Beauty in the Suck: Dr. Shieva’s Playbook for Smarter OBGYN Self-Advocacy EP 4 cover art

Beauty in the Suck: Dr. Shieva’s Playbook for Smarter OBGYN Self-Advocacy EP 4

Beauty in the Suck: Dr. Shieva’s Playbook for Smarter OBGYN Self-Advocacy EP 4

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 Hosts Kristin Hocker and Meghan Caponiti talk with Dr. Shieva, a Connecticut OB-GYN and midlife strategist, about her stage-II ovarian cancer journey and the facts most women (and many clinicians) miss. She reframes ovarian cancer from a “silent killer” to a subtle disease with no screening test, and gives practical steps to catch problems earlier and advocate inside a messy healthcare system. No screening test for ovarian cancer. A Pap smear does not screen for it; mammograms/colonoscopies are different types of screening. Silent” is a myth, it’s subtle: look for persistent (≥2 weeks) pelvic bloating, pain, or pressure. Pelvic exam limits: Bimanual exams often miss masses; request a pelvic ultrasound when symptoms persist (expect possible out-of-pocket costs). Adopt this mindset: “High index of suspicion, low threshold to look, calmly.” Avoid panic, but don’t delay. Her path: Long history of endometriosis → abnormal cyst → surgery revealed stage II ovarian cancer; treatment included chemo and surgical complications, plus lessons on scaling back, boundaries, and survivorship care. Family history matters: Know cancers on both sides (breast, colon, ovarian, uterine, melanoma, pancreatic, prostate, GI). Consider genetic testing and risk-reducing conversations if history is significant. Risk-reducing salpingectomy: For women done with childbearing, removing fallopian tubes (e.g., at C-section or another surgery) can lower ovarian cancer risk because many cases originate in the tubes. Whole-person care gap: Oncologists focus on survival; patients often need additional proactive support for sexual health, tissues, and emotional recovery. Community & voice: Sharing experiences helps others catch issues earlier and feel less alone. Mindset mantra: “Find the beauty within the suck”—allow space to complain and look for what helps you move forward. This is your practical ovarian-cancer know-how. what to watch for, which tests to ask for, and how to self-advocate. anchored by a compassionate, real-world survivor’s lens. . Connect with Dr. Shieva Website LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Kristin and Meghan Instagram
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.