iPad 3 stuck in Recovery mode while trying to upgrade

I attempted to upgrade my iPad 3 and received the error message that there was not enough memory. Linked it via USB to iTunes on PC laptop (updated iTunes to latest version). Error message said unable to upgrade the iPad, my only option is to Restore. However, that will erase all my data and settings which I have not backed up. Now I'm stuck. Either restore and lose all or leave iPad as is ... only problem with the latter is that the iPad is stuck in Recovery mode and everything I have tried does not release it. Would appreciate help with this as I now have a non-functioning iPad! Thank you.