Christine's Cancer Crusade

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

OF PAT AND CHRISTINE PICCIONE

As some of you may know Christine has been battling stage 3C Ovarian Cancer since November 23, 2019.

Since then, she has had 2 major surgeries, one on December 31, 2019, and another one on April 6, 2020. Both were not successful due to the large volume of disease that had metastasized, the Cancer had fused to her uterus and small intestine and had spread throughout her abdomen. Following the 2nd surgery on April 6, 2020, she was told that the best she could hope for was to remain stable.

During this time, she has received 6 rounds of chemotherapy, along with a clinical trial drug to take every 3 weeks for 2 years and 17 rounds of Avastin (a maintenance drug).

During this difficult time, Christine remained positive. She meditated religiously every day, changed her diet, received reiki sessions, and prayed a lot.

Her Family and friends were extremely supportive and lots of love and prayers were sent her way.

Her Cancer marker started to increase and in March 2021, she was told her disease was progressing. Her last CAT scan showed the disease was progressing and was incurable. Her treatment option now was not to cure her cancer but only to help relive symptoms.

This was devastating news for the entire family. For anyone that knows Christine, she is the most loving amazing, vibrant women. Adored by her husband Pat, three children, Sarah, Matthew, Jonathan and her two granddaughters Myah and Grace.

The day Christine and Pat got the news that her cancer was progressing, a neighbour told them about the Medias Clinic in Burghausen, Germany where his daughter-in-law had been, and she had success there.

Pat sent Christine's medical records to the clinic and after reviewing her records, the doctor called and said he felt their targeted regional chemotherapy would help.

Unfortunately this treatment is not available in Canada.

It was recommended that her treatment would 3 rounds that last 8 to 10 days with a 3-week gap in between each one.

Christine and Pat went to Germany on May 30, 2021. Christine has had her first treatment and on June 2nd, 2021 and underwent surgery to access her abdomen through an incision in her groin. The chemotherapy was injected directly into the diseased area. After the first treatment, Christine has received news that her Cancer marker was decreasing. She has had some side effects of the treatment, but continues to stay strong and fight this fight. Her second treatment scheduled for June 22, 2021. It was recommended she has a total of 3 procedures.

Unfortunately, these treatments are not covered by OHIP, or any other medical insurance and each treatment is approximately $35,000.

To help the family with part of the cost of treatments plus the cost for accommodation while they stay in Germany this Go Fund was set up.