If you'd like to get a #carolinestrong ornament delivered before Christmas, they're still available to order by clicking this link.
Thankful for all the prayers, meals, love and support!
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
November 2017: diagnosed with Stage IV, High-Risk Neuroblastoma; Nov 2017-April 2019: completed standard treatment protocol / no evidence of disease; April 2019-April 2021: enrolled in/completed DFMO clinical trial; April 2022: RELAPSE; April 2022-June 2023: completed relapse treatment protocol / no evidence of disease (again); June 2023-June 2024: enrolled in “compassionate use” high-dose DFMO clinical trial; June 2024: RELAPSE #2
After consulting with the Vanderbilt medical team (among others), and looking at all safe and reasonable options for care, here is where we have landed for Caroline's treatment plan:
Today was a very long, full day at the hospital for Caroline.
CT Scan Results: showed slight growth in the tumor size from her last scan 3.5 weeks ago; no other disease was identified on today's scan.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: her team is confident they got a good sample for testing; we expect results back early next week.
Port Placement: Caroline had a double-lumen power port surgically placed under her skin, on the upper right side of her body, which will be used for all upcoming treatments and blood work.
The plan is to rest and recover at home this weekend and then begin the new antibody/immunotherapy treatment Monday morning.
We've so grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and requests for ways to support our family as we walk this path again...we also really appreciate your patience as we worked through Caroline's treatment options. Now that we have a plan, we've been able to create a list of things that will be the most helpful to our family as we move forward.On this exact day - Black Friday, November 24, 2017, Caroline was diagnosed with Stage IV, High-Risk Neuroblastoma. 6 years later, November 24, 2023, another Black Friday, we took a drive down to the hospital for the annual "Snowman picture."