Monday, April 30, 2018

Surgery Recovery Update / What's Next...

Surgery Update:
Yesterday we got a visit from Caroline’s surgeon, Dr. Chung. He was super impressed with her progress, determination and great attitude!  So much so, that barring any unforeseen complications tonight, she will be going home TOMORROW!!!  That's at least 3 days earlier than planned!  She's rocking it!

To put this amazing recovery time in perspective, over the last 36 hours, Caroline has bounced back from 8+ hours of surgery (and all that goes with that), plus:
- removal of 2 catheters on Saturday
- removal of 2 IV lines (one in each hand) on Saturday
- disconnecting from fluids yesterday and maintaining her own hydration
- moved quickly from NPO (no food/drink), to a clear liquid diet yesterday, then to a regular diet today (she's eating a loaded baked potato right now!)
- her epidural was removed today, which administered continuous pain medication, and she has be able to maintain pain control with oral medication

These are all huge wins!

Thank you for the support near and afar...clearly the prayers are working!

What's Next:
Assuming we go home tomorrow, Caroline will relax and recover at home for the rest of the week.  We will go back and forth to the Vanderbilt Clinic all next week for a multitude of tests required for the next phase (high-dose chemo and stem cell transplant).  Some of the appointments include:
- EKG
- Echocardiogram
- Kidney Function Test (to determine the max amount of high-chemo her body can withstand)
- Hearing Test
- Various Ultrasounds
- General labs and various blood tests
- Radioactive Injection (which requires 2 days of prescription prep to protect her thyroid)
- Bone Marrow Biopsy - to see if there is still cancer in her bone marrow (at the last check, there was about 25%)
- And the biggest...the MIBG scan, which will show us how much, if any, active cancer cells are left in her body

Thank you for the visits this week, messages, meals, thoughts and prayers.  We are continuously amazed and humbled.  

Hope you're all having as great of a day as we are,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf


 


We were able to get outside for a few minutes to enjoy the Children's Garden and Koi Pond!

15 comments:

  1. That's awesome news!! You go, Caroline!! I look forward to meeting you, my hero, someday. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers constantly!!

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  2. What great things lie ahead for this brave little girl as she grows into a powerful young woman. She will change the world!

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  3. Praying for your sweet girl daily ❤️❤️❤️

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  4. What a beautiful strong princess warrior you are. Your strength and perseverance to beat this cancer is absolutely amazing. You GO girl! Keep fighting cause I am certain God has something very special planned for you. Keep letting your little light shine for he world to see and I will keep praying for you.
    God bless you and your beautiful family always.

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  5. What a wonderful thing prayer is. This news made my day. Hug Caroline for me and enjoy your time resting at HOME. Yipee

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  6. little angel 👼, you are very strong
    I will pray for you and your family🙏🙏🙏
    I admire your courage you are strong and amazing 💪😇❤
    greetings from Mexico 🙌🙏❤

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  7. Amazing, amazing, amazing! God is good! God is so faithful to those who call on him. I’m sobbing having found Caroline’s awesome story on The Rock’s Instagram page and will keep her in prayer. I know God is going before and behind your family, fighting your battles for you. Keep trusting Him. He will hold you up with His victorious right hand!

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  8. What a little fighter!!! She is such a strong & resilient little lady! I've sent a prayer up for Caroline and for you and your husband. Stay positive & keep praying! Sending prayers, positivity and love your way!

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  9. What incredible strength I feel from just reading Carolines update and progress.... she's an incredible soul . Our continued prayers for you ... bless this child for an amazing road to recovery a head. 🤗🤗oxox

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  10. God is good! Caroline is strong! Together they will do amazing things! I send my continued love and prayers

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  11. Matthew and Stephanie CampbellMay 1, 2018 at 8:46 AM

    Amazing! We are sending love and prayers to you all.

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  12. She is such an amazing and strong girl! With warrior parents like you two, it makes sense! Keep fighting the tough fight! We are praying and cheering you on every day!
    XXOO

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  13. Now that's the best news I've recieved all day! Caroline I had no doubt you would be just fine and the power of prayer does show its work. Continue to get better and show the world what you got in round 2,I'll be watching. Take care sweetheart

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  14. Omg Caroline you are such a strong beautiful young girl keep fighting the good fight prayers and love from Texas you are so empowering you are gonna grow up to be an amazing woman some day and strong like your momma

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  15. Your journey has touched so many individuals. I'm glad to see you are home. Continuing my prayers for good news with your upcoming tests. You are an inspiration, may God continue to Bless you and your family. Go Caroline!

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