M.P.R.I.

MPRI(Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute) is where Allison and Cindy has been spending a lot of their time . MPRI recently decided to take some new pictures for their website. They asked Allison to be a part of the "photo shoot". I thought it would be nice to share them with all of you a glimpse of the treatment process. Here are photos that are possibly going to be on their new website.

What a fantastic group of people! Their compassion and mission to help people going through tough times is very evident. Allison has nothing but great things to say about all of them. They have been so helpful and caring to both Cindy and Allison during their stay.

Thank you MPRI staff for all of your work. May God bless you!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all of you from the Hostetler Family. What a joy to have my family together for this weekend with the way 2009 has gone for us. It was special for Cindy and I to attend a great Christmas Eve service at our church and praising God for all of His blessings, with our children.

Yesterday we attended the funeral for Cindy's Grandpa Charlie. Grandpa passed away last Tuesday morning. Grandpa Charlie was a neat man and I always felt accepted as one of his own grandsons. I thank him for that. I will always cherish the times that our kids got to spend with their great grandpa Charlie. Not every kids gets to know their great grandparents and mine have been blessed that experience with nearly most of theirs. Thanks grandpa for everything and we look forward to seeing you again in heaven!

This has been one amazing year for our family. Words cannot express our gratitude to all of you. Your prayers, meals, financial support, encouragements and love have meant more to us then you will ever know. Unfortunately, we will never be able to thank everyone personally because of so many have helped us. But know this, you are appreciated!

One scripture that has been running through my mind during this whole process is James 1: 2-3.
²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. The whole idea of "joy" during trials sounds crazy when you think of it at first. But, my outlook on this verse changed a lot the last few months. The only reason I can give is that I now lean on Him way more than I did before. This verse is reassuring to me in that I know He is in charge and that this will only strengthen me and my family. Now that doesn't mean I don't mess things up with my attitudes sometimes, but, by His grace I am redeemed and so are you! None of us can earn salvation it is only by God's grace and love for us that we can be called His children. So if you don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, please receive the greatest gift anybody could ever give you. I know the whole concept of getting something like this for free is way to much to comprehend, but just know that it is. That gift is eternal life with Him in heaven. Do it today!!!!


Allison has treatments Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. Then a couple next week. So we are in the home stretch! Please continue to keep Allison in your prayers as she starts to wrap up the proton radiation treatments. Specifically that the headache pain not increase more than what it is now. Also safe travel for Cindy, Tyler and Tim as they will be spending the next few days in Bloomington during Christmas break. I'll be home with the dogs and cows and hope to get some projects done at home before they get back.

Thanks again for all of your love during this time and I look forward to sharing with you soon. May God Bless you and Have a Merry Christmas.

Trent

All Us Visit Bloomington

Yesterday Tyler, Tim and I went with Cindy & Allison to Bloomington and got a personal tour by the director Mary Beth. Also Claire(one of Allison's good friends) and Chase (Allison's boyfriend) came along. What an awesome place this is and the technology is incredible. It was neat to see how this all works. Tim stayed down there with Mom, Allison and Claire, while Chase came back with Tyler and I. It's obvious the people at MPRI really care for their patients!



Here's Chase having a little fun while I try to sneak a picture. He didn't think I would post it....evidently he doesn't know me very well....ha ha!

As far as treatments, Allison will have them Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Then we will all be together for a nice long Christmas weekend. I can't wait!

Until next time....

Trent

A Letter From Cindy

Below is a letter that Cindy wanted me to post on the blog. I am thankful that she put this down in writing. Please continue to pray for her as well. She's got a lot on her shoulders down in Spencer and Bloomington. Helping Allison with all of her emotional and physical needs can, I am sure, be overwhelming at times too. She amazes me!

Trent

This letter is in response to the account at Interra Credit Union that was set up to help with Allison's medical expenses.

Thank-you. Two words that seem very minuscule compared to how much your contributions have helped us and reminded us how God always provides. Trent and I cannot express how much it meant that our friends would do this for us. We are extraordinarily blessed to live amongst wonderful communities and have extended family and friends to support us. Your prayers have provided support and peace that is not able to be understood. Words cannot express our true heartfelt gratitude.
We wanted to share something that happened just recently. Trent received a letter at home regarding a large balance that was to be paid at the first of the year, because we will need to pay new deductibles and reach new out of pocket limits for the New Year. This amount was fairly large and I hoped that I could call and set up on a payment plan like we have at Riley’s and for other doctor services. When I called she was very helpful and commented that a plan could be made, however a lump sum would need to be paid first. The amount she told me was $1,300.00-$1,400.00. The rest would then be placed on a payment plan. This was a relief, but at the same time this amount was a lot, since we are currently still paying on several plans. Trent called Kim to check on the balance in the account to see how that would help us. Without knowing the amount we had to pay on January 5th, she told him that the balance was $1340.00. When Trent called me back and told me, my knees went weak. Words again could not express what I was feeling. God provided a way through all of you to help us. You all were a part of God’s plan. Even if you have not provided monetarily, your prayers have been heard. Peace and provisions have been provided. We are in the midst of answered prayers. I had to share this information because so many times I feel we are afraid to acknowledge provisions God provides as merely coincidence. Not only has God provided monetarily, but I can tell you that there is no way that I, Cindy, could be as content as I am without answered prayers. This year has provided many challenges for my “planning” personality and expectations I had for the holidays. I am realizing peace in confusing times. This is by the power we have through prayer.
People ask me….. have there been doubtful times? yes!….have there been emotional breakdowns?...yes!....are you scared sometimes?...yes! But I believe that God allows us to feel weak and helpless, so we can then feel the immensity of His power. When we can feel beyond what we know is capable on our own—it is a miracle. So we have you all to thank for your part. Your support in various ways has allowed God to work. . When we begin to worry about the future, we remember Philipians 4:6-7. Rich Yauger placed that verse on the bracelets that the Grace youth group is selling for Allison. He picked out a wonderful verse that reminds us continually to give everything over to the Lord.
This holiday as you celebrate this special season remember this miracle that you have been a part of and ALL the miracles in your own life. Thank the Lord for those blessings—they are real. Please continue to pray for Allison and our family. She is scheduled to have treatments through January 5th, but may not be released till the 8th. There will be many visits in the spring and throughout the next year. Pray that her healthy tissue is protected and that the tumor and head pain diminish. Pray for all who are caring for her that their hands will be directed by God and His will be done. Continue to pray for our family as we will be glad for some time together over Christmas break! The transition back into a “normal schedule” for Allison is bound to be somewhat overwhelming physically and emotionally. The side effects of radiation will continue to be apparent for several months and thefull effects not apparent for up to a year. Thanks again so very much.

Cindy

And More Visitors.........

This past Sunday part of the Fairfield Girls Golf Team surprised Allison at Castleton Mall in Indianapolis. Asst. Coach Dan Vogelzang, Brittany (Chris & Traci too), Kelsey, Hannah and Tanya pulled off the big surprise. Allison was thrilled to see some of her teammates that she hadn't seen for quite awhile. They put this poster together on the way down. It has a picture of each member and a little note from them as well. The ones that couldn't go, sent a message by text to be written on the poster. It is awesome!

Allison has been experience an increase in headache pain from the treatments. This was expected. However, she still isn't thrilled by it. The doctors have changed her medication and hope to keep her off steroids. She is starting to get a "tan" spot the size of an apple on her forehead. The doctors say that she may tan darker in that spot for the rest of her life (that should be interesting). She is now over half way through on the treatment plan and is looking forward to getting back to a normal life.

Keep praying that the pain will not increase too much more and that she is able to continue to stay on track with her schoolwork.

Thanks for all the meals for the boys and I. I will definitely have to go on a diet after this whole adventure. There are so many good cooks helping us out.

Trent

“But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”- Luke 1:30-33

Visitors......

This weekend Allison got some much needed "therapy". First, a group of girls, from Grace Community Church, went down to visit Allison. She really enjoyed catching up with them and spending time with them. Thanks to Linda, Kari, Brittany, Charlotte and Hannah for taking the time out of your schedules to see Allison.

Allison starts another full week of treatments today. If have the count right, today's treatment will be #17. Which means she is half (or a little more) way done. She has enjoyed getting all the cards and wanted me to make sure and thank those of you who have sent them down.

Thanks!!!

Trent & Cindy

Letter from Allison....

I thought today I would just update the blog with something that Allison wrote. This was sent to Mr. Kreider at Fairfield. He was a teacher of her's last year and is in charge of the school newspaper. Parts, or all, of this might be appearing in the upcoming school newspaper. Thanks to Mr. Kreider for your constant contact and encouragement with Allison. Also thanks to all the Fairfield staff for your efforts........ Trent

Hello from Bloomington, Indiana-- Home of the Bloomington South Panthers and MPRI – Midwest Proton Radiation Institute. I have been spending a chunk of my time at both of these places. If some of you don’t know, I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. It was determined over the past several months that it was growing and could very possibly soon begin to cause more serious problems than just a bad headache. It was determined that proton radiation would be the best option for my particular situation. So here I am. I began my adventure here on November 16th and will be receiving treatments until the first week in January. Not only must I experience the uncertainty of the radiation, but the uneasiness of attending another school—one that is almost three times the size of our high school. To determine which classes were closest to Fairfield’s, I attended almost a full day of school on Nov 18th –which I thought was indeed the longest day of my life!!! I almost hid in the bathroom at lunch because I had no one to sit with, got lost on one of the three floors (still don’t know where I was), and used my old locker combination on my new locker. I thought about leaving a trail for myself to follow like Hansel and Gretel or stick post-it notes on which flight of stairs I was to use, but didn’t see much point because the mass of students would get in the way. I definitely questioned whether it would ever seem easier. I was exhausted when my mother picked me up and we still had a doctor appointment and my first treatment! No time for the weary! My first treatment was a bit nerve wracking, I won’t lie. I prayed that God would protect my healthy brain tissue and that the technicians and doctors would be guided by His hand.
As most things go in life, I am adjusting to both school and the treatments. I am making friends and can navigate myself on all three floors of Bloomington South. The treatments are becoming routine and once the mask is tightly fitted and I am strapped to the table, I find myself relaxed enough to sleep. As far as side effects, I am currently experiencing greater headaches and my hair is thinning. I do not expect to lose all my hair, but believe me my eyes have seen much worse than a bald head, so I will not waste anxiety on that issue.
I am working almost constantly on homework. It is very hard to teach yourself and understand concepts without the help of our wonderful teachers at Fairfield. The teachers at Bloomington South are wonderful as well, but we are not working on the same lessons so it creates some difficulty. Overall the teachers at Fairfield and Bloomington South have helped me immensely and I couldn’t begin to complete this semester without their help.
One interesting difference between the schools is the cell phone policy. I was so thankful that they allow cell phone use during lunch and passing periods. I know it sounds silly, but on the first day I called my mother because I needed a boost of confidence. I found the policy very interesting because many students used phones during passing periods and lunch, but used respect and did not use during class. I thought this was very interesting. I feel that because the students were given the freedom and they learned responsible use of cell phones early in school, there wasn’t an issue. Something to think about…J
I have learned so much the past few weeks. There are too many lessons to list, but here are a few. Do not take life for granted or pass up a time to say “sorry” or “I love you”. I have seen the frailty of life first hand. I have learned that people are the same wherever you go. Sure your surroundings mold certain behaviors, but in the depths of people, we are very similar. I also believe that we each posses a great strength within us to do things we never thought we could do. So—Don’t sell yourself short—It is in all of us. Another thing that I have learned, (well, not really “learned” but reminded) is God’s love for me. He loves EVERYONE so much, and I hope that EVERYONE someday will accept and embrace His love…it is SO GREAT! He HASN’T left me during this time. Still in the back of my mind, I sometimes wonder again and again, why God? Why do I have to carry this burden? Well, I have learned that I don’t have to carry this burden alone; I just have to give it over to God. I KNOW God keeps His promises, because He already has in countless ways in my life. I am praising God in this storm, I know He will carry me through…He already is.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storms to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
I would like to thank the Fairfield Student Body!!! I cannot tell you how amazed I am everyday at the love I feel from all of you. I have appreciated the little gifts, cards, text messages, phone calls, and most importantly your prayers. My inner strength has been fueled by your love and support. Words cannot express my appreciation. “Thank you” is hardly strong enough to show you the importance of your generosity, but it will have to do for now.
Please continue to pray for me over the break and I hope to be back in school soon after school begins in January. Philippians 4:6-8. Merry Christmas!!! -Allison Hostetler

Back to Bloomington

Well the weekend visit is over and Cindy & Allison are on their way back to Bloomington to begin treatments again. It was great to have Mom and sis home this weekend. It's funny how the "normal" day to day becomes abnormal when somebody isn't home. It definitely made me more appreciative of "normal" life.

It was a busy weekend. We all went to the Fairfield basketball game Friday night so we could watch Chase play. Allison was excited to see some of her Fairfield "family". The hugs and encouragements are always appreciated. The rest of the weekend was SAT's at Penn and catching up with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and church family. What a support system we have!

Last Friday Cindy and Allison met with Dr. Thorton after her treatment. The tumor is going to swell, from the radiation. Because of this, she is to avoid any strenuous excersise for up to six months after the treatments. The main thing is to make sure the tumor does not clog the, for lack of a better term,"drain tube" for the spinal fluid from the ventricals in the brain. Strenuous activity could help push that along. This shouldn't effect her plans for track this spring too much. She is a discus thrower and shot putter, and they don't do much running anyway. She is also supposed to sleep with her head elevated above her heart, so we have purchased a wedge to keep her in a better sleeping position.

That's where we're at so far. Thanks you all for everything!

Trent, Cindy, Allison, Tyler and Timothy

Home

There really is no place like home. Especially for Allison and Cindy. They arrived back home yesterday afternoon. Our puppies went nuts when they walked in the door. Last night they both commented how nice it was to lay down in their own beds.

This morning Allison is taking S.A.T.'s at Penn High School. Then some time catching up with some family and friends.

God bless,

Trent

More Treatments

My apologies for not updating the blog much this week. Allison had treatments everyday this week and so far so good with those. However, her headaches have definitley been getting worse and has notice a slight thinning of her hair. The pain medication has been helping keep a control of the pain level. The doctor told us that she would experience a worsening of the headaches so this was not unexpected.

As most of you know we have two dogs that are very close to our family. Allison and Cindy miss being around our dogs a lot. So, to get their "dog time" the have been visiting a pet store once in awhile. Of course, each of them has picked out their favorite. As you can see by the picture, Allison has fallen in love with this white German Shepherd. (Nobody get an wild ideas)But, I'll have to be the bad guy and limit our household to two dogs. Oh well, it isn't the first or last time, I am sure of that.

Please pray specifically that her pain levels don't increase much more. Thanks.

Trent