Volusia County, Have You Had Your Mammogram Yet?

Do you even know where to get one done?

As you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is estimated 178,480 women and 2,030 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year (2007). Out of those numbers, 40,460 women and 450 men diagnosed will pass away from this cancer. This is not a female only cancer by the way.

I've heard "stories" about how painful mammograms are, how uncomfortable they are etc.. I believed them...

My family doctor has been on my case for a year now to get one done because of my family history.

My father's sister (my Aunt) passed away from breast cancer in the 90s. His mother, my grandmother had a mastectomy when she was about 90 when they found a lump in right breast in the mid 1990s. Up til 2 months ago I thought it was benign as did my father. We learned at the same time it was not benign.

Well I finally bit the bullet and went in yesterday for my mammogram. My appointment was at Twin Lakes Imagining at the corner of LPGA Blvd and Clyde Morris. It was set for 4;30 but I was to arrive at 4:15 to get registered.

I'm always early for my appointments, there were two other women there, one waiting and one being registered. I was asked to fill out a couple forms and when I was done I was registered. (The waiting room is serene, almost like a day spa) At 4:20 I was called into the room. I was stunned! They were early! Be warned, you have to remove your deodorant, but they do have some for you to use if you would like. They take 4 pictures, ask you to wait a few minutes to make sure the pictures are ok, then your done. It's a bit uncomfortable, but nothing like I had heard it was. I was home by 4:40. I was impressed.

If you do not have insurance and money is an issue you can contact the Center For Disease Control about Low-Cost or Free Mammograms at 888-842-6355 or go to cdc.gov