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Abbey sent along this photo of her, Bill and me from our dinner on Monday.

Today I met with the breast radiation oncologist. I haven't come up with a nickname for her so for now it's just that. All the docs meet with radiation patients once a week to check the skin (watching for burns/breakdowns) and for other side effects. I told her that my scar feels really tight and some recent stiffness in the right shoulder. She said it's unusual to have symptoms so soon, but maybe I'm extra sensitive from being in a yoga body. Again, I was tearful. She asked if there's anything they can do to make it easier. Really, there is not. The Dana is a fantastic institution and I have absolutely no complaints. She suggested that I view this as supporting my health; I shot back that it's not necessarily true. I'm touchy, angry. Being in the midst of this again makes me feel vulnerable. Wwith increased awareness that the cancer could get out of control at any moment -- but maybe not. I could die from something else. It's tricky -- how to be realistic yet optimistic at the same time.