Stop Smoking Support Thread
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COBRA Continuation Coverage Assistance Under The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides for premium reductions and additional election opportunities for health benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly called COBRA. Eligible individuals pay only 35 percent of their COBRA premiums and the remaining 65 percent is reimbursed to the coverage provider through a tax credit. The premium reduction applies to periods of health coverage beginning on or after February 17, 2009 and lasts for up to nine months for those eligible for COBRA during the period beginning September 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2009 due to an involuntary termination of employment that occurred during that period. The TAA Health Coverage Improvement Act of 2009, enacted as part of ARRA, also made changes with regard to COBRA continuation coverage.
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howdy all, I have not been posting at all
have sent some info on cobra, price is lower than expected
has anyone heard from mbscrggs? i am very concerned
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Hey ladies...well I am taking the day off. I have got to get my head on straight...get some bills in order, all that fun stuff, so I won't be on here much, and actually Im at the home computer which is probably gonna kick me off soon....so gotta make this quick....
O2B...SUPER proud of YOU!!!!! Sorry you feel like Frankenstien.....but hang in there...and just look at how amazingly far you have come already! And again...doing a silly little "go girl" dance for your 71 days!!!!!!!
Pantufas...thanks for your warm words
As if life isn't hard enough...then I get a messed up brain too 
hahahaha...but hey, It's been fun...and it WILL get better! and I'm super happy to hear about your 5 o'clock shadow....praying it grows quicker for ya!To all my other beautiful and wonderful ladies, I love ya, hope you all have a great day, and sending my best wishes all over for each and every one of you!!!!!
Much Love To All!!!
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Hi all, off to the cancer center. I haven't been able to infuse my antibiotics in 24 hours because my port is screwed up. It also feels like plebitis above it. Home nurse came this morning and wanted me to go to the ER but I wanted to wait until we talked to the cancer center. They are going to check out my port and infuse my meds. I sure hope I don't have to go back in the hospital. Everyone, take care of yourselves! I be in touch when I can.
Nancy
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Oh Nancy, Pat, Susan. I will be sending you my prayers. Please let us know what they say.
Hugs,
Ellie
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Pantafus: I am sending big hugs and positive vibes your way...You are in my prayers!
Flfish: sorry you are having trouble sleeping...i realized if I get up and out of bed when I wake up in the middle of the night, I end up staying up for hours...if I just lay there and close my eyes (counting backwards from 100) I usually fall asleep within a 1/2 hour...boring, but it works for me...
Butterfly: hope you get lots accomplished today with minimal headaches
don't forget to take some time today to pamper yourself...you deserve it!Sue: thanks for the COBRA info...I did qualify for the subsidy until 12-09 then it is full price...I'll take all the help I can get
Janiz: How are you doing today?
HUGS to all my BCBF friends!
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Fifish, so sorry to hear that your trip was cancelled. You are a loving mom and person! Hopefully something will happen that will make it still happen for you! I tell you I take Tel. PM almost every night because I have insomnia pretty bad. My Dr. told Benadryl works pretty good too.
Cleo, how are you doing? How's your quit smoking and BC coming along? Hope your doing well.
Butterfly, what do you do for a job? Cutting down helps too, decreases the urges. I bet I am just as messed up as you or more, lol. Have a great day off!
o2Bhealthy, how's the mechanics doing. I actually kept my drains and tube for a possible sculpture in the future. Dr. thought I was strange, no one ever ask for them before, lol. Sorry to hear your broke too. Too bad I couldn't give you ladfies some of my money from the Pirate game, I am rich there, pirates AARRRRGGGHHHH cool!
Pantufas, glad you are not dead, lol. Kolbasa is funny, but she won't look too much like a sausage when she grows up. Maybe I call her Piglet from Winnie the Pool. They call her Demi right now. Please let me know what happen when you get back from the Dr's, I am very worried about you. Will be sending positive vibes that you will be okay and don't have to go back in. Much love to you!!!
Sue, a blast from the past. I have been wondering where you been. Glad you are still around! Haven't heard from MB in awhile, I am worried now too. We will have to send her positive thoughts!!!
Welcome Marsha! This is a great place to start prepping for your quit day and for support during the urges! Very sup portative group, love the ladies here. Post anytime, we will fight the beast together!
Nadine, tried your phantom cigs and they really do help. I think during a bad urge I stop breathing and the puffing on air helps to make me feel better. Hope your are doing well, thanks for being here!
Well good news ladies, I have open up a BC Butt Fondler bank account so I can order shirts. Have a DBA and working on a business credit card to have money to start working charity events, merchandise, subcontractors, etc. Finally talk to a CPA about this Oct 17th tournament with some of the proceedings going to BC.org. I am ready to move forward on this!! So start taking some dead pics!!!! Or actually we are calling it lying down pics, don't want to scare people with our crazy humor.
Peace!!!0 -
Just got back....rough day...
Nancy...I am sending MANY prayers and thoughts your way!
Flfish...I hope you can get some "normal rest"
Janz...I wish I could join ya on the pirates...but I can't...what if you named her Pearl after the Black Pearl
...and btw...you ROCK on the whole charity thing! Oh yea...and I am an Insurance Agent....for Allstate....HAHAAHHAHAHAHA...yea I know....but for now, it's at least a job.o2b...hope you get feeling better soon!!! Un-groggy yourself from your nap
Love ya!Nadine...you hang in there....I know those Marines are stubborn, but it takes a tough woman to marry one
(i say that with love) so you can do this!and MARSHA...welcome aboard....and hope we don't scare ya off
because you are definately at the right place!Ok Ladies....well I love ya all, I'm headed for a night on the deck in my skivvees with a mango and vodka cocktail...oh and some OFF bugspray and a good book! It was not a very good day, but at the same time, God worked a LOT of miracles...so I can't say it was a bad day....it was just a very, very, very HARD day!....but..
Much Love To All!!!!!
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Darn it I hate it when I hit the wrong button and loose everything so I will try again.
Janzin: I am glad the fathom straws are working for you. I am going to cut some the length of real smokes and carry in my cig pouch along with my Nicotine gum and some regular gum. I think having something in my hand will work for me and at least I will be deep breathing which is a good thing.
Butterfly13: Marines are a tough lot thats for sure. We will be married 14 years next month and it took me a long time to get used to the rough and tough ways. You know once a Marine always a Marine...sure takes a lot of patience sometimes. Keeping my fingers crossed he will quit...plus the second hand smoke isn't good either.
I joined Q-net a while back and am not a bit happy with it. I have received such criticism because I won't quit now. I guess I just don't feel comfortable sharing with those members that I had BC and the truck loads of medicines and the ones I am still on that could interfere with the Nic gum. So my feelings on that site is I am done with it. I love my BC friends and the support here is great and you all understand each other and I love that.
Love to you all,
Nadine
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Hi Ladies, I have insomnia for 2 nights in a row. Panic attacks before I sleep, feel my heart racing. So I figure I'll post. I am on meds but sometimes the stress surpasses the pills. I think I expect too much out of myself and create my own stress. It's like everything has to be now and then I get overwhelmed. Trying to find peace during BC is a real bitch sometimes. But I also know it's more than BC too.
Butterfly and Pantufas, no worries on Pirates. Computer games is not for everyone and I am sure I will tire of sometime just like my solitaire games. I am sorry you are having a bad day. Wish I could help more! We should write a movie script or better yet, do a reality show. That would be pretty fricken interesting at times!
Nadine, lol, you are not the only one to loose it all. MB had me cracking up one day. Straws work pretty good but I forget to use them sometimes. Remember the candy pack of cigs you could buy when we were kids. We could puff on that and then eat it. Can't remember when they stop making those but I would to have them now.
I think we could all use a BCBF quit smoking camp. We'll have Fifish make some yummies. Up in the mountains or somewhere beautiful, have rant rave sessions. If I win the lotto, I will build a camp for us!
Well, night ladies. Hate insomnia because it makes for a lazy next day because your tired. Much love to all!!!
Janet0 -
Hi Janet,
Sorry you are having such anxiety and insomnia. I am still struggling with sleep myself. I want to stay up late to escape the day ahead. I have to say that is really not working so well. I keep trying to stuff things in my mouth...food, junk and smokes..to also try to escape the feelings/stress. I even want to drink. I cannot drink. I hate the weight gain and I hate smoking, yet feel so powerless to kick the habit. I am depressed and grieving. The main feelings are fear of losing the things I love..especially the thought of losing my 19 yr old kitty. Also I have been crying about not having my Mom with me and losing her to breast cancer. Finances like many of you are a constant worry.
I really wish we could have a quit smoking camp. It's so hard to do this without being in a treatment like environment. My Dad and I joked that we should be dropped off in the middle of canada without smokes and no way to get access to them.
Good luck Nadine on your Day one!!
Love to all
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Cleomoon, we are all on the same page! I keep stuffing things in my mouth too. I tried to quit 2 weeks ago (but I cheat) and I got on the scale and I have already gained 4 pounds.....4 POUNDS...that just sucks. Chubby girl doesn't need the extra weight. I miss my mom too, I lost her to BC as well. It was 11 years ago, but it still sometimes hurts like it was yesterday.
Ok, I think when we get our BCBF site up and running, we put together a NON smoking get a way....like a non smoking cruise..ect. We can hold meetings and force each other not to smoke while we are on the trip. THAT could be some serious fun! Of course, now we all just have to find the cash to go on the trip...ah, the never ending cycle.....
Hugs to all, I am off to walk. I guess I better up it to 5 miles instead of 4 since I am still gaining weight. Good Lord, pretty soon I will just be spending all day walking back and forth on my street for hours on end. They will pick me up and put me in the loony bin...but then I guess I would finally quit smoking.....heehee...
Ellie
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Good morning ladies...well Janz...about that break...yea...the dickhead fired me today! So...hahaha...looks like I got it. Well, ya know what, I think it's for the best. I am going to keep a posititve attitude for as long as possible, before I have to medicate! hahahaha...Sorry you can't sleep. I really understand how frustrating that can be.
Nadine...glad you like us ladies...eventhough we are a little crazy
And I will say some extra prayers for your hubby and you Hey cleo...glad to see you back on here. Hang in there....
Flfish...i have four lbs in one buttcheek...AT LEAST....=) try not to stress over the four lbs...ok you all might think I'm weird for this one...but for real, I was curious one morning this past winter and I you know when you wake up and have to pee SOOOO bad.....i wondered how much that weighed....the highest record I got was 2.5 lbs! No lie, I swear, you can ask my roommate because we were keeping track for a while! BUT...I know 4 lbs up can also seem very scary...so, try to focus on walking and stuff every time you feel you can...even if it's just in your house
So...we have a mom and pop store that still sells those candy cigs! NO LIE....at least they had them the last time I was in there....They aren't exactly quite the same....but it's still VERY nostalgic when you get them....I got a pack the last time I was there just because of the simple fact that I too used to have them in my childhood...I can see if they have them and send you all a pack
Much Love To All!!!!
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Butterfly--that is FUNNY! I do that too....I ALWAYS pee before getting on the scale....and I never wear anything more than my underwear...heehee...every once counts. I know 4 pounds isn't that much, but I am just so tired of fighting so hard to keep the weight off. I have come to the conclusion that I won't LOSE the extra 20+ pounds that I have, but maintaining would be nice. I blame the tamox.....heehee....I blame tamox for just about everything short of global warming!
I knew a mom and pop store that had the candy ciggs, they were sold right next to the candy necklaces and bracelets....remember those? Oh man, I want to be a kid again and walk around with dye stains on my neck from sucking on my candy necklace. I frickin' LOVED my childhood.
Sorry you got fired Butterfly. That stinks.
MBscruggs???? Anything? We are worried.
Pantufas??? I hope you are back home and feeling better.
To all my other ladies...have a great FRIDAY!
Ellie
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Cleomoon: I love the idea about going to Canada and not smoking. Of course it would be wonderful if all expenses were taken care of for us...we deserve it after all we have been through.
Butterfly137: I am sorry about your job...keep your head up....the guy didn't deserve you working for him anyway.
Was thinking...why brush the teeth then light a smoke. I love the idea of the candy cigarettes, they were so fun. The candy necklaces and bracelets were a kick...I always tried to save mine but they tasted so good I had my chewed up and gone in a flash. Loved those childhood days where you could eat junk and not gain an ounce, now we look at it and presto pounds go on. Thats just not fair. I also want to be a kid again...and how we wanted grow up.
Just did a Google on candy smokes and forgot there were bubble gum ones also. And if you want to be brave a bubble gum cigars. I love bubble gum still, the inner child in me. Love it! Oh they have Pop rocks love those also...better get away from that site will gain before my quit date comes. Still trying to shed the weight from chemo.
Hope everyone has a good weekend and stay cool.
Hugs,
Nadine:))
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I LOVE POP ROCKS. I got in SO much trouble from the nuns at St. Agnes school growing up because of pop rocks. I held them tightly in my hand trying to hide them from the nuns. I almost got through morning prayer (with the pop rocks held tightly between my praying hands) when the sweat from my hands started them a poppin'. BAHAHAHAHAHA! Thanks for the morning giggle.
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I have been gaining weight too. That hasn't helped my mood as it took me a long time to lose the weight. A few years ago I was up to 189, lost 25 on diet pills from the Dr and then lost about 35lbs from the divorce. Put on 20 with all the surgeries. I can't handle more weight!!! I ended up buying a pack but smoking 4 a day. I freak out all day on myself from smoking to food to work.
Cleo, I use to be the opposite of you, go to bed early to get the day over with. But now I want to sleep in instead of deal with urges. It's so sad that we all have to deal with BC and life and then money on top of it. Sorry to hear about your mom, I wish I was there to give you a big hug!! I had so much trouble sleeping last night that I had 4 drinks so my stomach is sour today and I am tired and don't feel like doing anything.
That is so funny Fifish. I love pop rocks too. We use to stick a big rock in our teeth so we could missile pop rocks at each other. Just saw Razzels yesterday, first time in a long time, almost bought them. 5 mile walk is awesome!
Butterfly, sorry you got fired, I hope you find a better job! And I think you will with better co - workers and paycheck!!! That's so funny you found the candy cigs, I really thought they stop making them, especially with all the quit smoking campaigns.
Nadine and Cleo, I am with you on the Canada trip. They could drop us off 120 miles out there and the wilderness and we could walk back. We'll quit smoking and lose some weight, lol.
By the way, I once weighed myself after a gigantic number 2 and I thought to myself I must of lost at least 2 lbs. Jumped on the scale and gained 2 lbs instead. Still can't figure that one out but I am afraid to get on the scale after a number 2, lol. I usually weigh myself after I have been up an hour, I am usually lighter then.
(((((Hugs))))) for Pantufas and MB, let us know that you are okay.
O2bhealthy, Sue, Coffee, Marsha, Candie, REKox, Nobleanna, Nervousknitter, Webbie, Lisa, Lursa, AKA, and the rest of you, let us know how you are doing.
Janet0 -
All right, stopped to have lunch. I made black bean soup with jalapenos. Usually I use fresh but decidede to grab a jar, stuck the whole thing in my huge crock pot. Mouth is on fire. Never never ask me to cook, lol. FIfish and the rest of you will do that on our Canada trip, I'll fish!
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Oh thanks for the memories about the candy smokes. I remember getting those years ago when i was trying to quit...the hard candy kind. And I thought no these are not the kind I had in childhood. I was disappointed. It was the bubble gum ones I loved!! And yes I remember those candy necklaces. I remember being so excited to get my allowance so my sister and I could go to the corner store and get candy.
Hugs to all.
P.S. I am afraid to get on the scale to see how much weight I have gained.
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Hi ladies,
I just lost a huge post that I had been working on all day between rests. Forgot to sign frikken in. Anyway, I'm alive! The cancer center got my port straightened out so I'm back on my meds. They kept me there for 6 hours piping stuff in me but I guess they are just being careful. So tired, with a lot of pain still but wanted you to know I'm okay. We need to hear from mb! I think we should all designate someone we can trust to post for us if we go into hospital, etc.
All of you take care, I'm going back to lay down.
Love you all,
Nancy
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Awesome to have you back Pantufas!!! 2 valiums and a vic is a nice combo. I write my main post in outlook as an email in case I lose it, spell check is faster too. Looking forward to your post whne you are feeling better!
Cleo, I guess we should just tape our mouths shut so we can't smoke or eat. I don't think I ever had the bubble gum cigs, I will try it if I see it.
Back to work.
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Hi Everyone: Got a call today from the social worker at the Onc clinic. Was supposed to meet with her after seeing the doctor this coming Wednesday. She had set up the appointment to give us information on after chemo and what to expect...life style changes etc...turns out she is not going to be in the office that day so is sending me the books and literature. We was talking about some of the information and I mentioned I was going to be quitting smoking on the 23rd once I got the doctors blessing. She told me smoking is the number 1 risk factor for a recurrence of BC, I nearly chocked on my cigarette. She also mentioned exercise so I asked what she was talking about and how long on that....she mentioned walking, biking and hiking were all good. I asked about my treadmill and she told me 45 minutes every day would be good....I mentioned I still get tired so easy and couldn't do 45 minutes a day at one time. She told me to push for 15 min per day and increase from there. She also told me to listen to our bodies, when we are tired~then rest...if we are hungry~then eat. I had more or less put the major amount of fears of BC aside and now they are back full force. I can't wait now for the information to arrive in the mail so I can read it all and get on making more life changes....DON'T want BC to come back!!!!
I had to take a nap after talking to her, so time to get out in the heat and get some fresh air and try and shake the bad vib's. Gee when you think you have everything under control the worry comes again.
Nadine
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Just joined because found this thread. Need to quit and yet so challenging. After meals and when I get angry is worst temptation time -- unfortunately BC does support going through those angry episodes periodically. Need help quitting. Doc okayed use of a patch and just waiting for my primary care to issue Rx. OMG wish cigs did not have relationship to cancer or a neg impact on cancer treatments! Really emotionally feel the need to smoke sometimes. Been trying to quit since Dx this past May. Emotional & psychological support needed.
DeniseM808
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I really wish we could all meet and celebrate when we quit. Ah yes the money issue would be the problem. I'd have you all over to my place in Ohio, but there is not enough room here unless we slept all stacked on top of each other like pancakes.
Pantufas so glad they got your port fixed.
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Nadine,
I disagree with your social workers comment that smoking is the # 1 risk of recurrence. I doubt that there is evidence to back that up. Sorry you got so scared again
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Cleo, I heard ohio is beautiful. Would love to see some pics.
Denise, welcome! I too have a heavy trigger right after eating. I have been trying to quit since Jan. Some of us has made it, some of us are working on it. But I do believe we will all quit if we keep working on it. Think positive and we will walk this journey with you through the ups and downs of bc and quitting cigs. I am on Chantix, it does help, just need to work the metal apsects. Good luck to you!
Best,
Janet0 -
Janzin,
Thanks for the welcome!! I tried Chantix earlier this year and had nausea and stomach pains. Did you experience that side effect at the beginning?
DeniseM808
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Hi Denise,
Chantix caused intense gas/stomach problems for me when I tried it. I am using the Nic Lozenges when I start my quit attempt. Welcome to our crazy group.
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Hi Denise, I did have that for a day or two then it stopped, along with my crazy dreams. Was hoping for naked men but got weird acid dreams instead, lol.
I agree with Cleo on the number #1 cause. Everything is still just theories, my sister who is Dr thinks it was my Ex and the stress he put me through. I even heard putting on deodorant after a shower can increase BC. I heard good things about the Nic Lozenges Cleo. Smoking is bad so better to quit and rule out that one.0 -
Hi Ladies, just finished with the BCBF logo. Fifish and I talked and we both think it would be great to also have BCBK for Breast Cancer Butt Kickers. That way, no matter where you are, whether your trying or have quit, there is a logo that fits. Let me know which one you like. I like number 2 as it is more legible. Color is just a thought, we can play with that later.
Will work on the lay down logo tomorrow!0
