Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Jo-YES.
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VJ - Thanks.
I was hoping someone would say that. I am looking at having some reconstruction done this summer and the PS I was referred to won't do it on smokers - at is according to the information on his website. I won't see him until Feb 1st.
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Jo...
How exciting that you are entering the reconstruction phase!
When I was trying to decide whether to do a BMX or lumpectomy, I was still smoking... I spoke with a local PS as well as one from Johns Hopkins as part of my second opinion consult with their BS...
While both preferred that I was a non-smoker they would do implant reconstruction but, due to a very high failure rate and high risk of complications would not perform any of the reconstruction techniques that require vascular micro-surgery such as DIEP unless I was off nicotine in any form for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after...
So as long as you're using the E-cig without the nicotine for however long your doctor requires, I would think you're good to go as far as surgery!
And, Yes... A million times, yes.... I consider you a non-smoker!!0 -
Jo, but definitely you are and have been a non-smoker for 6 months now!!! Still busy, busy, busy? You certainly do earn your off months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hugs from Karen
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Karen - I had a lumpectomy and what I am looking at having done is the bottom side of my boob. From the nipple down there is nothing but a big dimple. I also think that boob is a size or more smaller. I was want to be evened out. It may help with some of the nerve pain I am having to deal with. Right now, I am just exploring my options. I could always go get fitted for a good bra and a prothesis. You see, I also want to insist on a hysterectomy this summer if I am going to finish my time on Tamoxifen. I had to have a hysteroscopy and D&C done this past summer - the tumor was 1.5 cm and my uterus was very thick. Well, I am 56 and just don't need the plumbing or the worry that goes with it. I don't want to have to concern myself with the possibility of cancer at that end.
I had someone ask me today if the rumor going around our park was true that I had quit smoking and I could tell them yes it is true and I am 6 months 18 days now. What a good feeling. My job is keeping very busy and that helps. Thanks for all your support and encouragement. Hugs from Jo.
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Thank you for asking the question about e-cigs. I use them regularly, but haven't smoked tobacco for a long time. Not sure why I started e-cigs a year ago - maybe just cause they were there:) I'd like to not give them up because they actually feel crutch like right now. I know the right thing to do would be to ask my oncologist if e-cgs will interfere with chemo. I haven't because I was afraid of the answer (not smart). Does anyone have anything to add to this? Any word from their doctors or articles you've seen?
Thanks so much. I had my first chemo treatment yesterday, and I have to admit that my taste for the e-cig is somewhat diminished, which is good. When I feel better I'm sure it will return.
Annie
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annie3310--depends if you are using cartridges containing nicotine or not. Jo is using it with no-nicotine cartridges. Have you tried to cut down on the amount of nicotine in the cartridge and just use it for the handling part?
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VJSL8 - thanks for the reply. I appreciate it.
I haven't tried the 0 nic cartridges, but I will, or quit altogether. I think I was thinking along the lines that it wasn't the nicotine itself that was the problem, but like tobacco cigarettes, the combustion of the nicotine and all of the thousands of chemical contained in commercial cigarettes that is the culprit with the myriad of health problems associated with smoking. But if the nicotine interferes with chemo, then it's not acceptable. I'll just have to suffer a little more.
I'll order some 0 nicotine cartridges, but I think they're going to be unsatisfying. I'll ask Jo about them.
Annie
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VJSL8 - thanks for the reply. I appreciate it.
I haven't tried the 0 nic cartridges, but I will, or quit altogether. I think I was thinking along the lines that it wasn't the nicotine itself that was the problem, but like tobacco cigarettes, the combustion of the nicotine and all of the thousands of chemical contained in commercial cigarettes that is the culprit with the myriad of health problems associated with smoking. But if the nicotine interferes with chemo, then it's not acceptable. I'll just have to suffer a little more.
I'll order some 0 nicotine cartridges, but I think they're going to be unsatisfying. I'll ask Jo about them.
Annie
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Nicotine interferes with the rate of absorption for many drugs (including caffeine--up to 50%), it also affects the cardiovascular system. I haven't seen any research studies done on if the nicotine from an e-cig affects the body similarly to other ingestion methods--and you probably won't until there is some kind of manufacturing standard for e-cigs.
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Ladies, sorry i've been missing.
Karen, I don't know what to do with myself! Oh well, the Super Bowl is coming up, whether I like the teams involved or not, the commericials are good.
Take care and hang in there all!!
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Bama, what do we do after the Super Bowl?!! I started my 3rd book on Saturday but they just don't hold my interest the way football does. I switch from one to another, often having to reread parts to know what story line I am on. I do belong to a book club thatt meets one Saturday a month but what to do with the 14 hours of Saturday I spent on college football on the other 3 Saturdays!!! I fear others will think we are really shallow or live in unclean houses, but I got all my work done to spend Sat. and Sun. on the games. What to do? What are you substituting with, maybe it willl work for me. Karen
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Hi Ladies, I am having a very down day today..... I don't even know why... I am having some crazy allergic reaction to something my eyes are burning and I can hardly see. I am just feeling so weird in my own skin...
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Tracie,
Sorry to hear that you are feeling down... I go through periods of time like that, too...
Did you quit smoking? If so, nicotine withdrawal can lead to a bit of depression... As far as the allergic reaction... Are using any of the quit smoking aids? Is it possible that might be what is causing your trouble?0 -
Bama,
Always good to hear from you but, we understand... sometimes life gets in the way....0 -
My hope is that all desiring to be smoke-free are able to get there at some point.
For me, so far I've not smoked since 1/13/12. As before when I quit, I'm using Chantix. For me, it works.
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Yay Galsal!!! Hadn't heard fom you in awhile and was hoping you were doing well!
Sounds like you are doing Great!! Congrats on 2 WEEKS tomorrow!! Keep on doing what you're doing because it's working!0 -
Annie - I also like my e-cig and am not sure when or if I am going to give them up. My DH still smokes and it is all I can do to not go back to regular cigs. I started with med nicotine cartridges, then my next order was for low nicotine and now zero. When I asked my MO about this, the conclusion is that the e-cig is primarily water vapor with liquid nicotine - the chemical reaction is not the same and should not interfere with chemo. It may be good to switch to the low or zero while in treatment. Maybe by the end of chemo you will be like me and use the zero. If you have any questions you can pm me if you like.
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Jo, like you there are some days I'd like to use the e cig as you do, but my cat got ahold of it and played with it to parts unknown. I've looked everywhere for it - may have to order another nicotine free e cig. Karen
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Thanks, Jo. I sent you a PM.
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I've been reading and know I need to keep support going to never smoke again. Quit 12/4/2011. The day my biopsy came in and surgeon told me the results and scheduled the mastectomy. He said "Quit smoking". I've been using the gum and have not touched a cigarette. Does anyone know if the nicotine from the gum is harmful and will it affect the chemo I'm starting next week. I am hooked on the gum. Upside of this is my house stays cleaner, smells better, and I can be with friends for long periods without making an excuse to get home. None of my friends smoke, husband doesn't smoke, and I've really felt like a loser continuing my addiction.
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Nana2three--the gum is very safe and ask your oncologist about it interfering with the chemo--he will probably say that it is safer than smoking.
There are 2 things going on when using nicotine gum--it helps with the physical cravings and it is also a substitute for the oral fixation. Are you using the 2 or 4 mg? I would suggest switching to the 2mg or cutting the 4 in half and using regular gum with it and slowly increase the regular gum and decrease the nicotine gum.
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Thanks VJSL8. I'm using the 4mg. cut in half. Good point to add regular gum. I really don't want to get hooked on the gum. I haven't gained any weight but food does taste better. The benefits to never smoking were reinforced yesterday when I had to have an echocardiogram and on the first screen they said do you smoke? I didn't get a lecture but I could see the screen and knew exactly what they were referring to. It felt good to say No but I used to.
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Dear Nana2three, isn't that the best feeling, to say "no" to the smoking question. Congratulations on quitting! Karen
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Wow! This thread has been quiet for a few days. Been super busy myself and have not spent too much time on the computer. In reading the post from Nana2three, I have found since I quit 6 1/2 months ago alot of foods taste better and there is a downside to this -- there are many foods I loved but now can't stand the taste and a few can't even stand the smell. That is kinda sad since these were foods I thought I would not live without. Now I guess I am going to have to.
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Hi Jo, so good to hear from you. I can scarcely imagine what your busy days are like! I was always a high stress smoker, have come up against a very stressfull event and my cravings are very high in number. I wonder if I should go back to the e cig, would have to buy a new one, the cat played with mine and it is lost to parts unknown. What do you think? Karen
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Karen if you feel an ecig will help then go for it...anything to help during high stress. Heck I might even get one
Speaking of high stress...working two jobs is HARD...especially when I alternate jobs each day and have to completely change hats every day. I am soooooooo tired! I really hope I can get a groove going. I barely have any time to check the boards & facebook let alone time to type a post
Still not smoking!
Hugs to all you quitters
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Was just going to post asking how everyone was doing but, you beat me to it Jo..
I'm not sure I noticed a big change in taste, good or bad, but I for sure noticed a huge change in sense of smell.... I guess since so much of our sense of taste begins with the visual and smell maybe quitting smoking has affected my sense of taste... Sure hasn't slowed me down, though...lol!
Karen,
I know you are going through a really rough time right now... You do whatever you need to do to get through and not go back to smoking.... You have far too much time and effort invested to do that!! As always, we will be here for you!! Hugs, my friend!
O2B,
We miss you but we know you are here in spirit.... You say you are working 2 jobs but, you are a Mom as well.... So more like 3+ jobs! It's no wonder you are tired! Hope once things get into a routine you find your groove and it's not so exhausting! Hugs back at ya!0 -
Welcome to Annie3310 and Nana2Three!
Tracie and Galsal,
Haven't heard from you in a bit.... How are you doing?0 -
Thanks all for getting back to me so quickly, this group is definitely here when they are needed, I will search the house once again and if I don't find it , I'll order a new one. I keep reminding myself to stay strong. hugs, Karen
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