Day -1

Vlad is weak today but plugging along. I've talked to him three times. He has a bit of an appetite today, so that's a positive. He's got a 2 p.m. conference call via Skype with the company he's contracting with. I hope he doesn't push himself too much for that.

Max is back today; that is a comfort. Jerusha is off today, so she may be his nurse for the actual transplant tomorrow.

Mom went to the grocery store to buy supplies for all the food she's going to make and freeze for us. She's also making us candy for sharing during the holidays. She brought her Christmas cards with her, too, so if you haven't gotten your card from her, rest assured, it's in the works. :)

And Valiya is on her way to the hospital this afternoon with chicken cutletas and potatoes for the patient. I'm going up about 3 with some borscht that Nieeliya made.

Vlad asked the doctor about tomorrow's schedule. Everything depends on when the stem cells arrive. The doctor said even he doesn't know where they're coming from. If they're from the U.S., they'll arrive earlier and the transplant infusion will most likely be in the morning. If from Europe or beyond, it could be afternoon or later.

We'll keep you posted.