Penny's Pack. Penny Corbitt's Battle With Cancer

UPDATE 7/19/2023:

With great sadness, our friend Penny lost her battle with cancer and went to heaven at around 3:50pm today to greet our Lord; and a host of new “buddy’s.” Please keep her family in your prayers during this difficult time. And of course, they are super greatful for all of the support recieved thus far.

Penny Corbitt's entire life has been dedicated to healthcare in some way, shape, or form. From working in DME, Mercy Family Clinic, and St. Croix Hospice to volunteering her time to the Chickasaw County Rescue Squad and being a First Responder, responding to EMS Calls, Penny was a very dedicated caregiver! Penny has been off work for over a month now she and her family need our help! Medical bills, travel expenses, and basic living expenses are going to add up very quickly.

At the beginning of June, she was working and leaned against a doorway with her backpack on her back that she has always carried with her. She instantly felt a crack in her ribs as she was just standing there and something felt off. She had the pain there for the next couple weeks but it was manageable.

Fast forward a couple weeks later, she was at work and started having severe shoulder pain. It became so severe that she drove herself to the ER in New Hampton. She was then admitted and was there for a few days where Dr. Kline did various imaging based off her symptoms. There was a lung mass among some other masses elsewhere. She was referred for a consult on multiple masses and was discharged back home. About a week went by and her pain became so much worse. Jason took her to the ER at Mayo where she ended up being admitted for pain control and further evaluations. She also developed some facial droop and weakness at this time.

While at Mayo, she has undergone several more tests and has been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer with mets. She did start radiation treatments yesterday and will soon start chemo. She has been in close contact with the oncology team as well as neurology as she has been experiencing frequent TIA’s during her stay at Mayo.

Update 7/17/2023:

Penny began receiving radiation treatments last week. On Saturday evening, Penny started to retain more fluid than she had been initially. This was causing increased work of breathing, stress on her heart, and increased anxiety. She was moved to ICU that night and intubated. They continued to work on getting fluid off of her. They are holding radiation treatments for now and just got word that she will be starting dialysis today.

They are trying to wean off the ventilator today to see how she tolerates it and will make changes to the ventilator as tolerated.

Side note: Penny perked right up when we were talking about all her concerts. She sure had a lot that she wanted to say. Hoping that made you smile as much as it made us smile.

Update 7/19/2023:

Penny has really struggled these past couple of days. She was placed on palliative care today. Please pray for comfort for her and strength for her family during this difficult time.

If not able to donate monetarily, Please just keep Penny in your prayers!