Hi Everyone,

Last night Dad received a boost of stem cells and stem cell products from Aunt Diane. A decrease in the percentage of Diane's cells in Dad's blood was noticed in August and then confirmed in early September. At that time we were waiting for more information and options from Dad's doctor. And at the same time the hard disk on my portable, with everyone's email addresses, failed. So I apologize to everyone who has been asking for updates and we really appreciate your good wishes.

This boost was harder on me because I couldn't be there. Instead, I spent the day watching weather reports on the web hoping that the courier would make it out of Philly to Chicago and then back to Philly before all the airports closed due to the hurricane (a friend works for a company that does modeling of natural disasters for insurance companies so I learned a lot about hurricanes). Mom managed to get out of NY at 4am yesterday so she was also tired by the time the boost started (around 11pm eastern ~ 6 hours after expected). Just because the day was more hectic than many of us would have wanted, didn't make it any less of a miracle. We are extremely grateful to Diane and to our family and friends for their support.

So, now we wait and continue to think positive thoughts. This boost was a little different from the last one in that we are not starting from zero; Dad still has some of Diane's cells from the previous transplant in January. And, instead of spending the night in the hospital, Mom and Dad drove home at 2am to find the neighborhood without power. Luckily they were ready with a flashlight in the car. I think Mom said that Dad went to work for a bit although Delaware is still in a state of emergency from the hurricane.

Thank you again for your best wishes.
Dad is going to need to rest for a while so it would be really helpful if communications were by mail. You can also email me and I will pass on messages in batches.

Much love and thanks,
Dina

ps I had to piece this list back together so please let me know if you would no longer like to receive the updates.
pps Benjamin is doing well. He loves animals, planes, trains, and trucks. His new favorite word is no and he uses it a lot.

Benjamin waters the kumquat

Benjamin participates in the horse brigade (earlier they were all pretending to be on a train)