Stop Smoking Support Thread
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Dear kal and VJ, I am so sorry that Josie and Joey are so sick right now, I always cry when I have to come to a decision time, or even have to entertain the thought that I might. Hope the vet and the healer have been able to help keep your little babies pain free and safe in your arms. I have always wondered about people who do not cry over their furbabies since I always feel such angst when they are ill. Sending hugs to both of you. Karen today is a better day as far as the cravings go, yesterday was unbelieveable, thank you for your help during such difficult times in both your lives
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After 30 years my daughter stopped smoking. She went to a clinical psychologist who specializes in smoking cessation. He uses hypnosis and it works for the majority of the people. Last month her uncle, my brother was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. It is a nasty disease. He has been hospitalized twice in the last 3 weeks for pleural effusions. His chances are 2% he will make it 5 years. I nagged him for years to quit but to no avail. My dad died in 1982 in four months. Everyone thinks it will happen to someone else. At least get yearly x-rays and a physical if you are going to smoke.0
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Instead of yearly x-rays, get a spiral cat-scan. It is the difference between finding a tumor the size of a pencil eraser (cat-scan) or a golf ball (x-ray). I always suggest this to my clients and several have found their tumors early and it's been treatable. Unfortunately, it's not always covered by insurance because they haven't yet proven that finding a lung cancer tumor early will be more treatable than finding it late (kind of seems like a no-brainer but I guess anything they can do to not pay for it).
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My offer is still open to anyone who would like a copy of my workbook that I use with my clients.
I also just finished a "how to stop smoking" book. It is unedited and still needs revisions but I would welcome any feedback if you'd like to read it.
Have a joyous day.
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Karen,
Bike, Chew, Blow bubbles... WHATEVER it takes!!! Follow Sweet's, advice and Stay Strong! Anything we can do to help?
VJ and Kal.... SO sorry to hear that your pets (and you) are having a rough time of it. And, I TOTALLY get it!
Shortly after my 1 year cancer-versary last year, my precious fur-baby was diagnosed with advanced osteosarcoma (bone cancer).. Amputation of her leg was the only treatment that was available and due to her large size (116 lb of fun) and the fact that she had already had knee surgery to fix a ligament tear on her back leg, she was not a candidate for that.
We had 3 last weeks with her before the pain became too much and we had to have her put to sleep. I still hurt from that (in fact typing it now has me crying my eyes out!). This time of year is tough because I am planting my garden and I am out in our backyard and memories of her are everywhere! A lot of "this time, last year, when I was doing xxxx she was laying right next to me "supervising".
She was my friend, the one that stayed when many so-called "friends" ran for the hills after my diagnosis... She was the one that I told my fears to during diagnosis and treatment because I needed to "stay strong" for everyone else! Oh Lordy, now I'M a mess!!!
Our pets truly give us so much!! I just wish that their lives didn't have to be so short!
Will remember Josie and Joey in my prayers!!
Bama,
I not only pray for animals, I pray ESPECIALLY hard for them....
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Thanks to all of you for the support. I'm now close to 2 weeks preop and there's nothing like a motivation to help. On the other hand, smoking was my stress reliever, so the last week has been hard-and I feel a little sorry for the staff that work for me-though I did warn them-and don't tend to "snap".
So sorry for the loss of pets or the potential loss. I lost my cat about 2 years ago and still open the door after work waiting to see her there! I've thought about getting another cat, or a dog, but I'm at work so much-and my kids are at college and I just feel like the poor thing would be alone all the time-so I've resisted the temptation.
I also decided that I had to put the weight gain issue on hold. That's one of the things that has kept me from trying to quit in reason years-between menopause and stress, I decided quitting smoking would make me balloon up. But for now, quitting has to be the primary issue.
VJ, I would love to read your book-unedited or not. I have multiple reasons for that, and if you PM me, I will tell you more about that.
Again, as always, the support here is unbelievable. I was telling my BS about it today when I saw her for the final pre-op. She did know about it but I encouraged her to tell her patients, because I found it on my own-and would have loved to have someone tell me about it sooner!
Pat
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VJ, I too would love to read your book and help with notes, editting and suggestions. I am doing everything I can to not smoke, if it were not for how much time I have invested, and the support of all the women here, I'd be borrowing one of my daughter's for just a puff. I am chewing on straws, chewing gum, blowing bubbles, going to sleep early, cleaning house, on the computer in the no smoking room, using all the little tricks I have gotten here to not smoke. I am also crying along with you Seaside as you write about your baby, your big baby, was she a mastiff by chance? It is amazing to me the number of ladies here you have fur families and so dearly love their babes. I have never lived without a pet to soak away tears of loss, fear, grief and anger. They are always rescues, right now there is a mastiff rescue in a shelter an hour from here named Lela, one of my favorite songs, who is calling to me. The only thing holding me back is the fact that I live in an apt. not a house and feel it would be too confining for her. That and the fact Sophie would have difficulty accepting her, otherwise she would be here already. See Seaside you are helping me as long as I am typing I don't think about smoking. Today is not as bad as yesterday, so tomorrow will be better. Rehm, like you, I found this site after my treatment finished, large lumpectomy, rads and now AI's, it is just a lifesaver with so many caring, good, good women. I share more of me here then I do with my best friends, I feel they get tired of cancer talk, on the 4th of June, the women of the thread Western New York are meeting, all 8-10 of us. I've already met two of the women for coffee and the instant bonding is amazing, special friendships seem to just happen. I lost my beloved godmother a few months ago and was abl to turn to special friends here and relive my special memories of her, it helped me so much. VJ, this is becoming a book right before my eyes, so I'll close for now, sending special hugs to all in need of one on this holiday weekend. Karen
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Karen,
Not a Mastiff, although that would be wonderful too (Lela.... Ya got me on my knees! lol) She was a fawn colored, goofy, lovable Akita!!! We have been so happy to have various Akitas own "us" for over 20 years!
While we have loved them all, this last one shared some really tough times with me and, while I have loved them all, she will always share a special place in my heart!
Been thinking of adopting a rescue Akita from Akita Rescue of Western NY (right up your way)! Just have to get to a place where, I have finished grieving my loss and am ready to give one of those pups the home that they truly deserve!! Meanwhile.... I donate to their care!
I know what you mean about being able to say more, here.... While many of our 'people' outside of our support group here want to understand, I do think they tire of the whole thing and just wish we could get on with it!!!
We will get on 'with it' but, it will be with the understanding and support of those on the path with us.... and NOT because it is demanded of us by those who's "timeline for healing" does not match our own!
I so wish I could join you all on the 4th...Maybe the next get-together!!
DH is from Olean so maybe we could do a trip there and I could do a quick jaunt up for the afternoon to meet you all!
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I didn't fail..... I just didn't finish the race........ I am ready now.
5/29/2011
Paula
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Paula excellent that you are ready now!
Everyone, my little Josie had a break through this evening. She ate a teaspoon full of food and drank some water 2 hours ago and she has kept it down. This is the 1st time since early (4:30 am) last Thursday that she has solid food. I was so resigned to the fact that I was going to have to put her down but somehow she is fighting the odds-she is such a tiny old thing, 16 yrs and was just over 5lbs BEFORE this started Thursday. I was cursing the vet for releasing her to me on Friday before the long weekend but somehow she seems to be persevering...maybe there is something to be said for a cat's 9 lives. I'll keep you posted.
It is absolutely amazing that I did not grab a cigarette out of my DH's mouth during the last 48 hours!
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{{{PAULA}}} You can do it!
Kal, saying prayers for your baby.
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Kal - so happy to hear that Josie has had a turn around
((Paula))
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Go Josie!
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Thank you so much for you well wishes for my little Josie (she's is my avatar now)....after 4 days of being on the "death watch" we went to a ceremony for a friend at a Knights of Columbus today. He was a awarded a bronze star for his service in the army for the Vietnam War back in 1969 BUT never knew this was the case. Apparently he had a nephew that wanted to track the family and asked for his Uncle John's info, the army sent a package and John comes to find out that he was awarded this medal. Today in Elizabeth NJ he received that medal from his country surrounded by friends and family....unfortunately hi wife sucommend to cancer 1 year ago and was not present for this heartfelt, emotional award. Thank You John Haggarty for your service to your country!!!!!
In the meantime my little Josie had some issues around 4 to 6 am last night (this morning) but then has now had some food tonight. I just know what to do, this is like being God, I literally hold her life in my hands...what if someone decided last September that I didn't have a chance and should be put out of my misery, this just sucks....
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In honor of Barbara's 1 YEAR quit-aversary tomorrow, I have updated the roll call!!As always, if I have missed someone, let me know. Also if your name is on the list and you'd rather not be included, please let me know either here or through PM.
Ladies that are still actively posting:sunangel27 - May 29, 2011 quit date?
karen333 - Jan 16, 2011 quit date
kal_1865 - Sept 28, 2010 quit date
jan508 - Sept 20, 2010 quit date
LadyinBama - Aug 10, 2010 quit date
BarbaraA - June 2, 2010 quit date
SeasideMemories - Jan 18, 2010 quit date
o2bhealthy - May 5, 2009 quit date
1Athena1 - April 27, 2009 quit date
Ladies that we haven't heard from in awhile but hope they are still doing well:
Dutchy - Set quit date for March 1, 2011
Ellie1959 - Set quit date for March 1, 2011
Sweetaerobabe - Feb 16, 2011 quit date
Malleme - Feb 6, 2011 quit date
Basia - Feb 5, 2011 quit date
chabba - Jan 11, 2011 quit date
dsgirl - Dec 3, 2010 quit date
Kitchenwitch - Nov 30, 2010 quit date
Linda603 - Nov 4, 2010 quit date
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kal_1865,
Still saying prayers for Josie. I agree that having to decide when it's time is such a heartbreaking thing to have to do! I also agree that those feelings are magnified tremendously when you have had a serious illness yourself. She may just amaze you and bounce back! You will know, in your heart, when it is the right time.
I also wanted to add my voice in saying, "Thank You John Haggarty for your service to your country!"
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Welcome sunangel27!! You're here just in time for Barbara's 1 YEAR celebration!!!!
OK Ladies..... In anticipation of our celebration tomorrow, I have flown on ahead to our destination for the party!!!!
Here it is..... Let the games begin!!!
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Oh, I love to snorkel!! Let's PARTY!!
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rehm046,
Just did a quick peak back over the last couple of days and saw you there! Didn't mean to leave you off the list! Welcome!
If you would like to be added to the roll call let me know and I will add you!!!
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Well, I must say, the rooms look lovely!!!
And, just in case the ocean is too rough for snorkeling, the pool is fantastic!!!
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Wow Barbara your party is starting to look like it is going to be better then mine... I cannot wait until I get home and can start interviewing some waiters
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Hi all, had company over holiday weekend, and am back on line, still not smoking. Touch and go for a bit, but am looking forward to the party, rooms are fantastic! and I'll take a chaise by the pool, wll gladly assist o2b in interviewing, did not notice drinks, is it to be a dry party? Karen
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Karen,
DRY? Barbara's party? No way!!! Just kind of scoping out the place getting ready for the REAL festivities tomorrow!!!
Yeah on getting through the holiday week-end without smoking!!! Sometimes those "firsts" can be rough!!!
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O2B,
We're sure going to try but I 'm not sure if we can match your party!!!! THAT one pooped us all out for at LEAST a week!!! LOL
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Seaside, great news on the drinks, you are right those firsts can be rough, plus my e-cig died. Had to make a quick switch over to nicorette gum, I've looked like a cow chewing it's cud for 5 days! Also did some real damage to my cigarette sized straw, let me tell you, but I made it . Ordered another e cig, should be in here in a few days. Sure am looking forward to the party, if it beats o2b's, we will be off line for a week and a half. hugs, Karen ps, blew my diet and exercise to smitherineens too, back on the wagon again.
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For anybody who is new, these ladies throw GREAT parties!!
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Karen!! YES!!
Not only did you 'make it', you stuck to it!!! You had the wisdom to recognised that you needed a 'Plan B' (chew away!), formed it, followed it AND best of all STUCK WITH IT and DID NOT BACK DOWN!!!! I think you have truly rounded the bend!! Hope that E-cig gets there pronto!!
You should be very proud of yourself!! I KNOW I am very proud of you!!
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O2B,
I hadn't thought about that, BUT, Barbara IS usually in charge of the server interviews, so we will need someone to step in THERE!
She always has done a really great job so we have some tall shoes to fill there!
Tomorrow should be FUN!!!
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I'll have to do all my coordinating/interviewing tonight - I cannot paste cut & photo's or text from my office computer
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Oooh can't wait to see the servers!! PARTY!!
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