Day -5

Vlad feeling sick this morning. Chemo was still dripping at 7:45 a.m. He's hoping to get some sleep today.

Nurses' luncheon

The nurses on G11 did this for the patients. Vlad had said earlier he was nauseated, but his plate (bottom) shows he's at the very least being optimistic later in the day.

Day -6

Vlad had his first round of pre-transplant chemo beginning at 3:30 a.m. He was awakened more than hourly all night between that and answering nature's call. He's hydrated to the max, I think.

This morning he is very tired and sleepy. He said he feels "weird," which could just be his lack of sleep. It's really too soon to start feeling the chemo effects. He's also uncomfortable with the room's temperature. It's too cold then too hot. If he can, he will sleep today.

Last night Alex was with him and he ate some of Lana's chicken cutlets and some noodles.

I'll go up tonight and we'll watch the final episode of Top Chef. (They do have Bravo at MDA.) Vlad and I agree this season: we're cool with Kevin or Bryan winning. We think Michael has behavior issues unbecoming a TV chef. (I just went to Bravo's TC site and found this game: Match the chef with the tat!)

Day -7

Vlad's test chemo went without a hitch. He's got some pain from the central line and another temporary line in his hand. That one is for blood draws for the research project. They came at regular intervals to draw blood samples.

He had a productive day on his translation project. And he had them hopping on repair projects: a slow drain, a broken blind and worst of all, a broken bed.

Alex is visiting tonight.

Thanks to Pat for the Bubba Santa pic. What a scream!

In the room (*updated)

Alex and I took Vlad to M.D. Anderson last night. He got into the room about 7 p.m. He's in the main stem cell transplant wing; there was a chance he would have to be on another floor and it concerned him. But all is well.

(*UPDATE ROOM/PHONE #s) Vlad is in Room G1140. His direct line is 713-834-9216. He got his first dose of chemo about 5 a.m. today. It was a test dose of an experimental drug. They're monitoring him for side effects. This drug (Busulfan) can cause seizures, but his nurse, Kathy, told me she'd never seen it happen. Kathy is awesome, by the way. Tuesday he has no chemo. But Wednesday-Saturday he gets it every day. On Saturday he starts getting pre-transplant drugs daily that are designed to make his system agreeable to the new cells. Tuesday (Dec. 15) is the transplant, what they call "Allogeneic Stem Cell Infusion."

That is also known as Day 0. Today is Day -8. When patients talk about their progress, they talk in days. They'll say, "I'm Day 135, what day are you?" There is a lot of time in waiting rooms, so there are a lot of patients comparing notes. It's really cool to learn from others who've gone before. Or to help others behind you. Or to just have the weight lifted spending time with others in your situation. If you just pass by, you see sadness. But if you live it, you see a lot of joy in the people.

I talked to him via Skype this morning and he felt fine, but sleepy. He'll try to catch a nap between blood draws. He's up for visitors if you're game. No sneezers or coughers and no kids under 13. No flowers. No fresh fruits and vegetables. Use Parking Garage 2, and Elevator F.

The following links offer a lot of information about what Vlad's undergoing. I published these on GoogleDocs and I have to give you permission to see them. E-mail me if you can't see them and I'll give you permission, if I can figure out how.

What is a stem cell transplant?

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant

He's checking in

M.D. Anderson just called; his room will be ready at 6 p.m. We were in the middle of making and freezing chicken broth and fish soup for his month-long stay. Vlad, Alex and I had pelmeny for dinner. We're getting ready to go now. He's 95% packed.

It's a weird feeling. It's a necessity, yet not easy, to remain this side of hysteria. Several people have called and e-mailed in the past couple of days. Thanks to you all. Your prayers and stories of faith are a comfort.

We're headed down there soon. He'll have to be admitted first. No telling how long that will take.

Love to you all

It's back

Vlad's leukemia is back ... Bone marrow transplant scheduled for Dec. 15. I'll be back to write a proper entry soon. Happy Thanksgiving!