As we all know, Libby was diagnosed with lung cancer on October 18th, 2018. Over the last 3 years, Libby has gone through a number of therapies and treatments for her cancer. Over the last two years she has been traveling to Cloquet for weekly chemo, which has taken its toll on her with post-chemo fevers, muscle and bone pain, and fatigue.

 

Sadly, her health has been declining over the last few months. In July, it was discovered that she has a plueral effusion around her lung. She was able to have it drained and sent to pathology, resulting in the discovery of more cancer cells. Since then, she has needed to have it drained again, but the fluid has become too thick and there is no longer an option to drain. She has been going on without being able to fully expand her right lung due to insufficient space in her thoracic cavity, causing her breathing to get more difficult.

 

Doctors believe that she is experiencing a lymphatic spread/progression of disease, not a general tumor spread of the disease, which is why there is a large fluid accumulation and causing an air pocket, which is what they're calling a "trapped lung". She has been in St. Lukes for several days now, hoping to return home soon.

 

She is hoping to get in on a trial at Mayo clinic, which will result in weekly trips to Rochester. These trips will require costs of overnight stays, gas etc. Along with that, she will be without a car as of March. With all the additional traveling to chemo in Cloquet over the last two years, she currently has only 700 miles left allowed on her lease, which will expire in March. She will be facing additional penalties due to the extra mileage she has had to put during her trips to her Oncology appointments.

 

Libby is not able to work at this time due to her fatigue, shortness of breath and many doctor appointments. All of this has put an emotional and financial hardship on Libby and her family.  Sara Liebaert and I are starting this Go Fund Me in support of Libby.  Please help as you can and especially keep Libby in your prayers.