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Stop Smoking Support Thread

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Comments

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

    Good going dunesleeper ... good to put it out there!  Cher56, don't despair.  You have so much going on that you need to take things one day at a time.  These ladies here are a great support group, and will be there for you!

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

    dunesleeper, the first few weeks of quitting are difficult, try a few tricks, make the day shorter by going to bed earlier, can't smoke when you're sleeping, cut a straw into cigarette length, satisfies the oral fixation and gives you something to chew on, chew gum, try several flavors - cinnamon is a strong flavor, I used this the first few weeks, use swizzle sticks for the same purpose as straws, chew and blow bubbles with bubble gum, drink a lot of water, practice deep breathing by placing your hand on your stomach and breathe deeply enough to make your hand move, send VJ your e mail address and she will send you a complete booklet on tips, she is a smoking cessation consultant and will send it to you free.  Keep on keeping on, just for today you will not smoke, take care, hope this helps, Karen

  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 754
    edited June 2012

    where's our lisamarie?  how is she overall, not just about smoking???

    the date is July 9th.

  • dunesleeper
    dunesleeper Member Posts: 1,305
    edited June 2012

    Well thanks Karen. Actually, I have a plastic coffee stirrer stick in my mouth right now.

    It is very helpful to think of it as one day at a time. For this day I won't smoke. Maybe I will tomorrow, but hopefully I will make the same committment then. For now, all that matters is not smoking today.

    I'm at work and don't get off until 1 am, so I won't be able to go to bed early. However, it may have something to do with my laying in bed so long today. I hadn't thought about that. 

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

    dunesleeper, that first week or two, I kept really busy, If I had a craving I would turn to my recumbent bike or to  housework, never before and not since has my house gleamed.  The busier you are the less your craving, so it is a very good catch 22.

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012

    Not a good day.  Got bad news at my gyn appt today.  Had my annual pap and asked for a repeat transvaginal US which showed a very thick uterus (blamed on Tamoxifen).  I am now scheduled for a hysteroscopy/D&C on Friday the 29th.  Had this same procedure last year and thought I was in the clear since he scraped my uterus.  Today on the machne, it looked like a sponge and a good sized one to boot. He said this was not supposed to happen and it looks like my uterus loves the estrogen in the Tamoxifen.  I knew it blocked the estrogen to the breast receptors but I did not know it can send a lot of estrogen to the bottom half.

     I am so very scared.  Can't believe this is happening.  So scared in fact, I have to confess to you lovely ladies that I smoked a whole cig when I got home.  Don't care that I did - have not had another one and am not going to be that one was good.  Hard to focus right now.  Don't even know if I have made any sense.  Does this shit ever stop?  Almost 2 years since diagnosis and I am still dealing with this.  I hate BC! 

  • dunesleeper
    dunesleeper Member Posts: 1,305
    edited June 2012

    I'm sorry Jo. I don't know if this shit ever stops, but then again, I am early into it. I suspect it never stops. However, you and your docs are keeping close tabs on things. You'll get that D&C on the 29th. Then you find out what you have to do next. It's always, what is that next step? No worries on the cigarette. I did the same thing one day when I was frustrated after a doc appt. I'm sure lots of us have done it.

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

    Dear Jo, wish I was able to give you a good hard hug to ease your fears.  I know it feels like it never ends, you get your feet firmly placed under you and a scan shows something and just like that you are swept off your feet.  My prayers will be starting now and follow you through to the 29th, you are held in my heart, I will be that rowdy squiggel in your pocket everyday.  Hopefully it will mean just another scraping and all will be well again.  I know Seaside went through a 3mo. scare last year at her pap test and will be on soon to offer you her reassurance.  Just know we are all here for you, you are loved and will be bouyed up by all our prayers.  Sending calming thoughts your way along with love and hugs, Karen

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

    Jo....



    While it never gives a warm fuzzy when we get any result other than a 'perfectly normal... See ya in a year'.... Don't get too far down the path just yet! I went through the same thin last year.... The regular trans-vaginal which showed thickened lining... The hysteroscopy... ditto... The freakin' D&C..... All came back just fine!



    Tamoxifen does have different effects on different types of cells... Works to supress breast cancer cells but works to encourage endometrial (and bone) cells...



    My MO had said he does NOT recommend routine monitoring via trans-vag U/S (since the thickening is sooo common) and views any abnormal vaginal bleeding to be a far more reliable indicator of trouble brewing... He was annoyed I think with my GYN for ordering all of those procedures... When I had my Pap this year, my GYN didn't even bring up having another Trans-vag US....



    Each doctor is different with what they recommend and we all have to go with what we feel comfortable with.... But that was my experience.... I remember reading somewhere that they call Tamoxifen 'part of the Gynocologist full employment act'.... I can definitely see where it could be a revenue maker!



    I know that there is truly nothing I can say to put your mind at ease but, I CAN offer a hand to hold, a shoulder to lean on and a heart that cares.....



    Sending hugs.....

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,359
    edited June 2012

    Jo:  Adding you to my thoughts & prayers.  What a royal &*$@^#, and of course you're frightened.  Hang in there.  It's just one more week.  We'll be there for you.

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

    I have the roll call updated with the dates from all who have posted/PM'd.... Will post it tomorrow..... Last call for anyone that wants to be added/removed......

  • MaddyMac
    MaddyMac Member Posts: 42
    edited June 2012

    {{{{{{{{{{{{{{Jo}}}}}}}}}}}}}}



    I hate it that you must go through all this. You and doc are on top of it, which is the most critical thing, but it SUCKS. I saw a woman wearing a shirt that said "F@ck Cancer," today. Quite appropriate, I think.



    Peace and healing to all.

  • dunesleeper
    dunesleeper Member Posts: 1,305
    edited June 2012

    Wow. I used a Commit mini lozenge a little while ago and it seems to have gotten rid of the craving. So I guess I still have the physical addiction, probably because of going off the wagon last Thursday. Oh well. If it keeps me from smoking, I guess I'll use it. I was trying not to give my body any nicotine for fear of restarting the addiction, but I guess that ship has sailed. Nicotine lozenges it shall be then . . . for a little while.

  • Cher56
    Cher56 Member Posts: 140
    edited June 2012

    Sorry Jo.. yah some of us just have shit over shit happening.. I call it `the drama of which is my life`and pretty darned tired of it all. so much up to this point.. I`m so sorry Jo that you have to have hystie & dnc are your feats around what might be found? or on just dont want the hysterterctomy? I truly understand..and my heart reaches out & hugs yours..it`s good your venting. and ya so what you had a smoke. not the end of the world & like you said you didn`t take another. Once this is all done (from the sounds of it though.. is it years? man o man) Im going to be starting a Nicotene Anonymous group. they`re needed so badly, as some people are fine on their own, and others need lost of support.

    Ya tis true, have lots going on at the moment. at the same time I found the lump, 2 hrs later my 13yr old wee doggie started having seizures, and had to have him put down 4 days later, but right in the middle of all this, I was dealing with skin cancer...and going WTH?? (thought Id tone it down)...Im still looking for whatever the lessons are in all this stuff.lol

  • Fierro6
    Fierro6 Member Posts: 60
    edited June 2012

    Dang, Jo.  I'm sorry.  The hits just keep comin', don't t hey.  I'll be thinking about you.  

  • cpp
    cpp Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2012

    Prayers for you Jo!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012

    My GYN had no plans to do the US this year.  I wanted to see a comparison to last year.  This will be the second year in a row for the hysteroscopy/D&C.  He said he would do it for my "piece of mind"  and he had to admit he was glad we did it.  We both realize the lining will be thick with Tamoxifen but my lining looked like a freakin sponge.  He was shocked.  I had mentioned to my MO that I had the US done last year and when I said I would like one this year to compare - he thought that was a good idea.  Goes to show you how different doctors are.

  • noralcistoilc
    noralcistoilc Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2012

    I quit on May 14th at midnight. I had my nipple-sparing prophylactic BMX scheduled and I got the PS information that afternoon - she retained the right to refuse to do surgery if you smoke. I'm in the medical research field & I already knew that smoking affects healing. Man, I wanted to keep my nipples (especially since at the time I didn't have a cancer diagnosis). So... I just quit.

    Dear husband quit about six days later & was doing excellent, until we got the cancer diagnosis 8 days after surgery. Since then, he's had one or two per day.

    I have to agree with the practice of keeping simple goals in mind...

    * today I will not smoke

    * if I want a smoke, I'll puff on my nicotine-free e-cig after I wait 10 minutes

    * I want to keep my nipples

    * smoking stinks/smells

    Sending electronic smiles to everyone! 

  • dunesleeper
    dunesleeper Member Posts: 1,305
    edited June 2012

    Thank you Nora. I guess it would be a good idea for me to post here that I will not smoke today. I want one, and I even just ate a mint trying to substitue. (I don't eat sugar because I chose to use alternative treatment rather than conventional, and diet is critical.) I may have to use the nicotine lozenges. I think if one of my smoking neighbors was around I would probably cheat. Fortunately they are not. So, I'll say it again -- to the world and for myself: I will not smoke today.

    Thank you all for being here and sharing your stories and holding me accountable. It really helps to be held accountable. I am sure I will be able to report tonight that I did not smoke.

  • VJSL8
    VJSL8 Member Posts: 486
    edited June 2012

    Please send me an PM with your email address if you'd like a copy of my Tip book. Have a joy-filled day, VJ

  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 1,089
    edited June 2012

    Oh damit Jo! Stupid cancer the gift that keeps giving...you are in my thoughts and prayers...(((((((JO))))))

  • MaddyMac
    MaddyMac Member Posts: 42
    edited June 2012

    Dunesleeper, it's great if you are able to quit w/o nicotine, but if you need the lozenge, TAKE the lozenge. That's far better than lighting up, I think. Though even lighting up is not a disaster. Hang in there, woman.



    I hope I didn't offend anyone with my rather graphic t-shirt language above somewhere - was just feeling angry on Jo's behalf.



    OK people - Blessings on you all. I have surgery in the morning, so I'll see you on the other side. Or in my pockets, as the case may be.

  • dunesleeper
    dunesleeper Member Posts: 1,305
    edited June 2012

    In your pocket Maddy!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012

    Maddymac - Jumping in your pocket!  

    Thanks ladies for all the love and support.  I feel a little better today but will be so much better when this damn procedure is over with.  I would rather have a complete hysterectomy done but have too many things on my plate right now and it is something I can put off to a later date. 

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

    Here is the updated roll call that I promised..... So great to see it growing!! Laughing  We all deserve a great big pat on the back!! Enjoy!
     

    People who we've heard from recently: 

    Cher56 - Getting a plan in place...

    charliegirl - June 22, 2012 quit date

    MaddyMac  - May 16, 2012 quit date 

    noraLCIStoICL - May 14, 2012 quit date

    my3sunz42 - May 7, 2012 quit date 

    babsbrink - April 18, 2012 quit date 

    lovehertons - April 3, 2012 quit date 

    Fierro6 - March 29, 2012 quit date 

    lisamarie68 - Feb 26, 2012 quit date  

    dunesleeper - Feb 11, 2012 quit date 

    Galsal - Jan 13, 2012 quit date 

    Mtalsky - Sept 1, 2011 quit date 

    jo1955 - July 15, 2011 quit date 

    karen333 - Jan 16, 2011 quit date 

    JudiH - Dec 20, 2010 quit date

    jan508 - Sept 20, 2010 quit date 

    LadyinBama - Aug 10, 2010 quit date 

    BarbaraA - June 2, 2010 quit date

    SeasideMemories - Jan 18, 2010 quit date  

    o2bhealthy - May 5, 2009 quit date 

    1Athena1 - April 27, 2009 quit date

    candie1971 - April 22, 2009 quit date 

    MinusTwo - July 11, 2007 quit date 

    People   who we have not heard from in awhile but hope
    are still doing well: 

    kal_1865 - Sept 28, 2010 quit date 

    Angelice - Sept 3, 2010 quit date 

    akeefe7 - July 11, 2011 quit date 

    sunangel27 - May 29, 2011 quit date 

    rehm046 - May 1, 2011 quit date 

    Dutchy - Set quit date for March 1, 2011 

    Ellie1959 - Set quit date for March 1, 2011 

    Sweetaerobabe - Feb 16, 2011 quit date 

    Malleme - Feb 6, 2011 quit date 

    Basia - Feb 5, 2011 quit date 

    dsgirl - Dec 3, 2010 quit date  

    Kitchenwitch  - Nov 30, 2010 quit date   

    Linda603 - Nov 4, 2010 quit date



     

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

    Maddy,

    No offense taken at all... In fact I want one..lol!

    In your pocket tomorrow!!! Post when you are able just to let us know that you are OK!

     

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

    Maddy, will be the squigler in your left pocket, sending all good wishes.  Jo, I am the squigler in your right hand pocket, good thing we can divide like this, can't wait till the 29th is over and done with and your plate lessens, hugs for you, Karen

  • cpp
    cpp Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2012

    O.k...tomorrows the day! I think I'm ready! I think I've been on the wellbutrin long enough that I can do it. And don't laugh, but here is my plan to get through the first tough day...

    My alcoholic drink of choice is usually red wine. I usually only have like 2 glasses. Well, tomorrow I have the day off of work, so I'm going to over indulge. I know this will make me feel kind of crappy in the morning, and when I feel crappy from over indulging I don't want to smoke!! Surprised How's that for a plan??!

    I will check in often for support...or to vent! 

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

    Lol, charliegirl....



    A plan is a plan and who cares if it's conventional or not..... I went cold turkey and typically enjoy a glass or 2 of wine in the evening.... I did up it a bit when I first quit... Not crazily so but, it helped to take the edge off... Whatever works for you!



    Just have to make sure the drinking doesn't backfire and make you lose your resolve to quit... I will make it a point to check in frequently tomorrow....



    We are all pulling for you!!! You can do this!! Edited for typos....



  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012

    Karen,

    I can't either.   Most importantly I can't wait to get the path report.  I have started a list of questions that have come to mind.  

    Charliegirl - Whatever is going to work for you - just go for it.  You can do this. 

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