Sheila shares her breast cancer story to help anyone staring down callbacks, biopsies, and late-night what-ifs. You will learn why cancer exists on a spectrum, how to advocate for yourself when imaging is confusing, and when to push for the right radiologist or additional tests. She also shows how intuition can lead to life-saving decisions and a more meaningful life. Expect clear takeaways on navigating dense breasts, DCIS, and atypia without spiraling. You will leave with a simple practice to reassess your priorities every six months.

Get your FREE “Is It Me or My Cycle?” Guide: https://meormycycle.smalltalkwithsheila.com

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Why this episode matters and who it is for

01:16 The first lump scare, urgent imaging, and a cheeseburger of relief

03:21 Callback, biopsy week, and an atypia diagnosis that leads to surgery

05:23 Navigating fear and loneliness while waiting for results

07:47 Cosmetic surgery surprise: pathology finds DCIS, stage zero

10:02 What DCIS means and why early detection changed everything

12:15 Six months of waiting, the Italy list, and starting this podcast

14:30 Cancer is a spectrum and why self-advocacy matters with dense breasts

16:37 Trust your gut, make a six-month bucket list, and schedule your mammogram

For more Sheila, check out:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkwith_sheila/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallTalkWithSheila

KEYWORDS:

breast cancer awareness, DCIS, atypia, diagnostic mammogram, dense breasts, biopsy anxiety, self advocacy, women’s health, intuition, six month bucket list, early detection, radiologist, ultrasound, MRI, pathology