A Life-Saving Mammogram Experience: Melissa Neuman’s Journey
Melissa Neuman always dreaded mammograms due to her small, dense breasts, which made the screenings particularly painful. Consequently, she delayed her annual mammograms until she felt it was absolutely necessary.
For about five years, Melissa experienced persistent pain just under her left breast. In February 2023, a friend’s recommendation led her to seek care from Jessica Johnson, an OB-GYN nurse practitioner at Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna, Minnesota.
“Jessica took me seriously and was determined to find out what was causing the pain,” says Melissa, who lives in Owatonna and works as an activities assistant at a local assisted living and memory care facility.
During their appointment, Jessica noticed that Melissa hadn’t had a mammogram for several years. Understanding Melissa’s reluctance due to the pain, Jessica suggested a breast MRI as an alternative.
“I’d still be getting screened, but with less pain,” says Melissa. “So I said, ‘Let’s do it.'”
The MRI revealed an area of concern. Jessica recommended a biopsy, but it required a mammogram first. That’s when Melissa met Amanda Steinberg, a radiology technologist in Owatonna, who made a significant impact on her experience.
Overcoming Mammogram Fears and Pain
“Mammograms aren’t a favorite activity for women,” says Amanda. “While it’s a preventive screening, we have mammograms to make sure we don’t have breast cancer. It’s scary.”
At 35, Amanda had her own scare with a mammogram that showed an area of concern, so she understands her patients’ fears and reluctance. She strives to set them at ease, explain simply and clearly what she’s doing, take their mind off the compression, and be as quick and effective as possible.
Amanda’s understanding and empathy resonated with Melissa. Amanda had learned that mammograms can be less painful if the patient doesn’t reach forward to grip the handles on the machine.
“When you grip or make a fist, your pectoral muscles tense up. Squeezing a muscle that is already tight makes the pinching feeling of compression feel worse,” she explains.
Instead, Amanda advises patients to let their arms hang relaxed by their sides.
“Women have told me how much better it is,” says Amanda.
Melissa agrees. “She was amazing, and I will never forget her. I wish I’d found her sooner,” she says.
A Closer Look Reveals a Tumor
The mammogram and a subsequent ultrasound were inconclusive, so Johnson ordered a biopsy performed on Dec. 6, 2023. Two days later, Melissa learned that the biopsy confirmed an invasive ductile carcinoma tumor positioned right up against her chest wall.
“Suddenly, everything was insane,” says Melissa.
A whirlwind of preoperative tests and appointments began, and she was informed of her options: a lumpectomy, radiation, or a single or double mastectomy.
After discussing the options with her husband, Rick, she opted for a double mastectomy.
“I didn’t want to undergo MRIs every six months or worry for the rest of my life,” says Melissa.
Melissa met with Mayo Clinic Health System surgeons and had a double mastectomy on Jan. 30. After one night in the hospital, she was home and recovering with help from Rick and their children, Sarah and Joshua.
Before starting hormone-blocking cancer medication, Melissa’s oncologist, Mina Hanna, M.D., ordered a bone density scan. Melissa was delighted to learn that Amanda would conduct it since she had such a positive experience with the mammograms.
“After I’ve done mammograms for a patient, I usually don’t know their results or even see them again,” says Amanda. “Doing Melissa’s bone density scan felt like it was meant to be that we’d be on this journey together.”
Genetics, Recovery, and a
