HOME!

We were discharged this afternoon thanks to some expedited work by Nurse Deanna!  Caroline did require platelets and a Neupogen shot before leaving the hospital today.  Other than her regular visits to the clinic, she will be resting and recovering at home until we travel to Cincinnati for Proton Therapy.  We still don't have any details or dates for that, but expect to hear by the end of this week.

Thank you for all the prayers and support as we re-group and re-organize ourselves back in our own space for the rest of this week!

Lantz Family

#carolinestrong

#ftgf

Resting comfortably on the couch at HOME!

Progress Update

Caroline is feeling better today and has started to eat and drink a little bit!  The clogged line issue from the weekend has been resolved without any surgical procedures, and her oxygen levels and blood pressure are back to normal.  We hope that she can be discharged within the next few days.  When she is allowed to go home, she will leave with a daily IV antibiotic that we will administer at home, through her central line, that runs for 14 days to ensure the infection is completely gone.

We have confirmation that Cincinnati Children's Hospital has received her transfer records, and we expect to hear from them later this week to schedule her Proton therapy.

Thank you for you all the vigilant prayers, especially during this scary ICU/infection experience.  We are also beyond thankful for the generosity that we've received in Paypal donations for the upcoming travel expenses.

So much appreciation,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Trying some "real" food last night!

Art with Aunt Joanna is the best!  Grumpy Cat and "Grumpy Caroline!"

Back on Oncology Floor

Caroline was moved back to 6A from the ICU at 5pm today!  Her blood pressure is stable, she isn't requiring oxygen, and she is currently resting with IV fluids and pain control medication. She will start NG tube feeds tonight and hopefully start drinking water or juice again soon.  She will be tested daily via blood cultures to make sure the bacterial infection is exiting her system, which is the first step to being considered for discharge next week.

Although she's made great progress, another issue popped up right before we were being transferred out of the ICU: one side of her double lumen hickman line (central line) is clogged and not flushing at all.  We are awaiting the surgical team to assess and see if it can be fixed bedside (or magically clear up!).  We're told that these types of clogs typically are related to bacteria clinging to the inside of the line, or possibly a blood type clot/obstruction in the line.  We will keep this blog updated when we find out the actual cause and resolution.  Please pray that this can be resolved without having to replace the entire line, which would require sedation and surgery.

We are all completely zapped...mentally and physically...and need a little stretch without any more surgeries, setbacks or surprises.

Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

ICU

Caroline was moved to the ICU last night for very low blood pressure and oxygen numbers.  Her body is having a tough time fighting off multiple viral and bacterial infections.  She has a fever and pain all over her body, but mostly is complaining about her back, legs and stomach (probably from infections and counts recovering).  She is not allowed to eat or drink until her she is no longer on IV blood pressure medication (Norepinephrine). She is currently stable but not very comfortable.

We will keep everyone updated on this blog as we get more information.  Thank you in advance for the continued prayers and positive thoughts!

Team Lantz

#carolinestrong

#ftgf