He removed the large dressing that had been covering my breast. I was delighted to find that my breast looked quite good -- no scar or malformation. It felt wonderful to get all those bandages and tape off my body.

The radiologist and the radiology tech had been selected for me by the head of the cancer center, based not only on their competence, but because he felt I would get along well with them. This was the sort of sensitivity I had been experiencing all along. Each doctor chose the next doctor using these criteria, and it was working very well. Dr. E., radiology oncologist, and Dory, her technician, were nice people, open minded and caring.

The initial simulation was tedious and boring, consisting of lying on a table and not moving for about two hours, while they measured, marked and tattooed me. I did ask if Dory would make small flowers instead of just dots, but she said she had no talent whatsoever in that department.

Dr. E. explained what possible side effects I might experience. She said that my breast may become a bit harder, hair would not grow under my arm, and my breast skin would take on a rosy cast. I asked if I could have the treatment on both sides. I can think of worse things that having a firmer, rosy breast and no underarm hair, although my pits have been au natural for years now.