Stop Smoking Support Thread

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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 2,462
    edited September 2011

    Jan,



    It's so funny how what date we choose is as individual as we all are!



    My kids want to make a big deal out of my diagnosis date ( a date that I would prefer to forget) and I just kind of go along but, for DH and I, Oct 2 is the date....



    In fact when I got back home from my last treatment, there was the most beautiful arrangement of 26 pink roses on the table... I was very confused on the number of flowers because I assumed it was for our 22nd anniversary the next day... Then I read the card.... It was 1 rose for every week from diagnosis to end of treatment!!



    In all the years we have known each other, I think that was the sweetest thing he has ever done!



    I know the Tamoxifen plays a part in not being able to shed the weight... When I met with my MO this past spring he was saying that next appointment (January) he will probably move me to one of the AI's since I haven't had a period for 2 years (really corresponded to when I started Tamoxifen)... I am really worried about that one! Tamoxifen may be rough but, at least I know what to expect while on it.... The AI's kind of toss me into the unknown again! Yuck!

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited September 2011

    Dear Jan, congratulations on your one year quit day, you are right about this thread, it was essential to my quitting I know.  I gained weight too, but seaside introduced me to the E Lab site and I did lose 10 lbs., have been stuck on that plateau for quite awhile, time to climb on the bike again, I have been very lax in that department.  Karen

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited September 2011

    SeaSide - I really can't tell you what happened that prompted the craving but I know it was a bad one. I did not think this would happen after 2 months.  I have been reaching for the e-cig which is better the real thing.

    Congrats to those celebrating anniversaries.  Yes, we do choose dfferent dates - mine is my surgery date.  For my quit date, I happened to choose a day in the middle of the month which was my payday in the military and I knew it would be an easy day to remember.

    I have been on Tamoxifen since Jan 5 this year and did not have a problem with weight gain - my weight gain started when I quit smoking.  I am struggling with that and it is beginning to really piss me off.  Yes, it is only 8 lbs but I can feel every one of them and some of my slightly worn clothes from last winter do not fit - no money for new ones.  Okay! Will stop whining and call it a night. 

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 2,462
    edited September 2011

    Jo,



    Don't be afraid to use that E-cig if it helps you stay on track! Do whatever you need to do to remain smoke-free... I will say that, if yu just hang in there, it gets easier! I know I felt like smacking the lips off of the people who told me that early on but, it is true!!



    Stay Strong

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited September 2011

    SeaSide - Some days it seems if I just have the e-cig in my pocket that is good enough.  Now, keep in mind that mine does NOT have nicotine.  I think it does well for that hand to mouth fix.  I also have a few pieces of candy handy all the time.  I am still trying to keep this up with DH STILL smoking.  He has stopped using his e-cig.  His does have nicotine in it and I do use his on occasion and I mean rare occasions.  Thanks for your support

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 2,462
    edited September 2011

    Jo,



    Sometimes just knowing that you have something with you that will help is enough....



    Quite awhile ago I kept having really bad anxiety attacks that would just seemingly come out of nowhere... It got so bad that my Dr prescribed a few Xanax to be taken when needed.... I walked around with those 6 pills for a really long time and never took one. Just knowing I had them and could take one was enough!



    I know it must be really hard on you with your husband still smoking.... Has he given up completely?





  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited September 2011

    Hi Seaside,

    It seems DH has given up completely.  He thinks he is doing himself a favor and keeping his extra packs of cigs in his truck.  So what, he has to go outside to get another pack?  Big deal.  Once winter gets here - and we don't have much to complain about compared to other parts of the country - he will bring them back in the house.

    So alas, I am still determined to stay smoke free and if it means I have to use my e-cig more then I will.  At least I am not doing any harm to my body. Yes, there is the issue of second hand smoke but as long as he stays far enough away that will have to due.  At least I will be able to put down the e-cig and not fight cravings from that too.  Does any of this make sense?  I read it and it sounds like rambling to me.  Guess I should not try and write when I am tired.

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited September 2011

    Dear Jo, doesn't sound like rambling to me, give yourself permission to use the e cig when you have too.  There is no shame in using an aid to quit smoking, I understand how disappointed that DH has given up on the e cig but don't let that influence your resolve.  Must be it just wasn't his time to quit, he will have to make that decision on his own.  You are a strong woman who is a non-smoker now who unfortunately lives with a smoker.  Karen

  • BlueCowgirl
    BlueCowgirl Member Posts: 132
    edited September 2011

    An Ode to Cigarettes:

    Cigarettes, Cigarettes, so yummy and delicious

    It sucks really hard that you're not at all nutritious

    Despite what it says on the Surgeon General's Warning

    You're the first thing I want when I wake up in the morning

    I've searched the whole world far and near

    But nothing tastes better than a smoke and a beer

    When I did Chemo, I managed to quit

    But before too long I was back on the shit

    When I awoke from surgery the first thing I said

    Was "I need an ashtray in my hospital bed"

    But now it's time for Radiation to start

    And the Adriamycin's affected my heart

    So I swear I've had the last of these

    Cuz I don't want metastases

    And so I'll miss my faithful friend

    But today my smoking will finally end. 

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited September 2011

    BlueCowgirl - Love it - well said and sadly how true it is.

    I have said this many times before but thank you ladies for the support.  July 15th was a big turning point in my life and I know I still have some hurdles to get past.  There are days I guess I just need to write out thoughts - to have someone who understands as a sounding board. 

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 2,462
    edited September 2011

    BlueCowgirl....



    Great poem and welcome aboard! Look forward to hearing from you!

  • LadyinBama
    LadyinBama Member Posts: 993
    edited September 2011

    Awesome poem!

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited September 2011

    Cowgirl, superb poem, thank you for posting it.   Jo - how goes your day, thinking of you.  Karen

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited September 2011

    Karen - Thanks so much for asking - I am doing great.  Still carrying around my e-cig - the one without nicotine and the candy.  Going to San Antonio next week to meet up with some of the gals from this website.  Really excited but kinda anxious at the same time.  How are you doing sweetie?

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited September 2011

    Jo, isn't it great to meet in person women from this site, we WNY women met for dinner on Saturday and had a wonderful time together, hope your meeting is grand.  I am floating on air today, had my onc. appt. today and everything is clear, those are the greatest words!!  So glad you are just keeping the e cig handy and you are how many weeks now as a non-smoker? Have a super time!!!  Karen

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited September 2011

    Karen - Big congrats on the onc appt - it is always good to hear good news.

     

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 2,462
    edited September 2011

    YAY KAREN!!!!!!



    That IS the best news and cause to celebrate!!



    Seems it's that time of year for lots of us.... I just had my 2 year check with my breast surgeon and all, clinically, looks good! Have my MRI scheduled for Oct. 17th.... That's the one I get nervous about!



    Got my 1 tablet of Xanax prescription so it should all go OK!!



    Jo!!



    How cool to have the opportunity to meet up with some of the girls from here!! I hope you have a blast!!!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited September 2011

    Karen & Seaside - With all the great news, looks like it is party time.

                      

    GOTTA HAVE SOME FOOD TO GO WITH THE WINE

                          

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited September 2011

    Seaside, great news for you, on the WNY thread, 3 of us had good news from the onc., happy dance time for all of us!!  Jo, the party is grand, thanks for the wine and food, it feels so good to have news to celebrate, seaside - have Xanax will travel into MRI, that's how I do it too.  hugs, Karen

  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 1,089
    edited September 2011

    CELEBRATE!!!!!!!

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited September 2011

    Thanks o2b it was a glorious day, I'll talk with you tommorow when I do battle with that scale and give you my stats.  Karen

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 2,462
    edited September 2011

    Thanks all!!!



    Michelle.... So good to hear from you! Hope all is going good down your way!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited September 2011

    When I need something I have Loritabs!  Good stuff

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 2,462
    edited September 2011

    Jo,



    I hear you....



    I am not afraid to go by the 'better living through pharmaceuticals' when needed....lol



    I take my little pill, go and have my test done bright and early and usually my husband (or my parents if they are the ones that drove me) stop and have breakfast on the way home..... Then it's time for the best nap EVER......



    Hate the MRI but, love the nap....lol

  • LadyinBama
    LadyinBama Member Posts: 993
    edited September 2011

    Karen:  Woo hoo!!!! Great news.

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited September 2011

    Thanks Bama, and to really make my day, I checked the calender for October - no BC doctor visits or tests!!  My blood pressure will be normal fo the whole month, it goes way up for those visits.

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited September 2011

    Hope you ladies are not tired of this but I am 10 weeks smoke free today and counting......

    I know I have been a pain in the ass at times and all I can say is I'm sorry and thank you so much for putting up with me. 

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited September 2011

    Dear Jo, 2 months and 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!  Way to go girl.  Karen

  • LadyinBama
    LadyinBama Member Posts: 993
    edited September 2011

    Jo: Congrats! Don't worry about it, we are all a pain in the ass when we are quitting smoking :)  Before you know it, it will be a year. I can't believer I'm more than a year out. It seems unreal.

  • barbaraa
    barbaraa Member Posts: 3,548
    edited September 2011

    {{{JO}}} You GO girl!