Phase II

After Ruth and Willis's trip to NC it was time to enter phase II of the treatment adventure. Since Halloween was near and there were tons of maps printed in order to find our way around Duke for the next year, we decided to combine the two. The maps were spread out on the table and pumpkin carving commenced. Will created his pumpkin all on his own with one arm and you can see how it outshines Ruth's about 100%:)


Since we had not been accepted into the protocol at Duke, the Reno's once again returned to KC to figure out the next step in Will's treatment. We had spoken to MD Salacz at St. Lukes concerning the chemotherapy as an alternative option prior to August 25th. He had begun the ground work in getting it approved with the insurance and this was the option Will decided to go with next. The treatment is experimental and is the exact same as what we would have been receiving at Duke, CPT-11 and avastin, just no longer free under the protocol. This still has not seemed to be a problem to St. Luke's as we are undergoing treatment without knowing how were are going to pay. They have agreed to administer the medication no matter what our ability is to pay which is a blessing. Discussions and appeals with the insurance company continue to occur and prays are going up for a solution but until we get one we just live by grace.

It really is amazing how the Lord continues OVER AND OVER to provide for our needs. The most recent being a positive MRI reading. To back up a bit Will did start the treatments on October 20th. He receives an intravenous infusion for 4 hours every two weeks at St. Lukes. Work has been wonderful about letting Ruth have those days off so we can sit and talk or watch TV or just be with each other. November 17th was Will's third treatment in six weeks placing him back in the MRI scanner the following Monday November 20th. Being the first MRI post experimental treatment we were all ready to see the results! We are so thankful for the notes and prayers from those who keep lifting us up. There had been some 'enhancement' areas on the pre-experimental infusion MRI back in September that were questionable for tumor. Those areas have regressed/gotten smaller. The darker areas which were the old blood that had disqualified Will for the study at Duke are lighter and have regressed. AND there is no new blood on the MRI which would have stopped the treatments. There are praises all around and I know you are to praise the Lord in ANY circumstance but we just can't help but be happy for the good news. Thanks for sharing in this with us!

Besides all of this it is hunting season for white-tailed deer. Will has been out several times and is still to shoot one but we know it is just on the horizon!

Alan, Fran, Will, and Ruth spent some sweet time at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Grandview, MO just praying and having other pray for Will's healing. IHOP is a wonderful 24 hour prayer ministry which has rooms where those who are ill can go and pray specifically for healing. Prayer for Will's healing is an everyday affair but we hope to get back soon to take advantage of others lifting their voices to the Lord.

Thanksgiving is almost here and we do have a lot to be thankful for. Warm showers and heaters and crunchy leaves just touch the surface of how much we praise God for the gifts He gives and how He provides. He spared nothing, not even the gift of His Son Jesus. I think sometimes that even becomes cliche when I say it but the thought of giving up Will or he I, hurts just to think about. I cannot imagine the pain of giving up One I had perfect communion with. Guess I think of Thanksgiving as a bit of a precursor to Christmas. We are thankful for positive MRI scans and life. We are thankful for 26 of Will's family members coming in for the Thanksgiving holidays to love on us and celebrate. We are thankful for those who read this lengthy blog and then pray. We really are.
Some of the crew at IHOP before Will's MRI>

North Carolina

Currently we have returned from North arolina. There were weeks of preparation preceding this trip in order to get Will into a clinical trial. All treatment from here on out is experimental since the first round of chemo and radiation was ineffective. Duke had/has a trial using and IV infusion of two chemotherapy agents to attack the tumor. We spent two days at Duke signing consents and Will was taking tests. Doctors and clinicians were confident Will would qualify for the trial and Will was scheduled for his first treatment on Friday morning. Will’s dad Alan had traveled with us and we decided to go to the beach for the rest of the afternoon. It was 80 degrees and sunny so a wonderful day to sit by the waves. Half way through the afternoon we received a call that blood had been noted on the MRI which disqualified Will for the study. The fact that there was an indication of blood on the MRI is not a concern medically, it only meant that the company which is conducting the trial requires everyone in the study to start from the same baseline, meaning no blood. Since we got that news too late to go home Thursday, we spent the night in Durham and flew home Fri. The advantage to being in the Duke study was that all of the chemo drugs would have been free. The same chemo treatment can be done here at St. Luke's in Kansas City but the insurance does not cover the cost of it which we have been told is about $40,000/treatment (Will will require a treatment every two weeks for a year or more if this chemo is effective). We have scheduled a meeting with Dr. Salacz at St. Luke's Cancer institute for Monday/tomarrow at noon to discuss options. We had prayed the whole trip that the Lord would open and close doors as he saw fit. Ruth was a little frustrated and Will peaceful as he remembered outloud that what we pray we must live. Isn't that the truth. We covet prayers and continue to look in joy and with anticipation to what the Lord in going to do.

FInd rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:5-6

Second Time Around

On August 25th Will entered into the operating room once again. Once again the Veterans hospital Ruth was working at helped release her from the ICU position she was suppose to start that week and allow her to stay part time in order to be with Will. Four hours and a few nail bites later Will was out of surgery an on his way to the ICU again. He was groggy but talking and smiling. We were all just thankful to have him still alive. It was another day.
The surgery went as well as could be expected with all of the visible tumor being removed once again. The tumor had grown a little further to the front this time causing Will's arm and leg to be effected after removal. He is still undergoing physical and occupational therapy to try to regain use of he right side. He does so well getting around and continues to know the Lord has a plan. Knowing the surgery was not a cure this time either other options were being explored. Will again progressed rapidly from the ICU to the regular floor and then directly to rehab. Two weeks later he was back at home and Ruth and Will were bother just enjoying being together again.
Since the surgerie we have been enjoying time......

at Royal's and softball games....

At aviation shows........................At weddings........

AT KSTATE GAMES..........

In Colorado with the aspens or having fun at home......

and at chiefs games and bowling with family.....

Whatever it has been it has involved a lot of prayer, many tears, and much laughter. We continue to want to go on a honeymoon, buy a house, and have kids but are waiting for the Lords timing on each. We are only guaranted today and we continue to live under the grace provided for today. We are thankful for the prayers and encouragement of all around. The joy of the Lord IS our strength.

Marriage and Beyond

July 15th rolled around beautiful at 100 degrees and sunny. Friends and Family from all over made the sweet trip on 3 weeks notice to celebrate the joining of the two. It was a sweet time and made for the perfect beginning of their lives now as one. If any of you grew up in the 80's then you will know where the quote 'Mawage, Mawage is what bwings us togever today.." is from. Marriage is what brought so many sweet people together to bless Will and Ruth on a day where she really did feel like a princess bride! They do say that the wedding kiss rates as one of the best/ longest in history.
Mom, Dad, and Gail Schroeder had to return to the other side of the ocean and Ruth and Will settled into their duplex in Lenexa, Kansas. Being close to all the KC Renos provided a wonderful support group for Will and Ruth alike as they began their lives together.


Will continued with his radiation and chemo for the next five weeks as the couple learned how to live and love together. Ruth was orienting to a new position at the VA and Will undergoing therapy in attempts to get his arm back to baseline strength for hunting elk in September. Will was starting to drive again and mow the grass. Both were entertaining thoughts of a real honey moon and trying to buy a house.

Will felt tired but no other real health concerns arose while he was having treatment. He was even able to keep his thick black hair until after the wedding. From then on he started sporting the shiny look which Ruth has grown to prefer. He finished 33 radiation sessions and six weeks of oral chemo to complete the first phase. All was going well.

On August 16th Will was at home watching a football game when he experienced a small seizure. He was able to call his parents after it was over and they rushed him to the ER. A CT of his head was completed and we were told their was a large mass noted in the surgical cavity. Figuring there must be some mistake Will and Ruth headed home to get some sleep. An MRI was not scheduled until 3 days later and unfortunately revealed a tumor larger than the size of the first which was causing a significant amount of swelling. This may have been the cause of the seizure and consequently was the Lord’s way of telling us something was not right. After many tears a more than a bit of disbelief, it was back to the square one to figure out the next plan of action. True to their word Will was immediately taken off of the clinical trial at St. Lukes and other options were explored. We were presented with either the option to do surgery or an experimental chemo. What a terrific decision to face after all that had transpired in the past few weeks. Again after many prayers and tears Will and Ruth decided to go with the surgery. It seemed like the most aggressive option to provided them with some more time.

Preparation

When it came to marriage planning it was a blessing that Will came from a big family and that the Lord continued to bless Ruth and Will’s efforts to be together. Will’s sister-in-law Kristen became partners with Ruth’s mom and to created the dynamic duo of wedding planners. They took care of flower, caterers, and details. The Lord opened up a beautiful Presbyterian Church in Stanley in which to have the ceremony. Will's sisters Terri and Gail created the announcements (which some of you are yet to receive since they are still on my desk.....but you will!) Susy did the programs. Joy loaned Ruth her wedding dress. Brothers, sisters, family member and friends provided rides, made meals, and prayed. Some may think what did Ruth and Will do? The best answer may be ‘A whole lot of nothing!’ It was a blessing that God created both Ruth and Will the way he did and having others plan the wedding was the best idea either of them could think of!

The Waiting

Ruth and Cheryl arrived in Kansas city after spending a not so restful night in the Denver airport. :) (Standby sometimes really is just that:) After showers and naps Mom was able to start meeting all of the 7 brothers and sisters and 15 nieces and nephews. It was a happy household and over the next few days Ruth and Cheryl found their spot in the Reno clan. Will told Ruth he wanted to start to look for rings. Ruth still wasn’t sure if this meant he wanted to get married now or later. Will thought this was obvious. Oh the difference between men and women!
June 23rdwas their one year anniversary. Will took Ruth out to Ruth’s Chris steak house and they enjoyed dinner and conversation. Ruth went to the bathroom and came back to find 12 roses on her chair. Will had never given her red roses except for the time he told her that he loved her. Will got down on one knee as he asked Ruth to be his wife. There were a few teary eyes and Will’s brother popped out from the restaurant to reveal he had been taping the whole thing. What a special memory to have on tape! Will then revealed the wedding would happen in 3 weeks and everyone was on board. Both families had agreed to do everything they could to make the wedding special and not to mention possible while Ruth’s family would be in the country! At this the whirlwind and the fun began!
Ruth returned home to begin the process on moving to another state and switching jobs. She was working for the Veterans hospital in SF. They were immensely helpful in getting her transferred to the Kansas City VA. Her cousin, Marcelle, whom she had been living with helped pack up the apartment and after a few more days of work, time with the family, and her grandparents 60th wedding anniversary she was trucking across the country to her new home in Kansas. Mom/Cheryl went with her and they passed the time laughing and catching up on life that had not gotten to be shared.

Prior to all of this, it was discovered that Will’s tumor was a cancer called glioblastoma multiforme. This type of tumor is a fast growing and non surgically removable tumor so although they got all of the tumor that they could see there was still more on a cellular level. A trip to St. Luke’s cancer center just a couple of weeks after Will’s operation opened up the possibilities of participating in a clinical trial. The doctors and staff were impressive with their knowledge and evident concern about Will’s recovering. After many prayers and much discussion, all decided to have Will participate in a trial where he would receive radiation and chemotherapy under the supervision of a clinical trial. There were assurances that Will’s best interest would be in mind at all times. A five week waiting period was in order after his surgery to allow healing and then began the second part of his journey to recovery two weeks before the wedding.

Next Steps

Will began to recover nicely moving from the ICU straight to a med/surg floor and then to a rehab hospital. Word finding was still coming slower than he would have liked but he was walking and continuing to make everyone laugh. With him doing so well, thoughts now turned to next steps. The Renos and Ruth were waiting to find out what type of cancer we would be facing and options to pursue. Ruth was attempting to sort out what to do with her job and if/when Will wanted her to move out to Kansas City. Even after brain surgery there was no doubt in Will’s mind that he wanted to still be with her.
Ruth went back to San Francisco to work and Will stayed in Kansas to recover. When Cheryl, Ruth’s mom, first heard about Will being sick she began to work on changing her flight back to the USA. (Ruth’s parents live in Bangladesh.) She was coming to see her first grandchild later in the month so Dad/Don traveled to the main city six hours away to arrange a new flight.
Ruth was attempting to hold down a job in SF with her heart remaining in KC. It was a sweet time for Cheryl/Mom to be able to come in and just be a part of the developing story. With Will being a former pilot there were free flight offers from friends still flying so Ruth and her mom headed out to Kansas city again to see the recovering Will.

In sickness and in health....

If anyone is reading this you may or maynot know about Will's health issues over the past few months but chances are you do know that we are getting married! Traditional vows have read 'in sickness and in health'. I am not sure what ours will be but some of the sickness has come sooner than we expected. It has been quoted to us though many times....Hits not the years in your life that counts but the life in your years...' We are going to make the most of this life together but here is a little of the story.

It was March/April of this year and what had turned into the Willis and Ruth duo were trucking along in their relationship. Conversations had begun to include kids and houses and working out how to live in the same town. Medical issues came into the picture at this time as well with an upset stomach and decreased appetite for Will. There is not a whole lot of margin for weight loss so Ruth suggested a Doctor's visit. Wanting to cut our the middle man Will went straight to a GI specialist who essentially waved him off with some over the counter medications. We decided it was time now to get someone who could see the whole picture and made an appointment with a Family medicine doctor.

About this time Will was also studying to earn his 737 license in the journey to be employed by Southwest. He had completed one week of ground school and was off for the second week of simulator training. Retaining information had become harder as well as recalling words. Some simple like cup and towel and others more complex like APU or thrusters. During this month as well there had been episodes where Will had numbness down his arms and in his right leg. Lack of appetite and a 'full feeling' in his stomach continued. The medical doctor thought this could all have to do with a hiatal hernia and prescribed some strong antacid. With these in hand Will headed off to finish his training and that he did! Two days before his 33rd Birthday he returned to Nashville with a new 737 license...a sweet accomplishment but it had been a lot harder than maybe it should have been. Around the time he arrived home Will started to have splitting headaches and increasing numbness. Words were even harder to find.

Ruth was visiting Nashville and they were able to go to the doctor together this time. He poked and prodded a bit and listened a lot. They left the doctor's office with two referrals in hand to see an neurologist and another GI specialist. The neurologist was the fist one able to see Will and since it was still a week away we continued on with our trip to Jackson to see Ruth's friends graduate and enjoyed time in Nashville. Ruth had to return to San Francisco before the appointment but Will's parents heard about what was happening and came to Nashville to be beside their son.

The 26th brought an MRI and news that no one expects to hear. The neurologist saw a rather large mass on the left side of Will's head. Although they did not know what the future would hold the decision was made to move back to Kansas to receive care. In 24 hours the house was packed and the Reno's we heading back to KC to all be together. A Neurosurgeon appointment was made for Tues the 31st. Speaking became more difficult but the goal was just to make it until 2pm on the 31st in hopes some answers would be found.

Ruth came in from San Fran a couple of days early to be able to go to the appointment. Unfortunately Will's body could not wait until that time. He woke up the morning of the 31st in bad shape and unable to speak. An ambulance ride later Ruth met the rest of the Reno family in the ER. After a day spent waiting the neurosurgeon was able to see Will and removed a large tumor from the left side of he brain. He was able to extract all that he saw and family and friends who were praying were able praising the Lord for one more day added to Will's life. All those watching were able to see the hand of the Lord spare Will.

The History

Ruth Schroeder distinctly remembers the Sunday the 5th of June 2005 as the Sunday after the Sunday she decided not to attend church resulting from a game of rock-paper-scissors. It was shortly after leaving Union University. 'Ironically' that was the Sunday the Pastor asked all those who had just graduated to stand up. Ruth sheepishly stood up and sat down, little knowing there were two eyes looking her way the entirety of the service.

If you here the rest of the story told by Will you learn of falling over folding chair in order to gain an audience with the young lady he was watching, but as seen by Ruth that Sunday was the day she met a lovely your man named Will Reno.

Will hung around church until all had left the premises except the Schroeders and some family friends. He was promptly invited to lunch at which he sat around listening to family tales of Ruth growing up at Community Bible Church and how she approached adolescence. Will was attentive and an easy laugher. Ruth thought, who is this guy? They parted ways and there were no numbers exchanged or talk of meeting again. The next Sunday, the 12th, Will barely made eye contact with Ruth. She resolved that this had amounted to nothing.

If you hear this story from Will's perspective you would call this period in time 'playing it cool.' He didn't want to seem to desperate so the Sunday of the 19th he asked for her number. Bold move if you know Will!

Ruth received a call that week and plans were made for the 23rd to go out. She thought he was just a pilot who wanted someone to show him around Nashville. He had psyched himself up to think this wasn't really a date. They met at the YMCA after he had come home from a 4 day trip. Ruth with her hair wet from swimming and Will in his uniform. They were both trying to keep it casual. No expectations. They proceeded to eat sushi and Ruth fell out of the car and then walked around Nashville where she proceeded to spit off the bridge and pick the wrong kind of ice-cream. This guy was a goner as far as Ruth was concerned. Will went home and told his sister he had found the girl he wanted to be with for the rest of his life. At least he was pretty sure.

The next few weeks in Nashville were full of lunches at Applebees (where Ruth was working at the time and she thought Will just drove 20 min for the burgers:), Canoeing at the lake, boating on Percy Priest, Fireworks by the river, Humid runs and an agreement to try the courting relationship. Will even went on two dates with Ruth's dad so they could keep seeing each other. It was good to have the family involved and kept the relationship where it should be, focused on the Lord.

Alas though it was time to leave. Ruth already had plans to move to California and with a truck and a roommate in hand she was going through with it. The couple sat on a hammock before hand trying to define their relationship. Ruth told will she just wanted to know if he began to see anyone else while she was gone. Will said there was not chance of this. She was beginning to learn what a man of his word he was and is.

Will kept his word and the pursuit of a relationship with his new found princess over the miles. He encouraged her through long phone conversations and turned her head with bouquets at the door. The first chance available he came out to California. Ruth really began to think, who is this man? The month of August was spent traveling. Marcelle, Ruth's cousin and roommate, Ruth, and Will made the unconquerable trio as they traversed from Tahoe to LA around San Fran, by the beach and then back again. Disneyland was a highlight as Will and Ruth ran around in their Mickey and Minnie ears. They realized this was something special as they talked of respect and friendship to the sound of waves. A wonderful week in September was spent in Colorado watching the aspens turn and biking in the mountains. Individually they wondered, Is this love?

Will continued to be a friend to Ruth as she began her first job and flowers were waiting at the unit. He helped her move into her first apartment and surprised her after a boring day of orientation. He stretched his tastebuds and learned to like sushi and food from the orient. Ruth started thinking of trying to eat chicken, a big step for a vegetarian:) They were learning to pray together and share what the Lord was teaching them.

Thanksgiving was spent together in Nashville again. It was a sweet time as Ruth had not returned home since moving to CA. Will took Ruth to PF Chang's and in a momentous night told her that he loved her. He had never told a woman that he loved her in 33 year. Well besides that one time....:) But this meant he wanted to spend his life, the rest of his life with her. She didn't realize this at the time but knew it was a sweet thing to be loved by this man.

Time rolled on...December was spent at a wedding in CO, January apart as Ruth's friends came to San Fran, February and March between Tahoe and Colorado and San Fran just skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, biking in the park, and learning about the individuals that God had made them. They were falling in love. Learning how to disagree civilly and relate unselfishly. Discovering how to forgive and encourage one another to love the Lord more diligently. They knew there was real life to come but began to realize there were no coincidences. That meeting at church was divinely ordained.

They realized real life was to come and knew they wanted to tackle it together.

Thanksgiving 2005

The journey

There are times in life where you look back and wonder why and how things and people have come in to play. If one was able to predict accurately and verbally communicate all that life had in store and the twists it would take, most likely we would mostly live in states of disbelief and avoidance. So I thought this might be a good way to get the story and the history of Will and Ruth out there for those who might not have heard and those who just want to know more about the when where and how of how our two lives came together and how life unfolds in ways that we would never have guessed. Thanks for being a part of our journey through your thoughts and prayers.

Willis and Ruthie