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)...