Linda

Hello and thanks so much for visiting. I am dedicating this site to my
sister, Linda and nephew Andy. Both were taken too early with a killer disease
but they now smile and laugh and make the heavens glow with their presence and
that is what I wish to share. We love you Linda and Andy and miss you both.
May your humor and smiles brighten the heavens!

Fight for the cure of OVARIAN Cancer which took
my sister too early. This is as much of a fight as
Breast Cancer.

This very special article appeared in the Washington School Paper on March 23, 2001, where Andy was on the staff. It was written by his girlfriend Hillari.

"Sophomore Andy Renoux was diagnosed with cancer several weeks ago and underwent treatment for the disease at the University Hospitals in Iowa City. While in the hospital, Andy, a Washingtonian staff member, agreed to tell his story so friends and classmates and other readers would be informed of his illness. Reporter Hillary (last name withheld for this site) wrote the following story earlier this month.

A Celebration of Life ceremony was held March 14 in honor of Andy at the United Methodist Church. This is his story.

CANCER SHAKES RENOUX FAMILY, FRIENDS

After a supposed case of pneumonia turned out to be cancer, Andy Renoux, '03, never lost his fighting spirit through the six weeks of treatment and hospital visits.

Beginning on Jan. 18, Andy was given medication to treat what was thought of as pneumonia but ended up being a symptom of the tumor.

"A week after he started the antibiotics, they hadn't worked at all," said Sherry. "We knew something else was wrong but never thought it was this."

    On Jan.29, Andy Renoux, '03, arrived at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics for a consultation on a possible scoliosis surgery in the distant future. After a chest x-ray revealed a tumor in his right shoulder blade, he was admitted to the pediatric inpatient clinic.

    "I was shocked, we all were." said Andy. "I really didn't know what to think, it was totally not what I expected."

    Action was taken immediately. Doctors ordered multiple body scans and x-rays to specify more about the tumor. On Jan. 31, a biopsy was performed that acknowledged the tumor as being malignant. Following the procedure, Andy was placed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit due to a fluid filled left lung and trouble breathing.

"He was in PICU because his entire left lung had collapsed during the biopsy," said Andy's mother, Sherry Renoux.

In PICU, Andy was placed on a pressurized breathing apparatus called BIPAP. To prevent any future recollecting of fluid, a chest tube was placed in the lung during the biopsy.

Doctors officially diagnosed Andy with Rhabdomysarcoma, a type of adolescent cancer, on Feb.2. Chemotherapy treatment began immediately the next night.

"He's on a strict schedule with this chemotherapy" said Sherry. "Every three weeks he gets the big dose with a small one every week."

After his condition improved around 5 days, Andy was moved back to the pediatric inpatient center and started treating the symptoms of the cancer. Nearly 20 days after hearing the news, Andy was released and headed home, but not without living a hectic lifestyle that followed with treatment.

According to the Renoux's, the roles of both the family and Andy were no piece of cake, but Andy kept a positive, upbeat attitude throughout.

"Sometimes I really don't think about {my illness} and try to preoccupy myself," said Andy. "I'm not a person to worry about things."

Andy's mother stayed every night with him and provided him with factual and emotional guidance.

"My mom's been with me almost every hour since we found out," said Andy. "She's been my advocate through all of this."

According to Ron Renoux, Andy's father, the road ahead can only be described as "bumpy."

"We've already been to the bottom," said Ron. "From here on out it's a gradual increase of health and strength."

As of Feb. 22, Andy said he planned on trying to continue as normal as possible. He said in between chemo treatments, going to school and just being with friends were definitely options.

"My friends have just been showing me there are people out there who care for me," said Andy. "That's the biggest thing they have and can do."