Helen Perry has supported The Rose's mission since the beginning.

For more than thirty-seven years, she has seen our peaks and valleys and through it all, has remained one of our greatest advocates.

During this episode, we reflect on past experiences and friendships made along the way. And we talk about how much things have changed since then. Especially when it comes to talking about self-examinations.

Learn more about The Rose's mission to support women across more than forty-three counties in Southeast Texas, regardless of their ability to pay, when you go to therose.org.

Helen Perry has supported The Rose's mission since the beginning.
For more than thirty-seven years, she has seen our peaks and valleys and through it all, has remained one of our greatest advocates.
During this episode, we reflect on past experiences and friendships made along the way. And we talk about how much things have changed since then. Especially when it comes to talking about self-examinations.
Learn more about The Rose's mission to support women across more than forty-three counties in Southeast Texas, regardless of their ability to pay, when you go to <a href="https://therose.org">therose.org</a>.

The Rose Breast Center of Excellence presents Let's Talk About Your Breasts with Dorothy Gibbons.

Each week, Dorothy hosts candid conversations with an array of people in the breast cancer community. From doctors and employees to donors and individuals who influence policy, you'll learn all there is to know about the disease which impacts so many women in our community.

The Rose Breast Center of Excellence presents Let's Talk About Your Breasts with Dorothy Gibbons.
Each week, Dorothy hosts candid conversations with an array of people in the breast cancer community. From doctors and employees to donors and individuals who influence policy, you'll learn all there is to know about the disease which impacts so many women in our community.

Let's Talk About Your Breasts

The Rose Breast Center of Excellence presents Let's Talk About Your Breasts with Dorothy Gibbons.


Each week, Dorothy hosts candid conversations with an array of people in the breast cancer community. From doctors and employees to donors and individuals who influence policy, you'll learn all there is to know about the disease which impacts so many women in our community.

The Rose Breast Center of Excellence presents Let's Talk About Your Breasts with Dorothy Gibbons.
 Each week, Dorothy hosts candid conversations with an array of people in the breast cancer community. From doctors and employees to donors and individuals who influence policy, you'll learn all there is to know about the disease which impacts so many women in our community.

Giving Back Since 1986 - Meet The Rose's Longest Living Volunteer

Nancy and Shelley didn’t plan to share a breast cancer story, much less two very different diagnoses, eight years apart. One faced Stage 0 DCIS at 41 after pushing for a 3D mammogram; the other walked into an annual screening, felt no lump, and still heard “Stage 2 HER2‑Positive.”

In this conversation, we talk about what happens when two pragmatic, organized women lean on faith, friendship, and their networks to move fast on treatment—then turn around and use their experience to champion The Rose and the women who rely on us for access to mammograms, diagnostics, and compassionate care.

Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care.

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

Key questions answered
How did Nancy and Shelley each grow up with service and volunteering, and how did that shape their careers and philanthropy?
What kind of work do they do in the plastics industry, and how did Shelley end up co‑inventing a “tiltless” liner used around the world?
How did Shelley’s first 3D mammogram at 41 lead to a stage zero DCIS diagnosis, and why did she struggle to call it “cancer”?
What made Nancy’s diagnosis different—stage two HER2‑positive with no lump—and how did prior research for Shelly help her move quickly?
How did Nancy’s long history of volunteering and relationships at Baylor help both mother and daughter fast‑track appointments and treatment?
What do they mean by “God winks,” and how did shared surgeons, the same radiologist, and overlapping timelines reinforce their faith?
In what ways did cancer deepen—rather than define—their mother–daughter relationship and cement that “best friends” dynamic?
How do they each use their stories now to push friends, colleagues, and even their kids to prioritize mammograms and routine screenings?
Why is The Rose the organization they chose to champion, and how do insured patients’ mammograms help cover care for uninsured and underinsured women?
What do they want listeners to understand about the emotional side of bell‑ringing, being present for each other, and never being “too busy” to schedule preventive care?

Timestamped overview

03:20 Welcoming Nancy and Shelley as Everything’s Coming Up Roses honorees; their shared background as successful women in male‑dominated plastics and lifelong volunteers.

07:20 Nancy’s early volunteer roots, decades with arts and civic groups, current work with the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and Shelley’s career in plastics—including her patented tiltless liner and global travel as a family.

10:00 The “backwards” breast cancer story: Shelley’s stage zero DCIS diagnosis at 41 after pushing for a 3D mammogram, her embarrassment about calling it cancer, and the lack of family history aside from an elderly grandmother.

14:30 Nancy’s 2023 diagnosis: annual mammogram, no lump, stage two HER2‑positive, choosing a world‑class oncologist, and how watching Shelley’s calm, research‑driven approach prepared her.

18:30 How Nancy’s Baylor relationships and volunteer network helped both women move quickly through diagnosis and into treatment; the shared focus on reducing the stress of “waiting” and the role of faith in that season.

22:30 “God winks”: both having the same surgeon, Shelley’s husband later sharing her radiologist, and the reminder that—even for highly organized women—God is still in control.

26:30 How their faith kept them from seeing cancer as punishment, why they refused to play the victim, and how the experience tightened their bond without defining their identities.

31:10 Bell‑ringing surprises: Nancy showing up for Shelley’s bell, Shelley returning the favor and scaring her mom in the parking lot, and how those moments became treasured markers in their journey.

32:44 Using their platform: encouraging others to schedule mammograms, explaining how insured patients at The Rose help fund care for uninsured women, and embracing their “backwards” mother–daughter honoree role to amplify The Rose’s mission and make sure no woman walks around not knowing help is available.

Nancy and Shelley didn&rsquo;t plan to share a breast cancer story, much less two very different diagnoses, eight years apart. One faced Stage 0 DCIS at 41 after pushing for a 3D mammogram; the other walked into an annual screening, felt no lump, and still heard &ldquo;Stage 2 HER2‑Positive.&rdquo;
In this conversation, we talk about what happens when two pragmatic, organized women lean on faith, friendship, and their networks to move fast on treatment&mdash;then turn around and use their experience to champion The Rose and the women who rely on us for access to mammograms, diagnostics, and compassionate care.
Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at <a href="http://therose.org/">therose.org</a> so more women receive breast cancer screening and care.
Subscribe to Let&rsquo;s Talk About Your Breasts on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-about-your-breasts/id1666101320">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6o9cXAie2Mfqhq6tQWrClj">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-lets-talk-about-your-brea-107408811/">iHeart</a>, and wherever you get <a href="https://therose.org/podcasts/">your podcasts</a>.
Key questions answered
<ol>
<li>How did Nancy and Shelley each grow up with service and volunteering, and how did that shape their careers and philanthropy?</li>
<li>What kind of work do they do in the plastics industry, and how did Shelley end up co‑inventing a &ldquo;tiltless&rdquo; liner used around the world?</li>
<li>How did Shelley&rsquo;s first 3D mammogram at 41 lead to a stage zero DCIS diagnosis, and why did she struggle to call it &ldquo;cancer&rdquo;?</li>
<li>What made Nancy&rsquo;s diagnosis different&mdash;stage two HER2‑positive with no lump&mdash;and how did prior research for Shelly help her move quickly?</li>
<li>How did Nancy&rsquo;s long history of volunteering and relationships at Baylor help both mother and daughter fast‑track appointments and treatment?</li>
<li>What do they mean by &ldquo;God winks,&rdquo; and how did shared surgeons, the same radiologist, and overlapping timelines reinforce their faith?</li>
<li>In what ways did cancer deepen&mdash;rather than define&mdash;their mother&ndash;daughter relationship and cement that &ldquo;best friends&rdquo; dynamic?</li>
<li>How do they each use their stories now to push friends, colleagues, and even their kids to prioritize mammograms and routine screenings?</li>
<li>Why is The Rose the organization they chose to champion, and how do insured patients&rsquo; mammograms help cover care for uninsured and underinsured women?</li>
<li>What do they want listeners to understand about the emotional side of bell‑ringing, being present for each other, and never being &ldquo;too busy&rdquo; to schedule preventive care?</li>
</ol>
Timestamped overview
03:20 Welcoming Nancy and Shelley as Everything&rsquo;s Coming Up Roses honorees; their shared background as successful women in male‑dominated plastics and lifelong volunteers.
07:20 Nancy&rsquo;s early volunteer roots, decades with arts and civic groups, current work with the Greater Houston Women&rsquo;s Chamber of Commerce, and Shelley&rsquo;s career in plastics&mdash;including her patented tiltless liner and global travel as a family.
10:00 The &ldquo;backwards&rdquo; breast cancer story: Shelley&rsquo;s stage zero DCIS diagnosis at 41 after pushing for a 3D mammogram, her embarrassment about calling it cancer, and the lack of family history aside from an elderly grandmother.
14:30 Nancy&rsquo;s 2023 diagnosis: annual mammogram, no lump, stage two HER2‑positive, choosing a world‑class oncologist, and how watching Shelley&rsquo;s calm, research‑driven approach prepared her.
18:30 How Nancy&rsquo;s Baylor relationships and volunteer network helped both women move quickly through diagnosis and into treatment; the shared focus on reducing the stress of &ldquo;waiting&rdquo; and the role of faith in that season.
22:30 &ldquo;God winks&rdquo;: both having the same surgeon, Shelley&rsquo;s husband later sharing her radiologist, and the reminder that&mdash;even for highly organized women&mdash;God is still in control.
26:30 How their faith kept them from seeing cancer as punishment, why they refused to play the victim, and how the experience tightened their bond without defining their identities.
31:10 Bell‑ringing surprises: Nancy showing up for Shelley&rsquo;s bell, Shelley returning the favor and scaring her mom in the parking lot, and how those moments became treasured markers in their journey.
32:44 Using their platform: encouraging others to schedule mammograms, explaining how insured patients at The Rose help fund care for uninsured women, and embracing their &ldquo;backwards&rdquo; mother&ndash;daughter honoree role to amplify The Rose&rsquo;s mission and make sure no woman walks around not knowing help is available.

God Winks, Ringing Bells, and The Rose: Nancy and Shelley’s Shared Journey as Mother-Daughter Honorees at the Everything's Coming Up Roses Luncheon

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. Dr. Bonefas is the Speaker at this year's Everything's Coming Up Roses Luncheon; you don't want to miss this episode!

- 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

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. Dr. Bonefas is the Speaker at this year's Everything's Coming Up Roses Luncheon; you don't want to miss this episode!
- She helped care for our youngest ever diagnosed breast cancer patient at The Rose (listen to that episode&nbsp;<a href="https://therose.org/podcasts/meet-one-of-the-roses-youngest-diagnosed-patients/">here</a>)&nbsp;
- She saw surgical and health care changes over the years, from radical treatments to new options.
- She shares why women&rsquo;s health care access is still a struggle, especially for the uninsured.
Subscribe to Let&rsquo;s Talk About Your Breasts on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-about-your-breasts/id1666101320">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6o9cXAie2Mfqhq6tQWrClj">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-lets-talk-about-your-brea-107408811/">iHeart</a>, and wherever you get <a href="https://therose.org/podcasts/">your podcasts</a>.
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&rsquo; 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&nbsp;
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

Why Early Mammograms Matter: Insights from a Legendary Breast Surgeon and Speaker at This Year's Everything's Coming Up Roses Luncheon

Shelley didn’t see herself as “an honoree.” She saw herself as a working mom in a male‑dominated industry who just wanted to stay ahead of breast cancer. In this conversation, she walks us through the mammogram she almost didn’t get, receiving the news of a Stage 0 DCIS diagnosis, and the 10 years of follow‑up, skin checks, and colonoscopies that followed. Her story reminds us that early detection, asking questions, and having access to care—like the care The Rose offers uninsured and underinsured women—can change everything.

She also shares why she’s using her role at this year's Everything’s Coming Up Roses Luncheon to spotlight access to mammograms and diagnostics for women who can’t afford them.

Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care.

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

Key Questions Answered
What led Shelley to push for her first 3D mammogram at 41 instead of waiting until 50?
How did her history—friends with breast cancer in their 30s and a family member who died—shape her sense of urgency?
What does a stage zero DCIS diagnosis mean, and why did she wrestle with whether it “counted” as breast cancer?
How did Shelley decide on a shorter, more intense “Canadian” radiation regimen, and what side effects did she experience?
How did she talk to her husband and young son about her diagnosis without overwhelming them?
In what ways did her workplace support her through biopsy, lumpectomy, and radiation so she could keep working?
How did ringing the bell—and seeing her mother there—change how she processed the whole experience emotionally?
Why did she become more assertive with doctors about mammograms, Pap smears, and other screenings after cancer?
How did later health scares—melanoma on her back and her husband’s colon cancer—reinforce her commitment to early detection?
What does Shelley hope listeners understand about The Rose’s role in providing mammograms, diagnostics, and treatment navigation for uninsured and underinsured women?

Timestamped overview

03:30 Honoree at Everything’s Coming Up Roses, Shelley’s background as a mom and plastics industry leader, and her mother’s role as a business owner.

07:30 Pushing for an early mammogram at almost 40, getting delayed, then insisting at 41 on a 3D mammogram because of friends and family lost to breast cancer.

10:00 Calcifications, biopsy, lumpectomy, and hearing “stage zero DCIS”; becoming a “Google doctor” and wrestling with whether stage zero “counts” as cancer.

14:30 Choosing a four‑week Canadian radiation regimen, handling side effects, staying organized with questions for every doctor, and finishing treatment.

18:30 Ringing the bell, being surprised by her mom, finally breaking down, and how her kids processed “Mommy is sick but getting treated.”

22:30 Work support, flexible leave, staying on the job through treatment, and the relief of not having to fight employers while fighting cancer.

26:00 Living as a pragmatic, matter‑of‑fact patient, annual anxiety around scans, pushing for Pap smears and colonoscopies, and learning to question doctors.

29:00 Melanoma diagnosis, yearly (now more frequent) skin checks, taking her kids for annual skin exams, and teaching them why preventative care matters.

30:16 Her husband’s colon cancer, why “cancer” is both a scary and hopeful word in their home, and what it means to step into the honoree role to support The Rose’s mission of early detection and access to care for women who can’t afford it.

Shelley didn&rsquo;t see herself as &ldquo;an honoree.&rdquo; She saw herself as a working mom in a male‑dominated industry who just wanted to stay ahead of breast cancer. In this conversation, she walks us through the mammogram she almost didn&rsquo;t get, receiving the news of a Stage 0 DCIS diagnosis, and the 10 years of follow‑up, skin checks, and colonoscopies that followed. Her story reminds us that early detection, asking questions, and having access to care&mdash;like the care The Rose offers uninsured and underinsured women&mdash;can change everything.
She also shares why she&rsquo;s using her role at this year's Everything&rsquo;s Coming Up Roses Luncheon to spotlight access to mammograms and diagnostics for women who can&rsquo;t afford them.
Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at <a href="http://therose.org/">therose.org</a> so more women receive breast cancer screening and care.
Subscribe to Let&rsquo;s Talk About Your Breasts on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-about-your-breasts/id1666101320">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6o9cXAie2Mfqhq6tQWrClj">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-lets-talk-about-your-brea-107408811/">iHeart</a>, and wherever you get <a href="https://therose.org/podcasts/">your podcasts</a>.
Key Questions Answered
<ol>
<li>What led Shelley to push for her first 3D mammogram at 41 instead of waiting until 50?</li>
<li>How did her history&mdash;friends with breast cancer in their 30s and a family member who died&mdash;shape her sense of urgency?</li>
<li>What does a stage zero DCIS diagnosis mean, and why did she wrestle with whether it &ldquo;counted&rdquo; as breast cancer?</li>
<li>How did Shelley decide on a shorter, more intense &ldquo;Canadian&rdquo; radiation regimen, and what side effects did she experience?</li>
<li>How did she talk to her husband and young son about her diagnosis without overwhelming them?</li>
<li>In what ways did her workplace support her through biopsy, lumpectomy, and radiation so she could keep working?</li>
<li>How did ringing the bell&mdash;and seeing her mother there&mdash;change how she processed the whole experience emotionally?</li>
<li>Why did she become more assertive with doctors about mammograms, Pap smears, and other screenings after cancer?</li>
<li>How did later health scares&mdash;melanoma on her back and her husband&rsquo;s colon cancer&mdash;reinforce her commitment to early detection?</li>
<li>What does Shelley hope listeners understand about The Rose&rsquo;s role in providing mammograms, diagnostics, and treatment navigation for uninsured and underinsured women?</li>
</ol>
Timestamped overview
03:30 Honoree at Everything&rsquo;s Coming Up Roses, Shelley&rsquo;s background as a mom and plastics industry leader, and her mother&rsquo;s role as a business owner.
07:30 Pushing for an early mammogram at almost 40, getting delayed, then insisting at 41 on a 3D mammogram because of friends and family lost to breast cancer.
10:00 Calcifications, biopsy, lumpectomy, and hearing &ldquo;stage zero DCIS&rdquo;; becoming a &ldquo;Google doctor&rdquo; and wrestling with whether stage zero &ldquo;counts&rdquo; as cancer.
14:30 Choosing a four‑week Canadian radiation regimen, handling side effects, staying organized with questions for every doctor, and finishing treatment.
18:30 Ringing the bell, being surprised by her mom, finally breaking down, and how her kids processed &ldquo;Mommy is sick but getting treated.&rdquo;
22:30 Work support, flexible leave, staying on the job through treatment, and the relief of not having to fight employers while fighting cancer.
26:00 Living as a pragmatic, matter‑of‑fact patient, annual anxiety around scans, pushing for Pap smears and colonoscopies, and learning to question doctors.
29:00 Melanoma diagnosis, yearly (now more frequent) skin checks, taking her kids for annual skin exams, and teaching them why preventative care matters.
30:16 Her husband&rsquo;s colon cancer, why &ldquo;cancer&rdquo; is both a scary and hopeful word in their home, and what it means to step into the honoree role to support The Rose&rsquo;s mission of early detection and access to care for women who can&rsquo;t afford it.

Giving Back Since 1986 - Meet The Rose's Longest Living Volunteer

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