Jasper, Ga. (June 10, 2025) – When Melissa Scott scheduled her routine yearly mammogram at Piedmont in October, she never anticipated that she would soon embark on a life-changing journey. But when she was called back for further testing and diagnosed with breast cancer right before Thanksgiving, Melissa faced one of the toughest challenges of her life.
Determined to fight, Melissa turned to the trusted medical professionals at Piedmont for imaging, surgery, and ongoing care. She met with Rosa Lynn Langella, M.D., a dedicated breast surgeon from Piedmont, who guided her through a lumpectomy in February.
“Melissa approached her diagnosis with courage and grace,” said Dr. Langella. “Our goal was to ensure she felt empowered and supported throughout every step of her treatment.”
The journey didn’t stop there—Melissa underwent further radiation treatments at the newly established Radiation Oncology Center in Jasper, located on the campus of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. The center, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and designed with patient comfort in mind, became a place of both healing and hope for Melissa. Under the expert care of Adam Nowlan M.D. and a compassionate team of radiation specialists, she began a new phase of her treatment with confidence.
Each visit to the center was met with warmth and professionalism. From the front desk staff who greeted her by name, to the radiation therapists who explained each step of the process with patience and clarity, Melissa felt genuinely cared for. The facility’s calming environment—with its natural light, soothing colors, and quiet spaces—helped ease the emotional toll of daily treatments.
“The team at the Radiation Oncology Center made a difficult process feel manageable,” Melissa said. “They treated me like a person, not just a patient.”
This phase of her care not only targeted the cancer but also reinforced the strength of the support system surrounding her. The convenience of having such a high-quality facility close to home meant less travel and more time to rest and recover—something Melissa deeply appreciated as she balanced treatment with her responsibilities at work and home.
Throughout her treatment, Melissa found solace in Piedmont’s unwavering commitment to patient care. She attended a support group led by Dr. Langella at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, where she connected with others navigating similar treatment paths. "The Piedmont team has been great in providing support to get through all these appointments," Melissa shared.
Balancing full-time work in healthcare IT while undergoing treatment posed challenges, but Melissa remained resilient. The encouragement of her family—her husband, four grown children, and four grandchildren—provided her with strength. At her final radiation appointment, nearly 18 family members gathered to celebrate, witnessing her triumphant ringing of the bell to mark the completion of this phase of her journey.
Reflecting on her experience, Melissa encourages others facing similar diagnoses to slow down, ask questions, and trust the process. "It takes longer than you think, but it's okay to go slow and make thoughtful decisions," she advised. She credits the Piedmont team for ensuring she felt informed and supported every step of the way.
As Melissa moves forward, she embraces life with a newfound appreciation for the little moments—cherishing time with her grandchildren and finding joy in family gatherings. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the compassionate, patient-centered care that Piedmont Mountainside proudly provides.