Take time to cherish the little things. (3 Viewers)

[CdnBeerLover]

Best wishes for a successful surgery and a full recovery.

 

[Beakertwang]

All my family came down to see me today. I was mostly free for the day, so we met them outside. They brought meals, and loaded us up with snacks and games for the next few days. Plus a really long charging cable (I didn't realize just how much this mattered!) After a few rough days, I'm feeling much more at ease. It was a really good day.

We even got to check out the view from Stead Children’s Hospital. Everyone give me a wave!

 

[XBobdog]

Wise words.
Good luck. Be strong.

 

[Senzrock]

Some wise words - thanks for sharing and we will see you on the other side Andrew!

 

[Benjaminotaur]

I’m sorry to hear you’re in a tough spot. Modern medicine is truly amazing, and I’m glad to hear you’ve got a great team of docs behind you all the way. Teaching hospitals are really incredible places!!

Ditto to taking it super easy during recovery too, and listening to your docs and PT specialists. I made the mistake of trying to do something mundane (moving 12” from my chair to the hospital bed) after I had a brain tumor removed and I fell as a result. Don’t be dumb like me. Practice your loose aggressive play style and use your call button every time!

I’ll be putting out the good vibes for you tomorrow and will be looking forward to the positive update when you’re up to it

 

[Himewad]

Best wishes for your surgery. You’ve got a seat at my table when you make your full recovery!

And thanks for the great advice / reminder.

 

[buffalojim]

Your OP really puts into perspective what's important in life. When your health and life are on the line everything else takes a back seat. Wishing you the best of luck and a successful recovery!

 

[Meddler2]

@Beakertwang praying for you, your family, and the surgical team.

 

[David O]

Andrew, there are times in our lives we get to realize the importance of our loved ones and ourselves. As I have said many times that these are just little pieces of clay. Remember what is important.

We all need to be reminded to do good unto all. Remember to be civil and understanding with everyone and more especially with those we disagree with. You never know what someone has going on in their life and our words may make THE difference in their life.

I will say a prayer for you tonight and also when I wake up. God bless you and your family!

 

[Tonysquander]

Best of luck with the surgery and am hoping for a full and fast recovery for you.

 

[Tommy]

Wishing you well brother.

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

You're going to flop the nut straight!

 

[Samuel]

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.

Wishing you a smooth procedure and fast and full recovery!!!

 

[BPTDirector]

Praying for all good things Andrew and looking forward to the day you play at one of my games. Best of luck buddy.

 

[Steverino]

Good Luck and I hope all goes well.
With all the bitchin' and complainin' in the world today, something like this really puts things in perspective.

 

[Jeevansluck]

nothing but love for ya man! I’m positive you will pull through.

 

[Gunnar]

Sending warm thoughts from Iceland! And a great recovery ‍

 

[WedgeRock]

 

[detroitdad]

ditto

 

[timinater]

Hoping for the best. Take care.

 

[BamaT8ter]

UPDATE:

I've heard from @Beakertwang's wife. He is out of surgery. The docs think they were able to get the whole tumor. He is in a lot of pain because the surgery was extensive. But, he's moving his legs. Looks like Beak ran good. God bless him and his family.

 

[Mongoose]

Sending good thoughts your way. I hope that all went well and wish you a speedy recovery!

 

[Machine]

UPDATE:

I've heard from @Beakertwang's wife. He is out of surgery. The docs think they were able to get the whole tumor. He is in a lot of pain because the surgery was extensive. But, he's moving his legs. Looks like Beak ran good. God bless him and his family.

Thank you so much for the update! Happy to hear!

 

[inca911]

@Beakertwang : best wishes for a speedy and fully healthy recovery!

 

[Beakertwang]

This is Andrew’s wife, Grace. I’m taking dictation from a very high Andrew as he comes out of anesthesia. Apparently, while the surgeons were laboring for 8 hours to remove the tumor, Andrew was playing the Big O hand of his life. He’s told the doctors, nurses, anesthetists and anyone else who would listen that he had the nut flush and a straight redraw. He didn’t want to wake up because he needed to get his money in the middle. When he realized he’d come out of it good, he yelled “Fuckin’ A” and “Hot damn and hallelujah!” He also gave me strictest instructions to add an entire row of these emojis.
But in all seriousness, thank you all for your support.

 

[WedgeRock]

nut flush and a straight redraw

Uhhhh...

Glad to hear surgery went well and that the doctors *did not* try to improve his poker skills in any way...

 

[Beakertwang]

Uhhhh...

Glad to hear surgery went well and that the doctors *did not* try to improve his poker skills in any way...

It may be the drugs, but she may have gotten it wrong. . She is not a poker player.

 

[WedgeRock]

It may be the drugs, but she may have gotten it wrong. . She is not a poker player.

Mrs. Beakertwang,

I see you are referring to your husband using female pronouns... Was there an additional surgery done?

 

[allforcharity]

Drugs are useful sometimes.

Feel free to PM me if you've got questions about any post-op or post-discharge mods.

 

[tabletalker7]

Mrs. Beakertwang,

I see you are referring to your husband using female pronouns... Was there an additional surgery done?

The Army taught me that we can't ask and they can't tell.

 

[Beakertwang]

Mrs. Beakertwang,

I see you are referring to your husband using female pronouns... Was there an additional surgery done?

Funny true story: I started a text thread with @BamaT8ter, @shorticus, and some other of my poker friends to keep them updated on the situation. One of them made a joke about them fixing my vagina while they had me on the table.

When I first woke up, one of the things I said in my drug-induced stupor was “and the doctor said my vagina will make a full recovery!”