Stop Smoking Support Thread

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Comments

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited May 2012

    lisamarie, most smoking quitters try more than one time, do not beat yourself up about it, you didn't disappoint us, did you slip, or smoke multitude of cigarettes?  If just one it was a slip.  You were thrown a huge financial issue yesterday, and I'm assuming it came out of the blue.  You can just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start over, we, none of us are judging you, you had a horrendous day and turned to an old friend, it doesn't mean you cannot do it again.

  • 1Athena1
    1Athena1 Member Posts: 672
    edited May 2012

    Hello, everyone - just updated smokerversary thread with some new resources.

    Hope it helps.

    Congrats to everyone celebrating smoking milestones.

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited May 2012

    Hi Athena1, just finished reading your new listing, very interesting research - does seem to be a link to bc.  I am enjoying all your new research, you've done a marvelous job.  Keep on keeping on.  Karen

  • 1Athena1
    1Athena1 Member Posts: 672
    edited May 2012

    Thanks - still looking through the research trying to find something that is:

    a) Written in English (as opposed to "medicine-ese")

    b) Doesn't charge me $30 to get  full version of.

    Will keep looking.

  • my3sunz42
    my3sunz42 Member Posts: 62
    edited May 2012

    lisamarie - It's OK!! Everyone slips every now and then, it's what you decide to do after you fall that really counts. I slipped on Day 2 of my new normal ... I fessed up (just like you did), turned around and wripped all the remaining smokes to threads, slapped a patch back on and continued to push forward. You can still do this ... even in the toughest of situations. Trust me ... my life is no easy ride either ... as I face a life changing threat, the father of my 2 sons is in year 2 of a terminal illness (ALS or Lou Gehrigs) ... I chose to fight for my kids ... looks like you can do the same. You're a strong girl - I'm cheering for you to get back up again!

  • raffomimi
    raffomimi Member Posts: 25
    edited May 2012

    Hey Lisamarie, I started smoking due to emotional stress and i was 3 days short of 3 months off them!!!! and I haven't quit yet. We must both get back on that wagon, remember we both quit at the same time last time so we can do it again, what do you say????

    We can start fresh Sunday 

    Hugs and blessings to everyone

    Maria 

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited May 2012

    Maria and lisamarie, what a wonderful idea, you both helped each other last time, you can do the same again!!

  • Fierro6
    Fierro6 Member Posts: 60
    edited May 2012

    LisaMarie, beating yourself up about it too much will cause stress that will make you want to smoke again, so give yourself a little lecture and move on.

    Jo, funny that Wednesday is exactly 4 weeks for ME, too.  LOL  I had surgery (and therefore drain placement) on the 18th.   

  • babsbrink
    babsbrink Member Posts: 203
    edited May 2012

    lisamarie, I can only speak for myself, but I know the feelings of embarassment and failure of which you speak, I have tried and failed so many times at this quitting thing, I was filled with self loathing and depression the last time I discussed it with my doctor.  I didn't have the support I am getting from this group, and that is what I needed, and continue to need. I am only 24 days out, but it is the longest I have ever gone.  Today is especially difficult, nothing seems to satisfy my cravings, but "Today I will not smoke."  I know if I slip, I won't be bombarded with disappointed stares and remarks, which is what I have gotten from my family and friends. When you are ready to try again, you will know. Good luck to you, it sounds like you could use a break.

    Hope everyone is doing great, and to all the Moms, have a terrific Mother's Day!

  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 754
    edited May 2012

    Babs, huzzah to you!  Also, IF (the biggest word IMHO) you slip, you don't beat yourself up and you get back on that horse.  It will be up to you if you tell or not...only YOU will know and that's okay.  We're only interested in your well-being, no matter how you get there!

    Oh, just now I read your posting Lisamarie.  Same goes to you...no matter what, we're here for your well-being.  I have caved before because of stress, wasn't the first to do so and won't be the last.  Pick yourself up and dust yourself up.  Besides, don't start spending $ on smokes.  Remember the savings?  You GO girl.  Just for TODAY I will not smoke.

  • JudiH
    JudiH Member Posts: 1,168
    edited May 2012

    Welll Lisamarie, I have to say I'm kinda of jealous ... I can just imagine that feeling and you know what, you probably needed it.  Man, if most of I had to face what you just faced, I p-probably do the same thing.  Remember cigarettes are our comfort zone and when we are stressed, it's our go to.  Don't beat yourself up, and never feel that you are a failure!!!!!  It may take a while but remember you will do it.  I remember telling the RO that I hadn't smoked for 2 months and she just said to me "that's a good thing".  So, pick up yourself, dust yourself off, and keep going!  You will be there!

  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 754
    edited May 2012

    Ditto what Judi said, and the same goes for any one that slips!!!

  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 971
    edited May 2012

    Maria , please be with me tomorrow , i will be here on day one again .. it's so hard . I am trying to pray and say this too shall pass and soon enough ill be  non smoker again .. i love u all so much thnks for the comfort and support it means the world to me and I mean that . I just keep thinking im really hurting my healing process.. but i acnt stop crying .. tomorrow is brand new and smoke free for me ...

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited May 2012

    Way to go lisamarie, no more tears or talk of failure, just a brand new day for you and Maria.  You two did it before and you will do it again, tomorrow you will be a non-smoker.  And just for today, you will not smoke.  hugs, Karen    Maria, you too will be a non-smoker and the two of you together will be twice as strong!!! hugs to you too, Karen

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 2,462
    edited May 2012

    Awwww Lisamarie.... I am so sorry that things have just piled on at this point and became overwhelming! No need to feel embarrassed... To quote Olive Garden... 'When You're Here, You're Family!!'. And family stands by you in the good times and the not so good (well at least this one does...lol)...



    As the others have said... You are not a failure it's just your ability to cope early on in your quit was over-run by life's difficulties so, temporarily, you handled it by going back to how you always handled it before....



    Learn from this what you may have done differently (to have that in your arsensal for next time a hard situation arises) pick yourself up and dust yourself off and continue.... If this was just a momentary slip, I don't even see having to start all over with charting your progress... Just note the slip and keep going!! If it was more that, please stick around and give it another try when you're ready!!



    Maria, So glad to hear from you and I do think, IF you're ready, you and Lisamarie could help each other tremendously!!!

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 2,462
    edited May 2012

    Wow, Babsbrink!!! You are almost to your one MONTH mark!!! You are doing really well!



    I know those disappointed Doctor looks all too well but, as crappy as those felt, they will fade away the first time you tell the doc you quit and see that happy look! But that look is just the tip of the iceberg of how proud you will be of yourself!!



    My3sunz an Fierro6,



    You are doing so well!!! There seems to be a group all starting out.... I think you all can be such a source of inspiration to each other....



    Hugs and strength to you all!

  • JudiH
    JudiH Member Posts: 1,168
    edited May 2012

    I'm back with another thought.  I was just thinking about how bad you feel LisaMarie.  I remember when a friend of mine quit many years ago.  The thought of having a smoke "never quite" left  her.  One day, she too broke down and had a smoke.  Now this lady was a 2 large pack a day smoker.  Her hubby kept telling her not to do it but she did and said it was enough for her not to go back.  So, it is no big deal and just think of what SeasideMemories says.  It is so true!!

  • 1Athena1
    1Athena1 Member Posts: 672
    edited May 2012

    Ok, folks, forget about cancer for a second. Smoking affects intelligence. I'm not talking about IQ tests. Any idiot can fudge those. I am talking about specific brain funtions.

    For those of you struggling right now: you are fighting against cognitive decline - lol! If I had known this when I quit I might have suffered less. There IS hope because once you stop for good and time goes by the brain can restore some function.

    I finally put together some posts to explain this -and the evidence is quite substantial...the final three or four posts on the thread explain. I hope this serves as an incentive, because, again, cognitive function CAN improve with smoking cessation:

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topic/786615?page=2#post_3014607

  • 1Athena1
    1Athena1 Member Posts: 672
    edited May 2012

    Also, if anyone posting here is looking for resources to help them quit  - I posted several on the thread. To save folks the work of brwsing through each post, I hav prefaced posts in which I mention or link to a resource but writing:

    QUIT RESOURCE

    And do join me - sorry for skydiving here and hoping back out. Congrats to all here who have met their own liestones.

    I do believe quitting smoking is a reason for personal pride.

    Lisamarie:

    Quitting is a process that often includes relapse - but relapse is reversible. Just think of it that way. Most of us who have successfully quit tried a few times and failed. Oftentimes it helps to go back and analyze what when right and what went wrong about your preparation/things you did on a given day, etc... You've done some things well. Keep those. Other things went wrong because.... think about it, and see if there is any contingency plan you can come up for the next time. So don't be discouraged. This is a work in progress. Even with the unknowns of stress, making a plan, revising it and adjusting it can go a long way.

    I link to a craving journal prepared by the Canadian Cancer Society. Try it out to see if it works for you.

    Cheers and best of luck.

  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 754
    edited May 2012

    Happy Mother's Day! 

  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 971
    edited May 2012

    Happy Mothers Day everyone , I love you all very much " just for today I will not Smoke "

  • raffomimi
    raffomimi Member Posts: 25
    edited May 2012

    Happy Mothers day to everyone in the states, it was Mother's day here in europe back in March!

    Remain blessed everyone

    Maria 

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited May 2012

    Maria and lisamarie, so good to see your smiling faces, thank you for the Happy Mother's Day wishes, so far it has been grand.  Off to stepDD's home for Barb BQ and Margaritas, yum.  hugs to both of you, Karen   Galsal, how early do you get up?, your posting is always up before I get up, thank you for the Happy Mother's Day greeting also, hugs, Karen

  • my3sunz42
    my3sunz42 Member Posts: 62
    edited May 2012
    1 week smoke-free!!! Damn ... I feel great! Off to pick up some lovely flowers and plants for my garden ... it's a great day to be addiction freeCool
  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 971
    edited May 2012

    Another day Oh how I hated to start from the beginning again . I am still in a state of total mayhem in my life but I must stay strong and not let the cigarette thing get me .. "Just for today I will Not Smoke " hve a nice day ladies 

  • my3sunz42
    my3sunz42 Member Posts: 62
    edited May 2012

    lisamarie68 ... just remember the feeling you had when you finally felt stronger because those damn cigs weren't controlling your every thought ... you will get there ... soon! Hang tough sweety - each day gets better! You can do this!!

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited May 2012

    lisamarie, sooo glad to see you back, missed you when you weren't here with your rousing cheer of Just for today, I will not smoke, I am sure it has helped many a person on this thread, I know when confronted with an anxiety producing craving, I use it.  Have a wonderful day.  hugs, Karen

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited May 2012

    Galsal, was just thinking of you, thought I'd send out a post of how well you are doing, are you off the Chantix now?, I imagine you are, and just now added another day to your grand total of days.  hugs to you, Karen             My3sunz, a week YAY, that is a definitely a cause for celebration, it  is the toughest one you will go through.  I like the way you, Galsal, lisamarie and Maria celebrate each other, it is that kind of bonding to each other that gives this thread its core of compassion and encouragement, keep on keeping on ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Karen

  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 754
    edited May 2012

    Yes, pulled myself off the Chantix.  Doing well.  Thanks for asking.

    Lisamarie, get over those thoughts and cling to YOUR phrase, "just for today I will not smoke".  Forget the rest.  

    To each and every one here (it's true, I'm terrible at remembering the names as I type), YOU are important and the catalyst to get through this one day at a time.  Yes, our very own 12-step program.  Cool

  • JudiH
    JudiH Member Posts: 1,168
    edited May 2012

    Remember ladies, it's only cigarettes and in the end, you are making the tobacco companies money.  Now, I use that money and buy clothes .... another addiction but hopefully one that will end soon!  Stay smoke free ... you and your clothes will love it.  As well, after brushing my teeth today I noticed how pink my tongue is ... I remember it looking that way after quitting for 3 weeks.  Less wrinkles too!  Keep it up ladies ... maybe we found the fountain of youth!