First the sad news. My aunt Ria died on March 21. A few days before she died, she said “I will die when I am asleep surrounded by my loving family”. My sister said “like us?” She replied “You’ll Do” We were not there. But we believe that her mom, her aunts, my dad, Alexander and her cousin Peter (who died exactly one year before) were all there with her that night.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/maria-smith-obituary?id=54697254
Now for the good news. This week I met with the Medical Oncologist, and the Radiation Oncologist. They have both agreed that I do NOT need to have radiation! The main reason is that the area was so small, and they got it all during the lumpectomy. But, also, I have something called Neurofibromatosis type 1. (https://www.nfnortheast.org/what-is-nf/) (NF) Thankfully it has not affected me outside of some learning difficulties. The radiation oncologist that I met today, consulted with another doctor in Boston (a top radiation oncologist) and because of the NF, my chances of a secondary cancer from the radiation increases 10 fold! (it is about 0.02 percent in general) So because of that we are not going to go that route.
I will need to take a medication called Tamoxifen. I will be on that for 5 years. I am on two other medications – Welbutrin and Celexa. The Welbutrin can decrease the effects of the Tamoxifen, and the Celexa could have a side effect when mixed with the Tamoxifen. I sent a message to the doctor that prescribes them, but she is away for two weeks. Just as well as the Oncologist is away for one week. Really though, how RUDE of them to be away when I need them right now!! 😂😂
So back to the waiting game – or as we like to say “Hurry up and wait – then wait some more!”
thecookiegal 
so so good to see you at the MDSC conference and we both agree that pancreatic cancer sucks and cancer in general always sucks BUT so grateful to hear that chemo won’t be needed and what the heck – how dare these doctors take vacations when you need them to weigh in on all this?!?! Big hugs!!