancer “Beulah” and how humor and mindset helped her face decisions about surgery. 7. How insurance battles over imaging, multiple oncology opinions, and differing chemo recommendations led her to choose a non chemo maintenance path with Texas Oncology. 8. How her husband’s decision to take a lower paying out of state job for health insurance, and her children’s responses, shaped the family’s experience of her cancer. 9. What specific challenges women face after mastectomy, from drains and lack of rest to the cost of pillows, bras, and other comfort items. 10. How Rising in Grace and Ayanna’s work with Angels Surviving Cancer and patient navigation training aim to make post mastectomy life less isolating and more supported. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Introduction, background, and 2026 as a rebuild year02:00 Clean mammogram, new lump, and fast follow up03:30 Job loss, underinsurance, and biopsy denial03:45 Referral to The Rose and compassionate biopsy experience05:00 DCIS diagnosis on a flight and initial shock06:30 Humor, naming “Beulah,” and building a care plan07:50 Meeting oncology team and facing mastectomy decision09:30 Moomoo mastectomy party and surgery day12:30 Pathology results, nine invasive sites, and chemo debate13:40 Second and third opinions, choosing no chemo, “bet on yourself”15:15 Impact on husband, children, and mother; caregiver burden20:00 Angels Surviving Cancer, patient navigator training, leadership21:30 Launching Rising in Grace and creating post mastectomy kits23:30 Realities of drains, rest, and the cost of comfort items26:00 Body image, bras, and emotional recovery after mastectomy29:00 Final message: act early, seek support, and remember it is not the end See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 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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