Jacquie Schlitter

On March 2nd, 2020, a colonoscopy revealed that Jacquie had Stage 4, metastatic, high grade, poorly differentiated, small cell, neuroendocrine carcinoma. A subsequent pet scan indicated it had already metastasized to her liver and iliac. This subtype of neuroendocrine cancer is extremely rare and incurable. There is no known cause, no known risk factors, and no family history.

There is no standardized treatment protocol because each patient’s case is different. How advanced the cancer is at diagnosis, where the primary tumor is located, the extent of metastasis in the liver as well as how fast the tumors are growing all play a role in determining the treatment and the prognosis. The rate of growth is represented by a KI#. Jacquie’s KI # is 90%. This means that the cancer cells are replicating very quickly and time is of the essence to find a treatment that will give Jacquie some more time with her family.

As with any cancer diagnosis, the financial burden is high. With such a rare cancer, and no standardized protocols, many of the treatments/ meds/procedures/genomic testing are not covered by insurance, even after deductibles and annual max out of pocket have been paid. Jacquie is fighting with everything she has to extend her life. She has not been able to work since May and is paying for Cobra insurance, so there would be no break in coverage. The max deductibles and annual max out of pocket amounts are due again at the end of September, which will add more stress. John has had to shut his business down so he can be there for and with Jacquie during this time.

Jacquie does not like asking for help and has resisted us starting a go fund me site because of that. But she NEEDS help to pay for medical expenses. If you can, please show your support by contributing. Everything helps.

Thanks, Susan and Scott