Patricia J. Lehtinen

4/17/1945-7/29/2022

One cannot think about Patricia (Pat, Gam, Mama Lehtinen) without thinking of her love for life and helping others. She always strived to do one act of kindness a day but often did much more. To know her was to love her.

Although the pandemic kept her confined more than she wanted, she still got to the pool to swim several times a week and strived to get her steps in as well as eat her veggies. She was up to date on all of her health maintenance exams.

Earlier this year when they called her back after her routine Mammogram, we thought nothing of it as she usually gets called back. However, this time they wanted to do a biopsy. It showed Lymphoma. The oncologist said she had the best type and may not even need treatment.

As part of the Lymphoma workup, she had additional testing. One of her scans showed she had significant activity in her abdomen which suggested another cancer.

We were told highly unlikely she would have 2 cancers and is most likely Lymphoma.

In the beginning of March 2022, her liver function tests were completely normal. 2.5 weeks later, they were off the chart and she became quite ill.

Unfortunately, after more testing we found out she did have a second cancer, a much more horrific cancer called Cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare, aggressive cancer with no cure. It affects the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. It often appears after it’s too late and has metastasized.

Although she was very ill these past few months, she always maintained a positive attitude and love for life and others.

In celebration of her life and to honor her memory, we are asking friends and family to consider donating to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Since cholangiocarcinoma is such a rare, aggressive cancer, there is a crucial need for more research for earlier detection and diagnosis as well as survival rates. Please consider making a contribution in memory of Patricia. The Lehtinen family and their friends thank you for honoring Patricia’s memory by accelerating research for this devastating disease.

Click here to contribute in the name of [wpbb post:title]

If you wish to donate by phone, please call (888) 936-6731 and speak with Laurie Kikel. If you wish to donate by mail, send check to:

CCF – In honor of [wpbb post:title]
5526 West 13400 South, #510
Herriman, Utah 84096,  USA