Annual mammograms have been part of Theresa Curcio’s routine since she turned 40. Her mother had breast cancer, so Theresa, now 65 and a nurse at Staten Island University Hospital, understood how important it was to be screened. That became even more clear when her mammogram revealed a small mass in her left breast.

A biopsy shortly thereafter revealed the news Theresa had been dreading: It was breast cancer.

“It was a huge shock,” said Theresa, who lives on Staten Island, and she was devastated. “The hardest part is hearing that you have breast cancer, but the second hardest part is just waiting to get treated. It was very difficult. It was very stressful.”

Soon after the biopsy results, Theresa met with surgical oncologist Karishma Kollipara, DO, who immediately reassured her and put her at ease. “Even though I'm a nurse, she still explained everything,” said Theresa. That said, Theresa felt it was important to get a second opinion—and Dr. Kollipara was supportive of that choice.

After seeing a doctor in Manhattan, who offered a similar take on treatment, Theresa decided that she preferred to work with Dr. Kollipara and the team at Staten Island University Hospital—both for their expertise, and the fact that it was close to home.

The first step: surgery. By this time, though, the holidays were fast approaching, and Theresa asked Dr. Kollipara if she could wait until January to have the procedure. She got the OK. Progression was unlikely and the cancer hadn’t spread, so she enjoyed hosting her annual Christmas party with friends and family, and spent time with loved ones, including her daughter, who was pregnant at the time.

Early in the new year, Dr. Kollipara performed a lumpectomy at Staten Island University Hospital, which was a success.

“Everybody was so kind and caring. It was amazing,” explained Theresa. “It was a terrible experience that I had to go through, but it was a good experience in that the people that cared for me were just so nice. I really mean it. And I tell everyone, you don't have to go to the city to get good treatment.” She was also particularly appreciative of how accessible Dr. Kollipara was, even going so far as to give Theresa her personal phone number in case she needed anything. “I would recommend her to anyone,” said Theresa.

Tests on the removed tumor revealed that Theresa had Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. That meant she wouldn’t need to undergo chemotherapy. But radiation treatments were recommended to be sure any remaining cancer cells were eradicated. Under the care of radiation oncologist Chika N. Madu, MD, Theresa underwent 15 rounds of radiation in a 15-day period at the Florina Cancer Center.

“Dr. Madu makes you feel like everything's going to be OK,” said Theresa. Plus, she liked that the Florina Cancer Center was accommodating and not far from her home. “I got there early, I waited just a few minutes and was in. You're in, you're out. That was a great experience.”

Throughout this period, Theresa felt consistently supported and reassured—by everyone at Northwell and her friends and family. As a staff nurse who’s consistently on her feet and caring for patients, being able to take a three-month leave helped alleviate some anxiety and enabled Theresa to focus on her recovery.

And her family, including her husband, two adult children and her mother, were all there for her as well.

While awaiting surgery and going through radiation, Theresa aimed to keep her life as normal as possible, enjoying dinners out with her husband. She even planned her daughter’s baby shower. The shower went off without a hitch, and her daughter gave birth to a baby girl, making Theresa the proud grandmother of two little granddaughters.

“They're just so much fun,” said Theresa. “Like all babies, they bring joy, they bring life.”

At her most recent appointment, Dr. Kollipara said everything looks great.

Now, Theresa has a message for others, pleading not to wait to get a mammogram. “I’ve met women that are 50 or older and never had one!” Even if you’re afraid, explained Theresa, it’s better to get treatment than wait for things to get worse. She’s grateful for her screening and the care she received. “I'm one of the lucky ones. I really am.”