Time for another dreaded breast screening
As a former theater kid, I always thought of the term "callback" with only positive connotations.
That was until fall 2023, when I got a "callback" after my first breast mammogram.
Dr. Google — this was before AI — told me that a callback can be pretty common for your first screening, especially if you've been deemed as having "dense" breast tissue, so I did my best to stay pretty calm during the 10 days I had to wait for my follow-up appointment.
When a second mammogram (ouch!) and ultrasound confirmed a suspicious lump in my left breast, I was ready to have a meltdown on the exam table. I wanted answers right away.
Instead, I had to wait again — another 11 days before they could bring me in for a biopsy, then another seven before I'd get my results back. (That was a fun birthday weekend.)
Fortunately, it was benign and they marked the spot for future screenings.
But having to go about my life, perform at work, be a mother and wife with this worry constantly playing in the background for more than a month was incredibly draining and eye-opening for me. How is this process not quicker?
And how do women who are diagnosed with cancer continue to show up for work and their families while battling this disease?
We spoke to four Long Island women this week who were diagnosed with breast cancer at four different stages of life — one in her 30s, another in her 40s, one at 56 and a 71-year-old who had just had a clear mammogram six months prior to her stage 2 diagnosis. Read their stories.
From left, Rori Zura, Valerie St. Bernard, Karla Waldron and Vanie Tuthill each faced a breast cancer diagnosis. Credit: Rori Zura; Valerie St. Bernard; Morgan Campbell; Vanie Tuthill
At my most recent breast screening in April, I had another scare, but the doctor told me, based on the ultrasound, it's "probably benign."
Instead of sending me for another biopsy, they recommended a six-month follow-up, so this Thursday morning, that's where I'll be. (Fingers crossed.)
Give yourself a day pass
Set in the Shawangunk Mountains, Mohonk Mountain House offers a variety of access passes to its outdoor activities, dining and spa. Credit: Mohonk Mountain House
Between work, school and our kids' social calendars, who has time to really get away? Plus, if it's a kid-free outing you're looking for, finding overnight childcare can be a challenge.
But these resorts let you take advantage of their amenities without booking an overnight stay, and each are less than three hours from Long Island.
You can get a day pass for a fraction of the price of booking a room and enjoy access to luxurious pools or scenic hiking trails, spas, golf courses, horseback riding or even zip lining.
Get caught-up before Election Day
Everyone knows that Bruce Blakeman and Kathy Hochul are vying for New York State Governor, but check out our voters guide to learn about more local races.
If you've been so busy that you haven't had time to research who will be on your ballot this Election Day, our 2026 Long Island Voters Guide can get you caught up before Tuesday.
Enter your address to see which candidates are vying for your vote, read their profiles and then check Newsday.com on Tuesday night for live results after polls close.
Also, check out our elections FAQ for more information on early voting and where to vote.
More from our moms
Follow Long Island Moms on Instagram to add this and more content from our working moms to your feed. Credit: Long Island Moms via Instagram
Get more content from our very own working moms on Instagram. This week, we checked out one of Long Island's newest clothing boutiques, toddler-tested some popular fall activities, and discussed how to find mom friends.
