Sorry it has been a little while since we last updated (sorry Aunt Susan). There hasn't been too many things to go and report but we will see what we have.
There is some more news to update on Baxter. Around 730 last night, we were dealing with an another scary episode (very similar to the one he had back in May that brought us to the emergency vet to learn of the tumor). We called his vet's on call system immediately and were able to speak to our vet. We gave him a couple Gas-X's and per her direction another prednisone. We were able to keep him calm and eventually the Gas-X kicked in and he stopped "gagging." We scheduled an appointment to bring him in this morning. With an X-Ray we have learned that the tumor has grown again. Not sure if it is exactly the size it was in the beginning but it has definitely increased. Somehow these incidences seem to be related with the tumor size though it seems as though noboby can really explain why. The Dr did mention that there is a chance he may have another tumor in his intestines. There wouldn't be much of a difference of what we are doing now for one tumor to more than one so she didn't see a point in trying to do an x-ray of everything. We have increased his prenisone up to 40mg a day and we will at least do that for the next two weeks though it looks like we are pretty sure we will be keeping it high for the rest of his life. There is no guarantee at this point that the prednisone will help re-shrink the tumor again (or to any similar affect that it did the first time) but we will try all we can. We will have to be taking things as they come with him. Other than all this, he once again looks like a perfectly normal and healthy dog. The vet was amazed about how great he was looking and how he was still good ole Baxter. As things happen, we promise to keep you updated with all of this, among everything else. We will be hoping for the best, he is definitely part of our family and very loved.
To some as no surprise, we have still not finished our painting. I think one of our goals this weekend is to start taping so we can finish up the baseboards. So close yet it seems like we have a ways to go. We just need to get back in there.
I must say that the garage is looking MUCH better. Ben and Kyle (who is visiting us for the summer and has been a great help) worked on cleaning that up since it was starting to be our holding place for stuff (that is a fairly appropriate word). They had everything out of it, pulled up the old carpet, and of course it was about to rain. So we had to get everything back in there, but they were able to get some order of some of the stuff. So I think at this point we are at least safe to go in there without tripping over something. It is definitely starting to come together.
Last weekend we went down to Fort Pierce/PSL for good friends' of ours wedding (Gab was a bridesmaid as well). We had a great time and really enjoyed ourselves. We wish Heather and Chris only the very best!!!
For the most part we have just been hanging out around the house and trying to get it in order (guess you never finish). We will update again soon. Hope this finds you all well.
Love, Ben and Gabrielle
view into living room from kitchen.