My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer about 2 or 3 years ago.  She is a SURVIVOR!  She had double mastectomies and is almost completely done with reconstructive surgery.  With my mom having had breast cancer, that makes me higher risk.  I don't have the money just lying around to pay for one, I can't afford insurance for myself, yet my husband makes too much money for us to qualify for help.  Well, I saw on the local news last week that the breast cancer institute in the city was giving free mammograms and there was no income limits.  So I called.  They got me in today.  Susan G. Komen paid for it, plus, when I got there, I got a $10 bill to pay for my gas that the Susan G. Komen foundation provided too!

The reason that I am writing this post is for those of you who have not decided to get a mammogram because you think you can't afford it, or, most importantly because you're scared it will hurt.  I have heard so many mammogram jokes and stories that I was quite scared.  I had heard that they smash your breasts so flat like a pancake and that you have to hold your breath forever.  I heard that it hurts really bad.  Well, it didn't hurt at all.  They did kind of flatten them but it wasn't painful or uncomfortable in the least.  You do have to hold your breath while they take the picture, but only for a couple of seconds.  I was in and out of there in 10 minutes.  If you can't afford a mammogram, or don't have insurance, call a breast cancer center, or contact the Susan G. Komen foundation.  If they'll pay for mine, I don't see why they wouldn't pay for anyone elses.  I will get my results next week.

So ladies, if fear is keeping you from getting a mammogram, don't let it keep you from it any longer.  It doesn't hurt.

Country Blessings,
Jamie