Let's Talk About Your Breasts

Brahana Marksberry's 25-year career at The Rose highlights her commitment to helping women navigate complex healthcare systems. Starting as an office manager more than two decades ago, she grew to become a vital figure, especially with assisting the uninsured. Brahana’s role ensures women receive the care they need, despite the challenges they may face within Texas’ healthcare system....

Dee Benson’s inspiring journey from overcoming addiction to championing breast cancer awareness and support is an extraordinary example of determination and resilience. After discovering her diagnosis during a long-overdue mammogram and facing insurance hurdles, she sought help from The Rose, following their pink mobile mammography coach she noticed while driving. Her mission now is connecti...

Dorothy Gibbons discusses the rising incidence of invasive breast cancer among young women, highlighting the urgency of early detection and proactive health measures. From 2015 to 2019, breast cancer cases in women aged 40 to 49 increased with a concerning trend also noted in younger ages.  The United States Preventive Services Task Force previously advised starting mammograms at 50, potentia...

Dr. Partha Nandi, a gastroenterologist and internal medicine doctor, delves into this intricate relationship between our gut and our brain in his book, "Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain." Spurred by his father's stroke, he explores how gut health can influence brain function. Through his five pillars of health, Dr. Nandi offers practical steps for improving both gut and brain health. Key Questions A...

Dr. Raz joins Dorothy Gibbons to discuss the increasing incidence of breast cancer in women under 40 and the challenges of early detection. He explains that improved screening technology and methodologies are revealing more cases and emphasizes the need for nuanced risk stratification models to identify higher-risk women earlier. Key Questions Answered 1. Has cancer increased in younger women? 2....

“Booze and Boobs,” started by friends Star Hand and Chloe Di Leo, started as a fun get-together and evolved into a significant fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. Their ingenious approach ensures every dollar raised goes directly to The Rose, aiding countless women in need. This annual event merges fun and philanthropy seamlessly. Key Questions Answered 1. What is the focus of this...

Dra. Cotes y Elda abordan la importancia crítica de la detección temprana del cáncer de mama, especialmente en la comunidad hispana. Destacan cómo el miedo, la falta de conocimiento y las barreras culturales a menudo impiden que las mujeres busquen atención médica, subrayando que la conciencia y la intervención temprana pueden salvar vidas. La Dra....

Ronnie Hagerty, board member of The Rose, recounts her personal story of rallying together with friends years ago when a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. She describes the important role friends can play during this time; a role no other person can fill. This was also the first time she encountered seeing the different ways The Rose helps women. Known for her deep understanding of ph...

Justin Kendrick, SVP and CEO of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, shares his story of supporting his wife through cancer treatment while managing his family and career. He highlights the power of vulnerability and community and how resources and support from organizations like Canopy played a crucial role in their journey. Additionally, Justin’s emphasis on gratitude and human c...

Dawn Elliott, Physician Liaison at The Rose, recounts her breast cancer journey with host Dorothy Gibbons. For years, Dawn's gynecologist emphasized the need for a baseline mammogram at 35 despite no family history. Once she turned 35, Dawn scheduled her regular gynecologist appointment, and he noticed a lump during her exam. This led to biopsies revealing stage zero cancer. Dawn's experience prop...

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...

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...

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 Br...

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. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Nancy discover her breast cancer? 2. What kind of lifestyle was Nancy...

What can we do to feed ourselves better food so we can live our best lives? Dr. Dixie Melillo joins Dorothy to answer that question, and others. And these are hard truths we all need to hear. She and Dorothy talk about nutrition as it pertains to not only cancer, but to overall health. The conversation also shines a spotlight on the healthcare system’s biggest issues, the role of processed f...

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 pr...

Ashma Khanani-Moosa, Rose board member and two-time cancer survivor, has channeled her life experiences into guiding and supporting women through various challenges. She joins Dorothy Gibbons to discuss her journey to become a certified life coach – from losing her mother at a young age, experiencing multiple miscarriages, and her fights against cancer. Ashma now leads support groups and offers en...

In recognition of National Law Enforcement Day, The Rose invites you to listen to today’s episode with breast cancer survivor, and one of the City of Galveston’s finest, Sgt. Stacy Papillion. “If your doctor didn’t listen to you, you need to find another doctor.” Those are the words of Stacy. Affectionately known as “Sergeant Pap,” Stacy knows a thing or t...

In this mini-episode, Dorothy talks about the importance of setting goals for the new year. She sets one-hundred six goals every year. ONE-HUNDRED SIX! Dorothy will go over why she writes hers down and how we should write ours down. Keyword: WRITE. You'll hear the exact words to use and which ones to avoid at all costs. We'd love to know your goals. After writing them down, tag us on Facebook and...

In this episode, Dorothy Gibbons interviews her daughter-in-law, Dr. L.J. Henderson, a primary care physician in Canada. Dr. Henderson breaks down distinctions between Canadian and U.S. healthcare and touches on her career path, revealing how family medicine in Canada has evolved. Key Questions Answered 1. What is the difference between a General Practitioner (GP) and a Family Physician in Canada?...

En este episodio, conversamos con la Monja y Dra. Roseanne Popp, directora de la Clínica CHRISTUS St. Mary’s y aliada clave de The Rose. La Dra. Popp nos comparte cómo ha dedicado su vida a servir a la comunidad hispana, aprendiendo español para conectar mejor con sus pacientes y romper barreras en el acceso a la salud. Hablamos sobre: Su trabajo con mujeres sin seguro médico para garantizar mamog...

Valerie McDaniels' story of discovering a lump in her breast and delaying medical attention due to a phobia, quickly escalated to a life-or-death struggle. She tells Dorothy Gibbons how a cruise in December 2023 revealed the critical nature of her condition when the mass burst, forcing her to seek urgent care. Ultimately, the support of her family and faith empowered Valerie to confront her fears...

Dr. Chadi Nabhan's dedication to oncology is deeply rooted in the human connection with his patients. With more than 20 years of experience, he joins Dorothy Gibbons to emphasize the importance of open communication and knowledge between patient and doctor. His journey highlights that trust and clear communication are fundamental to navigating the cancer journey. Key Questions Answered 1. What are...

Kirk Cox joins Dorothy on Let’s Talk About Your Breasts to discuss how early encounters with his mother's breast cancer in the 60s profoundly affected him. Watching her bravery through invasive surgeries and treatments left an indelible mark. This personal history guided him as he later managed his Aunt Dottie's care and faced the tragic loss of his own child. Key Questions Answered 1. How was Kir...

Ellen Chen's story of navigating a career change after her father's passing is one of introspection and reinvention. Balancing personal grief and professional demands, Ellen chose to resign from her demanding HR role. This pivotal decision allowed her to prioritize family and launch her own consulting firm. Key Questions Answered 1. What prompted Ellen Chen to share her personal story at this mome...