In September 2024, Alicia Turner of Decatur began experiencing unusual symptoms, including dark urine and itching all over her body. She visited her primary care physician, Dr. Shetal Patel, at Perimeter North Medical Associates. When Dr. Patel entered the exam room, she immediately noticed Alicia’s eyes looked yellow and she was jaundiced.
A lab test confirmed her bilirubin level was five times above normal. Dr. Patel sent her straight to the emergency room.
“My doctor’s office is in the building beside Northside Hospital, so I just walked over to the ER,” Alicia recalled. “On the way, I prayed, ‘God, I don’t know what this is, but I’m going to stand on my faith. I know we can handle this.’”
Scans revealed a mass in her pancreas blocking the bile duct. Alicia was admitted to Northside Atlanta, where interventional gastroenterologist Dr. Girish Anand performed a series of complex endoscopic procedures to place a stent and biopsy the mass. Results confirmed pancreatic cancer.
The next morning, specialists came to discuss the diagnosis and treatment options with Alicia and her two sons.
“I wanted us all to hear the diagnosis and game plan at the same time,” she said.
Her long-term care team would include Dr. S. Tariq Mahmood, a medical oncologist with Atlanta Cancer Care, and Dr. Malini D. Sur, a surgical oncologist with Atlanta Liver and Pancreas Surgical Specialists.
Although she could have moved her care closer to home, Alicia chose to stay at Northside.
“This has always been my hospital,” she said. “My sons, now 49 and 38, were born at Northside. I was treated for breast cancer here in 2018 and again for a recurrence in 2023. The providers during this stay were so caring and professional.
“I trusted Northside to give me the best care for pancreatic cancer.”
Treatment began immediately. While still inpatient, Alicia had a port placed and received her first round of chemotherapy. Once home, she continued chemo every two weeks at Atlanta Cancer Care. Each cycle included lab work, a six-hour infusion, a pump she wore home for 48 hours and several injections.
“It was a lot of driving, but I was exactly where I wanted to be for my cancer treatment,” Alicia said.
In November, Dr. Anand replaced her temporary stent with a permanent one. Around that time, Alicia developed an infection in her gallbladder and was readmitted. Dr. Sur removed her gallbladder with robotic surgery, allowing Alicia to recover and continue chemotherapy as planned.
By Christmas, she had finished chemo. A January 2025 scan showed the tumor was shrinking but still appeared to involve an important nearby blood vessel. After consulting with colleagues at Northside’s multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer conference, her doctors recommended radiation before surgery.
Alicia completed six weeks of daily radiation under the care of radiation oncologist Dr. Ajay Patel. When a follow-up scan confirmed the tumor was well treated, Dr. Sur scheduled surgery.
“Dr. Sur advised a break after radiation so I could be as strong as possible for the major surgery,” Alicia said. “I had the privilege to attend Northside Hospital’s Cancer Survivor Retreat, which I enjoyed so much. I came home feeling encouraged and hopeful.”
On May 1, Dr. Sur performed an eight-hour Whipple procedure to remove the tumor, the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine and nearby lymph nodes while preserving key blood vessels.
“Dr. Sur assured me and my sons that she would only proceed with each step as long as there were no complications,” Alicia said. “She was in contact with my sons periodically from the operating room to assure them I was doing well.”
“Recovery was really hard,” she added. “Getting up and moving hurt; I couldn’t walk into the doctor’s first-floor office for my post-op appointment. It was hard to imagine that I’d get back to normal activities, but I did.”
After six weeks, Alicia completed four more rounds of chemo and rang the bell on Aug. 22.
“I was blessed with minimal side effects from chemo,” she said.
A fitness devotee, Alicia stayed active throughout her treatment — walking, biking and strength training.
“I get up at 5:30 a.m. every day and ride my stationary bike for at least 30 minutes,” she said. “I take lots of walks. Staying active has been critical to my physical and emotional recovery.”
She also found comfort in scrapbooking. She took pictures every step of her treatment — in the hospital, at the infusion center, and with doctors, nurses and loved ones.
“Each week I’d gather my photos, listen to my favorite music and complete a few scrapbook pages for that week,” she said. “Scrapbooking calms me, and I can look through my books and see the many blessings of this journey.”
Her friends and family — known as “Alicia’s Support Squad” — surrounded her with love and encouragement, helping her through breast cancer in 2023 and again through pancreatic cancer.
“From calls, cards and inspirational gifts to delivering groceries and even styling my hair — they meet my needs and boost my spirits,” she said.
For her birthday in April, Alicia hosted a Support Squad Appreciation Luncheon. “Ninety-five people came in their matching T-shirts. We had a beautiful day together.”
Now under the care of Dr. J. Gregory Zora of Endocrine Specialists of Atlanta, Alicia takes medication to replace pancreatic enzymes and manage blood sugar.
“The key is, I am living!” she said.
A retired teacher, she looks forward to returning to work part-time at an early learning center and mentoring other cancer patients.
Dr. Sur believes Alicia’s emotional resilience and faith were critical to her recovery.
“Patients who face their fears with strength and resolve are better able to handle the occasional bumps in the road during complex cancer treatment,” Dr. Sur said. “This is often made possible by a strong network of friends and family.
“Alicia is an inspiration for all patients facing a frightening diagnosis.”
Reflecting on the past year, Alicia said, “It’s been a journey, but a good journey. I’ve received excellent care from my team of doctors and nurses. God has been really good to me, and I am thankful.”
“As I walked to the ER that first day, I told God I would stand on my faith — and that’s where I still am today.”
Learn more about the Liver & Pancreas Program at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
