Moscow Journey-Day Nine, Tuesday, July 1

So my day began with coffee, a slice of cheese toast, and some porridge.  Next I get connected to the stem cell collection machine for five hours.  I was told to wear pampers, but there is just something about knowing you can't urinate that makes one want to pee!  My students would say TMI-too much information.  There is absolutely no sensation otherwise.  Everything is a means to an end, hopefully, a really good end!  I am still so confident and trusting in this team.  They know what they are doing and have addressed every single detail.  Dr F and Anastasia drop by every day and explain what's happening next.  They always want to know if we have questions.  Dr F often leans over and clasps my hand very comfortably.  They stop by at night before they leave.   Such personal and caring service.
   Well, Dr F stoped by to tell me they got 1.3 million stem cells and I need 2 million, so another day of apheresis tomorrow.  It's really quite boring as I must lie perfectly still for five hours.  Not fun!  Hatice came to see me to tell me I won.  She only got 1.1 million.  She says the men always get more and she is coming back as a man next time.  She is so cute, 33 years old but the personality of a 17 year old.  She says John and I must come to see her family in Australia for a month.  I'm game for It! Oh well, here comes another meal.  I've never been hungry since I arrived here.  There is food every three hours and then two protein drinks a day.  John will have to roll me off the airplane, into the car, and into the house,  Maybe I'll be able to walk some of it off!