Shelley Malicote Stutchman had it all lined up—at 67, she had just built a new home, was loving her job, and was planning a laid-back, groovy wedding. Then came the diagnosis: breast cancer. What followed was a journey filled with pain, unexpected challenges, and surprising moments of joy, all of which she captured in her memoir, Peek-a-Boob.
In our interview with Shelley, she walks us through the highs and lows of her experience, from the initial numbness to finding strength through writing. Her Facebook posts started as a personal outlet but quickly attracted messages from women around the world, thanking her for her transparency. That feedback inspired her to turn those posts into a book—one filled with medical insights, emotional truths, and laugh-out-loud moments.
Shelley’s background in nursing and mental health gave her a unique lens, but it was her humor and honesty that truly set her story apart. She doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics—being ghosted by friends, grappling with lasting treatment side effects, or wondering if her fiancé would still marry her. Spoiler: he did and even wrote the book’s final chapter offering heartfelt advice to other men in similar situations.
Peek-a-Boob is more than a breast cancer story. It’s a love story, a survivor’s guide, and a reminder that laughter and resilience can carry us through the darkest times. Shelley’s journey proves that life doesn’t stop with a diagnosis evolving.
Whether you’re facing breast cancer, supporting someone who is, or simply want an honest inspiring read, Shelley’s story will stay with you.
