Tonya’s Pancreatic Cancer Journey

Hi, my name is Rachael. I am the oldest of Tony’s ( Tonya) four children. In August we received some pretty devastating news after a trip to the ER with mom, she had been experiencing debilitating abdominal pain. During a CT scan, they found a mass on the tail of her pancreas. A week later, she met with an oncologist, who reviewed her scan, and diagnosed her with Stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer. The cancer quickly spread to her liver. There’s a little good news in all of this, the tumor on her pancreas wasn’t in formation (think of it as in small parts opposed to a single big mass), which tells us that the cancer is very early, a couple of months old at most. Anyone who knows anything about pancreatic cancer knows that it’s usually not detected early, so by the time it’s found, it’s really late in the game. The great news of it being early, is that the treatments will be more effective for her. Also, there didn’t appear to be any signs that it spread to any other major organs (besides her liver), and that her heart, lungs, stomach, etc look unscathed. The dr ordered a PET scan and a biopsy. Those results confirmed the Stage 4 diagnoses, but no spreading to her brain or lymph nodes, and her bones, blood, etc all looked good.

Mom had a couple of very rough weeks while trying to get her pain managed. Mom barely ate or drank because of nausea and abdominal pain originating in her liver. This past Sunday (9/10) after another trip to the ER due to excruciating pain, that the pain meds weren’t even touching, they tried a pain patch, and TaDa! Moms pain is almost nonexistent, which was a huge relief to all of us. It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever watched, my mom being in so much pain. We feel very blessed that the ER doctor took the time to find something to help her. With a combination of IV fluids, pain patch, and some much needed quality sleep, mom is feeling a hundred times better.

Mom started chemo on Monday (9/11) and it went well. She’s on a couple of different drugs for that. We were a little nervous she would get sick from the chemo, but here we are 4 days later and she’s feeling better than ever! That is a huge relief. She’s able to eat, drink, move around (although she does get tired a bit more easily), and sleep comfortably. Her chemo cycles are every 2 weeks, and we’re hoping that it continues to go well. Her dr said that within a week or 2, hopefully, the tumors on her liver will shrink (those are what’s causing the most pain) and the pain will subside even more. Mom has a very positive can do attitude, is very strong in her faith with our Lord, and is committed to fighting as hard as she can to beat this and watch her grandchildren grow up.

My sister Julia and I wanted to start this page to help mom out with finances. She hasn’t been able to work since her diagnosis in mid august because of the pain and nausea, and her bills are going to start adding up quickly, plus the cost of food, and necessities. She is unsure when she’s going to be able to return to work. She does not have any short term disability insurance in place, or any supplemental income. Also, as many can imagine, her medical bills are going to be substantial, and we don’t want her to worry about money, just focus on living and healing! Mom has always done everything possible for us kids. She’s our biggest supporter, cheerleader, and role model. She means everything to us, and we don’t want her to struggle. We are helping as much as we can financially, emotionally, and physically. Mom has also always helped out whenever anyone needed anything, friends, strangers, family, and especially animals. I joke with her all the time she’s running a home for wayward pets lol. She’s adopted many dogs over the past 20 years and she has a huge heart for our four legged friends.

If you feel led to donate to help our mom out, we sincerely appreciate any amount, every dollar is a blessing. If you aren’t able to at this time, please say prayers for mom, our family, and her team of doctors. This isn’t going to be an easy journey, but with God by our side, we will be able to endure it. Thank you, and God bless.