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Stop Smoking Support Thread

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  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,356
    edited October 2014

    Thanks Judi.  The drinks were good.  As were the 4 (yup four) mini Mounds bars I pulled out of the Halloween stash.  Tomorrow's another day.

  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 1,983
    edited October 2014

    ((((Minus)))) BC-the $%^$$% gift that keeps on giving. I am so sorry sweetie. You don't deserve any of this. I hate BC! I hate ALL cancer. Lymphedema is an insidious and awful thing for someone to go through. I have a good friend who wears the sleeve and gauntlet daily and in the summer she is about to freak out when she is outside. NOT FAIR! Hugs and prayers for your upcoming tests. Glad you enjoyed your drinks and the chocolate!

    Judi, I am so happy that you had great doctors. I too have great docs. It makes a big difference. I also love the way babies smell!!

    Gotta run to the grocery store so see you all later! xoxo


     

  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 971
    edited October 2014

    Minus , I am sorry for your friend and for you and the lymphodema stuff.. and yes cancer just keeps on and on ... it iis total S%#@#.. I am sending you big Hugs ... and lots of Love hoping you are feeling better .... I have been in the candy all month lol .. enjoy .. its the little things ..

    Bosom .. xoxoxoxoxo

    April and judi ... xoxoxoxoo

    Just for today I will not smoke 

    xoxoxoxo

    Lisamarie

  • lulud471
    lulud471 Member Posts: 20
    edited October 2014

    Anti-anxiety meds helped me to quit...here is my story.  Before I had BC diagnosis I tried many times, many methods to quit:  patches, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, chantix, cold turkey...  every time I would end up freaking out and buying more & smoking up.  Longest I ever quit (chantix) was three days.  Anyway i was told if I wanted BMX with immediate reconstruction I would have to have stopped smoking for three weeks.  The thing that helped me to not give in (besides the fear of not having successful surgery) was Anti-anxiety meds.  in the evening is when I got overwhelmed with urge to smoke & massive anxiety so I would take the zantex and basically it made me go to sleep therefore no running out & buying cigs LOL.  If you've tried everything else without success maybe it's worth a shot.  I was a smoker for 27 years - a pack a day.

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,356
    edited October 2014

    Dillion - Welcome to the group.  Thanks for sending your story.  I've only taken Xanax before an MRI or PET/CT but from my reaction I can imagine it would work well.  Actually since Benedryl puts me to sleep, I should have thought to try that.  Hope you are recovering well from your recent reconstruction.  Actually hope you are remembering the mantra from another thread - 'Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should.'  Lots of stitches to heal. 

    I'm more "chipper" today.  Must have been the candy, right?  Or maybe the bowl of popcorn I made at 10pm and slathered with melted butter & lots of salt and ate all of it by myself.  My dominoes group comes back from a ten day road trip tonight to Branson & parts east which I had to miss due to doc appointments.  Maybe that's the problem - I haven't had a Chickenfoot fix for two weeks.  Sorry for whining.  Thanks for your support ladies.

  • JudiH
    JudiH Member Posts: 1,168
    edited October 2014

    Ha, ha, MinusTwo!  You call that whining .... you should hear me sometimes!  My dh says he is going to record me.  I love the popcorn .... I would have some but almost at my caloric intake for the day so an orange it is ..... butter, salt, eh?  Tomorrow it is for me.  LisaMarie and April .... hope you girls are rocking it today.  Bosum .... where are you?????  Welcome dillion .... we all find ways to quit somehow ... each one is good to know!

  • JudiH
    JudiH Member Posts: 1,168
    edited October 2014

    Good morning ladies.  Beautiful morning here in sunny/windy/cool Mansfield, Ontario.  So, I joined a boot camp and monitoring my food intake on MyFitnessPal.  Things are going o.k. - not totally believing all food is evil as my fitness instructor would try and make you think.  But I walked for 40 minutes this morning - about 3 miles (5+ kilometres) and I was huffing and puffing a bit.  Dh told me I was slackening off and my response is that I have walked since New York.  My point being is that I felt like I just have been off of smokes for only a year instead of 3++++++ (almost  4).  Goes to show you that it takes a really, really long time for the lung function to get back to normal.  Anyways, MinusTwo that was my little vent.  My goal is to lose 10 pounds but in reality it will be 5.  I don't follow this program 100% because I still have my shot of tequila once a day (I swear by this as I haven't been sicken almost 4 years - started this with by bc diagnosis) and wine.  And Friday is Halloween so out for dinner I go.  Oh well, I will watch it after my program is over.  Have a great day ladies!

  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 1,983
    edited October 2014

    Daily shot of tequila Judi? SillyHeart Seems to be working for ya so don't fix what ain't broke is what I always say! You may be on to something, eh? ThumbsUp

  • JudiH
    JudiH Member Posts: 1,168
    edited October 2014

    Yes April, a daily shot.  I'm not kidding you, I have not been sick with a cold/flu since I started this ritual.  AND, if I around sick people, then it's 2 shots.  Even the doctors laugh but they don't argue with it.  I was not a fan of tequila but we refrigerate our Jose and it's goes down.  Try it!

  • VJSL8
    VJSL8 Member Posts: 486
    edited October 2014

    I guess this is what bothers me about October--with pink this and pink that, and my least favorite-save the tata's. BC has been pink-washed to the point that society thinks BC just a small blip and after treatment you go back to "normal". I hate all this rah-rah-rah because most people don't realize we never go back to "normal", women (and men) are still dying and sometimes early detection still means a death sentence. And for us "survivors", no matter how "well" treatment goes, we will never be the same - physically, mentally, or emotionally. I am one of the "lucky" ones with only minor issues compared to others, if you call having it a 2nd time after 23 years "lucky" and knowing that it could come back again at any time. 

    The medical system in the US has failed so many of us. Money is still the only force that matters and those of us without a lot of money, have to deal with whatever we can get. Unfortunately no one seems to really want to make systemic changes that would benefit patients unless it is personal to them. 

    Yesterday I was at our local golf cart parade. Both candidates for state assembly were in it (both republicans, so it's not a political issue). ACSCAN has a campaign asking all state candidates to pledge to not take money from tobacco companies. I yelled at one to please sign the pledge to Snuff Out Tobacco and she ignored me. The other one--I yelled--thank you for signing our pledge and he yelled back that his mother had died of lung cancer 7 years ago and he was happy to sign it.  My point is that is that the only reason why a politician would do the right thing--because it affected him personally? Why can't we get people to serve that aren't about the power and greed?

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,356
    edited October 2014

    VJ - good to see you.  

    Yes, I'm tired of "pink awareness" too.  I'm ready for contributions to go to research for a cure instead of awareness.  I don't consider myself a survivor, but an unlucky victim that has passed through another chapter of the book.  Who knows what's to come.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not depressed & I'm grateful I made it this far - just ready to see money directed towards prevention research instead of awareness of what happens after we already have cancer.

  • VJSL8
    VJSL8 Member Posts: 486
    edited October 2014

    I totally agree. We also need more research into metastatic breast cancer. Too many women still die from it. My cousin died last January from it. She was 57.  

  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 1,983
    edited October 2014

    Amen ladies. Save the tatas? What about save the PEOPLE? Ugh...it is such big money (pinking of products etc) that the true issue is lost on everyone. While awareness is important, it pales in comparison to saving lives and maybe creating a vaccine to PREVENT BC like they did for cervical cancer (HPV shot) but that alas is a way off...hopefully not too long a way off though.

  • arenswife
    arenswife Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2014

    We're you able to quit? I used Wellbutrin & it's been almost 2 months! 

  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 1,983
    edited October 2014

    Great job arenswife! I quit 18 months ago using EVERY tool they had. I saw a smoking cessation counselor at Yale where I was treated for my BC, I used the patch, the gum, wellbutrin for a few weeks until it gave me a bad rash and they realized I was allergic and what I think worked the best - an E-Cig! I still use it occasionally when I feel that familiar urge. I was a pack a day (sometimes more) smoker for 45 years so this was one of the hardest things ever for me. High five to you on quitting. It is tough!

  • JudiH
    JudiH Member Posts: 1,168
    edited October 2014

    Ladies, I agree that pink is a colour that I'm starting to hate.  Pink that and pink that.  Is it only in October.  I'm with the opinion of others that we've made it this far but always worried about our fate.  Research is the only answer but our the drug companies on board .... who is making the money???

  • Beckers
    Beckers Member Posts: 979
    edited October 2014

    I hate pink now too.

    Hi there. I am still in a fog. Moms house is cleared out and on the market, Thursday I leave to go see my new grandson in Portland who was born the 23rd. Then, I move back home to Oklahoma after almost 3 years to join my husband. I am using binky again but haven't smoked another cigarette. Amazing how just ONE can stir things up inside. Either that or the stress is so great that I would want to smoke either way. 

    Thank you for your support and prayers. <3

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,356
    edited October 2014

    Oh my goodness Beckers.  How can you possibly have accomplished so much already.  Amazing.  And grand that you haven't smoked but that one.  You're stronger than I am.  Have fun visiting your new GS.  Interesting that you & April & LisaMarie are all becoming grandmothers in such a close time circle.  As for CA - been there, done that with the constant commuting since both of my parents lived & died & CA and I still live in TX.  Won't that be interesting to join DH again!  Almost like a honeymoon.  More hugs & prayers girl while your fog lasts.  (BTW - no such thing in OK)

  • JudiH
    JudiH Member Posts: 1,168
    edited October 2014

    Hi Beckers .... good to hear from you.  It's a lot of work but it has to get done.  Probably better to get it over with now while the grief is still raw.  I think later on down the road, it's harder.  I know that I think "oh, maybe I should keep that".  But I didn't as I know both my parents and siblings wouldn't have down that.  What I have done is put a family pic of my parents and two siblings on my computer desktop and I pull it up everyday.  It really brings out the love for them.  But, you know we are all here for you.  Don't feel bad about the blinky .... girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.  You know what, I saw a butt on the pavement yesterday and thought "oh I should pick them up and smoke it".  Really, in my wildest dreams I would never ever thought of that .... but I did!

  • JudiH
    JudiH Member Posts: 1,168
    edited October 2014

    BTW, enjoy your new grandchild and now your time with your hubby!  

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,356
    edited October 2014

    Judi - LOL about the butt.  Must admit in olden days I occasionally went through my own ashtrays to find a butt if I was out of smokes until I could get to the store.  But I never picked them up from curbs - yet.  Everything in this game of life is "YET".  Think about that one!!!  Just for Today I Will Not Smoke. 

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,356
    edited October 2014

    LisaMarie  - sending extra hugs in case you need them.  Sounds like you're on a roll.

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 2,462
    edited October 2014

    So right about the Pinktober thing.  Not one to usually rattle the cages here was my Facebook post for Pinktober kick-off!.....

    "FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES

    One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.

    Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.

    Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

    As we enter into the yearly PINKTOBER campaign... Just a reminder to Think Before You Pink! Many of the products sporting the 'pink' in October donate little, if anything, of relevance to research toward any cure and may actually be a product associated with an increased risk in breast cancer! In fact many donate nothing and simply don the pink to promote "awareness" (and sell product)!

    If you choose to donate your money or buy products supporting an end to this disease, please take a moment to read these simple questions and evaluate where to best spend your money. http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/?page_id=13

    Here's hoping for a day when cancer of any kind will be remembered as a thing of the past much in the way that polio has been!"

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,356
    edited October 2014

    Seaside:  Great to hear from you.  Hope things are good in your neck of the woods.  Thanks for posting this info.  I was unable to get the link to work but will try again later. 

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,356
    edited October 2014

    Got it by googling "think before you pink".  You all should take a look at this interesting recommend from Seaside.

  • Beckers
    Beckers Member Posts: 979
    edited October 2014

    Thanks Judi. You have lost two siblings AND your parents?? Oh my. Today was rough as I went to the doctor and PTSD'd out as it was the same place I took my Mom numerous times, then I had to pick up her cremains, then finish clearing her house out. Still haven't smoked again. And yes... I went back to my ashtray butt diving a time or two!

    Like what you wrote Seaside. 

    Thanks for listening <3

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,356
    edited October 2014

    Beckers - Have a safe trip tomorrow.  We'll be looking forward to hearing about your new grandson.

  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 971
    edited October 2014

    Beckers , congrats on the GS . mine is coming soon Nov19th ... excited .. I hope you find peace and serenity xoxoxo

    Hi ladies sorry I have not been here , Im so busy filling out job applications and my meeetings and step work and my health issues ... but I am still smoke free .. yipppeee sstill going one day at a time .. sometimes one moment at a time .. but neverless still smoke free and drink free... 

    Hugs to everyone 

    xoxoxoxo

    lisamarie

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,356
    edited October 2014

    Oh LisaMarie - that's just great.  Positive steps on all fronts.  You get a standing ovation!!!  Can't remember, did you get thyroid results?  Hope everything's OK with that. 

    My BFF lost her husband Monday after a 5 year fight w/pancreatic & esophageal cancer.  They were high-school sweethearts so have been together over 50 years.  She lives an hour away now, but she asked me to go w/her to the mortuary.  She said she needed a cool head and my experience.  Sadly I do have experience.  I had the responsibility for my baby brother when he died at 40, and then both of my parents in their 90s.  And I was totally responsible for arrangements for another BFF who died of pancreatic in cancer the year after my Mom. She's in for a very lonely time so I'll probably be driving back & forth for awhile.

  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 1,983
    edited October 2014

    Beckers - Huge hugs and congrats on no smoking!

    Lisamarie - YOU TOO! Can't wait to see pics of your new grandbaby too!

    Minus - so sorry for your friend and for you on the loss of your friend. My dad is lost without my Mom. They were married for 60 years and he is just not wanting to be in this life without her. She is gone 3 years this coming Februray. I miss her too Bawling

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