Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Enjoy this smoke-free day and hope the bad weather is over for so many.
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Good going Fierro6 for not having a smoke. I still like second hand smoke - smells good somestimes, doesn't it? As for the beer - I guess you needed it. Sometimes what we do at the time makes sense. You should be very proud of yourself that ciggy's have not touched those lips for 2 months. Hurray, hurray!
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Checking in, and trying to catch up with everyone's news. So far so good, 7 1/2 weeks smoke free. It is still pretty hard, but I am still determined to succeed. Speaking of second-hand smoke, I still enjoy it, when I really "gotta have it" I go have coffee at my sister's place, her husband is a chain smoker.
Fierro6 Congrats on not smoking, and glad your drain is finally gone. You are doing great!!
Jo Glad to hear you are feeling better.
And to everyone else, Have a terrific week end.
Today I will not smoke.
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Great going babsbrink! 7 1/2 weeks - doing great!
Isn't it great how we are all getting this monkey off of our back!
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Hi all, everyone is going about their busy lives and listening to that inner voice saying, just for today I will not smoke. Days are rapidly turning into weeks and getting close to months. Awfully strong group of women supporting each other. Is this not the strongest support group ever!!
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Dang I wish we could get a "LIKE" button!
You all are doing FABULOUS!!! Stay strong and just keep on keeping on...
3 years and almost one month for me smoke free! I does get easier but there are still times I can get blind sided...I wish I had kept a journal of my quit smoking process like Seaside...chemo has blessed me with long term memory issues and most of the last three years are a blur. This can be both a blessing and a curse...blessing because who wants to remember all the gory details of treatment...curse because I forget how hard it was to quit and I worry I will slip...although I do not post much, I do keep up on this thread and truly love the support and encouragement every shares on this thread.
Karen and Jo thanks for the shout out! It is nice to be remembered...
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I hear you 02bhealthy! Three years and almost one month - amazing! I'm not far behind you. Well actually about 7 months but in my mind, not far behind. You are right about treatments - my short and long term memory are affected. I'm truly forgetting now what I had just learned. However, some things are more important to me and that's what I keep in my wee ole brain.
Yes, Karen, this thread is a group of really strong women. Now only did they go through this hideous disease called "cancer" but now are going through the other hideous addiction called "smoking". I'd say the women on this tready are nothing short but amazing!
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I'm surprised that this time around of being a non-smoker I can't stand my clothing after coming out of a very smokey environment to such an extent they are immediately placed out on the back porch. During the two-year period of not smoking prior to this round, I never had that reaction. Sure, I could smell it on others or my purse but not my clothing.
This gives me great hope to fully embrace being a non-smoker and stay one for a long time to come. As much as I would love to say for life, I'm fully aware that smoking is an addiction and as such there's always a risk.
Enjoy this day without smoking!
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Wow Galsal, not smoking is great! I have the same reaction with my clothes, and even more so, my hair. You are a non-smoker. I used to think there were two little devils on my shoulders .... one saying smoke and the other saying no. You know which one always won. Now, it the other way around for which I am so glad. We are all hanging in there, and proud of each other.
Funny, today I am cleaning and this was when I loved to smoke. Yet, I didn't think of it until I read your final closing. So yes, I will enjoy this day without smoking because I didn't think of it!
We will all follow your lead!
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Congrats to all of you.
I (aaaaack!!!) fell off the wagon. Brother smokes, I mugged him to get one. Weak was my will.
Today is my new Day One. Sigh. Frustrated with myself.0 -
MaddyMac, just one, I believe counts as a slip, (Seaside will check in or VJ ) will check in to let you know for sure. Don't beat yourself up, was there liquor invoved or a roomful of all smokers, both those circumstances lower your inhibitions. Karen
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MaddyMac, only one? That's like nothing, and I wouldn't worry about it. You probably needed it, and found that it wasn't for you otherwise you wouldn't be back on the band wagon. Continue on!
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Hi everyone , I am so bummed as I cannot stop the smoking once again I am back at the first step . I HATE it that it has this hold on me . I returned to work last night worked 13 1/2 hours and thought ok now I can stop .. Nooo .. I am so overwhelmed . I do not want to smoke , I just cry .. I wished the stress had not gotten me the way it did becuase I was so proud of myself . I am working on it . tonight I am back to work 8p to 8 am .. and tomorrow morning when I return home to go to bed . I will say I put the patch out and will stick the darn thing on . I want my life back .
...but as they say This too shall pass ... I love u ladies .. and u are never far from my mind or my heart . Hugs Lisa 0 -
LisaMarie you must have ESP. I was just thinking about you and wondering how things have been going. Voila, you appear. Glad to hear that things are turning around for you. Please don't beat yourself up over the smoking. It just wasn't the time for you. If things had been different, then you would be different but it just wasn't in the cards for you at that time. I remember thinking all the time I wanted to quit smoking and couldn't. I remember being jealous that a radio host had quit and "said she didn't have the urge for a smoke". I kept thinking why wasn't I like that, and so on, and so on. I realize that there was 2 things happening: 1) I didn't really want to quit and 2) really didn't have the support from people to quit. A lot of people think that you can just quit and "be gone" with it. Doesn't work that way for a lot of people and maybe, at this time, this was you. However, the positive step is that the "quitting" issue is never far from your mind. You will know when it is your time. Stay strong and positive, as you have a lot of really strong women here to support you! Have a great night at work!
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MaddyMac and LisaMarie, please go back to the first comments on this thread. At the beginning, Snowbird posted a comment about her smoking her last smoke and tactics to keep you in control. One of the most important comments she made is "if you fall off the wagon and have one, your not a 'smoker" again unless you want to be". She also reinforced not to beat yourself up. Go back and read it. I'm sure you will find it comforting. If I had known her little tricks that she offered, maybe it would have helped me sooner to quit! You are both good!
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thanks judi , i just read it ...
gotta get to work ..0 -
Relapse phases: The timing of a relapse can indicate what issue needs to be addressed or what is lacking in your quit plan. If you have relapsed before, how long did you not smoke?
Short term relapse is within the first 30 days.
• Usually related to physical dependence and/or "habit" cigarettes.
• If the relapse is within 3 days to 1-2 weeks, it is usually due to severe physical withdrawals. Some quitters can have prolonged withdrawals which fade out over time but can last up to six months. The use of combination cessation medication can greatly relieve the physical withdrawals and cravings. It would be rare for a smoker to try all combinations of the seven FDA approved medications without finding relief.
• Break your habit cigarettes before you quit by using the smoking corner and smoking by the clock.
In a short period of time (3-4 weeks) you will feel normal most of the time. This happens when:
• The nicotine withdrawals have lessened or stopped.
• You no longer reach for one of your normal "habit" cigarettes.
• You realize you have gone all day without thinking about a cigarette.
• You forget how hard it was to quit. You might even say it was easy.
But do not get over confident.
• You cannot control your smoking. You cannot smoke one or two when you want to. Do not believe you can control your smoking.
• You are still at a high risk for relapse.
• You've made great progress up to now but it's not time to let your guard down.
Long term relapse is after 1 to 2 months up to a lifetime. The common reasons for long term relapse:
• Crisis situation triggers intense cravings that overwhelm your ability to cope.
• High level of stress or negative emotions.
• Consuming alcohol.
• Being around other smokers.
• Weight gain.
• Pleasant social situation or positive feelings, rewarding yourself.
• You think you can control your smoking and only smoke when you want to. Don't test yourself to see if you can resist temptation. Several smokers have told me they had quit for over 20 years and within a few cigarettes they were back smoking the same amount they had years before.
1. Learn the difference between a slip and a relapse.
• A slip is an "oops", "I slipped and smoked one or two cigarettes".
• A slip means there is something more to learn about becoming smoke-free.
• A relapse is going back to full time smoking or the development of a pattern of smoking such as "I only smoke three a day, after every meal", or "I only smoke when I drink." Or smoking every day for one week.
2. Learn what to do if you do slip and smoke one or two cigarettes:
• Re-commit to becoming smoke free. Don't let a slip turn into a relapse.
• Avoid thinking you have failed. A slip means a situation came up that overwhelmed your ability to cope.
• Use the slip as a learning experience. What happened? What can I do instead when this situation comes up again?
• Let a slip slide.
3. Watch your self-talk or what you are saying to yourself.
• Don't tell yourself, "One won't hurt".
• Remind yourself of the physical effects of just one cigarette: Blood pressures increases. Heart rate increases. Bronchial tubes constrict which makes the lungs work harder. Carbon monoxide doubles preventing oxygen from reaching vital organs. Temperature of hands and feet decrease.
Think about quitting it in a different way:
• "One cigarette is too many and 1000 not enough."
• "I'm a puff away from a pack a day."
• Focus on your long-term positive benefits of becoming smoke-free instead of the temporary short term pleasure of smoking.
• Don't believe that you are more powerful than nicotine and can control a physical addiction. Remind yourself what a powerful hold nicotine has on your survival instinctAs always, just let me know if you want a copy of the whole book--free, no strings, I just need a regular email address. Have a joyful day. VJ
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lisamarie, was just thinking about you also. As JudiH said do not beat up on yourself, I think given all the stresses you were facing, I would have slipped. Remember, this is an addiction that is hard to control when things are all going OK, and you had a s&^% $#@! of stuff pile on you, be gentile with yourself. Those are some long hours you are putting in, make sure you are getting your rest to go back each day. We are all here for you, you are never far from our thoughts. Karen
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VJ, thanks so much for your words of wisdom. I can honestly say that I have never heard the comment "I'm a puff away from a pack a day". Kinda like it ... would probably have used it, if I had known about it. You are so right about the powerful hold nicotine has on one. I can still feel it, and I'm coming up on the 20th of June 18 months smoke free. As the stress of having cancer "somewhat fades", I can feel the urges. I would love a copy of the whole book. I will PM you my e-mail address.
Thanks again!
Judi
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MaddyMac,
As VJ says, a 'slip' doesn't need to turn into a 'slide'.... A slip being a one time thing and a slide being a return to smoking which really just means there is some additional information or techniques that you need to learn to be successful the next time!
If this was just a one time slip, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back on that horse... No need to start over, in my mind anyway!!! If it is something more than that, take some time to think about (and jot down, because trust me, you will forget) what worked for you and what you think could have made you better prepared to prevent going back to smoking.... More tools in the toolbox for next time!
Just remember, there is no failure here... Just an opportunity to gain some insight as to what might work for you next time!!
Hope you'll stick around even if you decide this isn't the time for you!!0 -
Thanks, as always, VJ for all you do!!
To all who are just starting out and even those well down the road, like Judi, I have read VJ's book and it is really well written... Addresses every stage of quitting from just thinking about it allt the way up to how to remain smoke-free down the road... You can purchase it on Amazon but, she offers it at no charge to anyone on this thread who would like it... PM her your e-mail and she will send it to you!!0 -
Hi Karen! The book sounds interesting and I did PM her. I think I would find it extremely hard if I "slipped" as my dh would be so angry at me. As a ex-smoker, he sometimes doesn't get it!
Can't wait to read the book!
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LisaMarie: Congrats - sounds like you have a job. Quitting smoking will come along when the time is right.
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Yup - sounds like me. Smoking is worse than alcohol could ever be. "I'm a puff away from a pack a day". Oh for just one puff, but I know that I can't. 5 years coming up next month.
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Thanks to all of you. . .so many kind people here. It'is hard not to be too hard on oneself sometimes. I feel so despairing I start wondering if it really matters. I know it does on some level, but there's this voice in my head saying "see, you tried and you failed so what's the point of trying again?"
When I quit sucessfully before it was because I found out my husband had an inoperable, incurable blockage in his brain, and I didn't want smokes anywhere near him, and he died 3 years ago at age 45, in part because he couldn't quit, and I couldn't save him. So my cancer is bringing back all these memories. I really miss him. Thereby inducing ye olde vicious cycle.
OK, deep breath, picking self up, dusting self off (and where did all this darned DUST come from anyway??)0 -
MaddyMac - sending sympathy for the death of your DH. Nothing is easy. Hang in there with the no smoking program - just for today.
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MaddyMac, so sorry over the loss of your DH and the sad memories that non-smoking engenders. 45 is so very, very young. Karen Remember instead that just for today, we will not smoke.
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Oh what a vicious cycle MaddyMac! Deepest sympthaties on the loss of your dh .... extremely hard on you. Yes, I can see the cycle you are on and it is an extremely hard one, but one that is dobable. You quit for a reason so now you just have to remind yourself why you did. It is so easy to switch back to our old habits but keep going .... one day at a time. We are all here for you. Yesterday, I was cleaning and my old habit was to clean a bit, smoke, clean a bit, smoke, etc. I found my new routine is clean a bit, eat a bit, clean a bit, eat a bit. Have to stop this cycle - either don't clean or don't eat. New habit to break!
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Judi,
If I had to choose, I vote for giving up cleaning...lol!
But seriously....That was my pattern as well! Clean a bit, take a break and reward myself with a cigarette break! Those were some tough habits to break but it does happen! This was the year (after getting a couple of years smoke-free under my belt) that I replaced some of the nibbling with exercise! I am not one who really enjoyed (ok... hated) exercise before but, I have found regular exercise has made me feel soooo much more calm and much more in control than I felt before.... Also has had the benefit of getting some of the post-quit and Tamoxifen induced weight gain off!!!
Must have been a good weekend for cleaning! I did quite a bit here this weekend, too!0 -
Oh Seaside the joys of smoking and cleaning. I hear you .... I have let dh do the cleaning of the bathrooms but when he is on his Friday/Sunday shift (he works 24 hr. shifts) then I come in and do a deep cleaning. It appears we enjoyed the same cycle of cleaning/smoking. It was a great reward. I vowed today that I would stop this habit. I too had the weight gain from quitting and my medication - Letrozole. Letrozole is for postmenpausal women - had the choice of Tamoxifen or Letrozole but chose the latter on the advice of the MO. So, I upped my exercise program in January and didn't even lose a tiny ounce. So, I've changed things up a bit and see results until I pig out. What a vicious cycle I can be on. My goal would be to lose just 5 lbs but I can't see it happening. I've gone from a size small to medium/large (depending on the make) but can't seem to shake the pounds. Sometimes I tell myself it's only 3 1/2 years more on the meds but in reality, I tell myself it's the weight or death. I'm choosing the former. So, I'll keep exercising and see what happens.
This weekend dh works Saturday so cleaning my carpets at the laundromat and washing the main floor ceramic floor - too big for my liking!
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