After practicing law for 18 years, Bill Boyce served as a justice on the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston for 11 years. Bill has argued more than 60 cases in appellate courts throughout Texas and across the country, including the United States Supreme Court.

Bill knows the law. When his wife Maria was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer, he soon had a crash course in medicine and what treatment means when dealing with cancer. Once through that initial time of Maria’s diagnosis, Bill knew that she was in the hands of the best of the best—that he says, was one reason he felt so confident about her beating this disease.

He had also seen her feistiness and determination. As they waded into a different type of battle, their mutual support and their individual times of refocusing gave them a new appreciation of what good health means in life.

Please share this episode with family and friends, and consider making a donation at therose.org. It could save the life of an uninsured woman.

Key Questions Answered

1.) When did Bill know something was amiss with his wife Maria?

2.) Did Bill comfort Maria or did she comfort him?

3.) How did Bill Boyce inform his work colleagues about Maria's diagnosis?

4.) How did friends support Bill and Maria during this time?

5.) What future plans do Bill and Maria have following her treatment?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Routine mammogram found unexpected and concerning results.

06:48 Informed colleagues about absence for medical reasons.

07:38 Lawyers face problems straightforwardly and decisively.

13:11 Maria's cancer treatment journey and surgery.

15:14 Creating a comforting home for those in need.

17:39 Challenging treatment, but gradually regained strength.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer? That’s not a white woman’s disease. Maria Boyce’s success as a trial lawyer, handling some of the most complex cases in legal history, was great preparation for facing her breast cancer diagnosis. At least she knew how to ask the difficult questions.

What she wasn’t prepared for was the implicit, often sad, message sent by some upon hearing her diagnosis. Triple Negative is a type of breast cancer most often found in Black women and yes, it is a tough diagnosis, sometimes fatal. For Maria it meant winning one more fight that she couldn’t afford to lose.

Her experience and her new understanding of the critical need for education and awareness led her to The Rose where now she serves on the Board of Directors and has become a full-time advocate for women.

Please share this episode with family and friends, and consider making a donation at therose.org. It could save the life of an uninsured woman.

Key Questions Answered

1.) Why is addressing social determinants of health important in cancer treatment?

2.) How did early detection play a role in Dorothy's cancer journey?

3.) What factors did Maria credit for helping her battle cancer?

4.) How did Maria's belief in her doctor influence her treatment decisions?

5.) What lessons did Maria learn from her mother's battle with multiple sclerosis?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Support from friends crucial during cancer battle

05:30 Initial meeting about breast cancer diagnosis, empathy.

07:13 Mother had hormone-based breast cancer, serious diagnosis.

10:35 Overcame personal struggle, now advocating for others.

16:28 Ensuring access to mammograms, access versus treatment.

18:51 Addressing social determinants of health is essential.

23:43 Support and transportation are crucial for treatment.

28:23 Doctor emphasized urgency of treatment for small tumor.

29:48 Initial chemotherapy showed tumor shrinkage, but concerns remained.

32:32 Finding out I didn't carry BRCA gene.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike is riding so others can live. Today Mike Hazelrigs and his fiancé Kathy Stevens share what it means to face metastatic breast cancer after years of treatment. Theirs is a true love story amid real-life adversity and hardships. Mike is taking their story to a new level as he rides in the historic Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge TM, a 10,000-mile trek, crisscrossing the United States and Canada, in honor of Kathy and to raise funds for the women of The Rose.

Also, during this episode, Kathy talks about the hidden costs of cancer and how understanding one’s insurance claims and explanation of benefits could reveal charges that simply aren’t real. With the extraordinal costs of healthcare and particularly cancer treatment, additional, unjustifiable charges are one more issue a survivor shouldn’t have to worry about but must. She offers valuable tips and ways to ensure every charge is correct.

To easily support Mike, visit The Rose's website.

Please share this episode with family and friends, and consider making a donation at therose.org. It could save the life of an uninsured woman.

Key Questions Answered

1.) Why is Mike Hazelrigs riding 10,000 miles across the United States?

2.) What precautions should women take when undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer?

3.) What practical tips are helpful during the recovery phase after breast cancer surgery?

4.) What kind of support can caregivers expect and what should they keep in mind?

5.). How can patients avoid unexpected out-of-network charges during their treatment?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Couple raising money for breast cancer awareness

05:08 Caregivers must prioritize self-care and support.

08:06 Delay invoice payments, verify charges on EOBs.

11:39 Support cancer patients and caregivers without hesitation.

13:12 Podcast on breast health and support organization.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As The Rose celebrates her 38th birthday, Dorothy and Dr. Dixie Melillo reminisce about the excitement and challenges of starting The Rose in 1986 and their steadfast commitment to making sure all women and men have access to breast care almost 40 years later.

Dr. Melillo also discusses her incredible journey from high school dropout to general surgeon and co-founding The Rose with Dorothy.

One million patients later, The Rose continues to be a beacon of hope for the uninsured in forty-three counties in Southeast Texas.

Please share your feedback and submit questions at therose.org; give us a follow on social media. And consider leaving a gift while you're there. It could save a life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is support from friends crucial during a cancer battle?

Russanne Kelly shares her breast cancer journey from 22 years ago. She faced divorce, moves, and family challenges during treatment. Insurance and friends were vital. Russanne transitioned to nonprofit work and received support from coworkers. She now gives back to others.

Please share this episode with family and friends, and consider making a donation at therose.org. It could save the life of an uninsured woman.

Key Questions Answered

1.) What major life challenges did Russanne Kelly face during her year of cancer treatment?

2.) How did Russanne’s personal situation (marriage) impact her experience with cancer?

3.) What kind of support did Russanne receive from her workplace when she got her diagnosis?

4.) What was significant about the support Russanne received from The Rose?

5.) How did Russanne cope with moving out of a toxic environment during treatment?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Facing a Difficult Path of Treatment

05:09 The Importance of Second Opinions

09:43 The Support of Friends and Community

11:40 The Financial Challenges of Breast Cancer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on International Friendship Day, Dorothy is joined by Ronnie Haggerty, a board member of The Rose, who 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 philanthropy and the regulations governing 501(c)3 organizations, Ronnie has spent her career helping nonprofits grow and become sustainable. If you’ve ever thought about starting a nonprofit, Ronnie has some sage advice that may surprise you. The nonprofit sector brings its own kind of challenges, yet they fill the gap in providing resources and services to the community.

Subscribe to Let's Talk About Your Breasts wherever you get your podcasts and consider making a donation at therose.org to help support uninsured women in forty-three counties across Texas.

Key Questions Answered

1.) How can nonprofits operate effectively?

2.) What are key things to consider when determining whether to start a nonprofit?

3.) What are some of the significant challenges uninsured women face in terms of accessing healthcare and what can nonprofits do to help?

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Nonprofits and Best Business Practices

09:33 Advice for Starting a Nonprofit

26:16 Challenges Faced by Uninsured Women

28:40 The Role of The Rose in Providing Healthcare Access

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Helfman had it all. She was a successful attorney and rising star in her company.

She had an addiction that threatened to cut her life short. Lisa was addicted to being busy. Nevertheless, she beat the addition and is now the Community Affairs Director at HEB.

During this episode, you'll learn Lisa balances her career and personal life, what Lisa does to take care of herself, and how she's transformed the way Americans eat through her charity Brighter Bites.

Subscribe to Let's Talk About Your Breasts wherever you get your podcasts and consider making a donation at therose.org to help support uninsured women in forty-three counties across Texas.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would you do if genetic testing revealed a high risk for cancer?

In this episode, Dorothy speaks with Michelle Sandlin, author of Cancer Don’t Care, and her daughter Kendall.

Kendall shares her experience with preventive surgeries after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. She discusses her decision-making process, challenges, and the lack of information for young women facing similar choices. For women like Kendall and Michelle, it’s all about health advocacy and seeking support.

Her mother, Michelle, offers her perspective on the journey. The conversation highlights genetic testing, preventive measures, and communication from medical professionals.

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.) In what ways can genetic testing provide valuable information about one's risk for developing certain types of cancer?

2.) How can undergoing preventive surgeries, such as a double mastectomy and full hysterectomy, significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer for individuals with a high genetic predisposition?

3.) How can advocacy and support from others who have gone through similar experiences be invaluable for individuals facing these decisions?

4.) Why are self-care and prioritizing one's health essential?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Kendall's BRCA1 Gene Mutation

06:15 The Difficult Decision: Double Mastectomy

09:55 Navigating Red Tape and Insurance Issues

12:36 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions

18:44 The Need for More Information and Support

23:23 Conclusion: Advocacy and Self-Care

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when someone in ideal shape is diagnosed with breast cancer? 

During this episode, Dorothy welcomes Michelle Sandlin, author of Cancer Don't Care.

Michelle shares her breast cancer journey, and discusses the importance of self-care, support, and documenting the experience through writing. She emphasizes paying attention to one's body and seeking medical advice, and much more.

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.) Why is it important to pay attention to your body and seek medical advice if something feels off?

2.) What’s the importance of documenting your cancer journey through writing and journaling to reflect on and remember the experience?

3.) Why should breast cancer patients focus on self-care and surrounding themselves with positive and supportive people?

Chapters

00:00 Cancer Don't Care: Michelle's Diagnosis

03:03 Feeling Healthy and Getting Diagnosed

06:17 Body Awareness and Signaling

10:10 Letting Medical Professionals Take Control

29:22 Key Takeaways and Advice

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.