Love Offering for Jean Guidone Cancer Treatment
Donation protected
Thank you for visiting this site, kindly set up by family friend Jennifer Zyzo.
Jean and Joe are facing the battle of their lives as Jean fights an aggressive, often lethal form of breast cancer (stage 4) which she has received treatment for locally and after intense research currently in Mexico. Joe also is undergoing care and treatment for his own new medical diagnosis in Milwaukee. [More details of Jean and Joe’s current medical situation, expenses and chosen treatment plans are shared below, in the section called “Jean and Joe’s Medical Journey.”]
Message from Jen:
Thank you so much for your love and support. Joe, Jeanie, the family and I humbly ask for your prayers for they are what truly make the difference in times like these. Then, and if you are able, any size contribution would be a blessing. Jeanie will continue treatment in Mexico only if it is showing a positive effect and as long as God provides the finances. Obviously, there are so many unknowns and we realize that ultimately their future health remains solely in God’s hands. They are praying for Gods will over their lives, decisions and family.
For prayer and health updates, as well as a place to leave notes of encouragement, please check Jean Guidone’s Caring Bridge website.
For financial contributions, there are three ways you may contribute:
· Donate directly and easily via this GoFundMe page
· Mail a check to directly to the Guidones
· Make a donation at any BMO Harris Bank branch. Ask the Teller to make deposit into Joe and Jean Guidone’s Savings Account ending in – 1581.
[NOTE: The second two options allow your full donation to reach the Guidones, without a percentage removed for administration fees.]
Jean and Joe’s Medical Journey
Jeanie’s cancer journey began in September 2017 when she was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer after finding a lump in her breast. This diagnosis quickly became more serious and complicated. Further test results that showed she was Stage 2, “Triple Negative;” which meant she had a very aggressive, fast moving type of breast cancer for which there is only a limited success rate for cure and few effective treatment options.
Jeanie and her husband Joe were determined to fight this battle with all “their” strength. It wasn’t long after that they realized this battle was too big for them alone and committed their battle to God. “Do not be afraid because this battle is not yours but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15
With Joe at her side Jeanie began the conventional routine of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation which have helped many patients here in the USA. Like most patients receiving chemotherapy, the side effects were painful, physically and mentally exhausting and emotionally difficult. Additionally, Jean’s health deteriorated so much from the chemo that she had to receive blood transfusions to keep her strong enough to continue taking more chemo. After a year of intense therapy, surgery and radiation Jeanie was reevaluated. The oncology team felt confident she was tumor free and offered her more chemo just to clean up any residual cancer cells that may be still present but unseen.
At this point Jeanie requested a Pet scan to check for tumors before she was willing to consider chemotherapy again. The doctor agreed, the Pet Scan was done and results came in. Unfortunately, despite all of the chemo and radiation, the cancer had now progressed to stage 4, Triple Negative, metastatic breast cancer, with the Pet Scan showing a metastatic tumor on her liver. It was horrible news to receive.
Looking at her options, including more chemotherapy, Jeanie researched locally integrative medicine which combined some of the conventional treatments with newer techniques. She chose to do some of the integrative treatment along with a strict home regimen versus more chemotherapy.
Shortly after this treatment she had new lab work and scans done which showed the treatments were not effectively working.
Jeanie also aggressively researched for over a year other alternative forms of treatment which were mostly done outside of the United States. After careful consideration of her research, understanding the financial burden, and with the hope of better results, Jean and Joe traveled to San Diego and Mexico in November, 2018 for 3 weeks of treatments in a hospital setting.
While they were in San Diego, Jean underwent an innovative procedure cryoablation (freezing) on her metastatic liver tumor and an immune injection done which was not available in Milwaukee. In Mexico she received multiple alternative and cutting-edge medical techniques. These treatments were equally aggressive but less toxic to her body. One treatment directs the chemo to the specific tumor sites versus the whole body, resulting in less damage to the body overall. (More details of actual treatment can be found under Jeanie’s 'Caring Bridge' website')
When Jean returned to Wisconsin in December, she was evaluated and a clear CT scan showed no active cancer. In January, there was some concern because her cancer cell counts were above normal, leaving the possibility open for new cancer to return in the future.
When It Rains, It Pours (or in March, it's a blizzard)
During this time of optimism Joe was experiencing some unexplained abdomen and chest pains. His doctor who had been following a small “benign” tumor in his stomach for 7 years felt his stomach tumor was not the cause of his current symptoms but suggested possible gallbladder issues. He then suggested and decided it was time to address both issues and Joe underwent surgery on March 29th, 2019 to have the benign tumor removed. The results of that surgery and pathology report were quite different than expected.
The new diagnosis was that of a Malignant GIST tumor which was cancerous. After follow up with an Oncologist it was determined that Joe had stage 2 cancer. He would need intense monitoring and follow up. This would include multiple diagnostic exams and the possibility of an extremely expensive medication (Gleevec) because chemotherapy and radiation are not used for his rare cancer. He is being followed by an Oncologist at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee with a favorable prognosis.
While Joe was recovering from surgery, Jeanie had her sixth month evaluation. Sadly, her CT scan results showing new metastatic growth in multiple sites of her liver. Doctors confirmed that further conventional chemo would not cure the type of cancer that she had. With a mounting burden of medical bills and now with Joe’s new diagnosis, they were devastated.
After much prayer concerning her options, Jean decided to return to Mexico for comprehensive treatment. She asked the Lord’s guidance and favor on this journey, for His financial provision, and her plans fell into place. On Sunday April 28, 2019 Jeanie left on her own for Mexico. Joe needed to stay home to receive medical treatment. He soon hopes to make plans to visit her in Mexico.
The duration of Jeanie’s treatment and time in Mexico depends on many factors, including her body’s positive response to treatment protocol and finances. While still burdened from prior bills from treatment beginning in 2017 in Milwaukee and her first three weeks of treatment in Mexico (2018), the additional costs for treatment in 2019 will be about $25,000 per month, private pay – no insurance.
Final Thoughts
Jean and Joe are both standing firm in their faith and the LORD. Their trust in God cannot be shaken, but their burden is heavy. This situation has been taxing on the family in many ways, but God continues to show up in this battle.
It’s not an uncommon thing to hear of cancer striking a family these days. So many are suffering. What seems to be the worst news can also usher in a season of experiencing God’s love and care on a much deeper level. The ironic gifts of cancer are a closer relationship with God, leaning on His word with much more intensity, and experiencing His love and care through the support of friends and family.
Thank you for being a part of Joe and Jean Guidone’s care, prayer and support team. They can’t do this without you!
Thank you for reading this. Please share it with everyone who may know this beautiful family.
Psalm 103:2-4 “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.”
Jean and Joe are facing the battle of their lives as Jean fights an aggressive, often lethal form of breast cancer (stage 4) which she has received treatment for locally and after intense research currently in Mexico. Joe also is undergoing care and treatment for his own new medical diagnosis in Milwaukee. [More details of Jean and Joe’s current medical situation, expenses and chosen treatment plans are shared below, in the section called “Jean and Joe’s Medical Journey.”]
Message from Jen:
Thank you so much for your love and support. Joe, Jeanie, the family and I humbly ask for your prayers for they are what truly make the difference in times like these. Then, and if you are able, any size contribution would be a blessing. Jeanie will continue treatment in Mexico only if it is showing a positive effect and as long as God provides the finances. Obviously, there are so many unknowns and we realize that ultimately their future health remains solely in God’s hands. They are praying for Gods will over their lives, decisions and family.
For prayer and health updates, as well as a place to leave notes of encouragement, please check Jean Guidone’s Caring Bridge website.
For financial contributions, there are three ways you may contribute:
· Donate directly and easily via this GoFundMe page
· Mail a check to directly to the Guidones
· Make a donation at any BMO Harris Bank branch. Ask the Teller to make deposit into Joe and Jean Guidone’s Savings Account ending in – 1581.
[NOTE: The second two options allow your full donation to reach the Guidones, without a percentage removed for administration fees.]
Jean and Joe’s Medical Journey
Jeanie’s cancer journey began in September 2017 when she was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer after finding a lump in her breast. This diagnosis quickly became more serious and complicated. Further test results that showed she was Stage 2, “Triple Negative;” which meant she had a very aggressive, fast moving type of breast cancer for which there is only a limited success rate for cure and few effective treatment options.
Jeanie and her husband Joe were determined to fight this battle with all “their” strength. It wasn’t long after that they realized this battle was too big for them alone and committed their battle to God. “Do not be afraid because this battle is not yours but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15
With Joe at her side Jeanie began the conventional routine of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation which have helped many patients here in the USA. Like most patients receiving chemotherapy, the side effects were painful, physically and mentally exhausting and emotionally difficult. Additionally, Jean’s health deteriorated so much from the chemo that she had to receive blood transfusions to keep her strong enough to continue taking more chemo. After a year of intense therapy, surgery and radiation Jeanie was reevaluated. The oncology team felt confident she was tumor free and offered her more chemo just to clean up any residual cancer cells that may be still present but unseen.
At this point Jeanie requested a Pet scan to check for tumors before she was willing to consider chemotherapy again. The doctor agreed, the Pet Scan was done and results came in. Unfortunately, despite all of the chemo and radiation, the cancer had now progressed to stage 4, Triple Negative, metastatic breast cancer, with the Pet Scan showing a metastatic tumor on her liver. It was horrible news to receive.
Looking at her options, including more chemotherapy, Jeanie researched locally integrative medicine which combined some of the conventional treatments with newer techniques. She chose to do some of the integrative treatment along with a strict home regimen versus more chemotherapy.
Shortly after this treatment she had new lab work and scans done which showed the treatments were not effectively working.
Jeanie also aggressively researched for over a year other alternative forms of treatment which were mostly done outside of the United States. After careful consideration of her research, understanding the financial burden, and with the hope of better results, Jean and Joe traveled to San Diego and Mexico in November, 2018 for 3 weeks of treatments in a hospital setting.
While they were in San Diego, Jean underwent an innovative procedure cryoablation (freezing) on her metastatic liver tumor and an immune injection done which was not available in Milwaukee. In Mexico she received multiple alternative and cutting-edge medical techniques. These treatments were equally aggressive but less toxic to her body. One treatment directs the chemo to the specific tumor sites versus the whole body, resulting in less damage to the body overall. (More details of actual treatment can be found under Jeanie’s 'Caring Bridge' website')
When Jean returned to Wisconsin in December, she was evaluated and a clear CT scan showed no active cancer. In January, there was some concern because her cancer cell counts were above normal, leaving the possibility open for new cancer to return in the future.
When It Rains, It Pours (or in March, it's a blizzard)
During this time of optimism Joe was experiencing some unexplained abdomen and chest pains. His doctor who had been following a small “benign” tumor in his stomach for 7 years felt his stomach tumor was not the cause of his current symptoms but suggested possible gallbladder issues. He then suggested and decided it was time to address both issues and Joe underwent surgery on March 29th, 2019 to have the benign tumor removed. The results of that surgery and pathology report were quite different than expected.
The new diagnosis was that of a Malignant GIST tumor which was cancerous. After follow up with an Oncologist it was determined that Joe had stage 2 cancer. He would need intense monitoring and follow up. This would include multiple diagnostic exams and the possibility of an extremely expensive medication (Gleevec) because chemotherapy and radiation are not used for his rare cancer. He is being followed by an Oncologist at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee with a favorable prognosis.
While Joe was recovering from surgery, Jeanie had her sixth month evaluation. Sadly, her CT scan results showing new metastatic growth in multiple sites of her liver. Doctors confirmed that further conventional chemo would not cure the type of cancer that she had. With a mounting burden of medical bills and now with Joe’s new diagnosis, they were devastated.
After much prayer concerning her options, Jean decided to return to Mexico for comprehensive treatment. She asked the Lord’s guidance and favor on this journey, for His financial provision, and her plans fell into place. On Sunday April 28, 2019 Jeanie left on her own for Mexico. Joe needed to stay home to receive medical treatment. He soon hopes to make plans to visit her in Mexico.
The duration of Jeanie’s treatment and time in Mexico depends on many factors, including her body’s positive response to treatment protocol and finances. While still burdened from prior bills from treatment beginning in 2017 in Milwaukee and her first three weeks of treatment in Mexico (2018), the additional costs for treatment in 2019 will be about $25,000 per month, private pay – no insurance.
Final Thoughts
Jean and Joe are both standing firm in their faith and the LORD. Their trust in God cannot be shaken, but their burden is heavy. This situation has been taxing on the family in many ways, but God continues to show up in this battle.
It’s not an uncommon thing to hear of cancer striking a family these days. So many are suffering. What seems to be the worst news can also usher in a season of experiencing God’s love and care on a much deeper level. The ironic gifts of cancer are a closer relationship with God, leaning on His word with much more intensity, and experiencing His love and care through the support of friends and family.
Thank you for being a part of Joe and Jean Guidone’s care, prayer and support team. They can’t do this without you!
Thank you for reading this. Please share it with everyone who may know this beautiful family.
Psalm 103:2-4 “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.”
Organiser and beneficiary
Jennifer Zyzo
Organiser
Brookfield, WI
Joseph Guidone
Beneficiary
