"Practice Round"

Not a whole lot to report today. Allison has a 10:00 appointment with Dr. Cheng, the oncologist. He is a very nice man and most importantly a Christian! The first time we met with him he asked at the end of the appointment if it was ok if he prayed with us. We were immediately reminded of God's presence in the room and His hand over Allison. After the appointment with Dr. Cheng, she has a "treatment simulation" at MPRI. This is the proton radiation clinic. What I can gather is that the simulation is to make sure everybody is lined up and on the same page. At some point today they are also going to make contact with the principal at Bloomington South. Mr. Hoskins, Fairfield's Principal, has made contact with him and has laid the groundwork for Allison to get some tutoring while she is down there. So a lot of prep work today! Thanks again to all of you who came over Sunday evening! I am still overwhelmed!

Thankful!

Thanks! That's the word that sums it all up. That's the word I want to send to all of you who came and gave Allison such an awesome send off. I really never knew we could fit that many people in our house at one time. As I told someone earlier, I was pretty sure there was some kind of fire code violation with that many people. But, what it told my family is how fortunate we are to have so many friends and family we have. I cannot express how much it meant to have each and everyone one of you come and give Allison one last hug before she, and the rest of the family, go on this journey of radiation treatments. One that I never in my wildest dreams think that we would have to endure with one of our children. Thankfully it is benign and treatable. It makes me think of all of those families that have to endure cancerous treatments and lift them up in a special way today. A special prayer goes up for Keri Rohr as she continues treatment for malignant tumor that was removed. Here parents are classmates and good friends of mine. She is one strong kid and Allison has gotten to know and love her for her strength and the example she is to Allison. So, when you pray for Allison please remember Keri as well. So one last thanks to all of you for your love and support you showed last night. A special thanks to Dave Hartzler for taking so many pictures! Here are just a few.

We are a blessed family!

Trent

BB's inserted!

Allison had three BB's inserted into head this morning. I got to talk to her and she sounded a little tired, but overall pretty good. She said that the spots where they were put in are pretty sore. She's in for another CT scan right now and then they get to head home.

We have been getting so many prayers and encouraging words from so many people. We thank you and ask that you keep the prayers coming as a first step toward radiation treatments is made.

Here she is after the surgery with a good ole "Sponge Bob" surgery hat.

Trent

Phillipians 4:13

13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Mask Time

The time is gettting closer............

Allison and Cindy left for Bloomington yesterday afternoon for the start of some tests and to get fitted for her radiation mask. Don't ask me what the mask is all about, I just know that you need one. I am sure it is to protect your face and areas that do not require treatment. Tomorrow (10/27), Allison will have a procedure to install "BB's" into her skull. The way I understand, and I could be wrong, they are used as markers to make sure she's lined up for the radiation treatments.

Cindy and I thank you all for the prayers and we ask that you continue during this nerving time. Also keep Tyler and Timothy in your prayers as the three of us learn to manage more time together and take care of the house while Mom is in Bloomington with sis.

Yesterday , Pastor Jim, gave a message that I really needed to hear. Isn't amazing how

God works that way? It was about how God allows to be overwhelmed so we draw closer to Him. Over the years I am sure many of you have heard "He won't allow you to go through more than you can handle". Well, that's not the way that verse should be interepreted. I Cor. 10:13 talks about temptation and that God will provide a way out of that temptation. It doesn't say that you won't be tested or go through trials. In fact plan being overwhelmed at some point! It's about our Heavenly Father wanting that relationship and wants us to cast our burdens to Him. If we only had to go through small things, eventually some would think they didn't need Him anymore. As for me, I am now trying to let go, because I can't fix the situation on my own.

I would be a liar if I didn't admit that I have felt overwhelmed a lot lately. I know my wife has been too. As all of you know it is a lot harder to have your children go through something like this rather than yourself. But, with God's help, we will overcome! And we will be stronger because of it.

Until next time..............

James 1: 2-4

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.

Trent

The Latest

First of all, I want to apologize for not updating this blog. Course, there may not be anybody reading it anyway. But, it's good therapy for me.

It's been a busy fall for my family. Golf season for Allison has wrapped up. The Fairfield Girls won their first ever...anything really. They won the NECC Conference Tourney. It was about time these girls got some "hardware" for their hard work and accomplishments. Allison was one of four Fairfield girls to receive All-Conference. She was actually third over all in the tournament.

Tyler has his last 8th grade football game tomorrow night at Central Noble. They've had some tough games and a couple really good games. I am really proud of Ty for how hard he's worked and how I've never really seen him get down about losing a game. We usually talk about things he can work on and he seems to focus on getting better and contributing to the team.

Timothy had his last PFL game this past Saturday. They won to finish the season undefeated. In the last game he actually scored a touchdown! He was absolutely thrilled. Tim has really gotten into football and had moments where he surprised me at his aggressiveness. That makes a Dad proud!

Now for the latest on Allison and her treatments. The time is coming really fast! Allison begins the treatments on November 17th at MPRI in Bloomington. Thus begins six weeks! I know she is anxious about starting and getting it over with so she can go on with her life. Cindy and I know that she is strong and that our Heavenly Father is definitely with her. But, the pain you feel when your child is going through something like this can be overwhelming. We are so proud of her, not necessarily for what she's done, but how she's done it. She has not been shy on sharing her faith and we couldn't be anymore proud of her for that alone. Please keep her in your prayers.

Also, don't forget her brothers. It will be a tough time not having Mom and Sis at home with us. It's not something I'm not looking forward to either. We like to be home together and especially during the Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years holiday season. It will be a learning and growing experience for all of us.

November 16th

Sorry I haven't updated this for awhile. Busy....busy....busy is the lifestyle here at the Hostetler household. After the fair it takes awhile to get things back on track.

It looks like November 16th will be the start of the proton radiation treatments in Bloomington, IN. Cindy and Allison will be staying with some family friends. I am so thankful for their willingness and generosity. This will start a six week, five days a week treatment. With this schedule she should be done at the first of the year...hopefully.

As far as our schedule until then...Allison has started the actual match portion of her golf season. This is the first year that they have four golfers that are all about the same scores. Which, makes a big difference in team golf. What is cool is that they look at themselves as a team and not just individuals. They have done very well at the last two invitationals and beat both teams in a dual match this past week. Go Lady Falcons!

Tyler has started eigth grade football now. They don't have any games for a couple weeks yet but I can see a real difference in him from last year. Not just physically but the way he approaches practice and his desire to perform and play well.

Tim has started in our young kids football program, PFL (Prairie Football League). He was slowed a bit by a broken big toe before the practices started, but now is in full swing. They had they're first game yesterday and they won. He played offensive line, defensive line and also got to run the ball on offense. He is having fun and I can't wait to see him at the end of the season once he gets a real grasp of everything.

Many have been praying for our family and it is so much appreciated. Please continue! Pastor Jim started a new series today called "Crazy Stuff". It is about how God has done and will continue to do things that only He can put together. We just need to remember to put it in his hands and let Him go to work. I can't wait until Allison's tumor is gone and we will be praising Him for the His faithfulness and love.

May God continue to bless you all.

Trent

The latest......

What a busy week of traveling last week! We took Tyler to golf camp in Franklin, IN last Sunday morning. Tyler had a great time and camp and made some new friends. I really look for his golf game to get going. Here's a picture taken during one of their sessions.

Allison had a doctor appointment with Dr. Chang (oncologist) Wednesday morning and we picked up Tyler that afternoon. Friday, Allison had a post op appointment with Dr. Boaz. Whew...what a week! Three trips to Indy!

The way it looks now, Allison is going to have six weeks (five days a week) of Proton Radiation at MPRI in Bloomington, IN. We are hoping to start in mid November so part of the time will be when everybody else is off of school. There have been so many amazing things falling into place lately. God is at work and will be glorified through all of this. I will tell you about them in my next post.

May God bless you!