Look for the opportunity.....

So far so good on the treatments. Allison had another one early this morning and is ready for a couple days off. The boys and I will be heading down this afternoon to Spencer, IN and pick them up. Then we will be going with the Pinion family to Missouri. For some reason Allison thinks she needs to spend time with Chase.... hum... Then we will head back Friday to spend time with Allison and Cindy in Bloomington and go to an IU game Saturday.

The picture I have posted today is Allison and a little girl named Jada. Jada has been having to be sedated during her treatments. The doctors would like her to be able to go through the treatments awake. Jada was very nervous about doing that so they hooked her up with Allison. Allison spent time talking with her and assuring her it wasn't a big deal. Jada even got to watch Allison get her treatment.

This just reaffirms my belief in that God has a hand in all of this and that it was planned that Allison could be there with this little girl. I know we tend, as Christians, to say "It's all in God's plans". How often do we say that but not really mean it? We tend to say that as a way to comfort others. We have to believe it as well! This whole thing was definitely not in my plans for my daughter, for sure. But, this has been a reminder to me of how God does work things out. I could list so many things that have worked out for us during this whole trial. From doctors visits to people we've come in contact with that we never even knew, to all of our family and friends that have been helping us out, to the teachers and administration at Fairfield and at Bloomington South. I am so proud of Allison looking for that opportunity to help someone else out during her own trial. God is most definitely working!

My family would like to wish your family a blessed Thanksgiving! Your encouragements, prayers, hugs and food have meant so much to us. We are thankful for you!

Trent, Cindy, Allison, Tyler and Timothy

# 4 Down

Nothing much new to report. Treatment #4 is done and now only 30 more to go. As always, thanks for your prayers and encouragement.

Special thanks from the boys and I for all the meals. They are delicious.

Trent

More treatments

Allison had a couple of days off this weekend from treatments. We did, however, find out that she will have treatments until January 8th. We thought she would done on December 31st but Dr. Cheng has ordered an additional four treatments to take up to thirty-four total.

Allison spent most of the weekend working on homework, homework and more homework.

Many of you have asked me for her address while she's down for treatmeants. Here it is:

Allison Hostetler
1318 Freeman Rd.
Spencer, IN 47460


Thanks and keep praying!

Trent

Supper with Austin

Last night Cindy and Allison met with my cousin Austin for supper. He is a senior at IU. Now, I promise I won't hold that against him (ha ha). They had a great time getting to know each other more. Cindy said it was a fun time.

Thanks Austin for checking in on them!


I promised I would try to update this daily. Well, I know yesterdays was late, but, you'll notice is was still dated Friday!

Looks like we will be going to Missouri to spend Thanksgiving with the Pinion family. We will be there a couple of days then back to Bloomington to go to an IU game. It will be good for the five us to do something together again. I still may wear one of my Notre Dame shirts though......

Allison hasn't felt any of the coming side effects, yet. So keep praying that they will be minimal when they do start coming on.

May God bless you in a special way today.


Trent

"Wafflized"

As you see, by the picture, the mask was a little tighter today. Allison had her second and third treatments. So far everything has gone well. The staff at MPRI are awesome and very helpful, according to Allison. Thanks to everyone for the prayers. Keep them coming!

Trent

One Down and Twenty Nine To Go.....

Well the first treatment is complete. Everything went well and Allison told me last night she was not feeling any side effects. Course, they said that she wouldn't start feeling the side effects until they get further along in the treatments. Today she has one at 4:30 this afternoon. Above is a picture of Allison take yesterday outside of MPRI.

She attended some classes for the first time at Bloomington South. It was an interesting experience for her and maybe just a taste at what college life could be in a couple of years. One nice thing was that they are using the same book, as Fairfield, for Pre-Calculus. As she put it, the classes are a little more laid back than at Fairfield. The teachers seem to be more "on task" at Fairfield than Bloomington South. (Great job Fairfield teachers!) The teachers at Bloomington South are very helpful and are willing to spend a little extra time to answer Allison's questions. Thank you to all you teachers and your answer to the call of helping kids.

Keep praying for protection over Cindy and Allison while they're away from home. Also that Allison's side effects will be limited. May God Bless you in a special way today.

Trent

Phil. 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

The Little Things

I am sure you've all heard of the "its the little things in life that...." phrase. Allison sent me a picture of something she thought was funny. Cindy and her ate lunch at a place that had mini pitchers for glasses for their pop. Allison thought it was so funny she sent the picture and called me and we laughed about it. After I talked to her I realized how important it was to hear her laughing, even though it was "little thing". Just to know that she hasn't changed and she still enjoys life with the stress of what is approaching her and how she's dealing with it. She is a special girl.

This morning she is attending some Spanish III classes at Bloomington South. This will help her with the vocal portions of class that she is missing out at Fairfield. She is learning very quickly how nice her small school is. She said there is like 600 kids in the cafeteria at a time, per lunch period. That's almost as much as her whole high school put together! But, it will be a good another learning experience for her. Mr. Fletcher, the principal at Bloomington South, has been very helpful. Thanks again to Mr. Hoskins for setting that up!

Here first treatment is set for 2:30 this afternoon. She will then have treatments at 4:30 on Thursday and 4:00 on Friday. She is looking forward to getting going with these and starting the count down from 30 treatments.

Things are going well at home with me and the boys. We definitely aren't starving! Thanks to all who have provided meals and are going to provide meals. Course, I maybe quite larger by the time Cindy and Allison are back, oh well. Please keep Tyler and Timothy in your prayers as they go through the change of not having Mom and Sis around. They are troopers but I know it bothers them.

Until next time....."remember the little things in life and cherish them"

Trent