Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Jo and Judi,
Since I had not yet reached menopause 2 years ago, Tamoxifen was my only option at that time... The situation I am in now is I have not had a period since starting Tam after haing very regular periods and being not yet 50... Am I in menopause or Is lack of a period due to being on Tam (as happens frequently))? Doc says that studies have shown the most effective treatment for PRE-menopausal women is 2 years of TAM followed by 3 of one of the AI's... Since AI's are not known to be effective in pre-memopausal women my next question was how do we know if I am truly in menopause or simply in a chemically induced menopause due to the TAM... His responce is that there is no reliable test that we could do... Best bet would be to switch to an AI and if my period came back we would know that I am not in menopause... It would also be several months before we would know and, if I am not truly in menopause, I would be basically without treatment for those months.... Hence my balk at switching!!
God knows it's all so confusing and no one treatment is right for all... They all have their issues... The very rare side effects that are concerning with Tamoxifen are blood clots and endometrial cancer which most frequently is uterine not cervical... The downside to AIs is the joint pain and bone loss (if osteoperosis runs in your family you care about this one)...All of these drugs have benefits and drawbacks!
Jo,
I went through tht thickened uterus drama last year... Turned out to be much ado about nothing! Will post more or if, you prefer, will PM you my story on that! In other words... don't get to worried (I know... hard) but most times it's NOTHING!0 -
Seaside, I am not worried about the thick uterus. I am glad he cleaned it out. I too worry at times about cancer at the other end but I don't dwell on it. If it happens, I will deal with it then.
The more I read about the AIs and the more stories I hear about the SEs, I am so glad I am not taking them. I have degenerative joint disease and the AIs would make it so much worse. Don't need that. I can keep it pretty much under control with Tamox.
You don't have to be over 50 to go into menopause. The burning question is: Did Tamox do that or is it just coincidence? Could be either one or a bit of both. If one medication is doing its job, I don't know why the doctors want to switch. Just because someone printed it in a medical journal does not mean it is good for everyone.
Please PM me your story about he uterus drama please? I would like to read your experience.
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Dear Jo, I am dealing with the Arimidex side effect of knee joint pain and was put on Meloxicam. It brought my QOL from a 3 to a 7, I have to be off it for a week prior to surgery and my knees are back down to a 3, that is off the med for 2 days, I am back to taking the stairs one step at a time and wincing from the pain at standing up from a seated position. I know not everyone gets that SE, but it is one I got. I have 3 and a half years to go on Arimidex with Meloxicam for the joint pain. I wish I had the option of Tamox, but am post-menopausal
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Oh Karen,
I know Tamoxifen is not supposedly known for joint pain (in fact while it works as a breast cancer cell supressor it actually has an encouraging effect on bone and endoetrial tissue) but, I just don't know....
My joints definitely are not happy lately and I find myself being a heck of a lot more 'vocal' as I go from sitting to standing and we won't even talk about kneeling to standing which may require outside assistance....lol!!! When the heck did THIS happen?0 -
Seaside, I sound like a dirty mouthed sailor if I try kneeling, have to be helped up or scoot myself over tp something to pull myself up, Some days, today being one, I feel like I am 87. Was at a friend's today and was sitting on the deck enjoying a glass of wine, she had to help me stand up - bc the gift that keeps on giving!!
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Hi ladies! Seaside, thanks for correcting me .... I always get it mixed up - is it cervical or urterine. Well, I'm in the general area. I found my joint pain extremely bad at first but then it worked itself away. As far as the bone loss, I take 2 calcium chews with Vitamin D. I also eat yogurt and have chia on the yogurt/fruit. Dr. Oz really promotes chia. Said it is better then flax seed. I also took up yoga to help with the pain and I have to say it's helped. I also worked all afternoon in the garden, lifting soil bags, planting, cleaning up, and I have to say, I'm not sore. Thou I would take a back rub, if dh was home.
Jo, I will PM you the info on the product. It is really good and I found it by accident. The two ladies who started the company had worked in the pharmecutical industry and then went out on their own. They have exceeded the minimum requirements set out by the organic industry. I even shared the info with my hospital clinic and they were impressed. They had heard about it but hadn't checked them out. I've no complaints (neither does dh - you'll understand when you read about it).
Judi
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Karen - Oh! But you do have the option of Tamoxifen. I have been postmenopausal for 4 years now. I started out with Arimidex - that lasted three weeks - way to nauseated and the Femara - that lasted one week - nausea and disoriented. Started Tamoxifen Jan 5, 2011. Most MOs want us post menos on the AIs but as much as they don't want to admit it, the AIs are not tolerated by everyone. Tamoxifen has been around for over 30 years - the AIs less than 15.0
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Thanks Jo, I didn't know that, I'll bring it up with my MO, the things they do not tell us!
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I was a smoker for over 30 years. Nine months ago I went on Wellbutren and completely stopped smoking. Of course going through this and with the added stress I crave a cig, but can't smoke because of the Wellbutren. The only problem I found while researching is that you can't take Tomoxifen while on Wellbutren. So I'm reaching the alternatives because I will not go off Wellbuten it is the only thing that has worked for me to stop smoking and no side effects. If any of you are serious about quiting I highly recommend it!!
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Thanks Mtalsky, I have a friend who used Wellbutrin very successfully and she was a very heavy smoker, a pack to one and a half a day. It was her last ditch attempt, she had exhausted all other alternatives.
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Judi,
No worries on the cervical vs uterine issue... It's all down 'there' and none of it is good! I have been doing lots of cardio and weights as part of my weight loss program but am thinking I need to add some flexiblility training like yoga to maybe counteract some of the stiffness I feel!
Never heard of Chia before but will definitely take a look!! I am moderately lactose intolerant so I know I don't eat near enough dairy! I try to supplement with a calcium supplement and since my vitamin D levels tested very low (typical for us northerners) I also take vitamin D supplements! I just hope it all works.... So sick of taking all of these pills! When the heck did I turn into my Grandma???0 -
Seaside, LOL, my counter looks the same!
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Karen, my experience is much like Jo's except that I was 18 years post menopause when I started Tamoxifen after trying the Als. Minimal side effects, minor sleep issues, minor joint pain, loss of stamina. Melatonin takes care of the occasional sleep problems, Ibuprofen usually works for the pain but one or twice a week I need a Vicoden and an hours nap is usually enough to recharge the batteries. I started Tamoxifen November 1, 2010.
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Seaside, I only take Caltrate which is a 600 + D calcium supplement. It is a soft chew and I take two a day. The MO said I had to to it. Now in Canada we only get 400 & D but my sister brought me loads of packages back. They taste great - like eating a soft chewy Canada.
I also just had a bone density test done and there was little signifcant change from last year. Mind you I have only been on the ALs since Feb. 2011 so probably see change over a longer period of time. For me, I b@#ched at first but in reality with the drugs and everything, but in reality, it's better then cancer. Each and eveyone of us has a different body and responds differently to drugs. So we take what works for us.
A side note. My friend has been on Body by Vi which is a shake that you drink to lose weight. She says it is very nutritious. She takes 2 a day and has lost 10 lbs and inches in just a little over a month. Has anyone heard of it?
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P.S. Seaside, check out Dr. Oz's website about chia as well!
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Checking in again, with work and family, computer time is precious, and rare. Still not smoking, my latest crutch is sucking a Tootsie Roll Pop, they last a long time, and I had forgotten how much I like them. That and a bowl of air popped pop corn, gets me through the evenings. Of course when I'm at work, it's super easy not to smoke. I wish us all success, if at first you don't........try, try again. I'll be glad when I can go more than a few seconds with out thinking of smoking, or should I say my desire to smoke. Nine weeks tuesday!!!
Barbara
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babsbrink - Nine Weeks !! You go girl. Love the Tootsie Pop reference. I haven't had one in years. Congratulations. Just for today....
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I'm like that Owl in the old Tootsie Pop commercials...wind up biting it after a few licks so doesn't last very long. HA
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I was so happy to see this post. I'm new here...newly diagnosed and have to try to quit smoking too. Helluva time to quit because stress is definitely a trigger. But I'm giving it a shot. I have a fake cigarette, and Wed. I'm going to see my PCP and get something to help. Not crazy about Chantix, but was thinking maybe Wellbutrin. I think I tried that once before, but at that time I didn't have the motivation I have now.
I'm not even sure of my plan yet...still in the midst of tests, tests, and more tests. But if I do have a mastectomy, my surgeon said they will not do reconstruction if you smoke. And even tho I'm not sure if I would even have reconstruction...I just know it is time to quit.
I have smoked today, but my plan is to not buy anymore. I have 2 left!! Tomorrow I will be hitting the fake cig hard!! I wish everyone here good luck in this added struggle.
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Congrats on the nine weeks Babsbrink! Seems like yesterday we were thinking of quitting, doesn't it. And here we are later, and still motoring. I think deep down we all know we can quit, it's just a matter of saying when.
Wecome charliegirl! You will find an amazing group of women here who will tough it out with you! Congrats on taking the first step before surgery - you are thinking this through and on the right track!
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Babsbrink - Congrats on 9 nine weeks. You are well on your way to being a non smoker.
Welcome Charliegirl. These are the best group of ladies you will find. So much support even with a slip or two. You can do it. I do use a e-cig and most of the time. I live with a smoker and work with 2 more so it is really hard for me. I am fast approaching 10 months.
Forgot to mention - I have my 6 month MO appt first thing in the morning. Sorry, I will not be furnishing breakfast - you ladies can bring it. LOL! I now consider this just a "routine" appt. Go in, have labs done, talk to the MO and get groped. Just what I wanted to do first thing on a Monday morning. Glad my MO is gorgeous.
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charliegirl, welcome to your new support group!! On page 261 there is a new poster who is using Wellbutrin successfully, might want to check it out. We are a fairly large group with strong women at all stages of quitting. You sound like you are strongly motivated. I used the e cig to successfully quit after 30+ yrs. of smoking. Babs, whose post is above yours is using Tootsie roll pops to ease her cravings, I use several different flavors of gum, do not use the e cig anymore unless it is a dire craving. Others will be popping in to welcome you. One of our members, lisamarie, made up the slogan, just for today, I will not smoke. An older one is Stay Strong, I used that in times of great stress. On the 16th of this month, I was a non-smoker for 16 months, you will feel great when you can check that box on a medical form.
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Charliegirl, I smoked for over 30 years, since i've been on Wellbutrin I haven't even had an urge to smoke. It's been almost a year since I had my last cig. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant so it helps your mood too. I can't say enough about it!!
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Welcome, Charliegirl! You won't feel new here by tomorrow :-)
I'm trying patches, and I think they'd work if I could just keep the darned things lit. (I'm actually finding them very helpful.) Whatever your method, you can find strength here.
I keep feeling like I'm failing to observe individual people's milestones, so let me say a group congratulations, well done, hang in there, and Jo, stop groping your MO.0 -
Wellbutrin also helps to prevent weight gain when quitting. It can be used as a combo with NRT. But there are contra-indications to it's use, so it's not for everyone.
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Charliegirl , I can say my PS would not do reconstruction if I smoked , I was 7 weeks nicotine free I think .. he wanted me 3 weeks and I went beyond that and was so proud of myself . I went 3 months and had a finacial crisis and it caused me to get depressed and full of anxiety , now I am on and off the patch again and struggling very much . I am working crazy shifts now , nights and days .. I feel so horriable , I am doing recon now and told my PS i smoked nad he was not mad at me , but everytime I slip I feel an overwhelming guilt . In another group i am on they say that it is cunning baffaling and powerful , that is how I feel about the damm cigarettes . and everytime I slip and cant stop I feel defeat .. why oh why does this shit have to take a hold of my whole life , if only I hadent taken the first cig ... I am sorry for babbeling on and on , I wish u much sucess on the journey , and I will pray you dont need a BMX .. Hugs Lisa
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Karen: I complained of pain in my fingers and big toes (go figure, only the big toes hurt) at my last appt. and they changed me from Arimidex to Aromasin. They said the Aromasin doesn't have the joing pain as a s/e like Arimidex; or at least not to the extreme Arimidex can. It's only been 2 weeks, so I'm not sure how long it's supposed to take to feel better; but my toes have quit hurting. My fingers are still stiff. Ask them if you can try that. You've got to get those knees in shape for jumping up and down for the upcoming football season!!!
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Hey Bama, can I ask what you pay for the aromasin, is it available in generic form. Which one are you taking the name brand or generic. I pay $40/mo. for the brand name Arimidex and cost is definitely a factor on my income. That's why I have stuck with it and the arthritis drug, Meloxicam. Oh yee of much faith, are we jumping for Auburn, I was sorry to hear of the tragedy, or are you the one cock-eyed optimistic who thinks the , now what's the name?, oh yeah the Bills will be jumping worthy? LOl, I'll get my Bill's spirit back, my knees and the upcoming surgery are impinging on my spirit. love to you, Karen
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Well, I'm truly losing it! I posted and post didn't get on ... oh dear! Anyways Lisamarie, you are on your way. It may take you a little longer then others but you are doing it girl! Congrats! Karen, I'm just a little ahead of you on the quit time ..... on the 20th of this month, I will be 18 months. Gee, time has flown by, hasn't it?
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JudiH, it is unbelieveable how quickly the time has gone by, that first week it felt like each day was a week long!! It is truly amazing when you think of all the time you spent thinking about not thinking about cigarettes. lisamarie will keep on keeping on and make up the time in fine fashion, after all she is the author of the slogan, just for today, I will not smoke. Come on lisamarie, we are all here for you!! Karen
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