Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
-
Hello Ladies!
Great to see all the posts. Thank you ex-smokers for your experience. You never know when a statement or story will hit home and give the necessary boost that one may need at the time. All the posts are supportive and helps us all in one way or another, and your posts have been helpful for me.
Nobleanna, I too get funny responses from drugs at times too. I smoke outside so the higher my energy, the more I smoke. The worst part is this recovery, can't do to much because I can't get the heart rate up and the constant pain makes you want to do nothing, so what to do with all this energy. Hard to sit still and I am getting pretty bored! I will make myself work on some posters and flyers today with a couple of vics.
Want to thank all of you ladies for your support. I am coming up to my quit day with a better altitude and less fear. I am going to celebrate that day with treating myself to Blockbusters, computers games ( one of the few 46 year old who likes to play but what a great distraction) and healthy fun veggie snacks, and give myself a vacation on my quit day. Maybe take a drive to the mountains, though I wish I could do some of my favorite hikes in Boulder, but maybe the peace of the mountains will be uplifting as it is beautiful here in Denver with the snowy mountains.
Congrats to Nerousknitter on your over 48 hours smoke free! Those triggers will get better with each time you get pass them. And remember, each one that you pass is one less that you will have.
Beth your still on for the 1st? If not, there is always another date and we are here for you. Keep coming back.
Webwriter, keep up the good work, hope your doing well and thank you for starting this thread!0 -
I started smoking when I was 16 and quit a year and a half ago at the age of 60! I was a very addicted smoker. I was unable to quit after being diagnosed with breast cancer and feared that I would smoke until I died (and maybe hasten it a bit by smoking)..
I had tried cold turkey, the gum, the patch, hypnosis, ACS meetings, all to no avail. I was going to try laser or acupuncture, but was debating about wasting more money on something that wouldn't work, thus making me feel like even more of a failure. I was at my GP's office for something and he tossed a prescription and a coupon for Chantix to me telling me if I wanted to quit (we hadn't discussed smoking at all....I'm sure he smelled it on me) to try that. I went to have the prescription fillled and it was not cheap and to use the coupon I had to register online or by phone. So I held off while thinking about it. I had my port removed at that time and while at my surgeon's office, the PA said that if I wanted to quit smoking (again it had to be the darn smell) to try Chantix. She said her husband had smoked since he was 14 and was able to quit. So I decided to give it a try.
It wasn't easy at first, but the Chantix does help relieve the craving. I smoked past the first week and had to take it for the full 12 weeks. I was going to stop at 8 to save the money, but decided to not risk a relapse just to save $100. I have been smoke free now since July 17, 2007 and I am thrilled as I never thought I would be able to quit.
Friends tried it after I did, and were successful too......they were even able to obatain the prescription at no charge since her employer had a smoking cessation program for employees.
It wasn't cheap....but I have more than paid for the prescription in what I have saved on cigarettes. In additon to the health benefits, it is nice to go places and not have to worry if I am going to be able to find a place to smoke.
To all those trying...I wish you success!
Liz
0 -
YEY!!!!! NervousKnitter aka Jill I am so proud of you, a bit jealous cause your doing it girl!!!!! We are all rooting you on. See No Pressure. just teasing ya. I am definatly doing the happy dance with you.
Webbie- Please check in with us so we know your doing okay with your first chemo. We are all thinking about you.
Janzin- I am so glad to hear someone else feels this way. It seems when I have to take less meds I can handle it better, but when I take more it makes me want to smoke and like you I smoke outside and in Maine it gets pretty cold and snowy you would think that would be enough to stop. But as I noticed you live in CO so you know about the cold and snow. It is such beautiful country there. And your right you need to go places that bring you peace. I live on the coast of Maine so the water has the same effect. I just don't like driving in the winter and this last storm we got lots of snow, sleet, rain, freezingrain so its terriable driving right now. I will be thinking of you tommorrow, I would really like to say I would be there for you and quit beside you but I think I am going to try chantix but with all the meds I am on I have to wait to Thursday to talk to my PCP. I think I might be getting more nervous also due to all my scans coming up on Monday. I know another excuse, but I feel they messed up my first one cause they could not get the contrast in so with all the lower backpain and hip I am a little scared. I think and hope its the Herceptin doing it although my Onc. doess not agree. But I really really want to wish you luck!!!!
Liz- Thanks for all the encouragement that you bring and all the other ladies cause its embarrassing to admit that we still smoke and I am totally ashamed of myself and I hate sneeking around the corner to see if anyone is around to see me smoke. I hate it when I am beside my car smoking and someone coughs cause they can smell my smoke. I can't wait for that day when I have this FREEDOM!!!!!!
Hugs-Bridget
0 -
Thank you Janzin, Bridget and Liz. Every word/stroke of encouragement keeps me going. And I'm equally proud that you gals are targeting a stop date. Too bad we don't all live closer to each other and could go out and either walk the urge off or beat something with a stick! Bridget, you are so right about the freedom thing. I have to remind myself that I control my life, cigs do not control my life. I think one of the reasons I smoked during treatment was because I felt my life was out of control. Yep, just another excuse.
Have a great weekend ladies. Hope we hear from Webwriter and the other gals who are on the brink, too!
0 -
Jill- Thinking of you today and hoping all is going well for you, I am so proud of you I am just going to keep saying that to you!!!!!! Everyday is the step to freedom.
Webbie- I am really hoping your gone away from home and not sick with your first chemo TX. remember we are all here for you through the good, bad, ugly!!!!!!
Janzin- Are you ready for this, tommorrow wil be your day!! Your day to Freedom. Listen to me little miss smoker I am. I am so wishing you luck and all of you encourage me to that I can do this.
To Everyone else who is ready to quit or quit soon or is new to this board we will be there soon with our Sister's!!!!
BIGHUGS-Bridget
0 -
What was I thinking! Took 2 vics, felt little pain but was too stoned to work. Can't wait for this to be over!
Well tomorrow is the quit day. Want to thank all of you as you have helped me with my mind set to let go of my cancer sticks. Sorry, kinda applies this time. I remember the first time I had to set my boundaries as to what I could take on. I was always the type to take on too much, always there for everyone, but it was okay because I could smoke through the stress of it. Over the years I have lessen the demands on myself so this time I have less to deal with except for the demands I make on myself. Over the week I have learn to let go the demands I make on myself and give myself the time I need to quit smoking and deal with the BC, which has also helped my mind set. My 2009 work projects can wait, my current stress is enough!
Thanks LizFL for your post, maybe I will try Chantix if I don't succeed. Heard a lot of success stories with that pill. Thinking about starting a new bank account and putting that smoking money into it and treat myself at the end of the year. Mexico here I come!
Nobleanna, good to have you, you will get there soon. This thread has slowly helped my with my mind set to quit and make a date. Hope your scans turn out okay, I am really nervous on getting my tubes pulled out next week. Going to brace myself with 2 vics and scream, "Pull the _ucking rip cords!" I will be thinking of you on my mountain walk and I too miss the water. Miss Torrey Pines in Diego and my beach walks in LA. Northern Ca with the redwoods. Love the mornings with the mists, the water is so peaceful. I bet Maine is just beautiful.
Come on Nervousknitter! Going on your 4th day! Your on your way to freedom! You don't realize how much of a slave you were to cigs until you taste the sweet freedom of a nonsmoker, it's like a whole new world out there and the rewards are huge.
Webbie I hope you are okay with your chemo. Drop a line and let us know how your doing. We are here for you!
For all those reading who are thinking about quitting, come join us. It really helps and your helping us too.
Janet0 -
You all are so awesome!
NervouseKnitter! 48 hours, and more by now! That just ROCKS! I'm so happy for you! You all are doing such a great job!
I so know what you mean about the drugs making it worse. The Decadron in my IV wired me so bad I thought they were gonna have to scrape me off the ceiling. I smoked like a chimney Thursday and couldn't stop. Friday was much better. Neaulasta shot didn't mess with me much--and I've pretty much been asleep since then, haha!
Up and around. Don't feel like smoking, but don't feel bad either. How nice for a change!
Thinkin' of you all tons! Just can't make it 500 yards to the computer, haha!
0 -
I was a smoker up until the day of my bilateral mastectomy. Wasn't sure if the 4 day hospital stay was going to be enough to get me to quit, but it did! Believe me...I still had the cravings, but was able to fight them off with lollypops..lol. For me, it was the hand to mouth repetition with the cigarettes, so I substituted them with lollypops. You can do it! And you have to really want it!! I wish you all the best of luck!!
0 -
Well......haven't smoked yet. Got past my favorite cig of the day, my morning coffee. Tore up the pack that was left. Good thing as I can hear myself talking myself back into smoking. I have great arguments with myself such as, "I can always start tomorrow." That same argument cost me 40lbs, but it sounded good at the time.
I hope I can make it, I never made it through a whole day on my own since I started back up. Amazing, when it hits me at times, it is a strong pull. I remember my friend gave me a coffee cup with some lady holding on to a meter outside of chocolate store, she was sideways because she was getting sucked in. Thankfully not all the triggers are that bad!
Well off to make healthy finger foods.
Might check in later today. AHHHHHHHHHH!0 -
Hang in there Janzin! You can DO this.
Those arguments with myself (why do I always let myself outsmart myself?) are the hardest part for me. I am just lousy at them! I never win. Never!
But it does get easier. I have to keep slapping myself with reality and yelling "NO DEAL!" each time I try to bend my will, but it IS getting better.
I also used another half step suggested here. Now if I simply CANNOT win, I don't smoke the whole thing just 'cause it's lit. I have yet to make it another 24 hours beyond the first. I wish I'd hung onto that.
So when you're about to break, remember how much harder I made it on myself by giving up those first few smoke free hours.
Hang onto them.
Starting over SUX!!!
((hugs))
0 -
I have to say a HUGE CONGATS to you girls!!!!! Keep the good work up.
Janzin- I know about the coffe thing, that will be a hard one to break!!!! You did it though!!!
NervouKnitter- How are you doing? even though they say the first days are the hardest for me it was day 4-5. So hoping your hanging on!!!!
Webbie- Don't beat yourself up you will quit and cutting back like you have is awsome!!!!
Me- Not so good I am blaming it on the upcoming scans tommorrow!!!! UGH!!!!!!
Hugs-Bridget
0 -
Thanks, Bridget! I still say "GREAT" to all of us, even if it's just being aware that we're lighting up. (I haven't--made it through day 5 but have to get away from the computer as that makes me want one!!). I spent the day working in the yard and did lots of deep, deep breathing without coughing. Now that was nice!
Webwriter, my thoughts are with you and I hope things are okay. Janzin, hope your triggers were little ones. Bridget, best of luck with the scans tomorrow. Waiting is so dang hard on nerves.
One thing that has helped me--if you think you want a smoke clean something that has been affected by the cig smoke--light fixture, phone, whatever. It's nasty. Great reminder of what NOT to do anymore.
Taking it one hour at a time and sending all positive thoughts--
Jill
0 -
Webbie --
Talk to your Onc. about the Decatron. When I finally realized that was the reason I was staying up all night making to-do lists, rearranging the whole house, throwing away half the stuff that was in it, and then making more to-do lists, cleaning everything I could see,, rearranging husband, two dogs, and everything OUTside the house.
I finally figured out this was due to the Decatron, but not til just before the 3rd treatment, darn it. I told the Onco that I would end up divorced and at the bottom of a bridge if he did not reduce the dosage. He said that the Decatron stuff was to help lessen bad reactions, and I had tolerated everything very well.
He reduced it from two 2x/day to 1/2x day for three days. That a total of 12 to 6 for the 3 days.l SO I was sane . Don't do it without your doctor's input. But I was very relieved that I could get that stuff way down. Jeez!
It seems to me that anything can become way C/O with that stuff. Talk to your doctor. Hugs to you and all the ladies here.
0 -
Well I would of loved to make you all proud of me but I had 2 cigs after 6:00pm yesterday. It's like Pinkshortcake said, you have to really want it and there is a part of me who doesn't want to quit. I wanted to quit on my own terms instead of feeling like I have to because of the BC. But then again I probably would of never tried to quit.
Your so right Webbie, it's hard to start all over again. Your post kept me going another 2 hours. I am proud of you! You have got a lot of days in and hours too.
It's amazing the quit days or the cut down days we do get in with all the stuff we have to go through with the BC and life too. So much to process not just physically but emotionally. I have a bit of depression that most people won't see as I put on a smile and crack some jokes. Today I feel hopeless with my cigs. I see my chemo Dr this thursday to discuss the next step, my biopsy came out clean so there is a small chance I won't have to go through chemo. If I am struggling now, I don't think I could handle the Decatron well. I am going to make an appointment with my GP to see if I can get Chantix.
Good luck with your scans Nobleanna! I am there for you!!
Congrats on your over 5 days Nervousknitter. Keep up the great work, wish I was there with you on the quitting. 5 days is amazing!!
Eating humble pie,
Janet
0 -
Well I am back to smoking. I have a physical Friday and will ask for Chantix. All the stress and fears with BC, my business, is a bit much for me. Had a hard time sleeping last night thinking about work and if my business will work out. Being my own boss I have to self motivate myself but the last year and a half has been hard with a divorce and hip surgeries, lost a lot of work hours to process all this crap. Now going to lose more hours to recover from BC and mentally and emotionally I am just not there. I tell myself there is plenty of time to work on things but it still bothers me. I feel like I am at the bottom of the Charles Maslow's pyramid.
I know I would feel much better if I could quit cigs, one less thing to deal with. But it sure helps to comfort me during these hard times. My energy is low and it is hard to make myself work as I have a few deadlines this week, deal with BC and trying to quit cigs is hard.
Well all I can do is suit up and try and I know I will get there eventually.
Wishing all of you well and a great recovery! We will all make it if we keep trying!0 -
Hello all,
I just got back from Portland and getting my testing and the results back. DRUM ROLL!!!
NED on everything!! Phew what a relief, my bloodpressure was so high that day. I am so excited CANCER FREE!!!! Now to keep it that way.
NervousKnitter- WOW!!!!! You are Awsome I am so proud of you!!!! How are you feeling with it all?
Janzin- Don't beat your self up to much about this we will do it together. I am getting my script for Chantix tommorrow. I have NO more excuses and I need to do this for myself. So when your ready lets do it I am with ya!!!!!
Webbie- How are you we miss you!!
And to all our supporters THANK-YOU!!!! And any new ones going to join this train??????
HUGS-Bridget
0 -
Good news on your cancer free Nobleanna! I am getting Chantix too, see the Dr on friday. Need all the help that I can get, really struggling with this.
Hope your doing well Nervousknitter, keep up the good work. Let us know how your doing.
Webbie, hope you doing good too. How is your chemo doing? Hope it is going well. I find out today what is in store for me, hopefully it is good news.
All this recovery is a pain in the butt, feel like life is on hold, I miss salsa dancing, hiking and working at my full potential. Now that I get new boobs, trying to figure out if I want a C cup or the D cup I had before. Thinking I will go smaller this time around, more freedom! And when I quit smoking, my dancing and hiking will be that much better, good thing because food will be that much better, lol.
Love to hear from you all, your posts keep me going!
Best wishes and thanks for being there.
0 -
Good luck with the Chantix ladies. I tried that a few months ago, but I got terrible headaches from the drug. Although, I know of quite a few people who used Chantix and it helped them immensely. So, I went cold turkey 5 weeks ago. Ugh, like we don't have enough stress but now adding quitting smoking to the pile. I wish you all the best of luck. I remind myself that it takes quitting 5 times on average for it to "stick". I am hoping that this time is the time it sticks, but if it doesn't, I will just quit again. It does get easier every day, but I am wondering how long it takes before the cravings go away?
0 -
Keep on trying all of you. I managed to quit after smoking for 30+ years....I tried over the years the patches and pills and tapering off and for me I found the best way was cold turkey. My husband still smokes and I smell it all the time and never realized h ow bad it smells to a non smoker ,but I made up my mind the last time and pulled it off. It has been 4 years this month since I had a cigarettee. Of course I gained alot of weight when I quit but then I managed to loose all the weight and was doing fine and felt great and I think it made my recovery from the breast cancer easier beings I was not smoking. I have faith in all of you who are trying and it is going to be hard very hard to do but if you make up your mind your will power will get you thru the stop thing. Take it a day at a time. I chewed on stir sticks (straws) and suckers and CHEETOS....lol Good luck to all of you and I want you to know it can be done and you will succeed.......Jude
0 -
Hi Ya'll! I am joining this group!
I am 48 hours from a smoke now. I didn't want to join earlier because I have always felt like a loser trying to quit smoking. I have smoked for 30 years - about 15 cigarettes a day. Last 10 days I cut it down to 5 smokes a day. I also started the Chantrix. I quit for 24 hours last week and then lit one up. The Chantrix made the cigarette taste awful but I didn't put it out and smoked again for another 4 or 5 days. I actually quit taking the Chantrix, well I didn't really quit - I forgot to take it a couple of nights but I was so high on pain meds at the time I was forgetting everything.
Ok, the subject of pain meds was brought up and how it affected smoking. With me taking Vicodin would make me nauseated if I smoked. I would even do that partial throw up thing (don't know what to call it) and yet I wouldn't put my cigarette out. I would get dizzy and yet still smoked.
I figured if I could take a wonder pill that would make me really throw up anytime I took a puff on a cigarette I would be fine. I also thought that a good idea was to be put in the hospital for 2 weeks chained to a hospital bed would help me quit.
I have tried quitting 7 times in the past 30 years. I failed each and every time. I tried the gum, patch, hypnosis (worked the best). I tried the patch again twice within the last 5 years and still smoke with the patch on. I found out that with me it wasn't so much the nicotine withdrawal as I was so emotionally dependent on those buggars. They have always been my crutch, my best friend so Webwriter I know exactly how you feel and how difficult it is for you right now.
I was always told if I could get through day 5 I would be ok - I would get to day 7 to 10 and start up again and it was always because of some turmoil that hit me, some really stressful event and I would pick up my best friend and smoke her and would feel emotionally better if though I felt like a loser, my friend was more important to me than my feelings of failing.
Chantrix - I brought my prescription with me when I spoke to my oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute and told him I wanted to take Chantrix but I didn't want the Chantrix to delay getting chemo treatment. He told me it was ok to take Chantrix and it would not affect chemo treatment.
I found out that if I take it when I wake up in the morning FIRST THING that it really does help. That might be my 6 am wake up and pee moment and go back to bed until 8 am but by default I learned to take it at 6 am when I first wake up.
I am also taking it again around 5:00 pm at night before I start cooking dinner. I found out that helped a lot because I always wanted that after meal time smoke. I was also one of those that went outside within 2 minutes of waking up to have a smoke.
Coffee and alcohol are triggers for me along with eating. I quit drinking 2 weeks ago - no biggie I was one of those that drank 1-2 drinks per week. Coffee is another thing because I am a 8 to 10 cup coffee drinker daily. If I don't drink coffee I get a massive headache by noon due to lack of cafeine that I can only get rid of by taking pain meds. The headaches get so bad that taking any type of Tylenol, etc. do not work.
This morning I had 2 cups of coffee and switched over to water with a dash of lemon. Like you Webwriter, that is the only way I can drink water.
I wanted so bad to get in my car yesterday and run to the nearest store and get cigarettes but I didn't. I also know if there is even ONE cigarette in my house then I will find some excuse in my head to go ahead and smoke it. MUST NOT DRIVE, MUST NOT DRIVE, MUST NOT DRIVE!
61%, 61%, 61% - I had no clue about this Webwriter and boy is it an incentive to quit as I start chemo in less than 2 weeks.
Ya'll will hear a lot from me because the longer I stay on the computer in my basement the longer chance I have from getting in my car to go to the store to get a pack!
0 -
One other thing that helped me last night was to take 10 mg Valium around 8 pm - that took the anxiety away. I wish I could just stay on Valium 24/7 for a couple of weeks but I can't drive with it in my system so I am determined that each day that I am staying home all day or in early for the evening I will pop a valium to help.
0 -
HELP! I am having nicotine cravings! Not sure if it is due to the stress of having to go to the dentist in our hour to have a crown fixed and a new filling or because I am still in that phase of by now I would have had 3 cigarettes for the day. It is 12:30 pm my time. Deep breaths, Deep Breaths.
I don't want to drive but I have to drive. I will pass by so many stores that sell smokes! This really sucks! I know....can't buy that pack! Deep Breaths! Ok, now I feel a little bit better.
0 -
Good to hear from you Fifish, Jude13 and Janice! Love to hear ex-smokers share and welcome newcomers in our fight to win this horrible habit.
Janice you are on the right path! And your not a loser because of smoking. The losers are the ones who make the dam things! My adoptive parents told me that the cigs now are more addicting now then way back then. Some brands actually cut holes in your throat so you can absorb the nicotine faster which helps branding and profit. I started smoking when it was considered more cool, Eric Clapton also made cocaine cool and I was a dumb teenager who thought she was cool too. Whatever reasons had you start, the good thing is that you are trying and we are here for you. And your cool to want to kick this addiction. Write as much as you need, and share your story as it helps us too.
Just got back from my first appointment with the chemo Dr, not sure what to call him. He told me that I do not need to go through chemo but they will run one more test on my last surgery just to make sure. Now there is a part of me that is saying, "See, it's not so bad so why quit." Your posts help strengthen my resolve to kick this habit. Will get chantix Friday and make another quit day, I am with ya Nobleanne!
Things that help strengthen my resolve.
1. Quitting not only helps me, but my friends, family and other nonsmokers. I hope that it helps the viewers and participants here too!
2. For better health and to live a full life with fun activities like skiing, hiking, dancing and to be ready for whatever life throws me.
3. Save money!!!
4. Freedom! I don't have to think about or plan for my next fix.
5. I get to keep my teeth, lol.
What strengthens your resolve to quit????0 -
I feel like Janice was writing my own story of all the times I've quit and failed and all the stop aids I've used. I have smoked for over 30 yrs and I just have to admit that I really enjoy it. I know that sounds terrible but I like to smoke even though I do know how bad it is on my health. So I've been trying to quit again and it is really hard. It's just as much mental as physical with me. I've read many good tips here and will keep on trying. I know that I have to make myself believe that I don't like them. That sounds crazy.
0 -
I told my dentist today I hadn't smoked in 50 hours! WhoooHoooo - ok for a smoker that is a dang long time to not have smoked! LOL I find to find something amusing about the fits I am going through.
My dentist immediately asked if I was on Chantrix. Guess this stuff is working pretty good. I don't have nicotine cravings just the darn emotional ones. My GP told me that 65% of the people who take Chantrix has been successful. I don't know if they can give out the same numbers for the patch or nicorette gum - I tried that 3 times already and couldn't quit and those patches are darn expensive.
So to answer Janzen's question about why I want to quit....
1. My husband doesn't smoke and has complained to me for years and has encouraged me to quit.
2. I only smoke outside of my house and I am tired of standing in the freezing cold, snowy, rainy weather to smoke.
3. You can't smoke in bars here in Utah. Used to but they recently passed a new law.
4. None of the restaurants here have smoking sections. Kind of like going back to Texas and in some of the suburb towns you can smoke in restaurants and other you can just like they still have wet and dry counties. You can't buy liquor in certain counties (hence they are dry counties).
5. Breast cancer - anything to help me get more healthy.
6. Better physical condition. I am worried about putting on weight though and it took me 1.5 years to take off 40 extra pounds that I had put on and I am finally down to a size 4 so I don't want to go back up to a size 6 or size 8.
I hated going to the dentist. They use this power tool with water to get off your plaque and they hit about 6 really sensitive spots where my knees shot right up to my chest. I found out that one of my back molars has a rotten root (I had suspected this) and now I need a root canal and crown. Fortunately this doctor does it ALL in one day and they have reworked their schedule to get me in on Tuesday next week before chemo starts.
I have chemo orientation on Wednesday next week so I will be starting chemo up really soon. In a way I can't wait to start chemo. I feel like I am so far behind some of ya'll here and I want to get the process moving along so I feel like I am doing something to fight this alien that invaded my body.
0 -
Good afternoon ladies!! I had to take a break from the computer for a couple of days as it was one of my triggers for lighting up. I am now on my 8th day smoke-free!! The Chantix has helped me tremendously--I have not had any withdrawal problems and haven't been short-tempered (more than usual). Doesn't mean I haven't wanted one--I certainly have. But I just get through each "want", one at a time. In my smoking cessation class we have discussed tecniques of what we will do when the urge strikes. One of mine is to clean something that has been affected by smoking (I have a little room in our basement and it's away from the rest of the house. I wouldn't smoke in the house itself, just in here or outside). So cleaning the computer and now the ceiling are great reminders of why not to light up--it's that icky, sticky orange/brown film. As for wanting a cig while driving--at the drugstore you can get these little plastic things that have dental floss on them. So today while I was driving I flossed. I also have a jar where I am putting money in each week. I bought mine by the carton at Costco so now when I come home from Costco I put $35 in the jar. When I have saved enough I am going to do something special just for me. I went to a spin class on Monday and gave it my all and it was great. Didn't cough, didn't feel like I was going to have a heart attack and fall over. And that was only on day 6!
I have tried many times over a period of many years to quit, so just keep trying. And if you're cutting back and then have one, quit beating yourself up over it. Welcome to the newbies on the thread--I wish you strength and resolve as you tackle this beast.
Well, now that I have written about smoking I want one, so I'm going to go clean something until the urge passes. Good luck and let's keep it going!
Jill
0 -
Deep breaths, deep breaths....sounds silly but that actually helped me a LOT. Last night I went to a bbq at the neighbors house and I was one of two people NOT smoking. THAT was tough. I chewed on gum and sucked on dum dums until my jaws ached, but when I woke up this morning, I was glad that I made it through without smoking.
It is funny actually, I feel like I broke up with my long lost boyfriend when I gave up the smokes. "He" was always there for me when I was happy, scared, stressed or just wanted to be alone. Even though I knew "he" was not good for me and my friends and family told me "he" would only hurt me, I still loved him!
I would be lying through my teeth to say that I don't miss "him" every single day!! Putting the money away is a good idea. My husband and I are doing that as well. I will be having my one year anniversary from being diagnosed in March. I told my husband that when I get those clear results, we will be taking all the money saved (about $60 a week since Jan. 1st, 2009) and going on a long weekend vacation! Remember to treat yourself. We use to "treat" ourselves to ciggs every day, now we will just have to treat ourselves to something more healthy....like a vacation, a day at the spa, new shoes etc....
0 -
By the way Janzin, that is great news that you don't need the chemo!! I laughed at your response about how your started smoking because it was "cool"....heehee....I did the same thing in college. I stopped when I was pregnant, and then started again after my daughter was born. Now 20+ years later, I find myself being 41, having cancer and still smoking....ugh. One day at a time I suppose!
0 -
Flfish, that is SO great you made it through the BBQ where people were smoking. I haven't done a big test like that yet. Good for you. Smoking was my friend and companion, too; and you're right, it's like dumping a bad boyfriend.
Let's all take a deep breath, join cyber hands and say "I can make it another day WITHOUT a cig". Ahhhhh, breathe out and feel how good that deep breath was......
Jill
0 -
I had this weird dream that I was at a soccer clinic (thanks to the Chantrix) and I don't even like soccer, never watch and never play it. Anyways, the cute instructor started flirting with me, etc. and I remember picking up a cigarette, taking 3 puffs, and then throwing it on the ground and telling him "I don't even know why I lit that up because I haven't smoked in 3 days and it didn't even taste good"
Weird that now I am dreaming of not smoking! Got up this morning and took my Chantrix right away! Don't have any nicotine cravings at all because of Chantrix but still have those deep emotional cravings. When do those go away??
0 -
flfish - I am impressed! Right now I am staying away from anyone that smokes because I don't want to be put in the position of asking someone for a cigarette and I think I would get really weak and do this. I am so proud of you!
0 -
Jancie--it is a good idea to stay away from smokers for awhile. I did that for the first 3 weeks....I was like a hermit and I went to bed at 8:30, just so I would not light up. The Chantix dreams are a trip. I remember those well, but I sort of liked them, I luckily had good dreams and not nightmares.
I wish I knew when the emotional cravings go away. Maybe someone who has quit for a while can help us there. All I know is that I quit at the first of the year, and I still have emotional cravings. However, it took less than a week for the physical cravings to go away, which is not too bad. Anyone know?
0 -
Hello Ladies,
Had wrote a long post to all of you but lost it because I forgot to plug in my lap. Desktop is up and going again and now I have to rush on my deadlines. But still wrote a long one, lol.
Congrats to Nervous knitter on her over 8 days free!! You are inspiring me that I know it can be done! I am proud of you!!!!
Janice, good thing your hubby doesn't smoke. My ex didn't and that helped me a lot when I quit the first time. Some of my roommates smoke so it's been easy for me to hit them up for a cig on my quit days. I do have a roommate that wants to quit too so hopefully soon for the both of us. Parties will be hard, may avoid them for a while when I quit.
Fifish, keep on breathing. We forget to breath when we are stressed, etc, so it really does help. And we are still cool, lol
I have been going through a bit of depression in the last year and a half with a divorce, 2 hip surgeries and my recent 2 breast surgeries. SO I started smoking again on my divorce and it became my friend in the last year and a half. I know how you feel about your best friends, so comforting at times. I do think emotional triggers is different for everyone. I was a wreck the first time, 8 months it was there, and really bad too, kinda embarrassing. But I smoked heavily for years and smoked so much stuff away that I had to deal with it when I quit. I do know that NA ( nicotine anonymous ) meetings has helped me with the emotional triggers and made it easier to deal with. I watch people have a different time lines but I also saw people connect who were going through similar stuff, makes you feel your not alone in whatever your going through. That's why it is so nice to hear from ex-smokers and people trying to quit too. It's one of the strengths in support groups. Each year became easier for me but I still thought of cigs because I really do enjoy them, I just didn't have a craving anymore, more like a fleeting thought. So for you and Janice or anyone else, who knows when your emotional craving will go, it may be over quicker or take longer than others. Keep yourself busy, treat yourself and stay connected.
Anniemar, hang in there and you will find your goodbye. Keep reading and posting and it will come to you! Mine is getting stronger all the time, thank you ladies. Just posting has helped me take a step in the right direction.
Nobleanne, got my prescription to Chantix today. Haven't made another quit day but will soon. Just want to try these pills on for a bit. But I am there with you! Hope I like my dreams too!
Webbie, miss you. Hope you are doing well and Chemo hasn't been too hard on you. This is a great place to rant and rave.
Rave on ladies!0 -
My last cigarette was Tuesday at 6 pm. Here it is Friday 6 pm - It feels like I have quit for 4 days but technically only 3 days unless I'm not doing my math right and believe me, this blondie doesn't do math!
I really struggled today! I went to the barn - I always take a break and smoke outside the barn. I always smoked on the way to the barn. I went to the wig shop. Last time I went there was Monday so I smoked on my way there so today I was thinking about it the entire time I was driving there. I kept having to take deep breaths. It took everything I had to not stop and buy cigarettes but no kidding, I thought about it at least 20 times today.
I WILL SURVIVE - I CAN DO THIS - BREATH DEEP - I CAN SURVIVE.
Ok, now I feel better! Weird that I can put my thoughts down here and I feel so much better and feel more empowered to kick this nasty habit. I can't explain it!
0 -
Yeah Janice! Tomorrow may be less that 20!
0 -
Been there - done that!! I started smoking when I was 16. In April of 2007 I was diagnosed. The dr who did my surgery and the plastic surgeon who did the reconstruction said they wouldn"t insist on my quitting with all the stress. When I went to see the Oncologist, he said smoking would lessen the effect of the chemo. In June of 2007 I started taking Chantix and I had my last cigarette on June 29, 2007. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I did it. I haven't smoked since. Now after over 1 1/2 years I can smell smoke on people who do and it stinks!!!! The cravings got more fleeting the longer I went. I didn't have to take the Chantex the whole 3 months it called for - only 6 weeks and I was amazed how well it worked. I am so glad I did it. Good luck to all who are fighting the habit.
0 -
Janzin - thanks so much for the support! I can't believe that I went to eat Mexican food tonight and I didn't even think about smoking after dinner. I have been drinking water all day long and also drank water laced with lemon at dinner. The waiter didn't know that the heck to say since we have been going there once a week for years and it is also iced tea with extra lemon and then they bring me extra sugar as I put 12 packets of sugar in my tea.
Nope......I am going to drink WATER, WATER, WATER if it kills me because that is what I need to do when I start chemo so I am trying to get in the habit now.
I have cut down from 8 - 10 cups of coffee to 4 cups of coffee in the morning and will cut that down to 2 cups of coffee and then switch over to decaf. for the other 2 cups per day. I have cut out drinking cokes all together.
We won't talk about chocolate because I will eat 1 lb at a sitting if I have it available! I told the nutritionist that I was willing to everything but give up my coffee in the mornings and my chocolate.
0 -
Yoooooo Hooooo, jancie!! Keep up the GREAT work!!
0 -
Thanks NK - aren't you the one that is at 8 days of non-smoking - probably 9 days by today? I get people confused! If so..... I think YOU are the one that is doing so great.
My relapse days the past 7 times I tried to quit was between the 7th and 10th day of non-smoking so I won't consider myself anywhere near home free until I go two weeks straight.
Next Saturday I am getting my hair cut VERY SHORT in anticipation of chemo and my friends are having a party for me which means lots of wine and beer. I might have to abstain from drinking because I really want to smoke when I drink. The good thing is that NONE of my friends that will be there smokes so at least I won't have that temptation. That is also why I haven't had a beer in days now because I get weak. BTW - I brew my own beer and this stuff kicks some butt - better than what you can get in any liquor store.
0 -
Good luck with the hair cut Jancie. That is a very emotional thing. You may want some of your home made beers (which sound awesome) before you go in. If it makes you feel any better, I had long hair for 20 years, and when I cut mine short, it was somewhat freeing. I cut mine before I knew I had cancer, and I had donated it to "Locks for Love"....ironically. Best of luck. Mark each day off on the calender so you can see your progress!
Best wishes to you from South Florida!
Ellie
0 -
flfish - thanks for the support - I need all the help I can get. This morning was really rough - Saturday morning coffee - got to have that smoke but I refrained and I still want that smoke as I am typing. I hate the withdrawals even though mine are 90% mental. Need to go start drinking water!
I am donating my hair to Locks of Love because it does go down to my bra strap right now. I hate the idea of short hair but I like the idea of living a heck of a lot more. I did get some LONG wigs to make up for losing my hair. I even went and got a red one that really looks good on my skin tone along with a blonde that has strawberry blonde highlights. The straight blonde wig I got is too light - too blonde and the owner has agreed to let me bring it back and exchange it for another since I haven't worn it yet. I am having such a difficult time finding a wig that closely matches my existing blonde color. I think it is because I have all of these natural highlights in it from the sun so it is so many different shades of blonde.
Tonight my dh and I are going to a big Gala that all the ladies are wearing ball gowns. The men don't have to wear tuxedos but they do have to wear suits. I am getting my hair done in a half up-do for the event. Told my hairdresser that there is no need to trim it since it is coming off anyways - LOL. However, I will have her trim the bangs on my new wigs that I got sometime next week. Took me 8 years but I finally found a hairdresser here in Salt Lake and I love her because she is from Fort Worth, TX and so she totally understands the term "big hair"
Have yet to meet a Utahn that knows what big hair means.Gosh it feels good to come here and talk to you ladies because that little hissy fit I just went through to have a smoke suddenly disappeared!
0 -
Good going, Jancie!! I have purposely not been around anyone who is having a cocktail as well, because I know that will be a giant trigger. I have a wine & cheese event to attend tomorrow but it's a school function so there wouldn't be anyone smoking anyway. Today is day 11 for me. When I think about having one I remind myself that I've made it this far and certainly the beginning has to be harder than after more time elapses.
Silly of me, but when I got my hair cut really short before chemo I kept a piece of it so I could compare it with whatever would grow back. It wasn't my "born with" color, but it made me feel good to keep it. My hair had been long as well. I so enjoyed short hair I've kept it super-short ever since. I can relate to Texas and big hair--I went to college there (UTEP). Frankly, I wish big hair and shoulder pads would come back into style. Big hair and big shoulders balance out my bum as far as I'm concerned!!
Have fun at your to-do tonight. How are you other gals doing? Remember, even the one you cut out is less than you would have had--so you are a success.
Sending smoke-free good thoughts to all. Have a great weekend!
Jill
0 -
BAHAHA! I don't know too much about "big hair" except for what I remember from high school in the 80's. And then Jill mentions the shoulder pads.....that cracked me up. I get some parachute pants and we are good to go. Have a great time at your events. Be sure to take a ton of photos and enjoy yourself. Try not to smoke, and if you do, remember to hop right back on the wagon. (Easy for me to say, I am dying for one right now, so I will just keep surfing the web to keep me busy...here is to making it another day, week etc).
0 -
Lucky for me this is a total 100% non-smoking event!! I just got back from getting my hair done - love it!
I will check in with ya'll tomorrow!
0 -
Hi everyone,
First and forth most congrats to you all that are hanging in there!!!!! I am so proud of you guys.
Welcome to all who are joining us in our battel. Some of you are doing awsome 5 weeks thats so great. And I know I would definatly would want one going to the dentist.
Janzin- I was unable to go to my Drs. for the chantix due to illness but I was rescheduled for next Thursday. I am going to do this. Because----------------------------------------
#1 ME
#2 My family
#3 So I can get my Diep
#4 So I don't have to sneek so people won't see me
#5 Even though I smoke outside I can still smell it.
#6 I want everyone to be proud of me
#7 For all my friends
#8 Most important my HEALTH!!!!!
I am sure I could go on and on cause there is so many reasons including the cost of those stupid things drive me crazy. I am just feeling lucky that we have this thread whether we make it 1 day or 10 days or for the rest of our lives knowone will be judged cause all of us knows how hard this habit is to break.
Anyone heard from Webbie???? I see Nervousknitter has checked in and doing great. I hope webbie is doing okay going thru her chemo.
Janzin- If you want to start ahead of me go for it but I will be taking my first Chantiax on Friday.
Take care all!!!!!!
0 -
NervousKnitter - I still have those outfits with the big shoulder pads - you are welcome to a couple of them if you want!! Of course we styled everything from the Dallas tv series so shoulder pads were in along with very tight clothes, etc. I have so many suits, etc. that are close to 20 years old so that goes back to when Dallas was a hit tv series. I miss that show!
0 -
I quit smoking on Nov 6th, 2006 and found that going cold turkey worked the best me. Everyone finds their own way to get through it. The number one thing to remember is that no matter what happens you will NOT smoke and thats not always easy to do. Hang in there, Its been over 2 yrs for me and I dont miss it one bit.
0 -
Hi Ladies,
You are cracking me up. Big hair, shoulder pads. I had the Tina Turner do once and I think I still have my Bon Jovi jacket, lol. Well I won't be going through Chemo as of now but if I did, I think I would try to have fun with it. My hair is between my bra and butt, so pretty long and getting in the way. I think I would like to try some of those stylish short do's and maybe play with color in a crazy way, have fun with different wigs, maybe even shave half my head or shave my logo in my head! Great thing about short hair is that it doesn't take as long to grow back.
Janice you are doing great and working it!!I hope to be there soon. Got to post your new hair do. I like weight watchers fudge bars with peanut butter, helps the chocolate cravings and better for you, but of course not like the real thing.
Fifish, I had parachute pants too, ha-ha. Hope you doing well one day at a time!!!
Welcome neeinil, glad you quit and glad to hear about chantix, got my pills yesterday.
Nervousknitter, wow, 11 days!!!! Glad you are checking in and sharing as it is good to hear you are doing so well. Hope to join you soon!
NobleAnna, will quit sometime next week, not sure when as I want to try these pills on to see where I am at realistically, or maybe I am looking for extra days. Maybe I am being silly but I have failed so many times and I hope the next one is a winner, or at least get more than a day in. Tomorrow I won't smoke much because I decided to party tonight, just finish my booth at a tournament which served drinks so I will be toast tomorrow. I will try my first chantix Monday. Good to get out as I felt glued to my bed which drove my motivation down, and I have heavy competitors this year for the same market. Not sure where I will be in the future with my biz. Thanks for your Resolves, I will add some of yours to mine!
Thanks Pat643, we need to hear all inputs and have the support as this may be a difficult thing to do during BC and all the stress one has in life. Quitting smoking in the best of times is hard for a lot of us, every post counts.
Webbie, Hope you are getting your days in smoke free, but if not it is a working progress and we all all get there soon. Hope to join you soon.
Ooops, drunk Janzin0 -
I feel the same way you do thank you for your honesty. I just had a bi lateral mas and waiting for path report. It's crazy but the only thing I have control of right now is my smoking and I enjoy it. I did have the implants put it so I am very nervous about that and how they will be affected. I just when on the site of am Lung cancer and am using Ann Landers "it only for a day"
0 -
After failing 7 attempts to quit smoking - this time I took my Chantrix but still smoked although I cut down my cigarettes to 5 per day for a couple of days, down to 3 a day for a couple of days and then down to 2 a day for 2 days and then quit. Then entire time I was on Chantrix as I was cutting down. I found out that cigarettes (I smoke menthol) didn't really taste good while on Chantrix so I wasn't enjoying the flavor so much - another incentive to quit.
So I wasted one week of Chantrix but that is ok - so far it is working. I was out tonight and didn't even think of having a smoke. I will wake up at 6 am, take my Chantrix and go back to bed so at 8 am which is my normal wake up time I won't have that craving for the first morning cigarette. By trial and error I found out what was working for me.
My mindset now is that I made it this far (although not as far as NKnitter) that I don't want to pick up a cigarette and start all over again. My mind is made up. I am done with them. I was hooked for 30 years and it is about time I took back control. I have to take some control back of my body since cancer invaded me without permission so this is my way of getting back at that damm cancer - ok....it sounds good anyways doesn't it?
0
