Stop Smoking Support Thread

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  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2009

    O2bhealthy:  I hope DH will quit but not holding my breath.  I have a sticker on my quit date.  I will be starting my 5 year plan and from what the Onc tells me I will hot hot flashes something terrible...maybe that will be the push for DH to quit.  Nothing like a bitchy woman.  I also belong to another forum and for the record most folks are pure asses so I find the humor here so much better...plus nothing like my BC friends to help...only folks who understand life I think.

    Nadine :))

  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited July 2009

    Hi gang,

    I had a lot of readin to do and boy you guys have me laughing good at times.  I am on day 89 of not smoking...just to remind you all...lol. I am doing ok with it...gained 10 lbs which is not good, so now I am trying to cut back on the eating. I got off the mounds bar kick..I was eating up to 3 bars a day. Fom one addiction to another!!

    MB congrats on day23 and as I read down further I see about your lung issue...WTF!! Pls keep us posted. We are right here with you holding your hand.

    Jan, oh my, what an adorable pup!! Love the kayak joke.

    To all...have a great night and I so enjoy reading this thread. You are a great bunch!

    Candie

  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2009

    Before I forget...just want to say I have no idea what some of the postings are about or who's who yet but I must say you are a bunch of funny ladies.  I read the postings and I feel guilty for still smoking but my quit date is coming up.  What is fathom smokes?  Guess I will get with the lingo soon enough.  Sure hope the Onc gives me the green light to quit on the 22nd so then I can wake up and have the coffee and NO smoke. 

  • nancypat
    nancypat Member Posts: 239
    edited July 2009

    Hey Ladies!

    It's hard keeping up with everyone!  Welcome Nadine and lisakaden.  You probably joined when I was vacationing in the Riviera last month.  Nadine, phantom smokes are air.  You are pretending.  o2b, just noticed your new "do", so cute!  I can't wait till mine is that long!  Butterfly, from one bi-polar to another, you kill me!  It was weird when I first went in the hospital.  They weren't giving me any of my regular meds except my thyroxine.  Like none of my other medical conditions existed.  I'm half off my nut with pain and fever and without my meds I go completely looney.  I was sure the doc was slipping me drugs in my applesauce so I refused to eat.  Pat kept coming out waxing theatrical, making no sense (only to me), directing the orchestra, chewing on the sheets, seeing all sorts of rubbish, I think we both saw all sorts of rubbish!  My sister finally had to build a fire under their a$$es and get me back on my meds.  Thank God I was too weak to walk so I didn't bugger off.  All the while I was suffering nicotine withdrawal which probably didn't help matters much.  But, I am getting stronger every day just waiting to get off of these IV meds.  My hands are so strong, I keep reaming the threads off of the little tubes that screw onto the others.  I keep botching them up and running out.  My sister gets so frustrated but she can't be here all of the time.  STOP THE INSANITY!!!  I have a gentle touch about like I have diamonds shoved up my a$$ which means I don't have either.  Sorry for blathering.  Hope everyone is okay.  lisakaden, glad your mum got her drains out.  She will feel a lot better now.  My best to her.

    Good luck to everyone on their quit dates.  Janzin, what have you named your doggie?  She looks like a little sausage.  Kiss her for me.  REKoz, can't remember the date but I know the wedding is getting close.  Have a wonderful day.  flfish, it was 90 here today and I wanted to be in your pool.  Hope you are doing better under the strain.  We all know where you are at and it ain't easy.  BTW where is coffee?  Also worried for you mb and am keeping you in my prayers, as I do all of you.  Everyone take care and have a good night.

    Always,

    Nancy, Pat, Susan Tongue out

  • flfish
    flfish Member Posts: 309
    edited July 2009

    Nancy, Pat, Susan....vacationing in the Riviera...heehee......

    um, have I mentioned that I don't like NOT smoking?  cuz I don't.  I did end up having 3 last night.  I was so angry.  My daughter called and said that the cut the books and lab fees out of her scholarship (how do they do that, they award you a scholarship and include $1200 a year for books and lab fees and then 1/2 way through her schooling they just change the rules?  I don't get it).  Anyway, I know it is not huge, but she was freaking out.  I guess I won't be using the money saved from not smoking on a trip, I guess it goes to books....ugh.....does it EVER end?  I hate not working.  I wish I could find some sort of work to go back to, but there is just nothing down here.  We would lose our a$$'s if we tried to sell our house and go anywhere else so we are stuck here.  AND, my hubby's  new job has just decided that to save money, they will no longer cover health insurance.  Luckily, we are on COBRA but this ought to be fun trying to find an insurance company that picks up a 41 year old cancer girl.  Nice........and I wonder why I smoke..............................

    Sorry to complain this morning.  Just a stressful day.

    Hugs to all.

    Ellie

  • nancypat
    nancypat Member Posts: 239
    edited July 2009

    Hey flfish!

    Don't worry about complaining!  That's what we are here for.  We are smokers and ex-smokers but we also have lives which have a lot to do with our success at quiting.  I had quit for seven years when my daughter's choice of a boyfriend caused me to start smoking again.  I remember the angst.  I could see how it was going to end (her in heartache) and it did but like myself at her age, she thought she knew everything.  For every day, there is a reason for us to keep smoking or fall off of the wagon.  And, I too enjoyed the heck out of it.  At this point in our lives, when we feel as though we have given up so much (even parts of our bodies) it's hard for us to give up one of the things that helps us deal with the sucky stuff.  I know it's hard and had it not been for my lung, I would still be smoking.  Well, I guess that was more of a pep talk to keep smoking.  I know we all need to quit and STAY that way for our health and let's face it; we haven't exactly hit the jackpot on that one.  So try to quit for whatever added time it gives us. When it comes down to it, I think we want that more than anything.

    What a rotten thing for the school to do to your daughter.  It's the economy.  The Government, Institutions, the State are all grubbing for every dime they can get.  Well, as dad would say when any of us cost him an extra nickle.  " There goes your Christmas! "  Have I mentioned what wonderful parents I had?

    That also sucks about the insurance with your husbands job.  I honestly don't know what people are going to do.  My younger son had to file for bankruptcy because he lost nine of his properties because he couldn't sell them.  They are trying very hard to hang on to their house.  Real Estate used to be very lucrative.  Now it is at a stand still and I don't know how long that will last.  We found that out when we were trying to sell the house.  I hope things get better for everyone.  Sorry.  I did some complaining of my own.  Just know that you are not alone flfish.  No matter what rung we are on, on that ladder, we're all on there with you.

    Good morning to everyone!

    Nancy, Pat, Susan

  • flfish
    flfish Member Posts: 309
    edited July 2009

    Thanks for the kind words Nancy (I know those came from her...lol).  I do know that we are all in hard times.  I agree with you about our out of control government and crooks out there.  I think what makes me SO angry is that I did everything I was suppose to do and now, we might lose it all.  I worked my A$$ off for over 20 years, didn't get over extended in debt, paid off the cars and house etc,. and now because of this fu$%in' economy and the fact that I got cancer, we could lose it all simply due to the fact that we lost our insurance, by no fault of our own.  It just breaks my heart.  I will give up everything to make sure my daughter gets through college.  In this world she needs every degree she can get. 

    Oh well, I do apologize for spilling all my financial woes on this blog.  I know there are so many hurting even more than me, and for that I feel guilty about complaining.  Sometimes it just gets overwhelming.  Thanks for listening.

    Ellie

  • butterfly137
    butterfly137 Member Posts: 87
    edited July 2009

    WOOT WOOT for candie and day 90 now!!!!! 

    Sorry to hear the crappy news flfish ...that does suck about the scholarship.  I would look into that, I don't see how they can do that either!!!!  And you have every reason to be stressed, so VENT girl, vent!

    Pantufas I can only imagine being in the hospital without the meds AND no smokes! It's bad enough for me WITH my meds....for example...my dumb ass went off on my boss yesterday...when TODAY is pay day....I haven't heard back from him, and I am waiting for him to come in today with a box...for me to pack my stuff up and leave...he's probably had enough of my craziness after over 2 years...hahaah  no lie, there was this one time, and he's about 6'2" 280lbs and I'm 5'3" 120lbs (eventhough my liscense has said 110 ever since I got it..hahahahahaha) ANYWAY...and i THOUGHT he said something about my family, THOUGHT....well before I had processed the thought I was already on top of the desk about to punch him in the face....(remember he's taller then me, plus he was across the office)...well...mid-air, I processed the thought, and realized by the look of total confusion and fright on his face that I was in the wrong, so I had to put my arm down, climb down off my desk, and then walk around my desk and walk by him to go outside to calm down....i was like "Oh my goodness, I almost punched my boss, OH MY GOODNESS....."  Anyway....I swear...he will probably be firing me today.  When i shared that story at my care-group for my church, they nicknamed me the chiuhaua (sp?) bc they thought it would look like a chiuhaua barking at a great dane! hahahahahah....AND i was medicated!

    Nadine keep up with the positive thinking...the phantom cigs are pretend cigs Laughing

    Janz glad to know that you were thinking about me....hahahahaha...too funny.  How ya doing today? 

    o2b how have you been feeling?  You look WONDERFUL!  You are absolutely GLOWING!!!!!! Very proud of you too, for sticking to your quitting....wish I had your will power =)

    Well...I hope everyone has a great day!!!!!!!!!!

    Much Love To All!!!!

  • butterfly137
    butterfly137 Member Posts: 87
    edited July 2009

    Well...we were typing at the same time.  flfish I wish I could come give you a hug.  Don't apologize for venting...it's ok...and we are here for you.  You have every right to be upset....every right!

    And Pantufas I don't have any children, but I'm sure you are very worried about your's....so go ahead and vent too.....

    we all love you both....(or all 4 of you Laughing)

    Much Love To All!!!

  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 1,089
    edited July 2009

    Off to get new hardware installed...so this will be short.

    flfish: scholarship, no books, insurance...THAT SUCKS

    Butterfly: faux attack on boss...priceless!

    Pantafus:as always - thanks for your words of wisdom - I DEFINITELY plan on sticking around for a long time.

    Candie: WHOOOOT 90 DAYS!

    Janiz: meet you in pirates later today...get ready to plunder...

    Nadine: Happy to have you here - you can do it - one craving at a time

    BIG HUGS ALL

  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited July 2009

    Good morning ....wanted to wish you all a great smoke-free day..or a wishful smoke free day...or a waiting to quit  day!!

    I have a question. I have lower back pain that won't stop. It throbs. Have had it since last Friday. Sometimes it feels like Ifeel it in my lower abdomen too. ok, so I am freaking out over this. Soemtimes advil works...sometimes not..like right now not. anybody have any input? Thanks.

  • Janzin
    Janzin Member Posts: 491
    edited July 2009
    Wow, look at all these posts! I haven't been doing well on the quitting but I try everyday. One of the things that really freaks me out is the weight gain, I want to lose 20lbs as it is. Anyways, going to up my exercise and get in shape.

    Lisa, hope you are doing well. Sorry to hear about your mom, I beat she is happy to get those drains out. How many you have now?

    Nadine, glad you are here. We are a fun crazy bunch who accepts everyone for who they are and pass no judgments. This is your new home!!

    Candie, congrats on day 90. You are so strong! 10lbs is not bad as I have heard the average can be 20lbs. Good luck with your mounds, ever try the sugar free? For your back, take advil every 3-4 hours for the swelling. Get it check out in case it is something that needs a Dr's attention. Let us know how it goes!!!

    Pantufas, you are soooo funny. Riviera huh, good one! I am glad you made it past that difficult time. How much time do you have left with the IV'? Sorry to hear about your son. The economy is very scary. My heart breaks for them! I haven't name the dog yet but need to pick a name so they can start calling her by the correct name. Problem is that I am bad with names and have no idea what to name my little sausage. Got any ideas?

    FIfish, I am so sorry you are going through all of that. I don't think they should legally be able to cut fees in midstream, that's just so wrong! You and I are kinda in the same boat. I had money saved up for a home but losing the home due to medical bills. I don't even want to open up my mail. I will PM you later about this. Glad you vented, it's good for you!

    Butterfly, wow, want to do one of my tournaments? I hope he doesn't fire you. Have you talked to him yet? Guess we do have to come up with different names for you, lol. Wait till you quit smoking, watch out, no holds barr! Maybe we should have a video camera on you and utube it. We can call it BC Butt Fondler gone wild, we'll get Pantufas to join you. You definitely have to do the Wally World adventure.

    o2Bhealthy, good luck with your hardware, the only hardware I need is my jaws to be wired shut, lol. See you in Pirates, ARRRRGGGHHH!

    Let me know if you think of a good name for my dog. Have a laugh day all, we need it!

    Hugs,
    Janet
  • butterfly137
    butterfly137 Member Posts: 87
    edited July 2009

    Good to see ya Janz  =) And yes...and BC Butt Fondlers Gone Wild is truly what I am...and more like a hot mess...I'll tell ya....sheeeesh!  Nope...haven't seen or heard from him...which is actually really starting to piss me off!  I don't like when people have that upperhand, and he knows he has it....obviously, my paycheck....It just frustrates me.  But oh well.  Hopefully he will keep his cool with me today, because I am in NO mood for any confrontations...well, I actually am in the mood to get some aggression out, so I guess I should say I am in no mood to hold back =)....but then again...that's a rare moment anyway! HA! 

    I wish I could be playing pirates...or playing with Johnny Depp...hahahahahha Oooops..did I just type that Sealed  Bad Bethany Wink I'm OBVIOUSLY NOT the nun today....hahaha

    Ok...well I love all you ladies, and hope you all have a GREAT day! 

    Much Love To All!!!

  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2009

    I also worry about gaining more weight.  I gained plenty when going through my chemo.  I feel like I am slowly loosing since chemo but the scales say differently, even though the clothing is not tight anymore.  On my main attempts to quit before I chewed gum and sucked on sugar free candy every time I wanted a smoke.  I am going to do that again this time.  I am going to have surplus of cut straws and they will be my phantom smokes.  I did talk to my hubby yesterday about if he was going to join me on quitting and he told me no, he says he's not ready.  I clearly told him with the scare of BC and a long line of family history of cancers I need to quit and not keep pushing my luck...I told him I need total support and understanding.  I am going to reduce the amount of ashtrays in the house the evening before my quit date.  I am so sick of cleaning a truck load of ashtrays.  I am so sick of my mouth feeling like I licked a ashtray. 

    Thank you ladies for welcoming me, I am sure I am going to need TONS of support in a short time. 

    Nadine

  • Janzin
    Janzin Member Posts: 491
    edited July 2009
    Hey Nadine, I am going to try the straws! If your hubby could not smoke around you, that would be awesome. I am sure he would appreciate the support if it was the other way around. Eventually it won't bother you to be around smokers except for the smell.

    Hey Butterfly, I will send you a pirate request, I think I sent you a vampire one today. Love Johnny Depp. Ever see the movie Benny and June, not sure if I spelled that right. These games help keep me occupied instead of smoking and now I am getting addicted to the games. I am a mess because I feel like I am torn in so many directions. Quit smoking, business, projects, weigh gain, divorce and money issues. I am not giving any area my full attention and I fell like I am flunking in all areas. But I keep trying everyday. Good luck with your boss!
  • REKoz
    REKoz Member Posts: 164
    edited July 2009

    Hi Everyone-

    Welcome Nadine. There is no doubt you have come to the right place as it is quite evident we are the epitome of cigarette addicts here. As I have said and believe more with every passing nicotine fit, our REAL strength will be in getting through this process. This is a choice where going through all this bc crap is not.

    So, I have my pre op testing on Friday and am prepared for the fact that the nicotine test will show "traces" from the drags I took this am. As good as I've been, I can't seem to make it past three days without then purposely hanging around smokers to take a drag. Yes, I get mad at myself but thusfar, it hasn't changed this MO of mine.  Now I'm at work and there are no smokers around, nor is it allowed on grounds. So, I guess I have had my last drag...I was going to say until after the test but I need that 2 weeks of being free and clear to reduce any infection chances.

    So no, I haven't done as well as say Candee and Michelle (a hearty congrats to you both- my idols!) but this "weaning" does seem to be working for me. I know I will be off them to give myself the condition I need to have a successful expander replacement.

    Ladies, the wedding is a week from Saturday and we are all going a million miles and hour. Both on the physical, running around stuff and the emotional excitement level. The closer it gets, the more unbelievable this whole thing becomes to me. Really, so much has happened since the engagement that sorting out all this emotions is quite the task.

    Please don't think my lack of posting has anything to do with lack of desire. Seems the best time to post for me is at work. Like right now when I can't concentrate on anything but have to sit here at the computer!

    Just wanted to mention to Janzin and Michelle (hope port placement is going well..no reason why it shouldn't, you've been nothing but STELLAR from the beginning!) that I don't know anything about the games or other facebook activities there are to do. Maybe when things slow down a bit I will learn, but for now the most I can do is post comments! Please don't think I'll never want to play...I LOVE TO PLAY!

    Ellie...so sorry to hear about all your obstacles. I too have financial issues and sometimes they are enough to send you right over the edge! It just doesn't seem right that those of us going through this have to have any issues regarding financial security. WTF..??  We are only human and trying to save our friggin lives is just about all we can handle.  Hoping you can feel this big hug I am giving you. And you surely deserve an awesome weekend in the Keyes. Happy Birthday to you!!  41....geeze, you are a friggin baby!  Grab every minute of happiness you can in the Keyes!

    Back to work...or else my boss will be hopping on my desk with eyes that say kill popping outta her skull! Need Butterfly to even out the playing field!!

     Love to all- 

    xoEllen

  • flfish
    flfish Member Posts: 309
    edited July 2009

    Thanks for all the support ladies.  Ellen, you hit my feelings of frustration right on the head.  I hate to hear that you and Janzin are also dealing with financial issues along with me, although it makes me feel less alone (isn't that odd, I guess misery likes company!)  Well, the Keys trip might be canceled since my daughter needs $500+ for books right away, so that might come out of our fun money for the trip.  I hate being this tight but it is what it is right?  Ok, so enough of my boohoos. 

    You guys are doing better than I am at the quitting, although I have cut down immensely, but I still grab for one or two (or three) pretty much every day.  Keep up the good work. 

    Love to all!

    Ellie

  • butterfly137
    butterfly137 Member Posts: 87
    edited July 2009

    Well....I am about THIS close to really losing it...like just getting in my car and going...i am FURIOUS...he came in at NOON, on his motorcycle, barely said anything and handed me my envelope...After my car payment, and car insurance and a bad check I wrote yesterday (i had to to get by) I literally have 10 dollars....for 2 weeks....riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight

    SO THE JERK TAKES MY COMMISSION WITHOUT WARNING AND NOW I DON'T GET SICK PAY........WHAT THE F***??????????????????????????????

    I swear I feel like the chick of the exorcism of Emily Rose, like I am really about to lose it.  I am so beyond frustrated it is NOT even funny...

    Prick....you know he took off too....he wasn't even here 15 minutes....scaredy cat (I had another word....but that goodness for the delete button) I should just leave the office, especially since it's just me right now...and leave the damn door wide open!

    Ok.....I'm typing and talking to myselves (hahaha) at the same time so I don't actually flip out....I need to calm down....here's a list of why

    1.  Me behind the wheel angry-not safe for the public
    2. I have a LOT to be grateful for....
      a. My God
      b. My family
      c. My new BC Butt Fondlers family
      d. My health
      e. eventhough I am not happy with it, I DO have a job
      f.  My adorable Stella (my 5lb yorkie/maltese...who by the way is a hot mess like her momma)
      g. the women of the Bible study who fully accept me...just as I am (obviously a handful)

    Ok....enough of the calming down...*sigh* well....I guess I will try to call my momma....she's always had a way of somehow keeping her "butterfly" in check...don't ask me how....

    ReKoz   REALLY good to see a post from ya....and of course ya got me on your team =) SUPER excited to hear ALL about the wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Laughing

    Janz I can't play the games Cry the computer at home barely stays on for 5 minutes...and Im blocked from fb at work...another reason he's an A$$HOLE! And no I have never seen that movie, but everyone keeps telling me to watch it.  I fell in love with him when I was a child when he was in Edward Scissorhands (told ya I've always been a hot mess)...I want to see his new one =)  im having a brain fart and can't think of the name for it right now.....but anyway...i REALLY want to see it! 

    Nadine AWESOME idea with the straws!!!!!!  You know every time I see a straw it reminds me of that movie with martin short, something about Luck....where he goes to take a drink and the straw goes right up his nose.....hahahahahha....funny movie!  I wish I knew where the VHS copy of that was (yes I still have a VCR that works and still watch VHS movies Tongue out)

    Well....I actually have calmed down ALOT...thanks for letting me vent....

    Much Love To All!!

  • flfish
    flfish Member Posts: 309
    edited July 2009

    Butterfly--Public Enemies (that is the name of Johnny Depp's new movie, and I want to see it too).  It was filmed in my just north of my home town in upper Wisconsin.  I LOVED Edward Scissorhand!  AND Benny and June (Janzin--good call).  I could watch him read the phone book.  Nice job by listing what you have to be thankful for.  I need to do that more, it helps to put things in perspective.  Breath in......breath out.......breath in.....breath out......

  • cleomoon
    cleomoon Member Posts: 152
    edited July 2009

    Candie: Congrats on 90 days!!

    Michelle: How many days is it for you now?

    Pantufas: How many days is it for you now?

    Ellie: Congrats on just one, two or three a day!! Try not to beat yourself up for not being completely nicotine free.

    Ellen: That third day is when you are at the peak of withdrawl. Give yourself a break. You are doing the best you can. And that means you are doing great!!

    Janet: Hang in there an keep taking it one day at a time.

    Nadine: Welcome and good for you for setting a quit date!!

    Bethany: How are you doing today with the smokes?

  • cleomoon
    cleomoon Member Posts: 152
    edited July 2009

    Lisa: Oops forgot you for a minute...WOOT for Day 7!!

  • butterfly137
    butterfly137 Member Posts: 87
    edited July 2009

    It's actually laughable....cleo i only had two and a half (don't laugh we've all been there....hahahahha) left, so I only have smoked the half one when I was REALLLLLLLY pissed earlier.....but I am jonesin' right now.  Only problem is....looks like I will only be able to afford about 3 more packs with all the change and my spare ten bucks....hahahahahahahahahhahhaaha damn addictions...they get me every time! Thanks for asking....how have you been????

  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 1,089
    edited July 2009

    Holy heck - I am gone for one day and WHAM look at all of the posts - I would love to reply to each of you but just got home and REALLY need a nap...port is in - feel and look a little like the bride of frankenstein :) otherwise doing great!!!

    71 days for me today!

    Nighty night!

    BIG HUGS  

  • nancypat
    nancypat Member Posts: 239
    edited July 2009

    Hey cleo,

    Nice to hear from you.  I wasn't keeping track so I had to take a minute to figure it has been 45 days.  I came to get on the pc and the first thing that came into my head was to light up.  That is scary.  Please pray for me that I stay on track.  I thought I would be fine until today but now I worry that when my lung gets better that I'll fall off of the wagon.  I can't do that.  How are you doing?

    butterfly, my daughter is a Bethany.  I had an Isaac and a Nathan so I couldn't very well call her " Betty Jo."  Sorry about the stress your boss is causing you.  Your story about crawling over the desk sounded so familiar.  I remember those days.  I'm glad you can call on your mum for support.  There is hope though.  I seem to have gotten better with age and I hope you do as well.

    o2b, glad you did well with getting your port in.  Have a good rest.  I didn't realize how close our dx is.  Good luck on your chemo.  Remember to drink gobs of water or anything liquid.  I found I could tolerate Kool Aid better than anything.  Be ready to weeble often, but that is good so your bladder isn't damaged by the drugs.  Wear rubber gloves when you do any housework and keep your hands and especially your feet moisturized.  Get some Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste.  They really help with the sore tongue, but I never got thrush using them.  Sorry for being "mother", I just want to see you through it.  Oh, and get some Mirilax.  It is very gentle and won't leave you feeling raw.  If that does happen, get some Desiten (sp?)  for babies diaper rash.  It works better than anything.  I'll shut up now.

    flfish, thanks for the title for JD's new movie.  I might be married but I'm not dead.  Sorry about your trip to the Keys.  I know what it is like though.  You will do anything for your child.  You are so right about her getting her degree.  Flarbio is going back to school and I am very much relieved.  I never thought I would be grateful for my disability but I'm sure I would be dead now without it.  I've had to scrape by for so many years and it's getting harder every day.  I hate you are worried about losing your home after working so hard for it.  I don't know what COBRA is.  Is that your insurance?  Will it stop?  I'm not being nosy, just worried.  I don't know what this country is going to do.  The rich make their money off of the hard working people and if they are gone then there will be a reckoning.  I really worry for my kids and grandson.

    candie, if your pain doesn't stop, please go to the doctor. Have you had your appendix out?  My pain began in my back before it went to my lower abdomen.

    Nadine, good luck on your quit date.  You have a good attitude about it and getting rid of some of the ash trays is a good idea.  I wish your husband would try and quit too.  At least I hope he doesn't smoke around you.  Like someone else said, if you can get through that first rough bit then that won't bother you. 

    REKoz, you sound so very excited and proud.  I am happy for you.  You have made such headway and you have really been a beacon for me.  You are one strong lady!

    Well now, Janzin, if the sausage was mine I would call her Bacardi.  Not that she looks like a bat but you don't want to call her Kolbasa!  I'm sure you will pick a fine name.  Sometimes you need to get a feel for their personalities.  I'm sure being a Jack Russell, she will have one.  I'm really sorry I'm so ignorant and can't play pirates and stuff with you on facebook.  It sounds as though you are having a lot of fun with it.  That's good you have something to take your mind elsewhere.  It really stinks about your divorce and losing your house.  I wish I had some extra sons or brothers.  Still trying to find some sneaking way to get you in the family.  I can't tell you what your support meant to me while I was in the hospital.  It makes me cry.  There is a lot I don't remember, but I do remember your phone calls.  You are a very special friend and beautiful person and there is some lucky guy out there waiting for you to trip over him.  Guess what?  I have a 5 o'clock shadow on my head!  I'll say in another two weeks it will actually look like hair. 

    I am wishing you all a very good night and a better day tomorrow.  You all have become very dear to me.

    Always,

    Nancy, Pat, Susan

    P.S.  flfish, you are right. It was Nancy talking to you but we all wish you the very best!

  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies:  Knowing my husband he is going to continue to smoke like a fish, so with limiting the ash trays I don't have to clean everyone every day just two is all I am leaving for him.  I sure hope my example will make him quit...he is a marine and you know them can't tell them nothing.  I wish I could make our home smoke free but not chance of that. The straw idea actually came from a group I signed up with here in Idaho...they have only called me once and will call again on the 27th.  The only idea they had that I hadn't used before was the straw idea...keeps the hand busy, so I am going to use that as my fathom cig.  Hoping my hair grows faster once the toxins are out of my system.  I am going to be fighting myself after I eat, on the phone (thank goodness it rarely rings) and when I am on the computer.  Hubby bought me a treadmill and just may have to walk my legs off on it if the craving gets to bad.  Not bad, may actually loose weight in the process...sure hope.

    I got busy reading the postings and forgot everyones names...so much to learn...at least chemo brain is improving, slowly. 

    HUGS to everyone,

    Nadine :))

  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 1,089
    edited July 2009

    Pantafus:  "Thanks Mom!"...Really...I appreciate your advise and love that you are in my life and you care enough to worry and offer advise...I pretty much have all the stuff you mentioned in my chemo box...I did not know about the lotion/skin hydration thing though...think I'll go my some 'Bag Balm' for hands and feet (along with gloves and socks to keep it from rubbing off on everything)...

    Nadine: I love that your chemo brain is improving so quickly...my biggest fear is not being able to function mentally - especially with starting my new job in August??...

    Flfish:I so understand your financial worries...I was laid off on March 20th and found the lump April 6th...All co-pays, co-insurance, COBRA,  rx's and some daily living expenses are coming out of savings and I am not sure how much longer that will hold up until I can start working again...I am terrified of having bad se's from chemo and that I will be unable to bring in any income until after chemo is done (4 more months)...even once I start working I am not sure if the group coverage available has pre-existing clause and therefore may have to continue to pay COBRA rates anyway until my time is up then I am totally screwed anyway...It's hard to focus on getting well when I have these worries running in the back of mine mind...I hate that this disease has so much damn control of my life - physically, emotionally and financially...

    All my other BCBF Buddies...I am still foggy from my nap and cannot remember all the  posts from previous pages...just know I am thinking of you all and am so glad you are all a part of my life...

    BIG WARM HUGS

  • Marsha56
    Marsha56 Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies!!!

    I will be joining your group on the 17th of July.. I am so sick of this INSANTITY also. So I am jumping in with both arms ready... I have done this so many times but am starting to feel it in my chest and lungs.. Please hold me in prayer and watch for me....

    Marsha

  • nancypat
    nancypat Member Posts: 239
    edited July 2009

    Hey Marsha,

    We'll have you covered and welcome.  Please pay attention to what you're body is telling you.  I didn't and I suffered.  It's not worth it.  You are in my prayers and just sit tight.  You will receive an outpouring of love and support on this thread.  Have a good night and hope to hear from you soon.

    Nancy

  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 1,089
    edited July 2009
    Welcome Marsha!!! Happy to have another addition to our BCBF Crew...
  • flfish
    flfish Member Posts: 309
    edited July 2009

    Pantufas, the COBRA that O2bhealthy and I are talking about is the insurance that you get (but have to pay for in full) when you leave a job (whether by choice or if you were laid off).  It only lasts for 18 months but it HAS to keep you insured as long as you keep paying.

    O2bhealthy, this is what I know about COBRA and pre existing conditions.  I have been told, that as long as you were insured when you were diagnosed, AND you kept the COBRA and never let the insurance lapse, you new insurance MUST continue to cover your cancer costs.  IF you let the insurance lapse, they can deny it and call it a pre existing.  That is why it is SO important to keep the COBRA in our case, no matter what the costs.  So you should be ok, thank God.  My deal is either me or my dh has to find a new job that has insurance, OR we have to find a private policy that will pick us up.  We have a year left on COBRA so it is not too urgent right now, but I don't want it to get away from us.

    Well, it is 5:30 am and of course I am not sleeping.  I have been up for 2 hours.  I wonder when I will ever sleep normal again?  I don't think I am alone on this.

    Hey Marsha, welcome to our goofy group!

    Have a great Thursday y'all!

    Ellie