Inpatient Cycle 1 Complete

Caroline returned home this morning from 5 days of inpatient treatment which, included 2 different chemotherapies daily + an immunotherapy on 2 of the days. Overall, she tolerated it as well as can be expected...mostly experiencing nausea, body rash and some pain, but all manageable with medication. She rested in her hospital bed for the majority of the stay, but maintained a good appetite and ate well while in the hospital (thank you for the UberEats and DoorDash gift cards!). She's been feeling ok so far at home, but needs to stay on her medication schedule, focus on staying hydrated and continuing to eat healthy (she already requested a large homemade salad from Dad).

We are expecting a cool, rainy weekend in TN, so she will plan on resting and enjoying time with Hank and the family.

Caroline is scheduled to go back to Vanderbilt on Monday and Wednesday of next week for outpatient treatment (immunotherapy) and lab work.

We really appreciate the hard work of the medical team at Vanderbilt to work out the medication scheduling, in addition to the amazing care they provided to C this week! Caroline was officially the first patient to receive Naxitamab at Vandy inpatient.

Many thanks for all the prayers and ongoing offers of support from friends and family near and far! Special shout out to Michelle Prichard for once again coming down to decorate Caroline's hospital room; we love you MP!

Now off to unpack all our hospital bags and rest up for next week's treatment...

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong

#ftgf

Revised Treatment Plan for 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:

• 9/23 - 9/27: Inpatient Treatment
• Cyclophosphamide (chemotherapy) each day, Mon-Fri
• Topotecan (chemotherapy) each day, Mon-Fri 
• Naxitamab (immunotherapy) on Tues and Thus
  
  
• 9/30 and 10/2: Outpatient Treatment 
• Naxitamab (immunotherapy) only

Caroline will probably lose her hair again, in addition to all the other harsh, common side effects - nausea, diarrhea, fever, immunosuppression, joint pain, cough, exhaustion, etc.  She will most likely be out of school for at least 1.5 - 2 weeks, depending on how she's feeling.

Beyond that, the schedule would be to repeat that same cycle again in 4 weeks, then re-scan Caroline to see if we are getting any positive response. 

Margaret has resigned from her job and will focus on making sure Caroline is getting everything she needs during this very difficult time.  Mark and Andrew will also be there every step of the way to support C as she goes through this ugliness once again. 

Thank you for all the messages of encouragement, prayers, and offers to help!  This all just stinks, and we really appreciate knowing that we aren't fighting this alone.

The Lantz Family

#carolinestrong

#ftgf

Ways to help

#carolinestrong Gear (t-shirts, hats, etc.)

UberEats gift cards (emailed to margaretlantz@gmail.com)

Scan Results - Tumor Growth

Caroline's scans results came back and unfortunately showed growth in the tumor, as well as an additional area of disease in her abdomen.

When we told Caroline the news and discussed potential options this morning, she immediately indicated she still wants to fight, even knowing the treatment options are limited and very harsh.

We're working with her team to decide the next best steps and will update this blog when we have a plan.

We are beyond devastated...and overwhelmed...and really need space to process this blow. We're all exhausted to the core and need to focus our energy on the kids, the best possible outcome for Caroline and keeping our family afloat. Please know that we read all of your supportive texts, messages, etc., but as you can imagine, our responses may be limited right now.

Thank you for the continued love, support and prayers for our family.
~ The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong 

#ftgf