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Help support Penny through her toughest battle yet

  • A rocky day

      7 May 2026

    Unfortunately Penny had a bad night last night of severe vomiting and other things which indicate that she may have picked up something else. So they have sent more samples away for testing. She has been very weakened and washed out today as a result. They are running extra fluids to provide extra support and to replace what she is losing. Because of her dire need for nutrition to support her body they rediscussed doing the procedure urgently for today but that ended up being cancelled and rescheduled for tomorrow. There are additional risks of bleeding and spreading the infection internally through the procedure but it now outweighs leaving her as she is without some form of nutrition. The infection of the wound has continued to spread and has broken down and opened up more so they have been running inflammatory markers to test and see if the infection is still growing and if further antibiotics will be needed. She has been very tired today with everything going on and has not been awake very much.

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  • Infection and next procedure

      7 May 2026

    Swap results came back yesterday and have confirmed Penny has a staphylococcus aureus bacterial infection of her wound which isn't good. They were hoping to get the procedure to fix the internal device done yesterday but they ended up having a big meeting to weigh up the risks of spreading that infection if they go back in vs trying to fix a route to get some nutrition in here. They have decided now to schedule the procedure for Friday to try allow the antibiotics extra time to work and give them time to check her inflammatory markers etc. It’s a bit of a rock and a hard place at the moment. The wound has continued to break down more and the infection is still making her feel very ill. Her body is dealing with a lot right now but she is continuing to do her absolute best and sends her love to everyone and thanks everyone for all their support.

    If you would like to help support them further during this difficult time please help share this Givealittle page around. It would mean the absolute world.

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  • Update on infection

      5 May 2026

    The infection is in full swing and taking its toll on Penny and her symptoms. Penny is unfortunately feeling very rotten and still in a lot of pain but is trying her very best. Fevers are spiking up and down and she’s had a few doses of iv antibiotics run now. The skin and wound has begun breaking down and is looking worse than yesterday which isn't good. They are still waiting for the swab results to add or taylor antibiotics where needed so hopefully will know more tomorrow. Looks like she will be going in for the procedure to fix the internally misplaced part of the device tomorrow although that may change depending on the infection. We are very much in a take each 24 hours at a time mode and hoping for the antibiotics to start working. Penny’s still trying her absolute best and hasn't lost her smile despite it all but it’s a rough road right now.

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  • Rough start to the week

      5 May 2026

    Overnight on Sunday Penny developed an infection in her wound in a matter of hours. It developed more throughout the day Monday and was accounting for the immense pain she was experiencing. They started her on antibiotics to get onto it fast while they wait for swab results to confirm the type of infection and any other antibiotics she may need. She had scans yesterday too to see if the infection is also sitting under her skin in her abdomen but were still awaiting those results. They also found out part of the internal device has also flipped so she will need to go through yet another procedure to fix that. She is running a fever and is very uncomfortable, but they are doing their best to help keep her comfortable and reacting fast to give her the best chances. It was another hard day for them all but Penny is trying her very best.

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    • 05/05/2026 by Stu & Sue

      Thanks for your updates on Penny’s recovery. Please pass onto her that we have her in our most upper thoughts here in Australia and feel that her strength and smile is amazing.

      We are both sending all our most positive energy to her from Sydney.

      Sue and Stu xx

    • 05/05/2026 by Amy Fowler

      Thanks Sue and Stu. I have passed on your lovely words of encouragement and support xx

  • A second surgery

      3 May 2026

    Friday evening Penny went backwards overnight. Penny had a piece of the internal part of the device dislodge in her throat whilst being sick through the night and it became stuck in her throat. They ran tests through the night and tried to keep her comfortable and stop her swallowing so that it doesn't go down into airway. Then during the day yesterday they decided a second surgery was going to be needed to fix it. As you can imagine Penny and her family were terrified as to whether her body could handle another surgery but I am happy to report she made it through okay. It has taken a massive toll on her body though and they’ve upped the pain relief again to try keep her comfortable. It is worrying this happened and it may bring up questions around viability of this path. It’s still a wait and see how the next 24 hours go again as it’s been very hard on her body. She is remaining strong though and has not forgotten her wonderful smile that we all know.

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  • 3 days post surgery

      1 May 2026

    Penny has had a very rough night last night and a bit of a temp for awhile but it has settled so they are just keeping a close eye for infection. They still have her on pain relief infusions to try and keep her comfortable and plasmalyte to support her body through this knock. A bit of position change has been needed today to try prevent pneumonia developing from the pain when breathing. Just taking one day at a time at this stage while keeping an eye on everything and trying to keep her comfortable. It has taken quite the toll on her small body. She is still smiling and keeping as strong as she can and very much appreciates all the love from everyone.

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  • 24 hours post surgery

      29 April 2026

    Penny is hanging in there with a brave face on. It has been a rough 24 hours for her. She is on a strong mix of pain relief and plasma infusions to help keep her comfortable and stable but is still in a lot of pain. Complications during and post surgery have left her very drained and account for a lot of the pain but they are trying their bests to keep her comfortable. She is also doing without any oxygen or breathing support too which is a relief. We are hoping she has a more comfortable night tonight but despite everything she is still being her strong self and hanging in there.

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  • Surgery update

      29 April 2026

    Update as of midnight Tuesday night/early Wednesday. Penny made it through surgery, although it was more complicated than anticipated with a few emergency complications post surgery but she has fought through all of those! She has been through quite the battle!! She is in a lot of pain which they are trying to get under control and her breathing is improving after needing some help. They have said next 24 hrs will be a wait and see if things settle and stabilize and how her body deals with being put through this. Gastro is a little concerning but they will keep reviewing and repeating scans every 2 hours and keep a close eye on her.

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  • Update on Penny’s upcoming surgery

      24 April 2026
    Main image

    The date for Penny’s upcoming surgery has been locked in for next week Tuesday 28th April. The surgery is to try stabilise her body more by gaining access through her stomach to put in a different permanent feeding line. The risks are high but Penny is more determined and stronger than ever (mentally) to get through this next hurdle.

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