Binx update

[Cataholic]

Jen L PM'd me this am, asking about Binx and the letters, and I remembered I hadn't updated you all in awhile. I live with this so intimately, that I forget not everyone else is sharing our journey so closely.

I sent about 137 letters out on December 2...and have had lots and lots of responses, both by mail, email and phone. Here is what I told Jen...

I **just** had a meeting with Dr. Auvil (Binx's main dental vet) on Wednesday, 12/31. We compared notes...some people called him instead of me. I put together an excel spreadsheet with all the names, and the people's opinions. I printed the many emails I recieved, and am letting Dr. Auvil read them. There were lots of suggestions, most of them on target with aggressive gingivectomies. That means, cutting the gum back, aggressively, in a different format than before. Some people suggested selective teeth removal, some suggested total tooth removal, with the idea that the teeth 'cause' bacteria that stimulates the growth. Some people suggested some experimental stuff, cortisone injections (not that steriods are 'experimental', but, in this situation, it would be), radiation, and some other chemical treatments in conjunction with the gingivectomy. We are planning on a gingivectomy in the same lower quadrant that has the one tooth **still** exposed, and do the biopsy and bloodwork to send to different people for more research/study. The way Dr. Auvil explained it...no point in wasting an anethesia just for biopsy work. We are planning this in January, hopefully with a local periodontist involvement. There is one man that wants to come and partake in the sir jury...I think he is from the east coast.

All told, I received about 50 responses to the 137 or so letters sent out. Impressive, IMO. Some people said, "sorry, don't know anything"...some people just made me feel so good...wishing Binx a Merry Christmas, asking me to give him a kiss and a hug (these letters nearly made me cry), and lots of people want to help.

I have set aside my Christmas money, and my bonus....all specifically to offset the bills that are just around the corner. Do I regret this situation? Sometimes. I get so frustrated at his frustration, the mess, the odd stares and comments, what seems the hopelessness of the situation. Then, the next morning comes, and there he is, sleeping on his bed, ready to greet the day. His tail wags when I talk to him, he has such a wonderfully easy personality. He is more like a cat than a doggie, I swear. Content just to be.

I will let you know what happens,
Johanna

[Karen]

He is more like a cat than a doggie, I swear. Content just to be.

Nah - he's a perfect St. Bernard. That's just how they are! I am glad to hear the update, you will of course let us know when the visit to Sir Jury is so we can get the prayers winging, okay?

Give that big boy a great big hug from me!

[Stenograsaurus]

I was just thinking of Binx last night and how much I admire you for all you are doing for him. He is worth every bit of work you have to put into him, isn't he? Thanks for the update. I will continue to keep him in my prayers.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Thank you for your update. I often think of you and Binx.

Odd stares? From whom? Other people? Don't worry about them. So long as he and you are happy. I would be staring at Binx too! In awe and adoration of course

Hugs and kisses to Binx!

[Cataholic]

Originally posted by DoggiesAreTheBest
Odd stares? From whom? Other people? Don't worry about them. So long as he and you are happy. I would be staring at Binx too! In awe and adoration of course

Thank you for saying that!

[gini]

I have mentioned to you before that you are my personal hero for taking Binx in to your life and doing everything possible for him.

Odd stares and comments? Just think, those people don't have even half of what you have.........in spirit and the joy of receiving all of that love from Binx.

If I was there, I would lean down and whisper sweet nothings into his ear........he is so very special.

Thanks for the update, and as Karen asked, let us know when his Sir Jury is so we can open the floodgates of prayers for him.

[ramanth]

Awww! Thanks for the uppiedate Johanna. We love you Binx!!!

[Moose]

Thanks for the update. You guys will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

[pitc9]

God Bless you, Binx and the people and Dr.'s that are trying to help Binx!

[slick]

Thanks for the update. Please let us know as soon as you know a sir jury date so we can get the extra strong PT prayers happening. Please give Binxie a kiss from me.

[Cincy'sMom]

I'm glad so many people have reposnded and taken an interst in Binx. He sure deserves it!! You both do, for all you have been through trying to find the answer for him.

I know Binx gets lots of people staring at him at the Dog park...just cause we all love him so much and have fun watching him play wether it is witha soccer ball, or with Ruthie

[mugsy]

I think Binx is just perfect the way he is. I just want him to be comfortable. He is such a great dog. Thank the people who stare for being so enamored with your dog, because you sure are. Give him hugs and kisses from the Kendall Krew. If there is anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask.

[KYS]

Thank you for the Binxie update.
Poor thing, you both have been through so much.
I think it is wonderful all the responses you got.
As for people staring, It's just because he is
so special.

Karen (((^..^)))

[lizbud]

Originally posted by Karen
Nah - he's a perfect St. Bernard. That's just how they are! I am glad to hear the update, you will of course let us know when the visit to Sir Jury is so we can get the prayers winging, okay?

Give that big boy a great big hug from me!

That's exactly what I was thinking Karen. Thanks for the
update on progress towards a solution to Binx's condition. When
they find (not IF, but When) a procedure to help Binx, I think the
procedure should be named in Binx's honor. He'll be famous.
Come to think of it, he already is. LOL. Hugs to the big boy.

[apcrs5122]

Thanks for the update. I just want to let you know that I admire you for everything you are going through for Binx. He is such a wonderful dog, and gorgeous. Let us know when he goes to sir jury so we can wish him luck and send prayers (like Karen said).


Give him a giant sqeeze and a big kiss for me!