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.
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Top 10 Let's Talk About Your Breasts Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Let's Talk About Your Breasts episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Let's Talk About Your Breasts for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Let's Talk About Your Breasts episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Effective Cold Capping for Chemo Patients
Let's Talk About Your Breasts
01/23/25 • 32 min
How does one turn a personal battle into a mission for societal good?
Michelle Holland's experience with cancer has evolved into advocacy for early detection and patient support. As a cancer survivor working at Siemens Healthineers, she promotes advanced mammography for earlier diagnosis. Her story underscores the power of self-advocacy and resilience.
Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Key Questions Answered
1. What motivated Michelle Holland to share her personal story of battling cancer?
2. What is Michelle Holland's current profession, and how does it relate to her cancer journey?
3. Did Michelle Holland have any genetic markers for cancer?
4. How did Michelle Holland manage her time during chemotherapy?
5. What coping mechanism does Michelle Holland emphasize for those undergoing treatment?
6. How does Michelle Holland use her personal experience in her professional life?
7. What is cold capping, and why does Michelle Holland advocate for it?
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Cancer treatment journey with surgery, chemo, complications.
04:09 Cold cap preserves hair during chemotherapy treatment.
06:38 Pre-chemo preparation involved hair-wetting.
11:10 Surgery affirmed my strength; I hosted Thanksgiving.
13:07 Excited: selling revolutionary mammogram machine at Siemens.
17:12 Sharing my story promotes women's health prioritization.
19:37 Visit Paxman website; insurance might cover cost.
23:47 Fundraiser supports hidden costs of treatment.
28:44 Machine improves comfort and tech accessibility during mammograms.
29:39 Get early mammogram; everyone's cancer is unique.
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1 Listener
What You Need to Know About Screening Guidelines
Let's Talk About Your Breasts
01/30/25 • 6 min
How can breast cancer screening guidelines affect women's healthcare access?
Dorothy Gibbons discusses recent changes in breast cancer screening recommendations. JAMA confirmed that starting screenings at age 40 improves outcomes. Previously, the USPSTF advised screening starting at age 50, but now they recommend it for women aged 40 to 74, every other year. Dorothy advocates for annual screenings for more effective detection. She differentiates between routine and diagnostic mammograms, emphasizing their importance.
USPSTF’s stance on breast density informs whether further tests like MRIs or ultrasounds are necessary. Insurance coverage hinges on these recommendations. The Affordable Care Act mandates insurance to cover preventive services, but legal challenges could affect this provision. Dorothy recalls a case where a woman had to pay out of pocket for an ultrasound, which ultimately saved her life. She urges listeners to understand these issues and their potential impact on women's health.
Subscribe to Let's Talk About Your Breasts and consider supporting The Rose at therose.org.
Key Questions Answered
1. Why is it important to start breast cancer screening at age 40?
2. What are the differences between screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms?
3. What were the previous recommendations for the starting age of breast cancer screenings by the USPSTF?
4. What did the recent update from the USPSTF recommend regarding breast cancer screenings?
5. What is the importance of breast density information for women?
6. What does the USPSTF say about supplemental screening for women with dense breasts?
7. How does health insurance typically respond to the USPSTF recommendations?
8. What is the role of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in preventive services like mammograms?
Timestamped Overview
00:00 "Breast Cancer Screening: Start at 40"
03:16 Affordable Care Act: Legal Challenges
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 Listener
Breast Cancer Diagnosis at 33: Ivanna's Story of Perseverance
Let's Talk About Your Breasts
01/28/25 • 37 min
How do couples navigate the tumultuous journey of unexpected medical crises?
For Wayne and Ivanna, it began with Wayne's emergency retina surgery, quickly followed by Ivanna's shocking breast cancer diagnosis at age 33. They found solace and strength in each other, embracing health advocacy and community support. Through their ordeal, they transformed their challenges into a mission to inspire and educate others.
Key Questions Answered
1. What health advocacy steps does Ivanna recommend for women?
2. How did Ivanna and Wayne handle the emotional and mental health aspects of dealing with illness?
3. How did Ivanna's initial breast cancer diagnosis occur, and what was her reaction?
4. What was Wayne's role and response in supporting Ivanna during her health challenges?
5. How did Ivanna and Wayne's health challenges affect their family plans and vacations?
6. What critical health decision did Ivanna make regarding her cancer treatment, and what was the outcome?
7. What was the significance of self-advocacy as highlighted by both Ivanna and the host Dorothy Gibbons?
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Met beautiful woman while bartending one Sunday.
03:43 Date night mishap: fancy wine, no glassware.
08:17 Breast lump concerns repeatedly dismissed by doctors.
10:14 Got biopsy results earlier than expected.
13:10 Struggled with pregnancy and potential health issues.
16:29 Post-pregnancy breast changes important for diagnosis.
21:41 Seeking definitive guidance on radiation treatment necessity.
25:20 Concerned about children's fast-paced upbringing.
27:53 Vacation plan canceled due to emergency surgery.
29:49 Retinal detachment diagnosed; emergency surgery needed.
33:43 Not ready for breast cancer survivor group.
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1 Listener
Surviving Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Giving Back to Help Others
Let's Talk About Your Breasts
03/06/25 • 31 min
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.
1 Listener
Healing Hearts and Inspiring Women, A Survivor’s Story
Let's Talk About Your Breasts
04/18/24 • 17 min
What’s it like to be a real live Angel? Marva Skinner shares what it takes and why Angels Surviving Cancer is so important to women. She lost both parents, battled and won her own breast cancer and now spends her time helping others.
In this episode, you’ll learn how she found a renewed sense of purpose through her involvement with the organization and as a breast cancer survivor, how her experience guides her in navigating others through their breast cancer journey.
You’ll hear why Angels Surviving Cancer is not just an organization; it's a lifeline, offering mentorship, financial assistance, scholarships, and organizing events to honor and support breast cancer patients and their families.
It's a reminder that behind every breast cancer diagnosis is a person in need of support, understanding, and hope.
Please consider sharing this episode with your family and friends at therose.org. Your action may save the life of an uninsured woman.
Key Questions Answered
1.) How can one find purpose and hope while going through breast cancer?
2.) What ways does Angels Surviving Cancer provide support, mentorship, and education to breast cancer patients?
3.) Why are more people needed to get involved and support the mission of Angels Surviving Cancer?
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:01 Finding Purpose and Hope
02:13 Personal Experience with Breast Cancer
03:35 Support and Assistance for Breast Cancer Patients
06:04 Personal Support for Vanessa
08:24 Providing Skills and Education
09:23 Prayer Breakfast and Scholarships
11:22 Expanding Reach and Support
12:50 Closing Remarks
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How this Couple Uses Taekwondo to Knock Out Breast Cancer
Let's Talk About Your Breasts
02/13/24 • 43 min
Alicia Um says to step out on faith.
The 2008 recession left her family broke and a breast cancer diagnosis made matters worse.
With nowhere to turn, her husband moved out of state to find work while she underwent treatment, all while raising kids.
During this conversation, you’ll hear from both Alicia and her husband, Aaron. They discuss their faith, the importance of staying positive, and how their taekwondo gym is inspiring young children to pay it forward to The Rose.
Help us share the mission of The Rose by subscribing to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on your favorite podcast platform, and by sharing with your family and friends.
Please consider supporting us at therose.org. Your donation could help save the life of an uninsured woman.
Key Questions Answered
1.) Why are faith and perseverance crucial in overcoming challenges?
2.) How can support from organizations like The Rose make a significant difference in a person's cancer journey?
3.) Why are giving back and helping others bringing purpose and fulfillment?
4.) How can listening to your intuition and making difficult decisions lead to positive outcomes?
Chapters
00:00 Life before 2008
01:25 Moving to Houston
03:11 Diagnosis and loss
04:30 Finding The Rose
06:49 Navigating the journey
08:42 Rebuilding and giving back
09:09 Support during treatment
10:26 Challenges of treatment
11:47 Finding strength and purpose
13:30 Giving back to The Rose
17:48 Surviving and moving forward
19:16 The power of faith
20:15 Helping other women
21:12 Board breaking event
23:31 Encouragement for women
28:52 Husband's perspective
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Don’t Call Her a Survivor, Call Her a THRIVER
Let's Talk About Your Breasts
01/30/24 • 38 min
“Can’t never could do nothing.”
Those are the words of the late Bob Domec, one of The Rose’s most cherished supporters and board members.
Our next guest, Terri Snider, remembers those words—the words of her father—quite often, as she battles cancer for the second time. You’ll hear a lot about the importance of positivity during this conversation.
You’ll also hear about her first battle with cancer. Which drives home the importance of questioning one’s doctors and getting a second opinion.
As she battles this second round of cancer, she shares her story and life experiences, which include early trips to the gym and a spot on Pink Phurree, a local dragon boat team.
Help us share the mission of The Rose by subscribing to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on your favorite podcast platform, and by sharing with your family and friends.
Please consider supporting us at therose.org. Your donation could help save the life of an uninsured woman.
Key questions answered
- Why is it important to stay positive and having a support system when facing breast cancer?
- Why is it important to stay active when fighting cancer?
- How can seeking support from others who have been through similar experiences can provide invaluable understanding and encouragement?
- Why is questioning doctors and seeking second opinions essential to ensuring the best possible care and treatment?
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Terri's Positive Attitude
01:07 Diagnosis and Support from Terri's Dad
05:15 Complications and Lymphedema
07:39 Living with Lymphedema
08:06 Pink Phurree and Support from the Team
11:28 Support from Terri's Family
12:55 Shaving Heads and Taking Pictures
16:06 Current Diagnosis and Treatment
19:00 Initial Reaction to Reoccurrence
20:07 Choosing Quality of Life
21:19 Staying Positive and Living Life
22:18 Importance of Support from Family and Friends
25:42 Questioning Doctors and Seeking Second Opinions
27:05 Support from Colleagues at Work
28:25 Being Stronger and Standing Up for Herself
30:17 Importance of Asking Questions and Not Googling
34:00 The Power of Positivity
36:24 Cancer Can Affect Anyone
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How One Man Keeps His Sister's Spirit Alive
Let's Talk About Your Breasts
03/23/23 • 27 min
Daniel Barron lost his sister to inflammatory breast cancer in 2005.
There was no history of breast cancer in their family. And Ana was too young to die, only 30 years old. She had two small children and had her entire life ahead of her.
The symptoms were not the typical you associate with breast cancer. Initially, the symptoms were passed off as mastitis.
During this episode, Dorothy and Daniel speak about Ana's cancer journey, and why it's important for younger women to stay vigilant about their health.
Daniel has kept her spirit alive through a number of fundraiser for The Rose, including 30 for Ana, a thirty-mile run through the Houston area.
Learn more about the Barron family, and IBC, HERE.
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How Her Mother’s Cancer Battle Inspired a Life Changing Nonprofit
Let's Talk About Your Breasts
01/18/24 • 41 min
Cortney Cole-Hall is a true renaissance woman.
From corporate executive to real estate mogul, she’s enjoyed much success.
But the loss of her mother inspired something that has saved Houston area women from debt collectors. And homelessness.
She founded Pink Door Nonprofit because she didn’t want women to experience what her mom had to endure: trouble paying bills.
During this conversation, Dorothy and Cortney talk about Pink Door’s inception, its eventual sunsetting, and how this all ties back into The Rose’s mission.
Help us share the mission of The Rose by subscribing to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on your favorite podcast platform, and by sharing with your family and friends.
Please consider supporting us at therose.org. Your donation could help save the life of an uninsured woman.
Key Questions Answered
- Why does starting a nonprofit require dedication, hard work, and a strong belief in the cause?
- Why regular mammograms are crucial for early detection and treatment of breast cancer?
- What makes running a nonprofit emotionally challenging and rewarding?
- When do you know it’s time to end a nonprofit, so you can ensure it has a positive legacy?
- How does supporting and volunteering for nonprofits make a significant difference in the lives of those in need?
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:58 Early Life and Career
03:04 Starting Pink Door Nonprofit
04:53 Mission and Services of Pink Door
06:42 The Inspiration Behind the Name Pink Door
07:12 The Impact of Pink Door and Volunteer Staff
09:32 Emotional Toll and Dealing with Loss
10:39 Favorite Stories of Pink Door
11:58 The Importance of Breast Health and Mammograms
16:23 The Decision to End Pink Door
24:23 The Impact of the Pandemic on Pink Door
26:19 The Legacy of Pink Door and Next Adventure
34:52 Advice for Starting a Nonprofit
38:34 Looking Forward to the Future
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Driving Across the Lone Star State to Ensure Her Sister Got the Best Healthcare
Let's Talk About Your Breasts
01/23/24 • 33 min
How far would you go to ensure your loved one had the best medical care possible?
Ellen Elam drove her sister Cindy across Texas, headed west to New Mexico, up north to Oklahoma, and eastward to Florida.
It started when she was unhappy with the care Cindy received in Dallas. What happened afterward involved a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis in Houston, and a fight for her sister’s life.
During this conversation, Ellen shares her family’s story. And you’ll also hear why Ellen's dream is that everyone facing any kind of disease has a patient navigator, someone to stand beside them, support them, and get them through by doing whatever is needed, whenever it's needed, and however it's needed.
Help us share the mission of The Rose by subscribing to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on your favorite podcast platform, and by sharing with your family and friends.
Please consider supporting us at therose.org. Your donation could help save the life of an uninsured woman.
Key Questions Answered
- How do Patient Navigators help individuals through the healthcare system and access the best care possible?
- How does advocacy and support from caregivers and loved ones play a role in a patient's journey?
- Why is asking questions, seeking help, and not being afraid to challenge doctors and explore different options essential in finding the best care?
- Why is funding and support for nonprofits necessary to provide resources and assistance to patients in need?
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Patient Navigation
01:12 Ellen's Background in Small Business
06:23 Ellen's Sister's Breast Cancer Diagnosis
09:45 Ellen's Advocacy for Her Sister
12:34 The Importance of Asking Questions and Seeking Help
18:42 The Role of Support Systems in Patient Advocacy
21:49 Ellen's Dream of Expanding Patient Navigation
27:48 Ellen's Vision with Unlimited Resources
30:39 The Need for Funding and Support for Nonprofits
32:06 Advice for Caregivers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Let's Talk About Your Breasts have?
Let's Talk About Your Breasts currently has 230 episodes available.
What topics does Let's Talk About Your Breasts cover?
The podcast is about Non-Profit, Podcasts, Education and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Let's Talk About Your Breasts?
The episode title 'Breast Cancer Diagnosis at 33: Ivanna's Story of Perseverance' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Let's Talk About Your Breasts?
The average episode length on Let's Talk About Your Breasts is 28 minutes.
How often are episodes of Let's Talk About Your Breasts released?
Episodes of Let's Talk About Your Breasts are typically released every 2 days.
When was the first episode of Let's Talk About Your Breasts?
The first episode of Let's Talk About Your Breasts was released on Feb 28, 2023.
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