Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Hi Ladies, I do hate my new boobs. One is flat and round and the other is more cone shaped. I know that I need to wait for the swelling to go down and he told me once I get a new nipple it won't be as obvious. Dr told me that there is nothing that they can do since one was scraped clean from the cancer and the other is my more natural breast. I had 700 cc in my cancer breast and 350 cc in my other breast and they are close to the same size but different shape. In fact, if I had cancer in both breast it would of been more even. So I am in mourning of my breast, smoked a lot on that yesterday. I am winking back at ya Fifish and MB, lol.
Well today is a new day, onward and forward! Time to make this Friday a goodie! Lot's of luck to you all.0 -
Okay Ladies, I know that this is not the post for this but had to share this with you since we can be a bit moody with the ups and downs of BC.
Menopause Jewelry
My husband, being unhappy with my mood swings, bought me a mood ring the other day so he would be able to monitor my moods. We've discovered that when I'm in a good mood, it turns green. When I'm in a bad mood, it leaves a big frickin' red mark on his forehead.
Maybe next time he'll buy me a diamond. Dumb ass.
I think we all have been there, lol. Especially when you are quitting cigs!0 -
Janzin,
Your so funny! Thanks for making me smile!
Yeah, menopause definitely sucks!
Oh, did I tell you that I really screwed up and told my husband that I was thinking about quitting smoking....yeah (stupid me), now he's saying that he wants to get me that new car I've been wanting when I quit smoking! Hell, I haven't even cut down and I'm not even sure that I'm quitting and he knows that! He's a moron! Think I'll just keep my old car, no pressure there.
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BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.......breath.......BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Oh good Lord, men are idiots. I have one of those kind of men too. I got a vacuum one Christmas and a lawn mower for my birthday...thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanks. He is lucky he is such a good cook or he would be out the door.
I wish for one day, just one day, my dh can know what it feels like to be on the tamox (or any of our other drugs). 2NewBoobs, I can't believe your dh is trying the old bribe trick. Like you need any additional pressure now. In his defense, he is probably actually thinking that offering a new car would help (they have simple minds you know....heehee).
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I am pretty blessed...love my dh, but I think he thinks I am going to die from this breast cancer. He did go out and buy me a sports car 2 weeks ago....knows that I haven't quit smoking. He just asks that I do not smoke in it. I told him I am not going to die, but I will keep the car.
Janzin- he really laughed when I read him your joke! I did too
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Thought I'd check in and say hello after a rough chemo week. Yep, still smoking..so much for Monday huh? I am just exhausted mentally and physically. Everything is big, let alone quitting now. But my "expander fix" surgery was scheduled today for May 27th. So, exhausted or not, I TRULY want to stop at least 2 weeks before. Better a month but that 2 week is the absolute deadline. I just can't take the risk of getting an infection as with the mastectomy. Poor blood flow = dead skin. I don't need to revist that horrible place.
THAT' S MY STORY ladies, and I'M STICKIN TO IT
. Regardless of what I have said to this point. (stamps feet for emphasis!). We get so used to not trusting ourselves because of the unsuccessful past. Victory must come eventually!Happy Friday night all. Another lazy night in front of the TV. My leather couch is beginning to indent in just my body shape!
xoxoEllen
PS. Jancin, that SUCKS (can ya tell, I'm beginning to get potty mouthed! Matches mood) about your exchange. I've read up alot on that recently. The flatter, pancake shape of the expander does settle into the implant shape in many cases.
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REKoz,
Sorry you had a rough chemo week! It's so hard to quit smoking while going through all of this. Hang in there and know that we're thinking of you.
Like you said "Victory must come eventually".
Hope everyone's having a nice weekend! <HUGS>
tami
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Hi Ladies, haven't been doing too well with my quit smoking program. Stop taking Chantix because I feel like I am wasting it if I am not on board with it. My work stress has won out for he time being but I haven't given up and I will keep posting to let you know that I am here and still want to quit and will!!!
2newboobs, glad I got a smile out of you. We really need those smiles! Wow a car, what happens if you quit for a day and start again, do you still keep the car, lol. I do know that I would love a car after I quit because my car is going to smell nasty to me, even after detailing it. Hang in there, you never know when your mind set will come!
FIfish, glad I got a laugh out of you, sounds like you had a good laugh, lol. Funny about your DH, he bought you gifts to put you to work. I think I would of give him a bathroom cleaning kit for his birthday complete with sponges, comet, toilet scrubber and I am sure he would appreciate skipping out on the gloves and saving money though this tough economy, lol.
MB, Great that you love your DH. Too bad he is scared, must be hard on him. You are going to be okay right? You will definitely appreciate not smoking in your new car because I know we will quit soon! Once the smoke is in the air conditioning, you can't get rid of it. Learned that from a owner of a car dealership.
REKoz, sorry your chemo was so rough on you. I think you just need to get through that first instead of adding the stress of quit smoking. How much Chemo you have left? You can quit 2 weeks before your surgery if you really put your mind to it, hate to see you revisit that horrible place. Maybe get some valiums to deal with the stress of it. We will be here for you!!!!! Good to hear about the implant, so there is still hope, thanks!
Malleme, Nervousknitter, Jancie, Webbie, Nobleanna, Pantufas, Karen, Misty, Candie, SeaSandy, hope you all are doing well. Miss ya, drop in a line sometime and let us know how you are doing whether your smoking or not smoking, we love your support and your posts!
Have a great weekend and be kind to yourself.0 -
Janzin- you sound great. I thought you would be working on tournament stuff today. But heck, we cannot work all the time-have to have time to check in with the girls! I hope things are healing well with your breasts.
I hope you are feeling better, rekoz. Janzin is right- concentrate on one thing at a time.
I hope the rest of you ladies are having a calm, stress-free day.
I thank each of you for posting and sharing your life.
Love,
MB
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My sole mourner...
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Pantufas-
Now THAT made this sick as a dog (or should I say cat?) chemo head laugh! What a great pix! The cat is hilarious. Can't wait for Janzin to see it.
Thanks ladies for all your good wishes. I did great on smokes today. Only 3 for about the total hours I've been up today.
Love you all!
xoEllen
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BAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!! That was the best one yet!!!! BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I think I am going to cry! Pantufas, your the best! Thanks for the laugh, going to work my booth tonight with a smile.
MB, I work 7 days a week, I only break for hangovers which is not that often, lol. Hope you have a great weekend filled with laughs and peace!
REKoz, 3 cigs is awesome!! Take care of yourself. I wish you luck!
Well I will think of you ladies and hold a toast to the Butt Fondler group tonight!0 -
Janzin I love the Menopause joke, men are clueless. Mine actually did say this morning oh how about we go look at cars. I said how about buidling me that new addition first see if you have any money left for your toy them buy it for me. jerk...
Sorry your don't like your new boob but I have heard of them being flat and round on the tissue expander site.here. Then I believe over time they take shape. I know my Dr said when that time come shaping revisions usually occur. That I do remember, they said takes about 4 months.
Questions can they do the implant surgery while I am still have Chemo? Anyone know.
And my fill is to 600cc each side - tissue expander what size is that in cups they have never said.
I hope everyone is doing great this weekend. Your all just tooo funny and yes I get pot and pans for Christmas presents too. Hugs to all
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Malleme-
I'm not an MD but I can say with strong certainty that the answer to your question is no. They won't do any surgery while on chemo. I can't even have my day op to fix the expander pocket until at least 3 weeks after chemo ends.
When will you be done with chemo? Are you already filled?
xoEllen
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Thanks Rekoz, I won't be done with chemo til 6/23. I thought it was funny that the nurse the other day said oh we have plenty of time now for the fills. first I had to cancel my vacation to costa rica and now it will be July or Aug. thanks, But boy do I need more funny jokes . have a great night.
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Hi Ladies. Survived the night and no hang over today though I am tired, getting old.
Wow Malleme, you have a long way to go with your chemo, I hope time goes quick for you. I will try to post any funnies if I think of any as we all do need the laughs. I will treasure Pantufas dead pictures for life though, love the cat, too hilarious.
Been a while since I have been on Chantix and cigs are starting to taste good again. I have less than a month before my tournament but I think I am going to really try afterwards. Got to do it before I talk myself out of quitting but I have you ladies here to keep me in line. The good thing is I will be active by that time, dancing is an incentive for me as it is not as fun when your huffing and puffing. Salsa is a very fast dance, lose 2 lbs a night on it. In fact, I never smoke during dancing as you really feel it and I have a hard time keeping up if I take a cig break.
Got to focus on our incentives!!!! Have a great Sunday!0 -
Hi Ladies, found something funny but can't get it in here as I think this forum only allows pictures and no moives. So I put this on my server. Click on this link and check out the dog who's leg is trying to steal his bone. If you have internet explorer, click on the yellow bar on top and allow blocked content. Enjoy!
http://rmbjjf.com/pics/bc/legtryingtostealbone.html
Hope this cheer you up, especially those coming up on Chemo, quitting smoking and the ups and downs of BC!!!0 -
Hello Ladies! Sorry I haven't replied to your posts. My daughter was only up for the week-end and I wanted to spend as much time with her as I could. She posted the "dead pics" for me (she also took them). First, I showed her yours Janzin, and the others that were posted previously and we howled! She said the same thing as me about "going" with a cig in your mouth. Nice touch!
Glad we could make you and REKoz laugh. Sounds as if you both really needed it. I'm so sorry you're not happy with your surgery results, Janzin. It sounds as though your spirits have lifted some since then. Can't keep a good girl down! That dog is hilarious! I can't believe he doesn't know his own leg when he/she sees it. Keep them coming!
Oh REKoz! I feel for you being sick as dog; knowing I'm going to be in the same boat soon. Makes me beam thinking about you laughing. Well done on the 3 cigs. Even though I didn't get the Chantix I have cut way down. Have only smoked a pack and a half since Thursday. Having dd here helped.
Malleme, if you put my brain in a humming bird it would fly backwards and suck on a mule's a@@ thinking it was a morning glory! I can't seem to respond to you in a timely fashion. Consider me chastized. I hope your dh buys you fifteen cars and you're the only one with a key. Also, thanks for answering a question about surgery while on chemo that I haven't had the sense to ask.
Good night to all and a better tomorrow!
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A sunny windy day here in Denver. So much work to do so I am soooo glad I have the valiums because right about bedtime is when my mind really messes with me. It's time for me to put in 10- 12 hours a day every day before the tournament because I have a lot of competition and only the strong will survive. I am only one person doing the job of a few so that doesn't help either, but hopefully that will change in the future.
Good job ladies on cutting down, that is so huge and I think it makes it easier on your quit day. I am starting to smoke more per day as the stress builds up more every day. I know that if I work hard to establish myself I won't be as stress in the future and my plans and networking is starting to pay off slowly but surely. I am starting to be know as the nice promoter and starting to undo the harm my ex did with the business relations and now I have schools coming back to our events as I work on those relationships. Guess it needed a women's touch, lol.
Pantufas, thanks for that laugh, you have lifted my spirits. Showed my parents and they were laughing, they never heard of dead pictures and they are silly. Still getting use to my new boobs and it still bothers me. Guess it will take a while and I will listen to you ladies and wait 4 months to it settles. Good luck to all of you going through chemo, will post encouragement and let you know that you are in my thoughts and I am sending gentle hugs your way!!
One day at a time, we are getting there!0 -
Ladies, I need your help. This does not pertain to quitting smoking, but I have no where else to turn. When I was diagnosed a year ago, I quit working while going through treatment. With this wonderful economy we are in, I have been unable to find work so my husband and I decided to live on one income for a while. Well, today my husband lost his job, and with that, our insurance. I have my one year mammo and oncologist visit next week and I am just sick about it. Have any of you gone through this, or no of any place I can get my hands on some information? Luckily, we have no debt and the house it paid for, but I just can't imagine what COBRA and/or going without insurance will do to us. This sucks. We work SO HARD to get ahead, and it can be taken away so quickly.
Any advice from my butt fondlers would be greatly appreciated.
Ellie
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Oh Ellie, I am so sorry to hear that. I've experienced just the fear when a husband gets laid off. To have had that happen under these conditions is horrible.
I'm sorry I can't help you with your insurance question. I haven't a clue. Have you checked around the boards for similar issues? I really wish I could be of more help but please know I will keep you in my prayers. And, you HAVE to keep posting and seeking support here. It doesn't matter that it isn't smoking related. We are all already stuck together butt fondlers, but more importantly friends for any kind of support.
xo Ellen
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Ellie, I am so sorry that you all were thrown on this path...My gut reaction is to call your oncologist office and be honest with them. They may have patient coordinators or ideas how to proceed- I am sure they would want you to continue monitoring/treatment. How are your treatments going?
i will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Try to stay in the day and in the solution.
Sincerely,
Mary Beth
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Hi FIfish, I heard there was some help with payments but I can't remember where I heard it. I will ask around but maybe start a post because there may be some who knows about it. I did find out that everything I paid with my credit card I can use toward my personal taxes so this morning I went through Hunana and printed all my expenses for 2008 as I paid everything with my credit card, so that should really help out. There is also medical credit cards you can apply for. I would also call your insurance company because I don't think legally they can refuse you, just like if Humana tries to drop me, I can get a lawyer and they will lose. They can try to increase my monthly but that is capped off too, thanks to Bush.
Will keep in touch, so sorry to hear about this, will let you know as soon as I find something out.
Best regards,
Janet0 -
Hi Everyone,
Sounds like everyone is keeping their sense of humor!!! You go girls!!! This work thing is killing me. I am so tired and I am really not working much, So out of shape. One good thing comes from it maybe 2 . I have lost 4lbs. And I am not smoking as much if I was home. So their is some good to it. plus the most important thing I am finally making a little money. Not a whole lot but some which is fine for now. I need to finish with Herceptin and get this port out, and then think of surgery in the fall.
flfish- I can only suggest The Breast Cancer &Cervical Treatment Act. Although they will only cover you up to 5 yrs and then you need to find something other insurance. They will continue it if God forbid you have a reaccurance. I would talk to your Onc. about who in your clinic who could give you the best advice on this situation. I am sorry your having to deal with this. Its tough when you only have one income but losing that too just plain STINKS!!!!! I hope this helps somewhat. Maybe post it in one of the other forums like Janzin said and pick one that is real active and you should get response!
Good-luck to you all and missing some of our favorites here!! Come back!!!!
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Ellie,
OK, Calm down and take a deep breath. All the issue with insurance will work out. 3 yrs ago I found out my husband lost his job from my pharmacist while filling scripts for my son upcoming DRs app and 5 day EEG testing at a hospital$$$$$$$. Thought I was going to have a heart attack.But in the end looking back if I had stayed calm and logical it would not have been as stressful on me. Here is what I learned.
Cobra- Usually 2 percent over plan.is what it cost per month. You now pay the premium and maintain your insurance for up to 3 yrs. NEVER let you insruance lapse ever.
During the 1st 60 days without the job your husbands employer must according to law COBRA offer and give you the $amount of insurance premiums-and Cobra mgr--- take it whatever it is and get the letter of insurance that states you have not had any lapse in your coverage.(therefore you can not be denied medical insurance by any company) In the 1st weeks my prescriptions were denied and I had to charge everything and wait for the the Cobra managers to reinstate my insurance. Doctors were also good about it. Flat out explain what's going on. The may have a case mgr to help you call them asap and the American cancer society.
I was just at the ACS site and they too have different funds and grants for this situation. Usually medical insurance premiums are paid in advance so get the date when you insurance actually ends. today or April 1 or 31st . Ask others at the company who previously have been laid off. The insurance might not have been turned off for a couple of months.
Take it one day at a time.right now insurance premiums for husband and wife/no kids can run from $650 to $1400 that's NJ rates NY is not much different. It will depend on what coverage you presently have now example 2009 rates HOrizonBCBS $700/month really top of the line ppo is $1300/month est. I just happen to call Horizon and ask for their rates in case we lost our insurance coverage. and if they offered individual plan instead of just company plans. The do insure just individuals now.
Best of Luck Ellie hang in there.
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Ellie--I'll just cut to the chase: it SUCKS! I'm so sorry for you to have this added stress. Malleme has my ideas covered--call the American Cancer Society. You might even google something like "county assistance for cancer treatment" (and the state as well) and see if there are any programs.
On a MUCH lighter note....since Webwriter started the thread as support to quit smoking here's my idea: Everyone who still actually has cigarettes in their possession has to SHARE them with you. You won't have to buy any, saving you that "extra"; and then since the other people who are trying to cut back will REALLY have to cut back because they will run OUT. Or maybe we should just roll our own really giant one and send it to each other. Take a couple of stiff hits and then mail it on to the next Butt Fondler. Kind of like an internet peace pipe.
I hope I made you laugh. What you're going through is no laughing matter, but we're all here to hold cyber hands during the crises moments--no matter what the crises is.
Tomorrow is my 8th week without smoking. I have had a few moments in the past few days where I really, really wanted one (my father is recuperating from a broken hip and shattered elbow and living with us. He's high maintenance to begin with....it's an adventure). It is much, much easier now, though. I think I'll always miss my "friends" (smokes). Life is just different now (and my car smells nicer, my teeth stay whiter, and I fantasize about how much money I've "saved" and how I'll spend it....)
Do keep us posted on how things go.
Jill
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Thank you so much for all the great advice. This gives me some hope that there are programs out there to help. I guess I have been fortunate in the past that I have never had to look into any of these. I will start with the COBRA. I have heard from others that you never, and I mean NEVER, let it lapse. I am sure I can cash in my stocks to help pay for it......BAHAHAHAHA...oh that is right, they are worth about as much as my house is right now
......As always, thanks for the support. It is amazing that a website can give such hope and strength!
Ellie
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Continued good luck to all, may willpower overcome the urges,
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Hi Ladies, making a quickie, have tons of work.
Fifish, happy to see that you got so much help!! Let us know what happens and that you are okay.
Congrats on Nervousknitter on her 8 weeks SMOKE FREE! That is huge, let us know how you are doing with that. Do you have days when you don't think about it? What do you do when you get a trigger? Amazing that you have quit and taking on life full force, you are inspiring us!
Nobleanna, I with you on work, since my hours have increase I am eating less. Good luck to you on your smoking.
MB, Malleme and Misty, REKoz, Jancie and Webbie we will get there!!!
Have a excellent day!
Janet0 -
Hey, check this out. I just got a call from one of the Dr who performed on me Jan 12st and they are telling me that my insurance company did not pay one cent. That is bull!!! The thing was the day of surgery I had to pay my total deductible otherwise I wouldn't get my surgery. But what it did was mess up my claims and so that Dr is billing me for some of the deductible that Humana was suppose to pay. I found out today that there is a company that deals with insurance companies and if they get too many complaints they will get shut down. So I am calling humana tomorrow to straigthen out this mess and if they don't comply, I will threaten them with a phone call to this company. That company is called State Insurance Company, for Colorado state 303-894-7499. Now there may be other companies for the state you live in but I have heard that health insurance makes mistakes all the time. This is good to know to gain corporation from your insurance company as you shouldn't have to deal with this at all, this is their job!.
Now to deal with this on top of everything else is just plain -ull-hit! And we are trying to quit smoking on top of it!!! I am now working at least 10 hours a day and now have to find time to deal with this, so I am pretty pissed off.
Thanks for sticking together because stress is a huge factor in quitting smoking. Dealing with BC and life is enough, I feel for your Fifish! If I win the lotto I am throwing money your way and the rest of you ladies!! Also, I just found out that there is a medical credit card with no interest. Wish I knew about before my hip surgeries or the BC. Not sure if some of you are going through the same thing as me but multiple claims and multiple Dr and surgeries, we could use all the breaks that we can get! When I find out that credit card, I will post it.
Time for a Valium!0
