8 million. That's how many stem cells we are attempting to harvest. 6 hours on a machine that is louder than my hybrid and today's haul? 2.2 million. So we stay and try again tomorrow for another 6 hours. They are collecting his "grandfather and grandmother cells" (as his neuro-oncologist says). The strongest and wisest of the bunch are getting put on ice for their future assignment. I abhor everything about what we are doing, but the concept of his "grandparents" saving him is a bit soothing and resolute. We passed the time with a movie and internet quizzes. One was how to determine your ideal vacation destination. One of the questions was "why I want to get away". I thought for certain Louie would pick the "I've earned it option" but he didn't. He chose the "to see the world" option. He either doesn't realize or is ambivalent about the magnitude of what he's going through. He's in the trees and one moment he will see the forest.