Friday, June 30, 2023

DFMO Clinical Trial

Caroline and Mark traveled to Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC this week to enroll in the only "expanded access" DFMO clinical trial currently available.  "Expanded access," also called “compassionate use,” allows patients with serious/life-threatening conditions to gain access to investigational medicine for treatment when no alternative therapy options are available, and they aren't eligible for the drug though any other trials.  Although it's been a long, administrative-heavy process to get access to this drug, we believe DFMO will give Caroline the best chance for remaining NED (no evidence of disease).  

Caroline enrolled in the DFMO clinical trial at Vanderbilt in April 2019, immediately after completing the treatment protocol for her original diagnosis.  She took 6 pills per day for 2 years...remaining cancer-free while taking the drug, and then relapsing within a year of stopping the medication.  This time, Caroline will be getting "high-dose DFMO," which requires her to take 22 pills per day for 2 years (that's 16,060 pills!!!).  DFMO is only available within clinical research trials, and only for a 2 year period.  Unless the FDA approves this drug as a part of standard treatment and/or maintenance post-treatment, Caroline will have to stop taking DFMO in June 2025.

Vanderbilt and Levine have both been amazing through this process, and thankfully are willing to work together to minimize our travel.  She will continue to go to Vanderbilt for monthly labs/tests and progress scans every 3 months, but will be required to travel to Levine to visit their clinic periodically to get the clinical trial medication.

Many thanks to Dr. Giselle Sholler, her team, and the Beat Childhood Cancer Foundation for remaining steadfast in their search for a cure to give these kids the best chance at life.

We will continue to post on this blog as there are updates.  Thank you for your never-ending support, love and prayers for our family.  Cancer sucks.

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Caroline and Dr. Sholler

3 months of DFMO

(part of) 1st Dose - Let's Goooooooo!

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

A Message from Caroline: Scan Results!

 

A message from Caroline about her PET and CT Scan results...stay tuned for an update next week on bone marrow biopsy results and her visit to Levine Children's Hospital to start her clinical trial...

Saturday, June 17, 2023

SEVENTEEN Cycles: Complete!

When Caroline relapsed in April 2022 and we were working with her team to figure out the best treatment plan...eventually landing on 17 cycles Irinotican, Temodar and Dinutuximab therapies would statistically give her the best chance of beating this disease (again). 17...SEVENTEEN...17 cycles felt so far away...sometimes it didn't feel like we'd ever get to this cycle - literally and figuratively. But, here we are...she did it.  We did it!  

HOME from the last cycle. CYCLE SEVENTEEN. In 14+ months, Caroline has been inpatient for 106 nights at Vanderbilt, while getting:

- 85 doses of Irinotecan Chemotherapy

- 85 doses of Temodar Chemotherapy

- 68 doses of Dinutuximab Immunotherapy

- 119 Leukine Shots to boost her immune system

- thousands of doses of oral medication

- hundreds of "pokes" for labs, PIVs, etc.

- countless scans, tests, biopsies, x-rays, labs, etc.

She missed 74 days of school, but still averaged STRAIGHT As for the entire year! The 3rd Grade superlative selected for her was "Future President," which seems very fitting!

Progress scans are scheduled for next week and will update blog after that.

We're exhausted and drained, but beyond grateful.  Thank you for the continued prayers and support.

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Final "walk out"n from 6A to the "No More Chemo" Song...make sure you check out Caroline's dance moves at the end!  We love our Vandy "framily!"

Monday, June 12, 2023

Cycle 17: "Sad, Excited, Scared..."

Caroline was admitted for Cycle 17 of treatment for relapsed Neuroblastoma. Her ANC was low today, but her labs looked ok otherwise, so with her doctor's approval, we’re pressing on with her FINAL cycle. Caroline has already been sick 3 times in the first 3 hours of admission today...likely a combination of nerves and the general scent of the hospital making her nauseous.  Her feeding tube had to be replaced (which she inserted herself!), then x-ray came to confirm proper placement (she placed it perfectly).  

Last night, we asked Caroline how she was feeling about the end of treatment. Her exact words were: “sad, excited and scared…sad because I won’t get to see all of my inpatient nurses, excited for treatment to be over, and scared that my cancer will come back.” We told her that we feel the exact same way.

We’re praying for an uneventful week going forward, and hope to be discharged on Saturday.  We'll update the blog when we're home and have "next steps." 

Thank you for the continued love and support,
The Lantz Family

PS: #carolinestrong t-shirts are still available for purchase by clicking here.  Thanks, Zack!

Rough start to Cycle 17...

HUGE thank you to Michelle for decorating Caroline's room for every single cycle since 2017!  It was definitely a "full circle moment" to have you hang the decorations for her final chemo cycle...love you!  

Monday, May 29, 2023

Home Sweet Home from Cycle 16

Caroline was discharged from Cycle 16 (of 17) of her inpatient treatment at Vanderbilt on Saturday.  As with the pervious cycles, she will get daily Leukine shots at home for the next week to boost her immune system, and then hopefully recover well enough for her final cycle of inpatient in a little over 2 weeks.

We are so grateful for the amazing care team at Vanderbilt - they did a great job this week addressing all of Caroline’s struggles with chemo side effects; her nausea was particularly rough this stay.

Also, much appreciation, honor and respect for the American men and women who have served and given all for this great country; we know that Freedom isn't free...thank you for your service.

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong 
#ftgf

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Cycle 16

Caroline was admitted yesterday for Cycle 16 (of 17) for treatment of her relapsed Neuroblastoma.  Like all the previous cycles, she will get 2 types of chemotherapies and an antibody treatment along with numerous other medications for side effects and comfort.

She tested positive for rhino/enterovirus (aka the common cold), so we'll be on isolation while she's here.  We're hoping she doesn’t have any additional issues with oxygen, etc. with all the sinus drainage.

If all goes well, we are hoping Caroline can come home Saturday.

Thank you for the continued prayers and support!
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong

Getting swabbed before being admitted...

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Treatment Schedule Update / Next Steps

Caroline completed Cycle 15 (of 17) for treatment of her relapsed Neuroblastoma. She came home Saturday and has been feeling well enough to participate in school and family activities this week. Assuming she meets her bloodwork requirements, her next scheduled admission will be May 22nd. We are hopeful she can stay on track and finish out these last 2 cycles on time (by June 17th).

In other news, we had a call this week with our Vanderbilt Oncology team and the Oncology team from Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC, to discuss post-treatment “next steps.” Assuming all goes well with Cycles 16 and 17, her bone marrow is clear, and her scans remain clear after treatment, we will be enrolling Caroline in a high-dose DFMO clinical trial at Levine Children’s Hospital. This drug (DFMO) is one of the only available maintenance treatments for Neuroblastoma in the world. We are grateful that Caroline will be able to take something to hopefully/potentially prevent another relapse. We will keep you posted as we get closer, but we are very appreciative of Dr. Smith’s and Dr. Sholler’s teams working together - not only help minimize travel, but most importantly, give Caroline access to the best possible chance of surviving this awful disease. More to come…

Thank you for all the prayers and continued support (especially the Ubereats cards for the hospital)!
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Caroline in Hyde Park, FL a few weeks ago...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Cycle 15

Caroline is currently inpatient for Cycle 15 (of 17) of treatment for her relapsed Neuroblastoma. Side effects hit her quickly and harshly on Monday, but they're currently under control. As always, we're praying for a continued uneventful, effective cycle.

Thank you for the continued support and prayers!

Much love,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Caroline's anti-nausea meds made her sleep through Mark & Andrew's visit, so we documented their visit for when she woke up...

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Progress Scans Results

Caroline had progress scans on Monday (4/17); the scan results:  

CT scan: No new findings to suggest recurrent or metastatic disease.

PET Scan: No definitive evidence of malignancy.

We are obviously thrilled that Caroline is continuing to beat this disease (again), and it's giving us some renewed energy and hope as we continue onward with this long and exhausting treatment plan.

Assuming nothing unexpected happens and her counts are ok, Caroline's next admission is scheduled for May 1st...Cycle 15 (of 17) of chemotherapy and antibody. 

As always, thank you so much to our Vanderbilt medical team, family, friends, and the entire community of prayer warriors - we're beyond grateful for the continued love and support!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong 
#ftgf


Saturday, April 8, 2023

Relapse-iversary / Cycle 14 Complete

After a mostly "uneventful" Cycle 14, Caroline was discharged this morning and is home resting.

Today also marks the one year anniversary of Caroline's relapse, so we thought we'd share a review of the last 365 days in numbers...

196 - chemo/antibody infusions
91 - nights inpatient at Vanderbilt
18 - X-Rays
8 - CT Scans
6 - PET Scans

...along with countless doses of medication and needle pokes to access her port, place peripheral IVs, and  shots to boost her immune system...

Caroline is scheduled for her next round of scans the week of April 17th, and admission for Cycle 15 on 5/1.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support; the love from this community has helped carry us this past year.

Much love,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong

Peace out Cycle 14!

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Cycle 14 / Life Lately

Caroline was admitted yesterday for Cycle 14 (of 17) to treat her relapsed Neuroblastoma. She's struggling with the "usual" side effects...mostly nausea and vomiting, but we're praying for an otherwise uneventful stay.

Thank you for your continued support,
The Lantz Family


In other news, Caroline felt ok between cycles...lots of spring break fun!  
Taking her BFF to the groomer!

Climbing high at SOAR

Day at the Nashville Zoo



Daddy-Daughter vacation to visit family in FL

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Cycle 13 Complete / Clip in 4 the Cure

Caroline was discharged from Vanderbilt on Saturday and is now home resting.  Other than the "normal" nausea and belly pain, the week was relatively uneventful.  She will get daily Leukine shots for the next week to help bring up her neutrophils (immune system).  We're hoping she recovers well at home, and is able to enjoy the next two weeks of "track out break" from school.

This coming Saturday (3/25), Caroline will be speaking as an ambassador for the hospital at the "Clip !n 4 the Cure" event, which raises funds for cancer research to find cures.  If you’d like to support the event by participating or donating to the cause, click here for the link.  

Thank you for the continued prayers - they mean so much.

All the best,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Peace out, Cycle 13!

Here is a promo video Caroline made for the VUMC social media crew to promote Clip In 4 the Cure!

Monday, March 13, 2023

Cycle 13 on 3/13

Caroline made her blood count requirements today for inpatient admission of Cycle 13 (of 17) for chemotherapy/immunotherapy treatment for her relapsed Neuroblastoma.  She is in good spirits...especially with the fun room decorations ☘️ for St. Patrick’s Day, thanks to the help of Michelle P.!

Please pray for a relatively uneventful week of side effects; we hope to be discharged on Saturday.

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf


Sunday, February 26, 2023

Unplanned Hospital Stay

Unfortunately, after just a couple days home from Cycle 12, Caroline went to the ER with intense stomach pain and was admitted back into Vanderbilt.  A CT scan showed inflamed intestines and bowels, so she was admitted inpatient while we waited on results from all the lab work.  It was determined to be a nasty bacterial infection called C. Diff, ironically commonly acquired in a hospital setting.  C. Diff is very dangerous for someone who is immunocompromised, so they don’t mess around with diagnosis, admission and treatment.  The symptoms hit her quickly - extreme belly pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Once we knew the cause, a targeted antibiotic was started asap, as well as IV fluids for the entire stay.  By Friday, she seemed to have turned a corner, and was able to go home on Saturday, after being there for 5 days.

Caroline will continue on the antibiotic for this rest of the week, and is back to eating and drinking normally again.  We're hoping THIS week we can really catch a much needed break, and get her back to school and some routine.  It's been a very tough week for all four of us.

Thank you, as always, for the continued support and prayers.

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Saturday, February 18, 2023

Cycle 12 and Life Update

Today, Caroline completed Cycle 12 (of 17) of her chemo/anti-body treatment for relapsed Neuroblastoma.  It was a relatively "uneventful" cycle with "just" the expected side effects: fever, nausea, diarrhea, etc.  She is now home resting and recovering, and we're hopeful she feels well enough to go back to school this upcoming week.

Caroline has been busy this past month enjoying fun activities and time with friends and family.  She started guitar lessons, got a visit from Aunt Joanna and Mr. Ryan, watched her first Junior Hockey game with the Accardo family, learned to ice skate, attended a Predators home game, brought Hank to school, and visited Andrew on his first day at work!  We are so happy that she can take part in some "regular kid" stuff to help distract her from this very long and taxing treatment process.  

As always, we are very grateful for the staff at Vanderbilt for taking such great care of us!!!

Thank you for the continued support and prayers,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf










Monday, January 23, 2023

Cycle 11 - Complete

Caroline was discharged today after completing Cycle 11 of inpatient treatment for relapsed Neuroblastoma.  It was a great week of positive scan results, as well as an uneventful round of chemotherapy and antibody therapies.  Besides nausea, Caroline had no other serious side affects, and she ate very well all week long.  She’s feeling pretty good this evening, and is settling in back home.

We're hopeful she can get a few good weeks of school and fun in before having to return to Vanderbilt for Cycle 12 mid-February.

Thank you for all the prayers, Uber Eats meal cards and the other well wishes that were delivered to her hospital room this week.  We appreciate every single one of you!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Scan Results - Cycle 11 Admission

Caroline had 2 scans to follow-up on her December readings that where inconclusive due to RSV inflammation in her midsection.

Todays scan results:

CT scan:  No new findings to suggest recurrent or metastatic disease.

PET Scan:  No evidence of malignancy.

We are obviously thrilled that Caroline is still beating this disease (again), and it gives us all a little bit of energy and hope as we continue onward with this long and exhausting treatment plan.

Assuming her counts are ok, Caroline will be admitted tomorrow (Wednesday) for Cycle 11 (of 17) of chemotherapy and antibody.  The next 6 days will be rough, but we are just glad that she can continue with her treatment.

Thank you so much to our Vanderbilt medical team, family, friends, and the entire community of prayer warriors - we're beyond grateful for the love and support!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Friday, January 6, 2023

Delayed Cycle 11 and Christmas Magic

Caroline didn't make counts this week to be admitted for Cycle 11.  She has scans on January 17th, so we're going to give her body a rest until those are complete, and try again for Cycle 11 inpatient admission the following day (1/18/23).  After 10 cycles, and in the middle of cold and flu season, her body is really struggling to recover between cycles.  We'll update the blog when we have scan results and an update for admission.

In other news, our prayers for Christmas magic were answered!  After a very horrible Cycle 10, Caroline was in rough shape physically and mentally...but on December 20th, Tractor Supply Co. granted her wish - a shopping spree for un-adoptable dogs!  It was truly an incredible day.  The generosity of Tractor Supply Co. was beyond words...giving Caroline a $3,000 shopping spree at the South Franklin store, as well as $1,000 to the Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue (the animal sanctuary Caroline selected to receive the toys from the shopping spree) and Angel Heart Farm (the equine therapy foundation that coordinated the wish).   Click here to see the full news story with video...

Unfortunately, Caroline's hair started falling out again.  After a week of hair all over the place, she made the decision to shave her head again today.  She's the bravest girl we know!

Wishing you all a healthy and peaceful start to the New Year,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

PS - For those asking, here is the link to get #carolinestrong apparel.  Thank you for the continued support!


Sunday, December 18, 2022

Rough Cycle 10 Complete

Caroline has been discharged from Cycle 10 - the toughest cycle she’s had since her relapse. In addition to the “regular” side effects of nausea, diarrhea, fevers, and pain, she had extreme nerve pain and a broken spirit…which was arguably worse than all of the harsh side effects combined.

On Wednesday, Caroline woke up out of her sleep crying in pain - the worst pain we’ve seen her in since she was admitted to the ICU in 2018.  Nerve pain is an unfortunate (but expected) side effect of the antibody therapy that can come and go at any point.  She’s always experienced nerve pain during each cycle, but it's been manageable with her continuous Dilaudid infusion.  However, this "extra" nerve pain was extreme and came out of nowhere…literally waking her up in the middle of the night.  Her team worked quickly and diligently to get the pain under control, but it took a while to get her comfortable. It was beyond excruciating to witness her agony without being able to do anything, and we can only imagine the pain she felt.

Besides the physical pain, Caroline was in true emotional pain this week.  This cycle came on the heels of her two additional inpatient stays for Sapovirus and RSV.  She didn’t really get a chance to recharge and do “normal” things in between the two cycles, which really took a toll on her mental health.  One major difference between Caroline going through treatment this time around vs. the first time, is her awareness of what she's "missing out on" socially.  This is such a fun time of year for kids, and missing so many Christmas parties and events had her crying A LOT.  Knowing her friends were having fun at school while she was at the hospital laying in pain had her asking some un-answerable questions: “why is this happening again?;” “why isn’t life fair?.” Her spirit was broken this cycle, and we’re praying she gets some solace in the days ahead, even though we can’t go back in time to let her experience all the missed Christmas fun things, or answer her hard questions.  This is one cycle we will all be processing long after.  

Caroline's next cycle is scheduled for 1/3/22, so barring anything happening in between, we’re hoping to be able to spend the next 2 weeks at home creating some Christmas magic for our family.

Thank you to everyone who sent us UberEats gift cards…they are a huge help because Caroline won’t eat any of the hospital food, and we still aren't allowed visitors.  

Thank you so much for the continued prayers - specifically for her comfort and peace.   

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas season, 
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Caroline was having trouble breathing...the X-Ray showed "third space fluid" in her chest (Lasix and Oxygen to the rescue).

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Admitted for Cycle 10

Caroline was admitted for Cycle 10 (of 17) yesterday, following a really rough month of being in and out of the hospital.  Please pray for an "uneventful" cycle and minimal side effects are much appreciated!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

PS - we've gotten quite a few requests on how to help...currently, the best way is by providing meals for the hospital via UberEats (sent to margaretlantz@gmail.com).  Y'all are so generous, thank you!  

Cycle 10 in progress...

HUGE shoutout and thank you to Michelle Prichard...she's decorated Caroline's room for EVERY single planned inpatient stay for the past FIVE years!  Caroline always gets so many compliments on her room, and it makes a huge difference in the atmosphere...  
We love you, Michelle!

Monday, December 5, 2022

Unexpected Admission for RSV / Scan Results Update

Caroline was discharged today, after almost a week of being inpatient for a rough case of RSV. She had fevers as high as 105 degrees, and low oxygen levels for almost 5 days (requiring oxygen assistance). We are so glad she's turned the corner, is no longer contagious and is now recovering at home, showing us all her typical Caroline energy and attitude!  

The past couple months have been a roller coaster, to say the least...delayed chemo treatments, multiple ER visits, unexpected inpatient admissions for Sapovirus and RSV, as well as delayed progress scans.

Here are the results of her bone marrow and scans from the last week:
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy - No Evidence of Neuroblastoma Cells
  • CT Scan - Inconclusive because of the RSV thickness in her chest
  • PET Scan - Inconclusive because of the RSV thickness in her chest
We will now need to re-do her CT and PET scans in about 6 weeks, when all that congestion is cleared from her body.

Caroline is scheduled to be admitted Monday (12/12) for cycle 10 of chemo and immunotherapy.

We are all beyond exhausted, but so thankful for your prayers and support!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf


Thursday, November 24, 2022

5 Year Cancer-versary

Five years ago on this date - November 24th 2017 (Black Friday, ironically) - Caroline was diagnosed with Stage IV, High-Risk Neuroblastoma in one of the “holding” rooms on the Radiology floor at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Our lives changed forever when we heard our pediatrician emotionally explain that Caroline had a massive, cancerous tumor in her midsection.  As we look back 5 years later, we thought we’d share our individual feelings about how our journey through this disease has impacted us. 


Mark: It’s been a rough 5 years for our family in so many ways. I think we’ve shared much of this over the journey, so no reason for me to re-hash it all today. On this Thanksgiving, and 5 year anniversary of her diagnosis, I’d like to focus on what we do have: we have each other, we still have our daughter and we have hope that our future will be long and bright, and much less exhausting in the years to come. I am thankful for the Vanderbilt medical team that has helped us beat this once, and is now helping Caroline beat it again after her April relapse. I’m thankful for research groups like Beat Childhood Cancer, for continuing to fight for these amazing warriors. I’m thankful for our extended family, co-workers, friends, neighbors, prayer warriors, and community of many, that have lifted us up over the last 5 years.  I’m thankful for Margaret’s ability to process all the care and treatment requirements on a daily basis.  I’m very proud of how Andrew has handled all of this to date. He has seen much more than any kid his age should.  And my rock star, Caroline - the treatment for pediatric cancers are very outdated and extremely harsh. I really have no idea how she has survived all this and maintained such an amazing attitude and outlook…on the other hand, I have never doubted her. She’s my hero! 


Margaret: My heart shattered on 11/24/17, when we were informed that Caroline had Stage IV cancer. My heart was obliterated on 4/8/22, when my biggest fear of her cancer coming back became a reality. I am broken in an irreparable way, yet stronger for it. Being a “cancer mom” is the penultimate life of dichotomies. It’s paralyzing to constantly feel two things at once: overwhelming sadness coupled with overwhelming relief that Caroline is alive; perpetual fear of her dying, but also survivor’s guilt knowing so many kids who have passed; breaking down, but also being strong beyond belief; wanting to be with both of my kids, but having to choose…a steady stream of anxiety, exhaustion, frustration and disconnection, yet a calmness about not being in control, and closeness to Mark that is rock-solid. Most of what we see and hear Caroline go through…the questions she and Andrew need answered…realities that need to be explained…so much innocence lost, and for so long now. It’s all just too much: too scary, too gross, too heartbreaking, and definitely too much to share on the blog. As we hit the 5 year milestone, it’s hard to believe Caroline has lived with cancer longer than she hasn’t, yet she remains the brightest of lights, and the reason I keep going. 


Andrew: “after 5 years, cancer life feels normal…things that didn’t feel normal in the beginning, feel regular now. When she got cancer again, things that might have seemed like a big deal before, aren’t really that big of a deal because we already went through this. It doesn’t feel good to be the brother of someone that has cancer because my mom is gone all the time and I don’t get to see my sister. Also, it’s not good that I can’t go to the hospital this time around because of COVID rules - it makes me feel really sad. I always have my dad, but I don’t always have my mom. Stuff always gets canceled - like we were supposed to go to Florida for Thanksgiving, but then Caroline got a virus. I understand why things get canceled though, and it’s ok. I don’t feel scared that she’s going to die because I know that Vanderbilt is going to save her life. When I found out she relapsed, I thought it was just going to be the same kind of stuff as last time, and it basically is the same, other than the fact that I can’t go to the hospital this time. When Caroline gets gifts, or gets to do cool stuff without me, I feel left out, but mostly I feel fine. That’s all.”


Caroline: “hey guys, it’s Caroline here. I just wanted to tell you thank you for all the prayers and to my Vanderbilt people for giving me encouragement to get through this in one piece. It’s been rough the past few weeks, but I’ve powered through thanks to everybody out there. I was sad when I relapsed, and it was really hard for me to tell everyone - I just wanted to be a normal kid and it’s really sad. I’m really thankful for my family, friends and my dog, Hank.”


Wishing you and yours a truly blessed Thanksgiving!
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf


11/24/22 through the years (2017-2022)...

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Unexpected Inpatient / Hockey Fights Cancer

After an unusually rough cycle, Caroline had an even harder time recovering at home and ended up being re-admitted inpatient.  Her lab work showed she was fighting off a strong intestinal virus, in addition to her chemo side effects.  After a few days of fluids, anti-medics and supportive care, she was feeling much better and able to come home. 

Luckily she was feeling well enough to participate in the Nashville Predators' "Hockey Fights Cancer" night on Saturday.  Caroline got to high-five the players as they came out of the locker room, wave rally towels on the band stage to hype the crowd with Scott Hamilton, sit in the 365 Foundation Suite, and ride on the Zamboni when they cleared the ice before the game - she absolutely loved it!  It's always such an honor to be asked to represent the hospital that has worked so hard to save her life...enjoy the pics!

Unexpected hospital stay...





So special to share the experience with the Hughes family!!!

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Rough Cycle 9 - Complete

After a really rough week inpatient, Caroline was discharged yesterday.  She's still struggling with nausea and stomach issues at home, and spent most of the day today resting in bed, and on the couch watching football.  We're hopeful she feels well enough to go back to school this week...

Her next appointment is on Friday (11/18) for a wellness check, followed by progress scans the week after Thanksgiving.

Thanks for the continued support!
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Cycle 9 Admission

After getting bumped for treatment 3 weeks in a row, Caroline finally "made counts" yesterday, and was able to be admitted for Cycle 9.  One of her chemotherapies has been reduced by 25% to (hopefully) aid in an easier recovery post-treatment.  However, she's had a really rough start already - intense nausea is the biggest challenge - but her team is doing their best to get her some relief.  If this ends up being a “typical” cycle, we anticipate being inpatient through Saturday.

Please continue to pray for Caroline, specifically for overall comfort and alleviation of her nausea.

We’re so grateful for all the support!
Team Lantz
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Getting an EKG before adding more anti-nausea meds to the regimen...