Giving Back - Help Caroline's Team WIN!!!

Hello friends and family!

Caroline is back in school, playing YMCA soccer, starting Daisy Scouts, faithfully cheering on her brother (who is playing multiple sports!), and overall doing well.  Her next round of progress scans are scheduled for early October; we will update the blog with results.

With standard treatment behind us, our family has spent a lot of our free time giving back to the pediatric oncology community, and especially at Vanderbilt.  Most recently, Caroline was asked to participate in the Rascal Flatts Celebrity Golf Classic!  Please join us in donating to Team Caroline & Levi for Vanderbilt’s fundraising drive.  Let’s beat the other team and win this one!

Click here to DONATE!

Thank you for supporting our family, and pediatric cancer research/awareness!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Prayers for Finn's family / Caroline is home

Caroline was discharged on Saturday afternoon from her week-long inpatient stay for round 2 of Immunotherapy.  She is mostly sleeping/resting while she recovers at home this week, with a scheduled return visit Monday for an outpatient clinic visit. We expect her to progressively feel  better each day this week, and hopefully back to her lively self by next weekend. Thank you for all the support during this very challenging week!

Today, our thoughts and prayers are with our Vanderbilt "6A" friend Finn and his family.  Finn passed away this morning at 6:44am, after a long, hard battle with cancer.  We can't imagine anything worse for a parent than losing a child.  Unfortunately, there are literally no words we can offer to his family to help mend their shattered hearts.

Pediatric cancer is severely under-funded, which significantly limits research that can be done to find cures for these innocent children.  In Finn's honor, we are making a donation to a team we follow closely that is doing amazing work to research and find options for the fight against pediatric cancer.  If you would also like to donate, you can do so by clicking here.

Cancer sucks.

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

 Caroline's final visit with Finn - 11/11/18.

Home and resting with her BFF.

Proton Radiation...in Cincinnati, OH...uggh

We had our radiation consult today at Vanderbilt.  The overall goal of radiation is to kill any remaining, or hard-to-see, cancerous cells in the main origination areas of a solid tumor.  Due to the location and complicated nature of Caroline's tumor, she requires a newer form of radiation called "proton radiation therapy."  Proton radiation therapy is a more targeted form of radiation, compared to the more common "photon radiation."  Proton radiation will also be safer for Caroline, hopefully causing fewer long-term side effects.

Unfortunately, there are no pediatric proton radiation therapy locations in the Nashville area (ironically though, there is one opening 2 miles from our house later this year, but because Neuroblastoma is so aggressive, she needs to start radiation asap).  The closest (and best!) proton therapy center for the type of radiation needed/area of her body is located in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio.  Cincinnati Children's Hospital is currently ranked #1 in the nation for pediatric oncology!  We do not have all the details yet, but within a few weeks, we will have to travel to Cincinnati, OH for the radiation phase.  Caroline will be receiving 20 radiation treatments, which are administered Monday - Friday (4 weeks, unless something unexpected were to happen).  Prior to the proton therapy, she will have to get planning scans and a mat that is sculpted to hold her body, so she can lay in the exact same position each day.  The radiation is performed under sedation, and is about a 2 hour-a-day process, start to finish, and is considered an outpatient treatment.  We are in the process of finding a clean, safe, isolated hotel/condo/airbnb for her to rest and recover each day.  All in all, we anticipate being in Ohio for about 5 weeks.   As mentioned, we don't have all the details at this point, but we will share those as they progress later this week.

This will be another unexpected and challenging balancing act for our family.  Andrew goes back to school this coming Friday (8/10/18), and Fall baseball is also starting up this weekend.  We will now have to plan to be separated again, without the option of quick visits to the hospital (like we've been doing, to try and keep some semblance of family togetherness).  Just like we've been able to do so far, we will figure it all out somehow, but this is certainly very mentally and emotionally draining...especially coming off the heels of her recent high-dose chemo/stem cell transplant inpatient stay. 

We appreciate all the kind messages of support, the calls and texts, etc.  For those that continue to ask how they can help, please see the donation link below.  In addition to the never-ending medical bills and expenses, we will now be adding travel, lodging and meal costs for the 5 weeks in Ohio to our list of unexpected expenditures.  We appreciate any and all support.  Thank you all!

Lantz Family

#carolinestrong

#ftgf

If you would like to donate, click here: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/80FGIeu7k1

Waiting, waiting, waiting...

Caroline's little friend Molly's last radiation treatment at Vandy was today, and she brought in cupcakes to celebrate!  We were so excited for her! #mollystrong

"Sneak-a-peek" at school tonight...can't believe he's in 5th grade!

Carpool line pass has Caroline listed as a Kindergartner - wish she could be there with Andrew this year, instead of doing homebound instruction :-( 

Next Steps / Family Meals

Caroline's "at home break" in between treatments is coming to an end.  She will be admitted on Monday (7/16), for the second round of high-dose chemo, and a second stem cell transplant.  We expect to be inpatient at the hospital for about 4 weeks straight, most of which will just be recovery from the 4 days of high-dose chemo.  The expected side effects include: high fever, loss of appetite, mucositis, vomiting, diarrhea, possible rash, fatigue, etc.  Caroline will begin this inpatient stay on isolation and contact precautions because she is still testing positive for the "rhino virus" (aka: common cold).  It will (once again) be a very difficult stretch for Caroline, and our entire family.  Please continue to keep us in your daily prayers.

Here is the remaining approximate treatment timeline:

• Inpatient High-Dose Chemo / Stem Cell Transplant (1 month)
• Rest-at-Home Break (2-3 weeks)
• Outpatient Radiation (3 weeks)
• Inpatient and Outpatient Immunotherapy (6 months)

Assuming there are no setbacks, the above treatment plan runs through April 2019.  

We have decided to not post any at-home delivery meal train dates for the upcoming hospital stay, since most of our time will be spent at Vanderbilt.  However, if you would like to donate a meal, please click here and you will be directed to Postmates gift card page.  You can send the gift card to Margaret's email (margaretlantz@gmail.com).  It is a very convenient option for us to get dinner delivered from a restaurant close to the hospital, and saves us from eating in the limited food court all the time...

Thank you all for the continued love and support!

Lantz Crew

#carolinestrong #ftgf 

Learning how to sew with her godmother, Kathleen!

Autumn Jones' Fundraiser for Caroline / Clinic Visit Update

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Caroline STRONG fundraiser last night!  We had a great turnout, and we were truly blown away by the love and support from all of our Franklin-area friends and neighbors.  Caroline had a wonderful time seeing so many of her buddies, including her new pal, the Predators mascot, Gnash (major props Brian and Lincoln!). 

An extra special thank you to Autumn Jones for creating and organizing the entire event!  She put a ton of work and effort into this and we are beyond grateful for her dedication from start to finish.  Autumn, you rock and we love you! (*Fun fact: Autumn hosted Margaret's baby shower for Caroline back in 2013*). 

We also want to give a shout out to Autumn's VP's of Party-Planning, Cris Smith and Elizabeth Regas, and to all of the other folks that worked the raffles, check-in, kids' tables, grills (pretty much all the Jeffs in the VOC), DJ booth, dance judges, auctioneers, etc...we appreciate every one of the volunteers.  It was a night we will remember forever!  Our hearts are full and y'all are amazing!

Caroline visited the VUMC outpatient clinic today for her regular check-up, and (finally!) got mostly positive news.  Her platelets, white blood cells, and ANC (immune system) counts were all strong!!!  However, she did require a red blood cell transfusion as a result of low hemoglobin numbers. The doctors seem pleased with her recovery progress, so as of now, we are on track to start Round 2 of High-Dose Chemo / Stem Cell Transplant on July 16th.  Please continue to pray that Caroline stays healthy (and happy) over the next few weeks to avoid any delays in the treatment protocol/timeline!

As parents, we are very sad many days, really do struggle to get through the day, but you folks help keep us moving forward.  So, once again, thank you for all of the love, support, prayers, and well-wishes from near and far.  We could not do this without our incredible, ongoing support system.

Team Lantz

#carolinestrong
#ftgf

First time on a swing in almost 2 months!

FREEZE Dance!

Meeting Gnash!

Sporting her Gnash gear for clinic...

Cracking herself up while getting her blood transfusion - LOL!

Still here...

We have spent 27 of the last 28 nights at the hospital, and it looks like we are here for at least 1 additional night (maybe more).  Caroline needs to be fever-free for the next 24 hours, maintain good blood and platelet counts, and be eating and drinking enough on her own before they will consider her for discharge.  She is in good spirits, and her appetite is returning a bit, so we are cautiously optimistic. Please continue to pray for progress with recovery so we can get home ASAP!

Family Fun Party ticket link below-  Thank you for all the support!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carolinestrong-party-fundraiser-tickets-46769774655

Team Lantz
#carolinestrong
#ftgt

Eat More Cake!

Rally on the Runway

Last night was an amazing, fun, emotional event!  Caroline shined on the runway!  We are very thankful we were invited to participate in the Rally Foundation Fundraiser.  Thank you to everyone who participated - friends, supporters and volunteers - it seemed to be a huge success!

 

Caroline's escort for the evening was Mr. David King, a Defensive End for the Tennessee Titans! 

Tennessee Titans escorts and the models!

Caroline and her friend, Sadie, who battled Neuroblastoma when she was a baby.

Caroline's runway debut - sassy swagger!

So touched that Carmen and Shannon volunteered - it was great to have them there!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Prayers for CT Scan Tomorrow / Rally for the Runway

Caroline is scheduled for her CT scan tomorrow, which we hope will confirm that her tumor has shrunk enough to be operable, and she can move forward with the resection surgery later this month.  The surgeon will review the scan and make the decision by the end of the week; we will keep everyone updated.  In the meantime, please continue to pray that her tumor has shrunk enough for surgery, so we can move onto the next step in the process ASAP!

In other news, Caroline was asked to be a runway model for "Rally on the Runway" on April 19th.  She will be escorted down the catwalk by Tennessee Titans players!  The event is a major fundraiser for the Rally Foundation, which raises awareness and funds for pediatric cancer, including grants that go directly to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.  We would love to see our local friends come out to watch Caroline's "modeling" debut, as well as support an amazing foundation.

You can purchase tickets by clicking here.

You can see Caroline's "Rally Kid" profile by clicking here.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for our family!

Love,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Caroline and her buddy, Tex!

Play date with Milo at Ms. Hilary's!

Learning how to make pasta at Kathleen and Mark's house!

We met up with Rob and Jennifer at the Preds game, and they were able to sneak Caroline in line with them to get a picture with the President's Trophy! (Thank you, Ginsbergs!)

Waiting outside the Preds locker room to meet the players and get their jerseys signed!

Ride for Caroline - Thank you!

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that showed up for "Ride for Caroline" at CycleBar Franklin today!  Thank you to CycleBar for opening their doors, and to McKay's Mill Dental for coordinating the event.

We're so fortunate that our community, close and far, have - and continue to - show up for Caroline and our family.  It never ceases to amaze us.  Today's event was inspirational, emotional and a crazy-hard workout! 

"Sometimes, the bravest thing and most important thing you can do is just show up..." (Brene Brown)

Thanks for always showing up for us,

The Lantz Family

#carolinestrong

#ftgf

Random Updates

We are heading into the clinic Friday, and are hoping that Caroline's ANC counts (and all other counts!) are high enough to start round 5 of chemo, after being rolled 3 weeks in a row.  We know that our pray warriors are behind us, and we're praying hard with you.

Kindergarten Registration
Margaret registered Caroline for Kindergarten on Tuesday.  Although Caroline will not be able to attend Kindergarten at school, Williamson County offers "Homebound Instruction," which means Caroline will be taught at home (or in the hospital), until her immune system is strong enough to brave the petri-dish of germs at school. 

Registration was a really rough day for Margaret.  Although we've spent a few major holidays in the hospital already, this was the first real milestone that felt different, thanks to cancer.  Many parents were able to bring their kids to registration - sign them up for Kindergarten Camp, Sneak-A-Peek, meet Officer Boyd, meet the teachers, etc.  Our version: Caroline wasn't able to go, Margaret wore sunglasses to hide the tears while she filled out the forms, and broke down in front of the principal (sorry, Mrs. Schwartz!).  As we quickly learned after Caroline was diagnosed, we are not in control...but sometimes it's still hard to let go of the vision we had for her...what Kindergarten registration would be (such a fun, big-girl day!)...Andrew and Caroline riding the bus together for the first (and only!) year they would be at the same school...

Although it wasn't how we imagined, Caroline will still "go" to Kindergarten, and we are truly grateful for every.single.day.

Preds Game
We've mostly been hanging out around the house all day, every day, but we were able to get out as a family on Tuesday night to see the Predators vs. Jets game at the Bridgestone Arena.  Thanks to goalie Pekka Rinne, we enjoyed a Suite with other patients, and their families, from Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.  It was great to be out in public, all together, doing something fun and "normal."  We're so thankful that he's sponsored an isolated space for immunocompromised patients.

CycleBar Class for Caroline THIS SUNDAY (3/18) at 12pm!
If you are in the Nashville area, CycleBar is hosting a spin class for Caroline.  Click here to sign-up.  Hope you can join us, and major shout-out to Brenna, Anna, and everyone at McKay's Mill Dental for coordinating this event!

T-Shirts Still Available
If you ordered t-shirts before March 11th, they should be shipping on/around March 19th.  The fundraising website automatically opened another campaign because of the high volume of requests (Yay Team Caroline supporters!!!).  That campaign will end April 4th, and will ship around April 9th.  If you would like to purchase the #carolinestrong gear, click here.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers - we feel it, and it's helping us get through each day.

Hoping and praying for HIGH counts on Friday,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf