I'm generally not a procrastinator. I tend to pay my bills a day or two after they arrive. I get my oil changed on time. I get my hair cut every ten to twelve weeks. I'm also someone who takes her health seriously. I work out several days a week. I tend to stay away from processed foods. I visit my gynocologist every year for my annual exam...which brings me to the the subject of this blog.

A little over six months ago, my gynocologist suggested that I get my first mammogram to get a baseline reading. I immediately panicked and asked her if she felt something suspicious during her exam. I 'm 36 and I know that doctors usually recommend getting at mammogram starting at age 40 (unless there's a family history). She assured me it was just a precautionary measure. I took the mammogram order and walked out of her office. Under "normal" circumstances, I would have called and made my mammogram appointment within 24-hours. Well...I didn't. I waited 24-hours...which turned into 24-days...then 24 weeks. I kept telling myself I would make the appointment "next week." I put it off again and again...for many reasons.

First of all...I was nervous about the exam itself. I've heard from some of my older friends that it's a painful procedure. My girlfriends always joke that a man must have invented the contraption. I mean you basically put your breast on a plate and watch as another plate presses down and squeezes it into a pancake. UGH! Just the thought of it made me cringe.

I was also afraid of the outcome. What if they saw something? Would they have caught it early enough to save my life? I had a million thoughts race through my mind. I finally worked up the courage to get the test done at Virginia Hospital Center. I brought Oliver, our videographer, along to document the experience.

From the moment I walked into the hospital, I knew I was in good hands. I was greeted by their friendly staff...and they immediately put my mind at ease. I put on the hospital gown and anxiously awaited my turn. As soon as I walked into the examination room, I noticed a machine in the corner. It looked very "industrial." The nurse assured me it would all be over in a few seconds. Sure enough...the discomfort didn't last long. The digital mammogram allows patients to get results IMMEDIATELY. I was told everything was fine...NO BREAST CANCER...WOOHOO!! What a relief! Now I have peace of mind.

I urge all women 40 or over to PLEASE GET A MAMMOGRAM! It can save your life. Don't put it off any longer. I did it...so can YOU. I'd love to hear about YOUR mammogram experience...especially if my story is what finally convinced you to get the test done.

I invite you to click here to check out the video of my personal experience.

email: chilli.amar@citcomm.com