Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Dear o2bhealthy, I hadn't thought of smoking and drinking going on, you did stay strong. That is the hardest time for me also, "stay strong" has become our mantra. I know what you mean about the weight, I am finding it so hard to go back to my initial enthusiaism about dieting and exercising. hugs, Karen
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Karen, It's hard to be enthusiatic when you see no progress...thats me a the whole weight issue.
That's why becoming a non-smoker can have the effect of instant gratification for me. Every day I don't smoke is progress
Everytime I say 'no' when a craving hits makes me feel awesome and gives me back some of the power I feel like I lost when dx'd with this damn disease. It does not help that I am in a bit of a panic about finances and stress makes me want to reach for comfort food
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Karen - This is what I feel like today.
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Jo, had tons of energy also that first few weeks,not now with this heat, if you run out of things to do around your house, comeover to mine. How's your sleeping going? Still interrupted? hugs to you, your fellow non-smoker, Karen
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Bama (((hugs))) on your last 2 chemo treatments, so good to hear from you!
candie1971 welcome to the group, 2 years 3 months sounds like a party to me!
karen333 love your enthusiasm, you keep all of us going
jo1955 keep moving DH's ashtray around, don't worry that you are bothering him...hehehe!
by the way, those are skinny girl margaritas for those of us watching our calories, virtual or not!!!
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Karen - I have plenty to do myself but thanks for the offer - LOL! Figuring out that I can just lounge around and not be tempted to smoke. Have not put on a pound - can still get into my size 4 shorts!
Candie - Congrats to you.
Party? Someone say partytime? Okay! Let the party begin. We do have drinks - how about some food? This is one of my favorites. I hope I brought enough for everyone.
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Jo, kal, don't know how to post pictures, so I'll provide some commentary. My favorite dessert and I'll have one of those margaritas to start. Who is in charge of finding servers, we have done the hard work of quitting smoking, must be waited on, o2b, was that your job? Candee, come join our party, you deserve to party, and the energizer bunny is itching to have a celebration. Quit smoking like she had deccided to give up chewing gum. Karen
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Well I'm screwed...I have an appointment on Thursday, with the PS that started my reconstruction last September, to now start my exchange. In the meantime my company changed insurance carriers and my PS is no longer in-network. I will have to pay up front and get reimbursed from the insurance company. My out of network deductble is another $2500 that I just don't have. The PS's office suggested calling the insurance company and request coverage under transitional care to remain in network and they will need an acceptance letter for this. The insurance company says no, the doctor's office has to call them for pre-authorization. I am so frustrated and angry right now. I think I need to cancel this appointment and live with TE's until maybe my company changes inurance again. The other alternative is to find a PS in-network but how can I go to another PS to have them finish work that someone else started?
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My PS office just called me back. They told me the office visit for Thursday will be $75 and asked me to please come in and talk to the doctor, they told him my insurance story and he wants to discuss the next steps. Ooooh I could really use a cigarette right now, but I'll go take a walk around the block in this friggin heat (that way if I cry, no one will realize, they'll just think I'm sweating).
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Insurance companies are about as much fun to deal with as the DMV, except they have control over our very treatment!!!!! Great timing on your company's part too, trying to jump through an insurances company's hoops is a task of endurance, who is the sqeakiest wheel. I think they depend on people getting so frustrated they give up, sounds like your PS is willing to listen and help you out, except you have to pay that $75 up front. kal, taking a walk is good, when you get back yell, scream and vent away, but stay strong against that cigarette.. You can do it. Karen
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Kal - What a bummer - those darn insurance companies have us coming and going. Sounds like you were not given any notice of the change. I would go ahead and keep the PS appt and see if he has been able to work something out with your insurance. Like Karen said, yell, scream, vent away but do not go for that cig. Stay Strong!!!
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WOW has this thread had a lot of posts in the last week or so!!!
We just got back from the beach on Sunday and I have been trying to get back into the swing of things here at home (read that to be LOTS of laundry, grocery shopping and getting my house back in order) apparently, from the way we left here, I thought I was never coming back!
In my defense, my son was very ill the night before we left (of course) and we wound up in the walk-in for 2 1/2 hours in the morning before we left! He got some medicine and we left a bit late, but got where we needed to be, although later than we wanted! He was't feeling all that well the first day or so but, recovered quickly and was able to enjoy most of the week! Thank God none of the rest of us got it!
Bama,
I am sorry to hear that you weren't feeling well!! You have been through so much more than anyone should have to endure! I hope that your final chemo goes well and that the side-effects are minimal! You are in my thoughts and prayers every day!
O2B,
I was so sorry to hear of your Grandfather's passing. It is really so very hard to lose someone you care about! My grandmother was such a calming influence in my life. She died at the young age of 72 the same year my daughter was born. I still miss her terribly today!
Good for you for staying strong in the face of all those around you smoking! It's not easy, but 'Ya, Done Good'!
Hope that bone scan went well today! I've fallen so far behind so forgive me if this has already been posted but is the scan a precautionary test or is there something else going on? Hopefully that isn't too personal of a question... in either case.... Thinking of you!
Jan,
Congrats on the new nipples!! It must be so good to be coming into the final stretch on the reconstruction! Hopefully the PS is right and that the small amount of necrosis will be a non-issue and will resolve itself!
As far as the leg and back pain, I have been having the same issue! I am blaming it on the Tamoxifen! Hope the same is true for you!
Karen,
The DMV (or any other government agency) can be an absolute nightmare. For many years my plate must have resembled someone's plate that went down to NJ every holiday weekend.
Unfortunately they would use the EZ-Pass lane without an EZ-Pass. Within 2 weeks after each holiday weekend I would receive a letter from the NY Port Authority outlining the fine "I" owed and it would be weeks before I could get it straightened out that it was NOT ME!
A couple of years ago my husband and son were heading back here after a Buffalo Bills game and hit a deer. Totaled my car. Got a new car and license plate and have not had a problem since!
kal,
Wow... Your company switching insurance in the midst of your reconstruction is the stuff nightmares are made of! That just SUCKS!
BUT.... It DOES sound as though your PS thinks the same and may be willing to work with you. I know the doctors have a great deal of leeway on what they charge. If you can swing it, it most likely would be worth the money to do the office visit, perhaps he will reduce his fee considerably or, at the least, be able to provide you with his opinion as to the best way to procede!
Sending you strength and hugs!
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Jo,
Okay... Going to just say... WOW!
I know when you first posted, I had a feeling that you were absolutely serious about quitting BUT, even I underestimated your commitment!
You set your sight on your goal and are JUST NAILING it!!! So happy for you!! Keep doing what you're doing because IT'S WORKING!!!
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I too had the same problem with insurance...it,s call continuation of care in nj and I did not have to paid out of network cuz I didn't,t have any. My insurancedidn,t have a plastic breast cancer reconstructionspecialist,, and in my area no PS will touch another's patient for any reason..I wish you best of luck...fight it.
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Day 5 without a cig and the cravings have been bothering me today - have had about 4 that were bothersome. I always make sure I have my spray with me and use it when I need to. I don't know how it works but it does. Having to stay a bit busier today and more focused on not smoking. Of course it is not helping one bit that hubby is still smoking and in the house. The smoke smell is really starting to make me nauseous but still have to remember which fights I can pick with him. I know I will say strong and get through this. I am almost at the end of the first week which I am told is the worst.
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Here's the newest roll call with our latest members added!
rehm046, sorry it took me so long to get you added!
Angelice, Glad to hear you are still going strong!!
malleme, You will quit when the time is right... For now, I am in AWE of your exercise regime! I know I have heard it can be helpful to replace one habit with another, healthier one! Sounds like you are well on your way!
annettek, You peek in anytime!! We hope that you will stick around!
akeefe7, Hope you are still doing well! Think about all that money you will be saving that you can put toward your wedding or honeymoon! October is a great month for a wedding...My anniversary is Oct 3... 24 years this year!
candie1971, Over 2 YEARS is fantastic!
UPDATED ROLL CALL:
Ladies who post regularly:
jo1955 - July 15, 2011 quit date
akeefe7 - July 11, 2011 quit date
sunangel27 - May 29, 2011 quit date
rehm046 - May 1, 2011 quit date
karen333 - Jan 16, 2011 quit date
kal_1865 - Sept 28, 2010 quit date
jan508 - Sept 20, 2010 quit date
Angelice - Sept 3, 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 who we have not heard from in awhile but hope 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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Jo,
For me, the first 5 days were the WORST! Yes, I was a cold turkey gal!
Then things got a bit better each day for around the next 2 weeks until about 21 days or so (keep in mind everyone is different) I went from thinking "I can't believe it has ONLY been XX number of days" to having to count how long it had been and thinking, "Wow, I can't believe XX number of days has ALREADY gone by"... A small, but yet HUGE shift in thinking!
Seems like the "big dates" (again for ME) were around day 5... around 3 weeks and then around the 3 month mark.... Each came with a feeling of becoming radically easier than the time period that came before...
You are just about through the worst and, if you just keep going... it gets so much better from here on out!
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SeaSide - It hasn't been too bad up until today and for some reason, the cravings have bothered me today. Like I said I do use my herbal spray. I do have to say that the bottle says use 1 -2 sprays when you have the urge to smoke - I have never used 2 sprays at once. I have only used the spray about 4 times a day - today I think I have used it about 6 times. Thank goodness for that little bottle. I still don't know how it works but it sure does for me.
Again, I want to thank each and everyone of you for your support - I would mostly likely still be smoking without you gals.
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OK, I quit June 16, 2003
I have not read much of this thread but wanted to chime in to those that are having a hard time trying to quit. What worked for me was the patch for about a week, and I smoked the herbal cigs at those times I really craved them, when I woke up, after meals and after sex
and probably used them off and on for a few months then just stopped with those as well. Congrats to all of us that have quit!
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seaside, you got organized so quickly!!!!!!!!! Didn't Jo just kick a*&, she was serious on quiting and just did it. Jo, I hear you about knowing what fights to pick and I remember that first week, I had to really keep myself busy, there for awhile you could have eatten off the floor, or at least my house was sparkling clean. Then you get so many days under your belt and you don't want to slip. And the days keep piling up. And like o2b said it is instant gratiication from each day that goes by.without a cigarette. There is such a feeling of being there for each other on this site. It is what keeps you going on. Talk about a support group, I never thought I'd be able to quit, it was my first serious attempt and with the group's help, it just fell into place. hugs to all, Karen
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Karen - This was also my first real serious attempt. I have tried many times in the past but always felt it was easier to just smoke. When I said I had to "pick my battles" - I was refering to hubby and his still smoking in the house. Right now, I really don't care that he is still smoking, I just wish he would respect my decision to quit and take his cigs outside. I have "gently" tried moving his ashtray closer to the door but either he is not getting the hint or he is ignoring me.
Getting ready to head to bed. Slept really good last night and looking forward to Day 6 - smoke free.
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Jo,
For now focus on you and what you need to get YOU through to where not smoking feels comfortable (Yes, it WILL happen) and THEN you can see what you can do to help your husband....
Similar to what they tell you on an airplane... In the event of an imminent crash, you put your "OWN" oxygen mask on first, before trying to help those around you because, if you pass out, you can't help anyone!
While he should be supportive of you, he may just not be ready himself... That's OK.. Everyone gets there on their own schedule. The best you can do is lead the way and, when he's ready, help smooth his way with all you've learned!... Similar to what we all do here!
Good Night... Hope you sleep well!
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rabbit,
Thanks for posting! You are such an inspiration with OVER 8 YEARS smoke-free!!!
Karen,
You all were so busy while I was away that it was no small feat to get caught up! Almost 7 pages in the week I was gone.. LOL....
It makes my heart glad to see so many posting their successes and also posts asking for support! I DO think we have a very special group here!
Hope you all in Western NY are staying cool anyway you can! After our very rainy spring, summer, so far, has been a scorcher!
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SeaSide - Sounds like a good plan - I couldn't have made it this far without everyone's help.
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Welcome sunshine220!
Yep... Smoking at certain times (situational smoking) is really common and can trigger some pretty intense cravings... But, with time, they fade!
Much of the quitting process, once nicotine is out of your body, is learning how to get through those times where we always smoked without smoking....
My tough ones were, the first one of the day, after work (didn't smoke all day at work), before bed and talking on the phone. After a few times of doing any activity without smoking, the connection is broken and it gets easier!
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I'm on day 9! Didn't think I'd last this long. Everyone keep up the good work! Haven't really been around it until last night and thought smelling it I'd want one but nope it was the opposite 0
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akeefe, you go girl!! And Jo, you continue to inspire me! Keep it up gals! You can do it!
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akeefe - I am on Day 6 and did not think I would last this long - especially since DH is still smoking in the house. I just stay out of the kitchen when he is in there.
Not sure how I am inspiring anyone. For some reason and it does not matter what it is at this point, but somehow I just knew it was my time to quit. I felt like this a couple of years ago but always came up with an excuse to postpone it.
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akeefe, nine days, and Jo six days, you are both doing so well, feels good doesn't it to conquer that cigarette. Karen
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It feels awesome.. Some days are easier than others and I just think how long I've made it so far and that keeps me going. I've been ready for a while but didn't do it. Jo I don't know how you do it with being around it, I honestly don't think I would of made it this far if I was. My fiance is a non-smoker so I just have a handful of friends/family that still smokes I just avoid it. Would you DH be willing to smoke outside?
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