Yesterday, the results of Joe's semiweekly blood draw showed that his platelets and hemoglobin levels had dropped. So last night, we went back to the hospital, and Joe got a blood and platelet transfusion. The two of us spent the night - which was a good thing, since the transfusions weren't finished until 2:30am!

Today, we received a lovely package filled with scrumptions cookies from Lauren and Eric! For lunch we had more fresh vegetables from the Liang garden. Thank you so much!!!!!

The big news today is that we learned that Albert is not a match for Joe. The good news is that Vince and Lisa have already done much of the legwork necessary to prepare for a bone marrow drive - for this we are SO very very grateful. So a bone marrow drive will be set up in the very near future for Joe. Right now it looks like it will be funded by the Cammy Lee Leukemia Foundation and take place at PCC. We'll keep you Pittsburghers updated on the logistics. As for those outside of Pittsburgh...we're figuring out how you may be able to help us as well. We'll let you know either here or through email! Also, after Joe signs some form today, his info will be put through the National Bone Marrow Program Registry to search for a match...and if necessary an international search will follow. We remain positive and hopeful and just know that everything will work out.

In the meantime, Joe has been antsing to come back to our home. He says he misses our bed. I think maybe he misses his t.v. too. :) So I'm back home preparing for his arrival. He'll come back later tonight. Don't bang on our door too quickly though! We are still being really mean and strict about visitors to protect Joe as much as possible. For the most part we're limiting visitors to just family...and the occasional best friend from say...Seattle...or say a certain Dr. Science character who has decided - after being so incredibly helpful and supportive - to abandon Pittsburgh and run off to California. :) Thanks for being so understanding. You have no idea how much Joe wants to see everyone. I'm sure he can tell you himself now that he's a blogger too!!!!!!

That's it for now. Thank you to Michael and Yan for the beautiful flowers you sent! And Joe already said it, but thank you again to Albert and Pamela for making such an amazing dinner the other night! It was totally better than any meal you could get at the Le Mont. You two rock. We loved having you two around, because you make things so fun and cheery!!!!! Thank you!