Day +5

Today brought some things that were good, and some less so.  The white blood cell counts continue to be at zero.  The red blood cell were low, and were added - and gave Zevi an energy boost.  Diarrhea has abated a bit, but the irritated skin continues to bother Zevi.  Zevi continues to put on a little weight and round out.  Cleansing of the mouth continues as well.  Today also brought a constant stomach ache and a new hoarseness, almost to the point on Zevi loosing his voice.  The docs confirm that things are as expected.  It also looks like, in spite of valiant efforts, mouth sores are on the way in.  

All of the above is being managed with a now constant, very slow drip of pain meds.  But it is not all gloom, however.  With the infusion of red blood cells Zevi got a boost of energy.  Combined with a visit from a Russian speaking volunteer Edward, Zevi not only got out of bed, but spent full 90 minutes in the play room.  Sure, he spent them mostly with mom, but he was animated, seating up, exercising his lungs.

In the evening Grandpa Misha and I Skyped with mom and Zevi and got to watch Zevi rinse his mouth and brush his teeth like a pro.  Another day is over.  

Benjamin, in the mean time, is making strides of his own.  At bath time he volunteered to pee "like a big boy" - which he proceeded to do standing up.  He then flushed the toilet and lowered the seat and the cover.