How do you talk about breast cancer when it’s something your community rarely discusses, sometimes because of culture, sometimes because of faith, and sometimes just because it’s hard?

Salima Hirani faced breast cancer not just as a patient, but as a mother, a daughter, and someone who knew the taboos around speaking up. In this episode:

• You’ll hear how Salima found her own voice in a world that often keeps silent.
• You’ll learn how faith and culture shape conversations about cancer in the family.
• You’ll find out how sharing your story can help break stigma and help someone else feel less alone.

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 Salima first discover her breast cancer and when was she diagnosed?

2. What was Salima’s initial reaction upon being told she had breast cancer?

3.How did Salima share her diagnosis with her children and what were their reactions?

4. What was Salima’s treatment journey for breast cancer?

5. How did Salima’s children support her during her cancer journey?

6. What taboos or social challenges did Salima encounter in her community regarding breast cancer?

7. Why do some women in Salima’s community avoid breast cancer screening or mammograms?

8. How does Salima recommend supporting other women facing a breast cancer diagnosis?

9. What advice does Salima offer to her community about breast cancer awareness and prevention?

10. How does Salima view the importance of forming support groups and community awareness initiatives?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Breaking Taboos on Breast Cancer"

06:05 Cancer Chart Reviewer Experience

07:59 Quick Errand Across Street

10:19 Single Parent's Concerns for Kids

13:26 Sibling Misunderstanding Spurs Emotions

17:48 "Nurse Overcomes MRI Anxiety"

21:06 "Personal Choice for Peace"

26:10 Private Strength Amid Diagnosis

29:23 "Prioritize Health Screenings Now"

31:12 Silent Support Network

34:41 Engaging Older Generations in Health Conversations

38:38 Addressing Health Concerns Early

39:51 Silent Struggle: Family's Cancer Journey

43:42 Breast Cancer: Treatable at Any Stage

49:08 Empowering Dialogue for Women's Health

52:58 Breast Cancer Warriors Unite

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Why do some physicians dedicate their lives to serving the under-resourced and uninsured?

Dr. Mary T. Neal joins Dorothy to share her path from early aspirations, through medical school at a young age, to years in private practice and volunteer work at San Jose Clinic. She describes her shift from pediatrics to obstetrics and gynecology, explaining why she values relationships with pregnant women and their families.

At San Jose Clinic, Dr. Neal assists women with gynecological care and helps guide those who are pregnant into OB care. The conversation covers obstacles uninsured women face, including limited transportation and late-stage diagnoses due to lack of regular care. Dr. Neal discusses her encounters with human trafficking survivors, her commitment to cancer research, and the evolution of cancer therapies.

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 Dr. Mary T. Neal decide to become a physician?

2. What was Dr. Neal’s journey through medical school and into her specialty?

3. What kind of care does Dr. Neal provide as a volunteer at San Jose Clinic?

4. How do clinics like San Jose and St. Mary’s help the under-resourced population?

5. What are the biggest challenges for uninsured or underserved women in accessing breast care?

6. How is human trafficking encountered in Dr. Neal’s clinical work, and how does she approach it?

7. What makes Dr. Judy Chang notable within the cancer physician community?

8. How did Dr. Neal and her husband meet and what makes their relationship unique?

9. Why are new cancer therapies, specifically immunotherapy, so important according to Dr. Neal?

10. How has Dr. Neal supported cancer research and the local medical community beyond clinical practice?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Dr. Neal's Community Impact"

03:05 From Pediatrics to Obstetrics Passion

08:22 San Jose's Fight Against Trafficking

11:16 Collaborative Cancer Research Initiative

15:00 "Mammograms: Early Detection Advocated"

18:04 Relationship Beginnings: Meeting Ron

20:40 Values in Relationships and Parenting

25:08 Immunotherapy's Impact on Cancer Control

29:00 "Medicine: A Life of Service"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does a simple flyer lead a high school student to a life-saving discovery?

Monserrat Duron’s decision to perform a self-exam after attending a college fair changed the trajectory of her life. Upon finding a lump, she faced unimaginable challenges due to a lack of insurance. Yet, with the support of The Rose and the steadfast care of Dr. Bonefas, she navigated a grueling journey towards recovery and advocacy.

Twelve years after her diagnosis at eighteen years old, Montserrat is speaking about her experience for the first time ever.

Key Questions Answered

1. How did Monserrat initially discover she had a lump in her breast?

2. What challenges did Monserrat face in accessing healthcare after discovering the lump?

3. What was the result of Monserrat's initial examination at The Rose?

4. What significant surgery did Monserrat undergo due to persistent tumors?

5. How did Monserrat's professional life evolve after her recovery?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 We're raising money for uninsured women's diagnostics.

05:19 Early self-exams crucial for detecting breast changes.

08:38 Rose advocates lowering mammogram age guideline to 35.

10:13 Grandma's comment made her avoid seeing herself.

15:14 Relentlessly pursued success in education and life.

17:19 Fearful moments worrying about son's future.

22:10 First in family to attend college.

26:46 Got referral and directions to Harris hilt

30:27 Apologized, recommended plan, discussed surgery, future considerations.

31:09 Reconstruction planned with plastic surgeons, lengthy process.

35:32 Cancerous issue, mostly in younger women.

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.

Being a doctor has its challenges, but imagine starting out when women weren't always accepted in medicine. Dr. Elizabeth Bonefas built a practice, stood up for her patients, and guided many through tough breast cancer battles.

• She helped care for our youngest ever diagnosed breast cancer patient at The Rose (listen to that episode here)
• She saw surgical and health care changes over the years, from radical treatments to new options.
• She shares why women’s health care access is still a struggle, especially for the uninsured.

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 Dr. Elizabeth Bonefas start her medical career and practice?

2. Did Dr. Bonefas always want to be a doctor?

3. Why did Dr. Bonefas choose to specialize in breast surgery?

4. How has breast cancer surgery changed from the early days of Dr. Bonefas’ career?

5. What challenges do uninsured or underinsured breast cancer patients face?

6. How does insurance status impact access to breast cancer care and treatments?

7. Are younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer more frequently now?

8. What are the current recommendations for breast cancer screening?

9. How has radiation treatment for breast cancer evolved?

10. What barriers still exist for women seeking reconstructive surgery after mastectomy?

11. What additional obstacles do women in Texas, particularly uninsured women, face regarding breast health?

12. Why is pharmacy access and drug costs a significant issue for breast cancer patients?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Interview with Dr. Elizabeth Bonefas

05:20 From General Surgery to Breast Specialist

07:38 Evolution of Surgical Education

09:58 Evolving Lymph Node Biopsy Techniques

13:29 High Biopsy Costs and Insurance Issues

16:47 Healthcare Access Challenges

20:52 Healthcare Affordability Concerns

24:21 Breast Reconstruction Access Issues

28:41 Critique on Patronizing Reassurance

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really mean to build a network that changes lives? Sarah Cain saw a need—not just for business growth, but for women to connect, support, and lift each other up.

She started Women Driving Business to bring all kinds of women together, creating real relationships and she used her own challenges—including a cancer gene—to show how information and action matter.

Sarah's story shows how asking for help and sharing our experiences can lead to opportunities, health, and even hope.

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

• What inspired the creation of Women Driving Business, and how is it different from other women’s networking organizations?
• How did Sarah use networking to help build her business, Sarah’s Florist?
• What was Kathy Edwards’ role in connecting The Rose and Women Driving Business?
• How did being the presenting sponsor help The Rose and its mission?
• What lessons did Sarah and Dorothy learn from their relationship with Kathy Edwards?
• How did networking help Kathy Edwards get access to timely cancer care?
• What are the three main classifications of cancer according to Sarah?
• Why does Sarah see a cancer diagnosis as potentially a blessing?
• What is Lynch syndrome, and how has it affected Sarah’s health journey?
• Why does Sarah participate in a clinical trial, and what new hope does it offer?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Women Driving Business Initiative"

04:07 "Empowering Women at All Levels"

08:57 "The Rose Sponsorship Pitch"

10:57 Quiet Persuasion Transforms Service

14:13 "Finding Opportunity in Adversity"

22:00 Cancer Diagnosis: Treatable, Curable, Terminal

25:59 Avoid Processed Foods, Embrace Healing

27:22 Breast Cancer Vaccine Study Success

30:00 Doctors Committed to Finding Cure

35:11 "Be Kind to Yourself"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

En este episodio de Hablemos de Nuestros Senos, conversamos con Carol Grimaldi, sobreviviente de cáncer de mama triple negativo y cofundadora de Together in Pink.

Carol comparte su historia de diagnóstico, tratamiento y transformación personal, y cómo convirtió su experiencia en una misión para apoyar a otras mujeres a través del bienestar físico, emocional y espiritual. Descubre cómo una simple bolsa con artículos esenciales puede marcar la diferencia en el proceso de recuperación, y aprende cómo tú también puedes ser parte del cambio.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to turn a breast cancer diagnosis into a mission to help others? Carol Grimaldi is the co-founder of Together in Pink, an organization born from her own breast cancer experience.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Carol:

• Brings comfort bags to women going through chemotherapy
• Uses movement and Zumba as a tool for healing
• Makes sure women understand their own diagnosis

Dorothy talks with Carol about how she learned to face tough decisions and why knowing about your breasts could save your life.

Learn more about Together in Pink 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

• Who is Carol Grimaldi and what is her role in Together in Pink?
• How did Carol's journey with breast cancer begin?
• What is Carol’s professional background outside of her advocacy work?
• What was Carol’s immediate emotional and practical reaction to her diagnosis?
• How did Carol’s family react and support her during her diagnosis and treatment?
• What type of breast cancer did Carol have, and what treatments did she undergo?
• How did Carol continue working and maintain her Zumba involvement during treatment?
• What prompted the founding of Together in Pink, and how does it support patients?
• What challenges exist in spreading breast cancer awareness in different communities?
• What main message does Carol want women to understand about breast cancer?
• How did personal health challenges in Carol’s family reinforce her advocacy?
• What advice and resources does Carol give to women going through breast cancer?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Carol Grimaldi: Together in Pink"

04:00 "Unexpected Breast Cancer Diagnosis"

08:26 "Breaking Tough News at Dinner"

11:04 Breast Cancer Journey and Discovery

14:27 Doctor's Ultimatum: September Deadline

19:57 Overcoming Intense Pain

20:33 Chair Dancing Transformation

24:09 Zumba, Night Activities, Family Travels

27:52 Understanding Breast Cancer Diversity

30:25 "Purpose Through Adversity"

34:49 Supportive Fitness for Tough Times

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would life look like if I only did things that nourished my soul? Linda Griffin asked herself that question after facing breast cancer and she decided to make a change.

In this episode:

• Hear how Linda’s approach to health, food, and exercise shifted after her diagnosis
• Learn about her journey with breast cancer and the steps she took for care
• Find out why she believes self-love and support from others made all the difference

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

• How did Linda first get involved with tennis?
• Was Linda athletic growing up?
• What does Linda’s involvement in tennis look like today?
• How was Linda first diagnosed with breast cancer?
• How did Linda’s medical team respond to her concerns, especially given her age?
• What was Linda’s treatment journey like?
• How did Linda adopt her life philosophy of only doing what nourishes her soul?
• What dietary and lifestyle changes did Linda make for better health?
• How important was support during her treatment?
• Did Linda find parallels between tennis and life’s challenges, including her cancer journey?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Soul-Nourishment Philosophy"

04:16 Volunteering to Enhance Event Experience

07:01 Quick Recovery After Surgery

12:18 Faith and Health Journey

15:27 Healthy Habits: Walking and Whole Foods

18:54 Supportive Friends in Healing Journey

19:55 Resilience and Support Through Cancer

25:22 Tennis: Training Ground for Life

30:00 "Enduring Self-Motivation Through Love"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.