Quincy Reporter

Mammograms played a key role in the early detection of breast cancer for Dixie Kelly, a 69-year-old resident of Camden, Illinois. Kelly credits her daughter, Christa, for encouraging her to stay current with mammogram screenings after she had not followed the recommended schedule for several years.

“If it had not been for my daughter, I would not have done the mammogram when I did. I would have put it off,” Kelly said.

Kelly initially received her baseline mammogram at age 40 but waited about ten years before having another screening. When Christa turned 40 and began visiting the Blessing Breast Center, she encouraged her mother to join her.

“Christa started going to the Blessing Breast Center and I followed along,” Kelly explained.

In 2024, a call-back after a mammogram led to further testing that showed no cancer. However, following her annual screening on June 19, 2025, additional tests revealed early stage breast cancer despite Kelly having no symptoms.

“I was shocked. I was sure it would be like last year and there would not be anything. I think it was more shocking for my daughter,” she said.

Kelly chose Blessing Hospital for treatment even though it required a significant commute from Camden. She noted the efficiency of care provided by the hospital’s team: “Within days, they were doing things,” recalled Jack Kelly, Dixie’s husband of 52 years.

Her medical team included patient navigator Jessica Nuebel; surgeon Emmanuel Bessay; radiation oncologist Rob Johnson; and medical oncologist Mohammed Memon. An MRI discovered a third tumor undetected by previous imaging methods. Within one month of diagnosis, Kelly underwent surgery to remove all three tumors.

“I was impressed with that,” she said regarding the rapid response. “It didn’t leave me a lot of time to sit and dwell on the situation.”

The hospital coordinated appointments so that multiple consultations and tests could occur during single visits whenever possible—a measure appreciated by both Dixie and Jack due to their long travel distance.

“They did whatever they could to make it easier for us,” Dixie said.

Her treatment is expected to conclude later this fall after completing 25 radiation therapy sessions. Both Dixie and Jack expressed satisfaction with their experience at Blessing Hospital.

“Everyone we have been around has been so nice and helpful,” Dixie stated. “They care.”

“Every department we’ve dealt with has been exceptional,” added Jack.

The couple plans to continue using Blessing Hospital for future healthcare needs.

Dixie credited support from family and friends throughout her treatment process as well as timely screenings: “Mammograms. Mammograms. Mammograms,’ she said with a smile. “I had no symptoms. The mammogram found the cancer and started the process. If I was waiting for symptoms, the situation could have been much worse. Get that mammogram. Don’t put it off.”

Jack agreed: “That is definitely how it’s caught early” he said. “She had no indication things had changed from one year to the next except for that mammogram.”

A doctor’s order is not required for an annual screening mammogram at Blessing Hospital or its associated locations in Hannibal or Pittsfield; appointments can be scheduled by calling 217-223-8400 ext. 4300.