How do you respond when a friend faces a diagnosis that changes everything? What does real support look like during breast cancer treatment?

In this episode, you’ll hear how friendship, early detection, and self-advocacy made a difference. You’ll also learn about the challenges of treatment, the role of caregivers, and ways communities rally when it’s needed most.

• Discover what it takes to face fear and make critical decisions.
• Hear two friends describe finding strength and asking for help.
• See why early action and support networks can impact recovery.

Key Questions Answered

1. How did Anne-Laure discover her breast cancer?
2. How old was Anne-Laure when she was diagnosed with breast cancer?

1. What was Anne-Laure’s experience with her initial diagnosis?

1. How did Anne-Laure finally receive an accurate diagnosis?

1. What type of breast cancer was Anne-Laure diagnosed with?

1. How soon after diagnosis did Anne-Laure begin treatment?

1. Did Ann-Laure use cold caps to try to keep her hair during chemotherapy?

1. What was the role of friends and support in Anne-Laure’s journey?

1. How did Anne-Laure and her husband communicate about her diagnosis and treatment?

1. How did Anne-Laure handle the emotional impact and fear during her breast cancer journey?

1. How did Anne-Laure and Rochelle support each other as friends through the process?

1. What advice does Anne-Laure offer about early detection and self-advocacy?

1. How did the experience change Anne-Laure’s approach to accepting help?

1. How did Anne-Laure process and talk to herself through her treatment?

1. How did Anne-Laure and her community celebrate treatment milestones?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Self-Discovery of Unusual Growth

03:25 Considering a Second Opinion

09:06 "Princess Diana's Influence on Cold Caps"

11:23 Hair Perception and Dry Ice Delivery

15:52 Hospital Freezers: Aiding Neuropathy Treatment

17:00 Finding Humor in Cold Caps

22:59 "Embracing Limits and Early Detection"

24:01 Early Detection Saved My Life

29:25 "Caregiver Struggles and Attention"

32:07 Support Network Eases Transition

35:37 Proactive Help and Support

38:20 Overcoming Fear Through Understanding

Support The Rose HERE.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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There are so many pink ribbons, events, and fundraisers every October, but not everyone sees how it all adds up or where the support goes. Dorothy Gibbons is going to walk us through how Breast Cancer Awareness Month started, how every community event counts, and the real ways that funding stays local. We’ll cover:

• How awareness grew into access
• What happens for patients behind the scenes
• And how even simple fundraisers can mean critical care for women

Key Questions Answered

1. How did Breast Cancer Awareness Month originate, and when did it begin?
2. What is the significance of the pink ribbon, and how did it become associated with breast cancer awareness?
3. Were women openly talking about breast cancer in the early days of awareness efforts?
4. Has breast cancer awareness actually increased screening and mammogram rates nationally?
5. What were some key legislative and policy changes that improved access to breast cancer care?
6. What kinds of community fundraising campaigns support The Rose, and how did early campaigns look?
7. How does The Rose use community-raised, unrestricted funds to help patients?
8. What services and programs does The Rose provide to those in need?
9. How can someone get involved in supporting The Rose, even if they don’t own a business or have much money to donate?
10. Can patient stories and experiences make an impact, and how are they shared by The Rose?
11. How significant are Breast Cancer Awareness Month fundraisers to The Rose’s annual operations?
12. What impact has The Rose had on individual lives through these community-supported programs?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Origins of Breast Cancer Awareness

05:24 "Crucial ACR Accreditation in Mammography"

07:58 "Early Breast Cancer Fundraising Initiatives"

12:02 Navigating Breast Cancer Diagnosis Paths

13:49 Breast Cancer Support and Fundraising

18:29 Celebratory Events & Employee Appreciation

19:57 Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month

23:01 Community of Caring Employees

27:05 Fundraising Support and Coordination

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.

Today is National Podcast Day, and we invited our producer Freddy Cruz to talk about the stories behind Let's Talk About Your Breasts.

• You’ll hear about how we started, and why telling your story in your own words matters.
• We'll share moments that have moved us, changed us, and maybe even changed the people listening.
• And we’ll talk about the power of community support and what it means to be your own advocate.

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 the Let's Talk About Your Breasts get started?

2. Why did Dorothy want to create a podcast about breast health and The Rose?

3. What challenges did Dorothy face in starting the podcast?

4. Why is the podcast format valuable for sharing patient stories?

5. How is fun incorporated as an essential element of the podcast?

6. How has the podcast helped patients and guests share their own stories?

7. What impact do patient interviews have on the hosts?

8. How does the podcast handle difficult or sensitive topics, like breast cancer in young women or during pregnancy?

9. What role does community support play in the success of The Rose and its podcast?

10. Why are podcasts a powerful tool for spreading awareness and encouragement beyond the local community?

11. What advice do the hosts have for others considering starting a podcast?

12. How does the show approach topics of self-advocacy and overcoming barriers in healthcare?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Personal Goal Exploration Insights

04:35 Must Be Fun

07:32 Bear's Emotional Rollercoaster Journey

16:13 Empowerment Through Podcasting

19:10 Podcasting Without Analytic Pressure

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa Greggs, inspired by her mother Dr. Jennie Bennett’s legacy, now serves as acting director of Reconstruction of a Survivor.

Despite facing grief and depression after her mother’s passing, Greggs channels her passion for helping women feel confident through fashion. Her journey blends advocacy, self-discovery, and continuing her mother’s mission.

Learn more about Reconstruction of a Survivor 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. What is Reconstruction of a Survivor and how did it start?

2. Where are the support groups for Reconstruction of a Survivor located?

3. What inspired Dr. Jennie Bennett to create a curriculum for support groups?

4. How did Dr. Jennie Bennett transition from teaching math and science to supporting breast cancer survivors?

5. How did Melissa’s personal life and career change due to her mother’s illness?

6. How does Melissa see fashion as a transformative force for women, especially survivors?

7. How does Melissa cope with grief and depression after her mother’s passing?

8. What lessons did Melissa learn from her mother that guide her as acting director?

9. What challenges and new skills has Melissa faced in taking on the acting directorship of Reconstruction of a Survivor?

10. How do Dorothy and Melissa see the balance between leading with heart and head, especially in the nonprofit world?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Creating Support for Breast Cancer Survivors

05:26 Unique Daughter's Achievements

09:13 Navigating Early Experiences and Identity

10:21 Empowerment Through Personal Style

15:58 Sharing Imperfection and Struggle

18:37 Embracing Leadership Journey

21:30 Empowerment Through Education

26:42 Dressing for Confidence and Comfort

29:57 Authentic Grace and Confidence

30:47 Graceful Fight Against Breast Cancer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leah Adams currently serves as Vice President of Engagement at Houston’s Institute for Spirituality and Health. Her path to the Institute began decades ago and her journey is one of resilience and connection—turning grief into a mission to help others heal.

Since 1955, the Institute has brought spirituality into healthcare, education, and community programs, offering support groups, professional training, and resources that nurture mind, body, and spirit.

In this episode, Dorothy Gibbons and Leah explore the power of compassionate care and belonging in times of need.

Learn more about The Institute for Spirituality and Health 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. What is the Institute for Spirituality and Health, and what is Leah Adams’s role there?

2. How long has the Institute for Spirituality and Health been around, and how did it get started?

3. How did the Institute innovate chaplaincy in healthcare?

4. How did Leah Adams’s personal journey lead her to the Institute?

5. How did Leah process her brother’s tragic death, and how did it influence her spiritual journey?

6. What’s the difference between spirituality and religion, according to the Institute?

7. Why is a spiritual practice or community important, especially in unsettled times?

8. What kinds of support groups and programs does the Institute offer, and who are they for?

9. How does the Institute promote spiritual presence and connection in healthcare education?

10. What are the main centers of excellence within the Institute and what do they focus on?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Journey from Tragedy to Private Equity

03:48 Finding Unity in Global Diversity

09:48 Embracing Spirituality at Work

11:21 Spiritual Community for Resilience

15:23 Promoting Spirituality in Medicine

16:51 The Power of Presence

21:33 Community and Belonging in Houston

24:40 End-of-Life Care and Support

29:21 Connecting Through Mission-Driven Leadership

31:18 Weekly Support & Wellness Groups

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Becca Johnson shares the sequence of events that led to her breast cancer diagnosis and what happened next.

Initial mammograms and consultations showed no clear issues, but persistent symptoms led Becca to push for further testing. When the diagnosis came, she documented every detail and sought support from medical staff and loved ones.

Becca describes communicating with her children and organizing her next steps. Faith guided her choices as she incorporated both conventional treatment and alternative approaches. Community support, including fundraising through T-shirt sales featuring meaningful Bible verses, helped cover medical expenses. Becca stresses the importance of research, questioning, and finding a supportive network.

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 Becca Johnson first discover she had breast cancer?

2. What was Becca’s initial reaction upon receiving her cancer diagnosis?

3. How did Becca approach telling her children about her diagnosis?

4. What did Becca do after learning about her diagnosis?

5. What specific type of breast cancer was Becca diagnosed with?

6. Did Becca have any known familial risk factors for breast cancer?

7. How did Becca’s faith influence her journey with breast cancer?

8. What role did Becca’s support network play during her diagnosis and treatment?

9. What advice does Becca share for others who receive a cancer diagnosis?

10. What does Becca recommend to those struggling with feelings of isolation after a cancer diagnosis?

11. How did Becca personalize her healing journey (e.g., alternative treatments, lifestyle changes)?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Mammogram Misdiagnosis: Lingering Concerns

06:15 Urgent Call to Doctor

06:52 Seeking Guidance and Self-Discipline

12:11 A Life-Altering Diagnosis

16:04 Urgent Lumpectomy Needed

17:30 Surgery Decision Urgency

21:26 Exodus 14 Revelation

26:10 Spiritual Awakening at 25

27:10 Turning Point: A New Path

31:25 Unique Responses to Cancer Treatment

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

¿Qué pasa después del diagnóstico? Elizabeth nos cuenta cómo su rol de navegadora de pacientes cambia vidas, brindando no solo recursos médicos, sino también esperanza, comunidad y contención emocional. Desde el diagnóstico hasta la recuperación, ella se convierte en guía, consejera y ángel para quienes enfrentan una de las luchas más difíciles de su vida.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Quianta Moore grew up in Pennsylvania, moved to Texas, and then found her path through medicine, law, and policy. She now leads the Hackett Center for Mental Health where she’s focused on access to care, early brain development, and what happens to women during times like menopause or postpartum.

• We’ll learn what shaped her career and why she took risks to tackle gaps in women’s health.
• We’ll talk about mental health challenges uniquely impacting women, from isolation to the cost and coverage of care.
• We’ll hear how common sense can make a difference while we wait for research.

Learn more about The Hackett Center for Mental Health 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. What is Dr. Quianta Moore’s background and journey into medicine and public health?

2. How did Dr. Moore become interested in women’s health?

3. Why did Dr. Moore pursue both medical and legal training, and how did that shape her career?

4. What is the Hackett Center for Mental Health, and what does Dr. Moore do there?

5. How did Hurricane Harvey affect health outcomes in Houston?

6. What is the relationship between mental health and physical health in women, especially around menopause?

7. What disparities do women face in healthcare coverage and costs?

8. What challenges exist for women seeking menopause-related care?

9. How does social connectedness impact mental health, and are there examples from Houston communities?

10. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect mental health, especially for children and adolescents?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Choosing Medicine: A Journey

04:08 Hackett Center for Mental Health Leadership

06:57 Immediate Action over Waiting for Research

12:19 Ophthalmology Fellowship Success Story

15:10 Focus: Early Brain Development Impact

18:34 Women: Disproportionate Health Care Burdens

22:20 Addressing Menopause in the Workplace

24:35 Community Resource Platform Development

28:12 Parental Isolation and Social Connection

31:19 Early Brain Development and COVID Impact

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.