Stop Smoking Support Thread
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Girls, just really reading and not posting much. Still sick. Off to do some samples tomorrow to see what the heck is up. April, yes back from South Africa and B.C. Already planning another trip. DH just emailed me (he is in Florida) and said we are there for the month of December. I'll take it. But I now need to go somewhere and just soak up some sun without running off to see something or someone.
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Judi - do you mean you have to wait until December for a trip? (except for the BC wedding - or was it a graduation?) Where's the sunshine & warmth for now? How in the world did DH get to sneak off to FL without you? Judging by other threads & our weather here, it's at least 80 most days. So sorry to hear you're still sick. Seems like it's been more than a month - or way too long. Glad you're going to the doc to see what's up & please let us know. I hope it's nothing serious and you'll be back up to speed soon. You haven't had time to enjoy retirement much. We miss hearing about your various 'doings' and hope you'll post again once your tip-top.
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Thanks MinusTwo. I think I just got caught off guard and picked up that nasty flu bug that a lot of people experienced. Shame on you for telling me how hot the weather is. Today, cold and snowing here. Can you believe it. I think March is definitely going out like a lion. I'll do a stool sample and see what's up - to be honest, I checked up symptoms of Malaria even though I know I don't have it. I just can't see to get back to 100%. Or, maybe it just my body readjusting to retirement! Ha, ha. I definitely keeping posting ..... can't get rid of me .... ha, ha!
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Judi... I hope you find out what it is and get better really soon... xoxoxoxo
Minus .. ugh I am soooo jealous .. we just had another 4 inches of snow on Saturday . I am tired of the cold and the snow .. seriously I just wannna build my garden .. and ,make my yard pretty .. and see the birds and butterflies ....
Bosom ... come out come out wherever you are .. I am missing you ..
I went to doc again and she increased my thyroid meds to 88mcg .. other than that we have o clue whats going on ,,, soooo gym and diet for now although she told me not to worry about the gluten and paleo and auto immune diets ... she said I don't need that .. and she suggested seeing the dietician .. so what is there to loose .. I am of course filling out applications and submitting my resume everywhere .. including NYC .. lol Im so ready to start this new career ... well gonna hit a meeting this afternoon and the gym ..
Hugs to all xxoxoxoxoxoxo
Lisamarie
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Wow VJ! You really know your stuff about nicotine products for sure girlfriend! I love the idea of taxing the ones with nicotine vs the 0 nicotine e-cigs. I think that just might work...and of course, I don't want to pay for nicotine since I use the 0 nicotine cartomizers when I do use the e-cig which is less and less. I have been quit two years on April 20th and finally feel I have a handle on the hand to mouth part of this quest. That was harder than getting rid of the nicotine for me. I have an oral fixation (get your minds out of there ladies...LOL) so that is what I miss the most. Guess my Mom quit nursing me too early (or so the Psychology 101 books tell me...
Ok everyone, gotta run as usual but wanted to pop in and stop my disappearing act!
and all that mushy stuff! BBL!0 -
Ladies, hoping everyone is having a wonderful day. Just to let you know, us ex-smokers also have a tough time. Today, I am cleaning and want a cig in the worst way! Why? Because when I used to smoke and I cleaned, I probably smoked a pack in a day. I associate cleaning and smoking. Oh well, I'll go back to finish cleaning and put the smoking part out of my mind.
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Well made it through with not being tempted. God, it's been over 4 years and that would have been unbelievable that I had one. But the urge has been there, I must say.
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Judi - congrats. Yes, the triggers are there. I ate way too much the last several days with different friends who all wanted to go out. Four restaurants in 4 days. By yesterday evening I was so full, all I wanted was a good cigarette. Remember how great that was after Thanksgiving dinner? Oh well, I didn't succumb either.
April - hmmmm, oral fixation? I've been eating M&Ms but I know that's not what you meant. LOL
LisaMarie - hope the change in thyroid meds helps.
Bosum - LisaMarie's right. Where are you? Hope you're OK.
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Happy Easter .. Hope everyone has a great day .. Hoping everyone is okay the thread is very quiet today .. xoxoxo
Lisamarie
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Finally, the holiday is over. Happy Easter everyone and I hope is full from all of the ham/scalloped potatoes and whatever yummy food you have with your meal. We just got back from our dear friend's and long day. Glad it is over. MinusTwo, you are so right about the smoke after the meal. What a trigger you gave me when I read it. I looked for my smokes but don't have any .... would be very, very, very stale by now. It was great after a meal. Hmmmmmmm, I need to visualize it. To everyone else, I hope this doesn't have you running to have a smoke. I just know that when I'm 80 and still kicking, I'm lighting one up.
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Judi - we're strong & tough & brave - so hopefully we'll deal with the visual. Can't you just see the crowd singing for us - W-O-M-A-N!!! And YES - we do have a pact for 80. Lots of members that still check in occasionally that we'll have to include, but since I think I'm still the oldest - we have 9-1/2 years to go.
Bosum - glad to hear from you. Miss your updates.
LisaMarie - are you looking for 'far flung' jobs or just in your neighborhood? Sorry to be so rude, but please remind me again the title of your new certification.
Beckers - We miss you. Hope your transition back to OK was successful. I know you're missing your Mother this holiday & you're in our thoughts.
Seaside - I assume you're still lurking occasionally? Happy Holiday.
BridgeGal - how are you doing?
VJ - are you back from your cruise? We're anxiously awaiting a review.
Everyone else - join in as you wish or lurk if you're not sure. We're here to support each other through the trauma of quitting or listen to your rants at the difficulty of this project, or remind everyone you can always try again if you don't make it the first time (or the 5th time). We've been there so we understand.
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Oh no - how could I have skipped April. Sorry girl. You're high on the list of 'favorites'. I was actually thinking of all the Easterners for our big celebration and remembered you're in CT. Then it went away. How long can we claim 'chemo brain' damage?
I apologize to anyone else I didn't mention by name. Everyone's input is valuable.
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We are back, it was just a 5 day cruise. We had a great time.
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MinusTwo - I was lurking and decided to chime in, Thanks! I just had BX three weeks ago and bought a pack of cigarettes yesterday. I know I should not be smoking but am having such a hard time trying to figure out if I should do radiation or not that I caved under the stress. I have been doing this cancer thing for 6 months now and the end is still not in sight. I just wanted a to go back to my old self and forget this nightmare. I know if I do radiation I cannot smoke at all anymore and I know I will miss it - especially when having cocktails with my girlfriends. I should probably join a smoking cessation group or do something besides just praying. Cancer SUCKS!0 -
VJ, you look beautiful!!!! I'm sure you and your partner had a hell of a time. Wish I was on that cruise and not looking at the pic!
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Denise - welcome. Each of us have different tips according to how we quit. We're here for you if you're smoking again or not. Can you get away with 'bumming' and not buying for awhile? I found I smoked less doing that. Or I bought the pack and gave to a friend - so I had to ask for a certain quantity. You're absolutely right - cancer SUCKS and there's a ton of stress figuring it out & getting treatment.
VJ - wow!! Looks like such fun.
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Thanks! I think it's the look of love.
My offer is still open to anyone who would like a copy of my book "How to Win at Quitting Smoking". No strings, just send me a PM with your email. I have totally redone it, so if you got a copy before, and would like the new, offer is open for an updated copy too.
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Welcome Denise! Sorry I missed your post but I must have been posting my comment when your comment was posted. Oh Denise, don't despair .... it will all come together for you when you are ready. We all have different strategies that work for us so you will find many different ways that one of us used to quit. Take VJ up on her book offer. Lots of valuable information and tips! Don't worry, we are all here for you.
Morning to the other ladies!
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VJ . love the photo. you look great ... I also took a norweigen cruise many years ago .. looks like u had a fabulous time ...xoxoxo Lisamarie
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Deniese , welcome . I also did not see your post . I was admiring the photo daydreaming and wishing I was in it lol.. This is the most amazing group of women and without the love and support here I would not be where I am today . I know about wanting to feel like you again because I have been there . I also said oh boy how will I go out and have fun without smoking , or can I not smoke and drink as well.. and it goes on and on .. for me the path is a bit different .. I decided that I would stop doing both .. I no longer drink or smoke . I do it one day at a time .. it's never easy .. I used Chantix as that works the best for me . so Like Minus said we care if you are smoking or not . we are just one big bunch of caring ladies whom have all been there and some still are .. so feel free to join us ..xoxoxo
Pattif, Beckers, Bosom, Minus, Seaside, VJ, Judi , I know I missed some April .... well its almost time to plant the seeds for the garden ... feeling happy about spring ,,, xoxoxox
Lisamarie
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I hope everyone had a great Easter!
Denise..I to am struggling with quitting smoking. It's definitely not easy especially going through all that comes with breast cancer. This group of ladies are fabulous and very supportive. I've learned not to beat myself up and to keep trying. Some days will be easier than others. I have good days where I don't smoke much and others where I smoke a little more but I keep trying. Maybe we can do this together?
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Pattief .... good for you for extending the olive branch. Maybe this is what someone needs. For me. I had no olive branch extended to me. It was like "you have cancer, so quit smoking". It was the only way for me but I'm Irish. My grandad and father also quit drinking once they had their heart attacks. I'm thinking that it is the only way my family goes. Enjoy until it hurts! But you are right about "not beating yourself up". It will all come together. Just think, I'm 4 years and 4 months out but I'm still thinking of my smoke date with MinusTwo. I honestly can't wait until I get there. I don't think of being 80 and can't walk, or be dead, I'm just looking forward to that day. I know MinusTwo is as well. God it will be like heaven. See, it never leaves you. For that, I'm going to have another bowl of popcorn!
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Judi -popcorn in the middle of the day? I usually have mine at 10pm.
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MinusTwo, I'm hungry. Just got home from looking at "adult lifestyle homes" and I haven't eaten since I had my egg salad sandwich for breakfast. Today is the "what the hell" kinda of day! May have more later too - what a daredevil I am!"
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Hi there. I'm 40 with a recent diagnosis. Just joined tonight and u all seem so supportive and nonjudgmental. Having DOuble vas in two weeks. Week three of chantix. It has definately cut the cravings for nicotine but I can't stop snacking and eating crap. I have cut down from 1+ lacks a day to one, just one a day sometimes two. Just to treat myself. Then I beat myself up for giving in. PS gave me 4 weeks to be nicotine free before surgery and I haven't been completely nicotine free for one day.
Having tissue expanders. Do they do nicotine test for that before surgery- as the first PS I saw for a DIEP would have done?
Any ideA? I am aware I am only hurting my healing and I need to quit. But I've cut down miraculously in 3 weeks. Just that one a day is still lingering. Now I'm sneaking from my DH. I have been vaping with 0% nicotine. Is this just as harmful to my recovery?
HELP! And glad to have found you all.
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Mariakis - Welcome. Sorry we have to meet you on BCO, but glad you found us. I quit with Chantix and swear by it. Rather than snacking all day, I ate sunflower seeds. Hand to mouth ONE AT A TIME, seed in, break shell w/teeth, hand back to mouth to remove shell. You all know how small those suckers are so I got a lot of mileage out of each one. I also did a lot of walking. Stormed out of the house anytime I was overwhelmed with desire to smoke. Walked up and down stairwells at work.
I quit before BC so I can't speak to what your PS is requiring. Further we've all learned on this site that every PS is different and every person is different and every cancer is different and, etc. It's been an education watching various docs around the country recommend & require totally opposite things. Some docs do test for nicotine in the blood before approving surgery. For sure your skin will heal better w/out that junk in your blood.
But - don't beat yourself up. You're on track. It's the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I considered switching to heroin since I think giving that up would be easier (ha ha). If you look back at some of April's posts, she quit using an e-cig. The verdict is still out but with -0- nicotine it appears it might be a good quitting aid. If you go back a couple of pages you'll see VJ's info and a good discussion. If you're down to one or two a day - this might be a really good substitute. Others will jump in with things that worked for them. Good luck and hang in there. We're here for you.
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Oh Judi - just turned midnight. Off to make popcorn. LOL
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I don't know about all doctors but the one who did my surgery does test for nicotine before reconstruction surgery. Because of what I do his nurse told me a story about a woman who said she quit and the tested her the day of the surgery and canceled it because she was still smoking.
Is there something else that you could treat yourself with besides a cigarette? At one a day, it is no longer physical but mental/emotional.
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Welcome Mariakis, I am glad you are here .. this is a very supportive and friendly group.. I am a Chantix girl myself ... For me BC made me quit .. I quit for 3 months then I had all my surgery and fell right back into smoking due to what I call stress.. My PS said I had to be 3 weeks free of nicotine or he would not help me , I was 7 weeks when I had my surgery . he did not check as far as I know , but they very well could have . Anyway I chose to smoke again . and quit again .. and it goes on and on .. so don't beat yourself up .. This time I did the Chantix again . I was still stuck on that one smoke into week 3 as well.. but one day I just said oh I am not having it today .,. Like VJ said at that point I think it was more mentally wanting it then physically needing it .. so really you are doing amazing .. I am almost 6 months smoke free .. time flies ... the snacking for me stopped after a bit .. now I go to gym 3 days a week ,,, and im looking at ways to eat healthy ... point is without the nicotine you will heal better and you will feel better .. I think you came to the right place ... good luck ..Judi , I love popcorn ... maybe have some tonight .
Minus .. heroin ... lol but they do say its easier to quit heroin than smokes .. but I don't think ya should try ..lol
Bosom , April , Vj , Pattif .. miss ya all
xoxoxoxx
lisamarie
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Welcome Mariakis! Welcome! Those who speak the truth have spoken before me but we are all here for you. I kinda agree that maybe the one a day is for old time's sake or mentally needing it. But who is to say this is bad. Talk to your surgeon and find out if the one a day qualifies for him not doing the surgery. If it does, one is not so hard to quit .... go the gaping route until you feel you can get by. Heroin .... I better not try it because I can't spell it .... took me forever to spell correctly so if that's the case, would probably take me a long to quit. Popcorn .... not fattening .... you can have five to six cups and a little butter ain't gonna kill us. Love ya both MinusTwo and LisaMarie .... two women just like me. Hmmmm, now I have to make some tonight even with my sore gums.
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