Quick Update...Treatment Underway

Day 1 of Cycle 1 is in the books: Tipifarnib + Naxitimab (+ loads of meds to address side effects).

Caroline tolerated the treatment rather well, thanks to careful pre-planning by her care team at Vandy.

Since getting home, she's had pain, rash, itching, and swelling.  We're hoping she can get some rest tonight and feel better in the AM.  

She will have 2 more treatments this week (Wednesday and Friday)...unless we run into anything unexpected, we will update the blog at the end of the week.

Thank you for the continued prayers!

Team Lantz

#carolinestrong

#ftgf

Treatment Plan (Finally)

Caroline has officially met the bloodwork requirements to begin a clinical trial for her fourth fight with Neuroblastoma.

She will start outpatient treatment on Monday at Vanderbilt, receiving a combination of two drugs—one taken orally (an inhibitor) and one administered intravenously (an immunotherapy).

The known and potential side effects include:

• Severe pain from the antibody infusion
• Body rash
• Low blood pressure
• Low oxygen levels
• Neutropenia (a compromised immune system)
• Nausea
• Exhaustion

As far as we know, these treatments should not cause hair loss, which has been Caroline’s “silver lining.” We will once again work closely with her care team to manage and treat side effects as effectively as possible. The infusion portion of treatment carries significant risk—particularly related to blood pressure and oxygen levels—so she will be closely monitored throughout each session. She will also undergo additional testing during this protocol, including EKGs, echocardiograms, urine tests, frequent bloodwork, etc.

The first month of treatment will include a cycle total of 14 days of oral medication 💊 + 3 days of antibody infusion (immunotherapy). She will also receive 5 days of injections at home to help her immune system recover.

Caroline will repeat this same schedule the following month, with disease-status imaging planned for mid-June.

The waiting has been an incredibly anxious time for all of us, so we are very relieved to finally have a plan in place.

We are deeply grateful to the Beat Childhood Cancer (BeatCC) Foundation and Research Consortium for developing these trials, giving kids like Caroline more options in fighting this awful disease. Thank you as well to our friends and family who have supported BeatCC over the years—your generosity truly helps drive critical research and save lives.

We are also incredibly appreciative of our entire Vanderbilt team for partnering with BeatCC to bring these trials to our home hospital. Caroline will (once again!) be the first patient at Vanderbilt to receive this treatment.

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers—we feel them every day.

Love,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong

#ftgf

Celebrating "Senior Night" at Andrew's lacrosse game this week!

Update(ish)

Although it's been two weeks since we discovered the relapse, and we've been doing a ton of "stuff behind the scenes," we don’t have many updates right now.

What we know right now:

• The attempt to biopsy the spot on her pelvis was unsuccessful due to the size and because it only showed up on her PET scan, not on the CT, which is what they primarily use to guide the biopsy needle. Therefore, at this time, we have no tissue to send off for sequencing / analysis for any potential precision medicine recommendations.

• The bone marrow biopsy from her lower back was negative for Neuroblastoma - good news / bad news. It hasn’t spread to her marrow yet, but that also means no biopsy results for disease sequencing and targeted therapries.

• Last, but definitely not least, the treatment trial we are trying to enroll her in has strict FDA requirements for labwork ranges/results, which Caroline's body has been unable to meet (despite 4 different lab draws at 2 different locations), so we are not currently able to enroll her.

What all of this means: for now, we wait.  We will test her again next week to see if she qualifies...if she does, we will enroll her immediately...if she does not, we'll have to pivot to another plan.

We will update the blog as soon as we have any relevant information.  We're still all struggling to process the news of the relapse, in addition to all of the setbacks.  We're so grateful for the messages, gift cards, and most importantly: prayers.  Please keep praying.

Love,

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Prepping for her CT-guided pelvic biopsy.

Another Relapse

Caroline had follow-up scans on Monday and unfortunately she relapsed with Neuroblastoma once again. This time, the main area of concern is her left pelvic bone (picture below).

This is now the 4th time she has had to fight this disease, and to say she’s heartbroken is an understatement. She was looking forward to starting her flag football season, finishing out the school year on a high note and going to 3 summer camps in June.  Instead, and after beating this disease three times already, she will have to focus on beating this dreadful disease AGAIN.

We have been working with our amazing care team at Vanderbilt, as well as consulted with our friends at BeatCC to determine the best treatment plan this time...

The tentative plan starting next week at Vanderbilt:

• Bone marrow biopsy to see if it’s spread into her marrow 
• Biopsy at pelvic disease site for genetic testing / sequencing 
• Review and finalize a treatment plan with the care team (most likely will be a newer Phase 2 Clinical Trial that is open at Vandy through BeatCC; more details to come on this) 

Assuming all goes as planned next week, Caroline will start treatment mid-April.

Obviously a tough time for all over here, but our focus right now is 100% on gearing up to fight again, and taking care of our whole family, especially big brother Andrew, who is finishing up his senior year.

How can you help?

• Pray, pray, pray some more.  We literally need ANOTHER miracle.
• Love on your kids and family every day. 
• UberEats Gift Cards.  Although we love the meal train, our schedule is/will be unpredictable, so this option is more flexible for us...you can send to: margaretlantz@gmail.com
• Donate Blood 
• Donate to the Beat Childhood Cancer Foundation in Caroline's name and help us find a cure!!!

Thank you (again and in advance!) for the prayers and support - this is just devastating.

With love,

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong4.0
#ftgf

New tumor site.

Scan Results: 2.6.2026

Caroline's scans today were inconclusive. 

CT Scan: no visible evidence of disease 

 
PET scan: one very tiny new spot in her abdomen. This spot was NOT definitively flagged as relapsed Neuroblastoma at this time. It’s very small (approximately 4mm) and had mild/moderate FDG uptake, which means there’s a chance it could be a false positive (infection, inflammation, etc.).

After talking to her team at Vanderbilt, the plan is to re-scan Caroline in 7 weeks to see if the spot is still lighting up, has it grown, is it gone etc., and then go from there.  

So for now, unfortunately, we just wait and hold onto hope. Unless anything changes in the meantime, we’ll update the blog after the next set of scans.

Thank you for your continued love, support and most importantly…prayers!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

8 Years...

Today marks 8 years since Caroline's original diagnosis.  As a seeker, I love finding meaning in all the things...so, it's not lost on me as to what the number eight represents in numerology:

 

ABUNDANCE

INFINITE BALANCE

PRACTICAL AMBITION

First and foremost, abundance!!!  We have so.much.abundance (in all forms) in our lives now, more than we could ever have imagined 8 years ago.  Although we were hopeful the treatment would work for Caroline, the statistics weren't (and still aren't!) in our favor...but here we are, EIGHT YEARS later.  We've had an immeasurable abundance of love, prayers and support from our community...we've endured an abundance of trauma, but also with an abundance of grace given.  

Secondly, the number 8 sidesways makes the infinity symbol - the great karmic equalizer, and an eternal cycle of giving and receiving energy.  That speaks so loudly to my heart.  We are infinitely balancing living in the moment, while trying to process what we've all been through, so we can plan for the future and not live in a place of fear.  It's a constant balancing act that I doubt will go away anytime in this lifetime.

Lastly, practical ambition.  This hit me like a ton of bricks when Mark and Caroline were leaving for the gym recently...I told her "please make sure you drink extra water today so you can love on those organs - you need to take great care of them because they took great care of you."  Definitely not the average conversation with a 12 year old, but clearly she's not your average girl!  We have very "practical" conversations in our house on a regular basis...but, we also carry around hope and ambition, especially because Caroline is truly living her BEST LIFE right now, and continuously makes plans for the best life ahead...I'm beyond grateful to be able to watch it unfold.

We've witnessed so much unimaginable pain and suffering over the past 8 years - not only with our situation, but many families we've met along the journey.  However,  on this EIGHT YEAR cancer-versary, I'm choosing to focus on that fact that my daughter is on this side of heaven, and she's the happiest, funniest, most resilient, articulate girl I know...and a true light for me and so many others!

Thank you, truly.  Thank you for holding up our family in so many ways over the past 8 years.  

Wishing you all abundance, balance, and practical ambition during this season of Thanksgiving.

All my love,

Margaret

December 2017

December 2025

Quarterly Scan Results

Caroline's test results:

CT Scan - NO evidence of disease

PET Scan - NO evidence of disease

We are beyond thrilled to hear this good news today...Caroline has officially been cancer-free for 6 months now! We're so grateful to Dr. Smith and the entire Vandy care team.

Please continue to keep Caroline in your prayers. She’s been "living her best life" in middle school - participating in Speech & Debate Club, as well as FFA as a "Horse Judge," and now she's VERY excited to celebrate the holidays away from the hospital for the first time in a few years!!!

Thank you again for all the continued love, support and prayers!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Scan Results

 

A message from Caroline!

We'll have more information on next steps / follow-up in the coming days, but wanted to send out the HAPPY news!!!  

Thank you beyond words for the unwavering love, support and prayers!

Love,

The Lantz Family

#carolinestrong

#ftgf

Radiation Update

Caroline completed her five SBRT photon radiation treatments (higher dose, ultra-concentrated radiation).  Compared to her radiation in March, she experienced more noticeable side effects this time around...mainly fatigue and nausea/stomach issues, which will hopefully fade away quickly so she can have the most fun this summer!

Next steps will be routine clinic visits for lab work and then scans at the end of July.  Assuming nothing unforeseen happens in the meantime, we'll update the blog once we know the scan results.  If you'd like to follow along Caroline's summer adventures, we'll post them on Instagram (@carolingstrong3.0).

As always, we are beyond grateful for Caroline's team at Vanderbilt, and so thankful for the continued love, meals, support and prayers from this community.  Wishing you all a fun, safe and healthy summer!

Love,

The Lantz Family

#carolinestrong

#ftgf

SBRT Radiation Machine

The best Radiation Oncology team!

Happy Girl - finished five!!!!!

Treatment Next Steps

We were at Vanderbilt today for consultation and simulation with Caroline's Radiation Oncologist and his team. Fortunately, it looks like the tumor is clearly accessible for radiation with minimal risk of damaging any organs or other body parts.  In the picture below, Caroline is showing off one of the 3 marks she has on her abdomen/torso that will be used as identifiers for her upcoming treatment.  

The plan is for her to receive 5 SBRT photon radiation treatments (higher dose, ultra-concentrated radiation) starting late next week followed by progress scans in late July.  The side effects should be limited to nausea and fatigue, and hopefully not cut into her summer too much.  

Thank you for the support and prayers!

The Lantz Family

#carolinestrong 

#ftgf

A Weekend of Distraction

We will finalize Caroline's "next steps" for treatment this Thursday (5/15) and update the blog as soon as we're able.

In the meantime, we had an incredible weekend of distractions!

Caroline had the honor of being the Official Child Ambassador of the for the 84th Running of the Iroquois Steeplechase, which benefits the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital.  Thank you to everyone that made our day so special - we had a truly amazing time making memories we'll never forget!  

News Channel 5 Steeplechase Segment featuring Caroline - CLICK HERE to watch

Watching the Race from the Bell Tower!

Ringing the bell to start the race!

Mother's Day at Arrington

Scan Results

Caroline had a CT and PET scan at Vandy today to check progress post radiation treatments.

RESULTS:

- The spot they radiated in March by her neck is no longer visible on imaging.

- A spot in her abdomen that was present in Sept 2024, but not visible in January 2025, is now back and measuring at 5mm.

The next step is for us to (again) review any/all options with her medical team to decide the path forward.  This is obviously not the news we all wanted, but she wants to fight and we will power forward once again. 

As soon as we have an update/definitive plans, we will update the blog.  

Thank you so much for your continued love, support and most importantly prayers for Caroline and our family.

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

5mm "new/old" spot now visible - highlighted in yellow right up against her aorta.

Ringing the Bell!

Caroline was able to "ring the bell" today, signifying the radiation portion of her treatment is complete!  She will have a 6-week break to allow the radiation to "do its magic," then get progress scans in May to measure her cancer/next steps.  

Thank you SO much to the entire Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Radiation Oncology team...they were amazing from the time we walked in the door, until we left!

So grateful,

The Lantz Family

#carolinestrong

#ftgf

Radiation Treatment

Caroline had her first photon radiation treatment today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. There was some anxiety leading up to the appointment, but she did great! She will get radiation every week day until the end of March.  We'll post an update when she's completed all of her radiation treatments (unless something unexpected happens).

Thank you for your continued support for our family - we really appreciate the words of encouragement, gift cards and prayers.

Love,

The Lantz Family

The "wish" tree in Radiation Oncology lobby.

Radiation Treatment Planning

Caroline had her radiation oncology simulation at Vanderbilt today.  The team measured/marked her treatment area and fitted her for a custom mesh stabilizer brace that will hold her still during the radiation treatment.  She will begin the 20 cycles on Wednesday, February 26th, going every weekday until completion.  Potential short-term side effects are: nausea, fatigue and redness/tenderness near the radiated skin.

We are VERY proud of Caroline's bravery (always, but especially today)...she did a great job calming herself down using a mediation technique her Aunt Joanna taught her to power through the scary prep process.  She is wise and mature beyond her years; we are very fortunate!

Thank you so much for the continue kind words, prayers, and support...much appreciated!

Love,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Scan Results

Caroline's scan results showed good news overall.  One of her cancerous spots is no longer visible on imaging, and the other one measured smaller than it did in November.  She has one pesky spot between her left carotid and left subclavian arteries that has appeared throughout her cancer journey dating back to 2017.  We discussed a preliminary plan with her team to proceed with localized radiation as Caroline's next treatment step.  We will know more details in the coming days, but for now, indications are that it most likely will be ~17-20 treatments over a 4 week period, and then re-scan to see if anything still appears on imaging.

WE CAN'T EXPRESS HOW GRATEFUL WE ARE TO THE VANDY MEDICAL TEAM! They are very thorough, but also prompt and compassionate in their care!

We will update the blog as soon as we get treatment details.

Please keep the prayers coming!

THANK YOU,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong 

#fgtf

Unexpected Hospital Admission

Last week was a really rough week for Caroline at home. She was presenting with various "not well" symptoms all week, especially exhaustion. By Saturday morning, she spiked a fever that led us to an ER visit at Vanderbilt. After getting lab work and nasal swabs done, the provider admitted her to try and figure out what was going on. She got IV fluids, IV antibiotics, a blood transfusion and a platelet transfusion between Saturday and Monday. The viral panel tests and bacterial cultures all came back negative, so we still aren't sure what "infected" her body, but fortunately she is now feeling better and recovering at home and sleeping in her own bed.

Hopefully she can stay healthy until her scheduled progress scans next week (on Tuesday, 1/28). Please pray for great results; we'll post the scan results on the blog asap.

Thank you all for the outreach and support! Once again, we used your DoorDash and UberEats gifts cards all weekend so we didn't have to eat hospital food - MUCH APPRECIATED! 💜

Love,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Home and feeling much better!

Outpatient Cycle 4 - Complete

Caroline wrapped up Cycle 4 of her treatment today. Rash and itching were the primary side effects during the infusions, but she is safe at home although she's feeling really "yucky" and off.  She will get daily shots to help boost her immune system, which is currently registering at close to zero. Unless she encounters any issues or illnesses, her next scheduled appointment is for progress scans on 1/28 at Vanderbilt.

We're very appreciative of all the prayers, packages, meals and words of inspiration!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Cycle Delay for Snow

Clinic is closed today due to snow, so Caroline's last infusion for this cycle of treatment was moved to Monday.  Sending warm wishes to all our friends!

Cycle 4 Underway

Caroline started cycle 4 of her current treatment plan today: Immunotherapy + 2 Chemotherapies. Although nothing "unexpected" happened, it was still a really rough day for her...treatment had to be paused for very scary low blood pressure (57/30!). The team woke her, sat her up, got steroids in her, and gave her some IV fluids before being able to re-start treatment. She also broke out in a really bad rash all over her body, which makes it itch like crazy. It was a long, 7-hour day today in clinic, but thankfully she was able to complete the treatment and is now home resting up for tomorrow's chemotherapies.

As always, the Vandy staff did an amazing job making sure Caroline was safe today, and we can't say enough how appreciative we are for their care!

Thank you for all the prayers, meals, and overall support during this challenging time for our family!

Love,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Cycle 3 - Complete

Caroline completed her 3rd cycle of outpatient Immunotherapy + Chemo yesterday, and is now home resting.  Although she had a really rough and scary start to the week, it progressively got better for her, which was a huge relief.

This upcoming week she will do homeschool and rest up as her WBC, RBC and ANC (counts) will inevitably drop post-treatment.  Her next cycle of treatment is scheduled for January 6th, 2025.

We've loved seeing all the #carolinestrong ornaments on your Christmas tress; thank you so much for your continued support for our family. 

Merry Christmas,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Riding home after 5 long days at the hospital!

How the day started...

Cycle 3 - Immunotherapy + 2 Chemotherapies

Caroline started the 3rd round of her current treatment plan (Danyelza + Cytoxan + Topotecan).  She had a really challenging time today with the immunotherapy(Danyelza), especially her blood pressure dropping to a scary 49/23 at one point! The treatment needed to be paused twice until she was treated and stabilized.  Additionally, she required oxygen, steroids and other medications for rash and pain.  It was a really tough day, but, she's an even tougher kid!  She is now home resting and will go back in the morning for day 2 tomorrow. We are very grateful for the entire Vanderbilt medical team and their quick actions today!

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 

#ftgf

Scan Results on Black Friday (again!)

Caroline spent Black Friday at Vanderbilt today for her treatment progress scans (CT and PET), and lab work...she was originally diagnosed 7 years ago on Black Friday in 2017.

Both of today's scans indicated that the current treatment seems to be working; they are seeing a partial response (some shrinking) in both spots that were identified on the September 10th scan. Additionally, no new lesions were identified on either scan. She still has active disease, but it seems to be heading in the right direction.

She will get daily shots next week to boost her immune system so she can hopefully start Round 3 of this treatment plan (Danyelza immunotherapy + Cyclophosphamide chemo + Topotecan chemo) on Monday, Dec 9th.

While this is definitely news that allows us to breathe for a quick minute, please pray for a continued positive response (and ultimately a cure), as well as for Caroline's (and our family's) continued stamina to fight this awful disease.  

Love,
The Lantz Family
#carolinestong
#ftgf

Black Friday Scans

Black Friday 2017-2024

Cycle 2 Complete!

Caroline wrapped the second cycle of her new treatment combo of Danyelza + Cytoxan + Topotecan. She's tired and feels yucky overall, so she will rest up this weekend before starting homebound instruction again next week.

Her primary side effects this week were body rash, intense itching, and pain.

She's scheduled for lab work and a clinic visit next Friday (11/15), followed by progress scans on 11/29, which will determine next steps.

Thank you so much for the continuous prayers and support!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

The rash moves all over her body and causes intense itching; it's excruciating to watch her endure.

When she's getting her treatment, she likes the room completely dark and quiet.

Outpatient Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy

Caroline (finally) "made counts" today and was allowed to start treatment again.   She received an immunotherapy and 2 chemotherapies.

It was a VERY long, rough day full of side effects, including: rash, itching, pain, swelling, and worst/scariest of all was plummeting blood pressure that required them to pause treatment twice.  After some additional steroids and fluids, she was able to complete day one of this week’s cycle.

She will return tomorrow for day 2.

Thank you for all the prayers and gestures of support.

Exhausted and off to bed…

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Here's a glimpse of the rash (and this wasn't even nearly the worst of it)...

Treatment Delayed (again)

Caroline's ANC (immune system) was still too low to receive treatment today. She is going to get a daily booster shot this week to try and energize up the slow-to-recover cells. 

She was definitely not happy about another delay...cabin fever has set in and she was mentally prepared to continue her battle today.  Luckily, she's able to work with a homebound instructor, in addition to joining her class via Zoom a few times a day, so we'll continue to lay low, keep up with school and try again next Monday.

Thank you for the continued prayers!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf

Ms. Elise was Caroline's homebound teacher in Kindergarten and now 5th grade!

Treatment bumped this week

Caroline went to clinic this morning in hopes of starting the 2nd round of treatment for her relapsed neuroblastoma. Unfortunately, her ANC (immune system) # was too low to be able to safely receive treatment, so she'll try again next Monday...

In the meantime, Caroline will rest at home and try her best to keep up with her school work remotely.  As always, we'll update the blog if there are any changes, or when/if she's able to start treatment again next week.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers,

The Lantz Family

#carolinestrong

#ftgf

HOME

After spending a long weekend at Vanderbilt for fever / fighting off something (undetermined), Caroline was discharged tonight and will now rest and recover at home. Barring any other unexpected issues this week, her next appointment will be Friday in clinic for lab work.

Thanks for all the support and prayers!

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong

#ftgf

Unplanned Hospital Admission

Caroline spiked a fever late yesterday afternoon, which led us to the Vandy ER for bloodwork and a precautionary IV antibiotic. Once a bed opened up on the oncology floor, she was admitted for continued testing and observation. Her ANC (immune system) is currently at 0.0 which means her body has virtually no ability to fight off any viral or bacterial infections.

She will continue to receive IV antibiotics and will also get an IV Leukine infusion to try and help boost her counts. She spiked another fever around 2:30am, so for now we just wait and hope that she can get fever-free and hopefully go home in a couple days.

Overall, Caroline just feels "yucky" and tired today.

She did ask for an Acai bowl from UberEats, and ate a good bit of that, so we are encouraged that she is still eating.

Appreciate the prayers and continued support!

The Lantz Family

#carolinestrong

#ftgf

Immunotherapy Update

Caroline completed 2 outpatient infusions of Naxitamab this week...experiencing the expected side effects (mostly pain, itching and rash).   She also got bloodwork done while in clinic; her ANC (immune system) really plummeted over the past few days. Being immunocompromised is tricky because any little virus or bacteria can be very dangerous and land her in the hospital, so we'll keep her at home doing online school until we can get her counts tested again next week.

Although she looks and feels ok today, the inside of her little body has been battered by all the treatments over the (almost) seven years, particularly the harsh chemotherapies.  She is eating well/healthy, and seems to be hanging in there mentally (as well as can be expected battling cancer for the 3rd time).

We're so grateful for all the outreach, prayers, meals and support.

The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf