1:06 pm

Brandon had his first stem cell treatment today (about 2 hours ago)! This morning he went in for his normal acupuncture and afterwards they put in an IV. It took them 2 times to get it in and Brandon didn't cry at all!! The stem cells were an hour late getting here but as soon as they arrived, the nurse took us into the IV room. Today he received the stem cells through an IV in his hand. (The remaining 5 treatments will be in his back). The nurse (Jessica) that started the IV was so good to Brandon. I think she's one of our favorite ones. She told us that downtown Qingdao is beautiful and the ocean is nice. She said that there's several old buildings downtown so we're looking forward to venturing out this weekend. The nurses are all so nice to us & go out of their way to help. We finally have the smell out of our room so it isn't bad now. We dread leaving the 8th floor - that's when stuff really smells funky. We appreciate the emails we're receiving - Thank you! It helps make the days go by quicker. Hope everyone is well back in the States - we miss you!! Photo: Brandon with Jessica receiving his first stem cell treatment (see the yellow bag??)