A great day to be alive.

[Subcomandante]

I’ve been avoiding this place for the last few months. Haven’t been able to smoke and didn’t want to be tempted to buy what I might not be around to smoke. 
In August of this year I was taken by ambulance to the emergency room because I was projectile vomiting large amounts of blood. Ended up staying in ICU for ten days with no food or water. Turns out it was an esophageal tear. Almost completely gone. The doctor cauterized it and I stayed in the hospital to see if held. If not they’d have to go in through an artery in my leg to cauterize it from there. After being released from hospital I could only eat soft foods. A week after release was told I had 90% chance of kidney cancer. A week after that it was confirmed. Had surgery about three weeks ago to remove the mass. Doctor thinks he got everything. Three weeks after surgery, I was the best man at my nephews wedding. Had my first cigar, a RASCC that was from the month and year he met his wife purchased on FOH auctions at my nephews wedding. Again thank you FOH. So grateful to be able to fulfill my duties and supply the wedding with the meaningful cigars. Fast forward to today almost 4 weeks after surgery on my birthday weekend l am camping at the beach with my fiancé and daughter. This time I’m smoking a Siglo VI I got from the Christmas sampler last year. It bounced around customs in Los Angeles. Went around the world back to Australia three time’s. Each time FOH repackaged and sent it back. Thank you FOH. By the time customs released it, it was slightly banged up. No fault of FOH. As I smoke this cigar I can’t help but think of myself. A little banged up put through the ringer with a few new scars and battle wounds. But still ticking. This cigar is wonderful. And a testament to everything life can throw at us and still come out strong. Though I am not completely out of the woods as I await my six month scan to confirm they got everything. This is the happiest and most positive I’ve felt in the last three months. Spending time with the two most important people in my life down at the beach. Doing the things I used to do. Albeit a little slower as I recover. Having a great cigar I’ve never had the pleasure of smoking before was just a bonus. Maybe I’ll be able to acquire a Behike to celebrate my clean scan in five months. 
Thank you to FOH for allowing me to smoke this magnificent cigar as a celebration of still being around and more importantly living. Hold your loved ones close, never take life for granted and make sure you try and smoke the best you can afford when you get the chance.

[williamthewolf]

Really great post. And uplifting because of your positivity in spite of the recent health problems. That Siglo VI came through the other side like you! Really couldn't have been a more fitting cigar to enjoy on you birthday weekend. Rooting for you and knocking on wood for your next scan and your celebratory Behike. 

[coug28]

Great story of triumph. There can be no perseverance without being faced with adversity. Keep fighting the good fight brother! 💪

[Ford2112]

I wish you all the best my man.

[Ken Gargett]

great stuff. great to hear you are doing well. all the best for the future. i have a fair idea of what you have gone through, having gone very close to falling off the perch myself a couple of weeks back - "massive pulmonary embolisms" in both lungs - basically blood clots from being hardly able to move or exercise for three months (from shingles). bad enough but once they caught them, they could start the reversing procedure. i certainly didn't have the extra dangers and hassles you have had. and simply pills at this stage, no surgery. 

fantastic to hear that you are back having a cigar. my next doc's appointment is tuesday - i have not raised the concept of a cigar as i think they may feel i am not serious in the recovery, but i am hanging out for one. i have decided that perhaps it better wait till next year but i have one or two huge christmas lunches coming back, if i can get back from exile, and they usually pull out some truly magnificent cigars so i might not be able to resist. 

keep up the recovery and certainly keep us posted. 

[madandana]

Story’s like these make you appreciate everyday even more. Glad things are looking up for both of you.

[Raskol]

Wishing you all the best.. Speedy Recovery! Peter..



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[Chibearsv]

Wow, that's a lot to handle in a short period of time.  Congratulations on getting through all you have and keeping your spirits up.  

[Greenhorn2]

Praying you get that Beheke.

[InCheTasteWeTrust]

Hope you'll smoke hundreds of Behike 2010 through your life. 

[Edicion]

Thank you for sharing and wish you all the best in your recovery. Salute e cent'anni! 

[GVan]

All my best, and I love that it all comes down to the people in your life and a great cigar!  Nice story and thanks for sharing with the rest of us.

[SpecialK]

Thanks to both of your for the perspective.... I'm going through things myself.. though not anywhere close to what  both of you are experiencing.... Haven't had a cigar in over 3 months.. I hope to rectify this soon when my son comes home for Thanksgiving.

All the best to everyone and continued prayers for good health..

 

[PigFish]

You never know what tomorrow may bring. I want to wish you many tomorrows.

Time is finite for all of us. I have never regretted sharing some of it here. I am glad you have found the same pleasure.

Cheers! -R

[helix]

Just turned 60 had a blood test, doc called a day later to go see him , that had me worried for a moment , just gave me a prescription for cholesterol pills , good news at 60 !

If I new I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself LOL . More road  behind the cart than ahead of the horse. Expiry date? Unknown . LOL.   All the best to all. 

[guideright]

Thanks for sharing the details of your challenges and triumphs. Praying for a complete recovery and many happy years with your growing family.

[cigaraholic]

Been thru the ringer myself....just remember chicks dig scars❤️

[Lomey]

Keeping fighting the good fight my friend. Life gives us challenges that make us reflect and appreciate what's most important to us. We should all enjoy and be positive during our short stay here on Earth.

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[Pag]

All the best from a fellow Angelenos. I was talking about this the other day, how we take so much for granted everyday. While driving in traffic daily I always try to run down the positives I have in life. When you realize what you have and not worry about what you don't have. I always end up with a smile. Keep us posted.

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[Connoisseur Kim]

I wish you a speedy recovery and may 24:24 CCs be with you @Subcomandante.

[gustavehenne]

All the best and I’m glad to hear you are on the mend. A Behike 56 or some other Cuban masterpiece (maybe an RyJ Gran Reserva) should be in order for an all clear celebration.

Take care and hope you continue to mend

[Drguano]

Best wishes!