A Phobia of Needles Kept Her from Seeing a Doctor About the Lump in Her Breast
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 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 and undergo the necessary exams and eventual treatments for breast cancer.
Special Episode – Grateful Patients And A Heartfelt Thank You
Thank you. A simple phrase that means so much. At The Rose, our patients are filled with gratitude because they have access to life-saving breast care regardless of insurance status. On this special episode of Let’s Talk About Your Breasts, you’ll hear directly from those who tell their story best. These guests are The Rose’s patients, and these are their heartfelt thank you’s.
Health and Advocacy for Women in the Food and Beverage Industry
Dr. Lori Choi returns to the show to discuss the declining state of women’s healthcare in Texas. She and Dorothy highlight the shortage of resources, particularly in rural and low-income areas.
Blindness, Breast Cancer, and Bold Choices: One Woman’s Unyielding Spirit
Jennifer Parrish, Manager of Business Services at the Lighthouse of Houston, joins Dorothy to share her story. Parrish talks about managing work at the Lighthouse of Houston, overcoming transportation issues for treatments, and addressing misconceptions around breast cancer.
Aunt Tonja’s Legacy: More Than Just Words
Since the death of her aunt Tonja from breast cancer, Chrissy Ransome has redoubled her efforts to ensure women in her community get the screening they need. Tonja’s late-stage diagnosis, partly due to being uninsured, profoundly impacted Chrissy. Now, she channels her grief into action, spreading awareness and resources through various community initiatives.
Behind the Mic: Real Stories and Prayers with Reena Friedman-Watts
Reena Friedman-Watts, host of the popular Better Call Daddy podcast, shared the challenges she faced in scheduling a mammogram due to the complexity of the healthcare system. Despite being insured, navigating referrals and regulations proved difficult. Reena’s conversation with Dorothy highlights the importance of advocating for oneself and the systemic changes needed to improve access to crucial health screenings.
Increasing Mammogram Accessibility for Women Veterans
Dr. Mahdieh Parizi is a pioneer in women’s healthcare at the VA, and she speaks with Dorothy about the introduction of patient self-scheduling for mammograms and improving patient return rates.
A Survivor’s Medicaid Challenges During Breast Cancer Treatment
How does a mother navigate a healthcare system that often fails to see her pain? Courtney Clark’s struggle with medical dismissal and racial bias highlights a critical gap in healthcare. At 34, while nursing her daughter, she discovered a lump only to be dismissed by her doctor. Her story underscores the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking thorough medical attention.
The Rose: A Beacon of Hope
Dorothy Gibbons’ joins CanCare President and CEO Darcy Wells to discuss The Rose’s mission. Fueled by the stories of uninsured women, Gibbons and her team strive to bridge the gap in healthcare. Their patient navigation program stands as a testament to hope and resilience
Partnering with Christus St. Mary’s Clinic to Bridge the Healthcare Gap
Dr. Popp returns to the podcast to discuss healthcare challenges for the uninsured. We’ll explore the work at Christus St. Mary’s Clinic in Houston, focusing on preventive care and early detection. Dr. Popp shares shocking statistics, like “when an uninsured person is diagnosed with breast cancer, 60% of the time they will die of breast cancer than an insured woman.” We’ll discuss mobile mammography coaches and innovative solutions to bridge the healthcare gap. Join us to understand why “the uninsured have waited, have found something, and it’s much more advanced.”
