Jordan has been given the week off from school so that her immune system can recover without worrying about the pesky viruses school mates like to pass around. She received a transfusion yesterday–apparently my blood passed the muster. She seems to be doing well, taking naps throughout the day.

Her counts hit the danger zone, as expected. Hemoglobin and white cells are down – so far down that she had to skip chemo this week and she’s not allowed to return to school until her immune system recovers. She has to wear a mask when she leaves the house. Wednesday, she goes back to CHLA for a blood transfusion (my blood was still at the lab today), which will hopefully give her system a boost and restore her energy.

Update – Jordan did not need a transfusion today, but she will probably need one next week. I am contributing a pint today, which will be ready for her use when she goes in next for labs. Many of you responded to my last email. Thank you. We are putting a schedule together for blood banking. It’s a perishable substance and you can only give once every 55 days. Since it is unlikely she will need blood every week, we’re going to put a grid together and if we find ourselves short, we’ll let you know.

Jordan’s counts are low. She missed school and slept all day. Tomorrow she will probably receive a transfusion. We are officially starting the blood drive. If you feel like bleeding, please send us an email.

Nearly a year ago today, the greatest team in baseball __[yes, I’m biased and prone to sweeping statements]__ made the playoffs but failed to advance to the big game. October 8, 2004: two games down, the Angels in Boston struggling to stay in the division series, facing the surging Red Sox, a formidable foe, aggressive, crafty and determined to leave a mark. I sit in a hospital waiting room. Jordan has been in surgery for four hours.