Support Tonja Turner's Battle Against Pancreatic Cancer

Recently our beautiful, hardworking, strong-willed and brave sister Tonja Turner was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (pancreatic cancer). This diagnosis means a difficult and exhausting road lies ahead of her.

Tonja's journey began a month ago when she experienced mild discomfort in her abdomen. Through CT scans and extensive laboratory work at Guthrie (Lourdes Hospital) doctors detected her bile duct is narrowed and there is a 3 1/2 centimeter undetermined mass on her pancreas.

An ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) a procedure that using endoscope and x-rays to examine the liver, gallbladder, biliary and pancreatic ductal systems for diseases. Unsuccessful with this procedure at Guthrie, her surgeon determined she required a higher level of care and referred to to Strong Memorial in Rochester NY.

Fortunately the ERCP was a success in Rochester; the surgeon placed a stent in the bile duct and was able to biopsy the undefined mass. However, the mass was confirmed to be pancreatic cancer. This diagnosis is of course devastating to her and her family. Not only is it malignant, it is also close to what is called the superior mesenteric vein. She now must begin a grievous chemotherapy regimen for three to four months to aggressively attack and shrink the mass. She will then be required to rest for one month before traveling to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. There she will undergo a fatiguing surgery called a Whipple (pancreaticoduodenectomy) a complex surgical procedure which removes the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder and the bile duct. The surgeon will then rebuild and reroute the pancreas and small intestine to restore digestive function.

Tonja will be unable to return to the work that she loves as a Respiratory Therapist. Please consider a donation towards Tonja's care and financial expenses. Every dollar counts and will be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please share this page and your prayers are always welcomed.