Take time to cherish the little things. (2 Viewers)

[Beakertwang]

I’ve got a pretty serious surgery happening tomorrow.

A few months ago, I started having problems with my legs: weakness, numbness, bad balance, etc. I got to the doctor pretty quickly , but unfortunately, it took months of referrals, tests, and MRI’s to discover a tumor putting pressure in my spinal cord. The cord is forced to curve around the mass, and is pinched pretty thin.

The surgery is pretty serious. It will be 8 hrs long, and involves removing parts of vertebrae, working around delicate parts, and some screws and rods. The tough part is that there’s not a zero percent chance that it could leave me paralyzed. However, without surgery, paralysis is practically guaranteed.

I’ve got 90% equity, so I’m shoving. No running it twice.

It hit me like a freight train yesterday. Lots of weeping. My beautiful, loving wife was by my side. She was strong for me, even though her heart is breaking. Fortunately, my dad and mom were able to visit me, and I was able to stand up and hug and kiss them.

Suddenly, poker doesn’t matter. Chips don’t matter. Politics don’t matter. My loving wife and son matter. My friends matter. My heart matters.

So go out enjoy the warmth of the sun on your face. Put your toes in the grass. Call your dad and mom. Smile at your spouse. Hug your children. Tell your family and friends that you really love them.

I’ll know in a day or two more what my future will be like. I’ll update when I can.

Thanks, everyone. I love being a part of things here.

 

[RocAFella1]

All the best and hope it goes smoothly.

 

[Beakertwang]

BTW, I’m at the University of Iowa hospitals. I’ve got a top notch surgical team.

 

[BamaT8ter]

Thinking about you and your family, bud. There with you in spirit. Run good tomorrow!

 

[Hornet]

Thanks for sharing the wise advice Andrew. You’ll be in my thoughts tomorrow.

 

[Machine]

Thanks for sharing the wise advice Andrew. You’ll be in my thoughts tomorrow.

Exactly this, Thank you for sharing, thoughts are with you, all the best. We enjoy you being part of things here!

 

[Jeff]

No way to put this other than to wish you good luck. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow and hoping for the best!

 

[Beakertwang]

Thanks for sharing the wise advice Andrew. You’ll be in my thoughts tomorrow.

I didn’t mean to laugh react your post. My humor is intact, but that would be beyond the pale.

 

[PocketAces]

Thanks for sharing the wise advice Andrew. You’ll be in my thoughts tomorrow.

Ditto. I hope all goes well tomorrow @Beakertwang

 

[BGinGA]

Sorry to hear, Andrew -- best of luck with the surgery.

 

[Josh Kifer]

Hey. Good luck.

The tough part is that there’s not a zero percent chance that it could leave me paralyzed. However, without surgery, paralysis is practically guaranteed.

I've fought this battle before. I walk with a limp and can't feel 30% of my right leg. It's way better than the Paralysis option. Or the colostomy bag.

Don't lift anything, trust in recovery, do what PT says, don't lift anything, and don't lift anything. I'll send ya the rest of my good back JuJu.

 

[louBdub]

@Beakertwang putting some positive vibes out there, for ya. I’ve been where you’re at….

The surgery will be easy peasy, lemon squeezey. Good energy.

- Board runs clean, you win tomorrow, leave the table with a smile.

 

[Beakertwang]

Hey. Good luck.



I've fought this battle before. I walk with a limp and can't feel 30% of my right leg. It's way better than the Paralysis option. Or the colostomy bag.

Don't lift anything, trust in recovery, do what PT says, don't lift anything, and don't lift anything. I'll send ya the rest of my good back JuJu.

Yeah, when I saw the MRI images, I feel fortunate that something didn’t go seriously wrong already. Scary to think about.

 

[JMC9389]

Best wishes for a smooth and complication free surgery tomorrow. I'm sure your team will be on top of things, but feel free to PM me about any questions/concerns in the recovery process. This is my arena and I deal with lots of patients in similar situations.

 

[harrysallout]

Prayers your way for an easy & speedy recovery.

 

[Josh Kifer]

Yeah, when I saw the MRI images, I feel fortunate that something didn’t go seriously wrong already. Scary to think about.

Yup. And once you crack open a back, expect more issues down the road. But ya dont got the option, so do what you can to take care of it.

 

[tallsbutler]

Best of luck. Good vibes being sent your way!

 

[cpac54]

Wishing you a successful surgery and a full return to health.

 

[theshepherd]

You got this! Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery!

 

[Eloe2000]

Thank you for the open and considered perspective. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Best wishes.

 

[Highli99]

Damn. Very sorry to hear this. Time to cash in that “one time”. Will be pulling for you big time. Take care and thanks for sharing.

 

[MrBoosh]

You got this!!! Sending prayers your way!!!

 

[upNdown]

Godspeed brother!

 

[ChipEnvy]

Thanks for putting things in perspective.

I am sending you and your family all the best thoughts I got. Good Luck, I hope everything goes extreamly smoothly.

 

[Moxie Mike]

Good luck All In.

Seriously - this sucks but it sounds like you're in good hands. Maybe not University of Michigan good hands, but you got this

Keep us updated. I'll be thinking of you.

 

[justincarothers]

Prayers for you!

 

[TheOffalo]

We are just internet strangers, but may all goes smoothly tomorrow, and wishing you a speedy recovery!

 

[TheBigTater]

Age has a way of sending us these curveballs, but we're pretty tough.

Good thoughts and wishes for you.

 

[WedgeRock]

Sad to hear what you've got ahead, but I wish you the best, my man. I'll be thinking of you.

BTW, and I hope I'm not speaking out of turn, @Josh Kifer has two buttholes if you need a transplant.

 

[Saoliver]

Sad to hear what you've got ahead, but I wish you the best, my man. I'll be thinking of you.

BTW, and I hope I'm not speaking out of turn, @Josh Kifer has three buttholes if you need a transplant.

FYP.

Thinking of you, Andrew. Sounds like you have a good team and support system around you. And a good attitude to get through.