Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Hi all,
Just a quick Hello and a BIG HUG to all of you that are going through quitting smoking, getting ready to quit, and my heart is going out to all with chemo SE, I had them all I swear!! And I smoked right through it all. It is such a stressful time and I really think its all we have to control whats has changed in our lives. But its not a good one to have Control Over or it to have Control over us!!! Hoping you all who are not feeling well will very very soon.
I am off to the Oncologist in the morning, YAY! NOT!!!!! Will have scans ordered which I dread. I had the stress that comes with that. Oh Well Nothing I can do about it. It is my life now.
Takecare all my friends and wishing Nadine good-luck tommorrow in her stop smoking day!!! Rember we are here for you and everyone else going on this long hard road!!!
Bridget
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Hi Ladies! I'm Baaaaack!
First chemo really went well, I was just too tired to post...loved reading everyone's posts and keeping up on the comings and goings. I had to go back a few pages to try to refresh my memory, I hope I don't miss anyone or confuse the stories...I guess I could just blame it on chemo brain
In 20 minutes I will have...dun...da...ta...91 days smoke free! Woooot! 9 more days till the double digits!
janiz: Told DH that I really want to go to the event on Oct 17th...he said honey it's a 14 hour drive...maybe if I go back to work next week I can start saving now for a plane trip (does it snow there in Oct? I really hate the snow...) PS thanks for all the help on my farm! I'll be expanding before you know it
flfish: sending you lots of positive vibes for a successful job hunt...it is very scary out there, not sure what you are trained/have experience in but from what I do know about you, you would be an AWESOME asset to any organization!
Denise: So sorry to hear your SE's were rougher then expected...hope you are feeling better tomorrow (in 15 minutes)...I'll PM you my FB information...if anyone else would like to join on FB just send PM...would post here but...nope! Don't know who is watching...
butterfly: Missing you girl! Hope you are doing ok!
pantafus: Boy am I glad the doc on call was the same one who had been with you during your last stay. I am terrified of getting sick since I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to go to my local hospital. DH agrees and is more then happy to drive me the 120 miles south to Phoenix rather than locally. I hope this stay will go much smoother for you, especially since you kicked the butts, and you get to spend time with the family. I look forward to hearing from Flarbio with an update on your status. Much Love!
Cleomoon: How are you doing?
Natalie: Peanut Butter cookies sound soooo good! I think my taste taste buds are coming back...I have heartburn today from over indulgence, not Chemo!!! Hope you edema is going away... Yeah for you in 15 minutes you will be on your way to becoming a non-smoker! I am so happy that Chantix is working for you...it made me jittery and I couldn't stand being so jumpy. I'll be hopping on more over the next few days to check in on you if you need to rant and rave!
Malleme: Thanks for the post chemo input...I am sad to report that chocolate taste like S@*T! so do cherries, cottage cheese and tuna sandwiches... Taste buds are starting to come back but still leery of trying those food items again in the near future.
REKoz: How are you feeling? I hope recovery is going well and you heal quickly...
Any news on Candie?
Welcome Rascal!
Deb-from-Ohio: you are in my prayers...through Him all things are possible! I honestly don't think I would have been able to quit without giving it up to God, sometimes 100 times a day.
Marsha56: Yeah for you - 8 days smoke free (in 6 minutes and counting!)
Nobleanna: sending lots of positive vibes and well wishes for tomorrows appointments, praying it is all good news!!
Peaceful dreams to all!
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Hello ladies! Glad to hear that everyone is hanging in there (as well as possible). I feel so bad for those of you going through chemo and the awful side effects that go along with it. You are in my prayers.
Not much going on down here, just HOT. My dh wants to have a bunch of people over this weekend for a bbq to "break in" out new outdoor kitchen. To be honest, I would rather be at the dentist than have a bunch of people over to the house. Normally, I am up for company and a good party, but I am not in a party mood. I guess I am just one of my "blue" weeks. UGH! I hate the mood swings!
Janet, just stop blowing your nose and TA DA....no more hot flashes.......oh, I wish it were that easy!
Love you guys!
Ellie
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Good luck to all of you. I did it a year ago March. I quit when they told me I had BC but slipped up, or it woud be over two years. I used Chantix and joined a gym. It was indeed like losing my best freind. I also used the website quitnet which helps track it and it a great site. I used Chanitx for over 6 months.
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Nobleanna, love typing that! I know you will have control and I hope to have control soon. Next I hope to control my eating, lol. I hope your scans come out okay, sending you much positive vibes!!! I will be here most of the day working on the computer, call me anytime!!
O2Bhealthy, so glad to have you back!!! I hope you can make it, I would love to have the bcbk ladies there to do the largest lay down pic. Just landed my first star last night. I want at least 5. How much more chemo do you have? Congrats on 91 days!!! You are a strong person just like candie to quit like that. Speech! Speech! Speech! Speech! Speech! Try to rest when you need it!!!
Nadine, I hope you are doing okay. We need to get a walk for you or something. That is terrible about your insurance, you should share with the ladies as they might have a solution for you. I know that a few of us has some run ins with the insurance and jobs, etc. I hope you are feeling better, call me anytime!!!
FIfish, thanks for your advice, lol. Sorry to hear you are going into a blue mood. I know how that goes, just want to be alone. You can always come up here! We could post a drunken cry session picture online, I am always down for that. Funny, Farm Town has gotten me in a better mood as I really enjoy it, even cut down drinking. Haven't drank in 5 days which I usually have a glass of wine. Find a happy spot, much love to you.
Shadow, thanks for your support and sharing your story, always helps. I think I am with you on the Chantix. Take care you.
Will check in on Pantufas and let you know.
Hugs,
Janet
P.S. Didn't have a cig with my morning coffee.0 -
Gooooooo Nadine on your first day!!! Remember to breathe when you get a bad urge, and it will past. Keep yourself busy and go to bed early if need be!
Sending you strength!!!0 -
Hey Janet. I would love to come up to post a "drunken cry photo" but I have a feeling we would be too busy laughing our a$$es off that we couldn't work up a cry. Thanks for the nice thoughts. I am ok. Just sick of the mood swings and the pms!!!! (they can put me into early menopause but I still have periods......greaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat)
Good luck Nadine. You can join Michelle, Candie, Nancy and REKoz as being non smokers. I hope to get there soon someday.
Hugs!
Ellie
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Yea Janet - no smoke with morning coffee is HUGE!!!!
Hi Nadine!!!! I am rootin' for you today and every day...
Ellie - sorry about the total bummer days...mood swings suck!
Lots of Love to ALL!
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Well my dear friends I made it today with no problems. Guess the Chantix is working. A few times I was rather pissed off and could have used a drag. But hubby and I have this weird thing that we do now. He is still smoking... so when he is smoking if I want a drag I walk over to him and we do a hand shake. Sounds weird but for some odd reason I am content with just the handshake. So going on day 2 tomorrow.
Sounds like by the end of this month we no longer will have health insurance. DH's employer has gave him the money each month for about 2 years...in turn we was able to have private health care~~~this is a small company and the boss doesn't offer insurance. It was my understanding this money was taking the place of raises. Making a long story short it appears with the economy the boss who by the way is a millionaire, is trying to get my husband to quit his job. Then he could save the wages he pays out to my DH. The thing that scares me is without the insurance I am screwed...still recovering from chemo etc etc. Anyway that was why I have been pissed all day. Its all hard to put into words. I worked for this company for years so I know how it used to be and now its so different and sure makes me glad I quit several years ago.
Anyway enough of that...LOVED NOT SMOKING TODAY!!
Janet, I will call you in a few days. Forgot to give you my number will do it when I call. Your a dear person.
Nadine
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There's an electronic cigarette out there that I bought called smoke stick. It's made here in the US. I had to stop my one pack a day I had worked up to because of various stress. I had breast reconstruction with the back flap and the doc. said the tissue might die if I didn't stop,talk about incentive. So I bought these. You can get the filters that have no nicotine in them. It's only water vapor that you are inhaleing,nothing else. You can also get nicotine and menthol. But can't have nicotine so I bought the menthol no nic. It isn't perfect but it did really help me get by. I needed something in my fingers and it worked for me,better then nothing and better than smoking.The web site was www.thenicstick.com nice guy too. Hope that helps.0
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Hello to everyone and welcome to so many new ones.
02bhealthy try the chocolate 10 or so days after chemo then it became my friend again until the next chemo.
Fifish There must be afull moon coming, my onocol asked me about the Tamoxofin today and I told her enough I had fills yesterday and more on Thursday and then surgery on Tuesday I am in cancer treatment overload. She was kinda shocked and said wow you get mad, Yes this is one of those blue weeks you are not alone at all.
Smoking- I am trying congrads to all who are doing so well and hanging in there to support us can't thank you enough. your all such an inspiration. for those still trying here's a links that might help some.
crap it won''t paste
it's a slide show but the most important things were to keep repeating I am a non-smoker and every so many days reward yourself in some way.
The other interesting thing I had never really thought about is when I have a cig I usually am taking a time out for my own thoughts. So they said to replace that time we usually took to think and do something just for ourselves- walk, read, breath, yoga.
Lastly, our reason for quitting must and should mean more than a cig and hold a very deep personal positive meaning for ourselves. WE all know having cancer didn't work for some of us.... again that was not a positive in our lives, that is something that causes us to take our time and think--(no wonder I smoked so much when I was diagnosised and had to make so many life decisions and everytime I have to get a test etc. )
Sorry I am not a good writer and I hope I got the point across-- the articles are on WebMD this was a summary to the entire articles most of the stuff we already were way familiar with.
All the best to everyone, and to those who are sick and in the hospital I pray for your speedy recovery, we need your stories, laughs and inspiration. Again welcome to the new ones this past week we are here to help and support you.
Good Night,
Malle
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Hey, Nadine
See if you qualify for the Obama health thing that you only pay 35% of the premium if you loss your job. Keep paying you private premiums and check with your state since FEB things are available in some states.
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Malleme: It is my understanding my state doesn't have that. DH isn't going to quit his job so the employer can save money. IF he should be let go, then we will be in a new ballpark of options which I won't go into now. The premiums are a little less than $600 a month. Even with what the employer kicks in financially we still have a hefty amount to bring it to the $600 a month. So if things work out there is not insurance then we are screwed...I am screwed.
I think its time to crash on the couch. Sure wish hubby would stop smoking so much but I know he is stressed about all of this and more so because he knows we need the insurance now more than ever.
Good Night and hope everyone is doing good.
Nadine
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Nadine, I feel your pain. My dh's employer did the same thing, he said offering insurance was no longer "cost effective"......really?.....because not having insurance for us is not really "life effective".....bastards (sorry, but the greed I see makes me so angry, I am sure if these people watched their wives go through this they would find other ways to cut costs). Profit, profit, profit is all that matters. Don't get me wrong, I understand that you are in business to make a profit but to take higher profit at the expense of your employees is wrong.
If your hubby does quit, he has to be offered COBRA (by federal law). You would only have to pay 35% for the first 9 months, then it would go to the full amount, but you would keep your insurance. That is what I am on, but my premiums will go to over $1050 a month in December (which is NOT affordable at this time), so I am afraid I will lose my insurance too.
Maybe all of us cancer gals who have been dropped can get together and start our own insurance!!!!!! Everybody pays in premiums and we take care of anyone who has a re-occurrence....let's face it, many of us are young and may NEVER have a re-occurrence, so we could be paying into the pot for 30+ years. Something has got to give. It should be illegal what is happening out there with the insurance industry.
Great job on the non smoking gals. Good for you!
Thanks Malle--I know I am not alone. Sorry you are swinging high on the mood swing as well. Today seems a little better.
Hugs and prayers to all that are not feeling up to par today!
Ellie
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Ellie- I'm with you- we should start our own insurance policy. My DH's boss did the same switched insurances in March after I had my surgery and before starting chemo, ******.$$$
But on another note no smoking today- none with my coffee.
Nadine I am trying to keep up with you. wishing you a stress free day.
Malle
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Ellie: I agree something has to be done. One of the things I told DH was about the bosses wife. But then she flies to another state to have her mammograms done and I am sure goes shopping also. Hubby isn't going to quit. But in his mind things are different now. The respect and trust is gone in his mind. ALSO~~~a kicker is this boss used to own one of the largest private insurance companies. This should pretty much explain a little more about him. My worry is the "what if's" , we try not to think about the "what ifs" however life is unpredictable.
Not smoking today...sure want to but I am not going to cave in. And I know smoking wouldn't help anything anyways.
Hugs to everyone,
Nadine
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The thing is we all have problems in our lives and so often it is out of our control. That doesn't make it easier at all. We are fighters and each of us have proved that to ourselves.
This is one of the few times in my life I am really lost for words. All I know is we will plug along and hope for the best.
Nadine
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Hi Ladies, been putting in good work hours and I get tired easily. Pretty tired today. Wish I was 20 right now with no BC, because I have lots to do. Soo I haven't smoke my morning cig or in the car. I feel that is helping and now I want to try not to smoke after eating. Chantix helps too.
FIfish, menopause just plain sucks. My dr noticed I have gained weight and told me if I don't change what I do in eating or exercise, I will gain weight. Oh WHHHHHYYYYYY!!!! I had a hard enough time before all this. I hope you are doing better!
Justtome, thanks for the tip. I think I will try it as I am struggling.
Mallema, thanks for the tips, I will be trying it for sure. Glad to see you posting. Keep it coming. Much love to you!
Nadine, congrats on your smoke free days! You are doing awesome and inspiring us! The whole insurance things really pisses me off. We are one of the riches countries in the world but have a way to go on our health care. My insurance too is all jacked up. Losing my home ( money I had from my divorce) to pay for all this medical costs. I think I will add this to our new website as people have no idea what it's like going through bc and worrying about money at the same time. It's bullshit!! They have walks for cures but I think we need walks for the living! Sorry, had to vent on this subject. I will keep sending positive thoughts for you and FIfish and if there is anything I can make happen, I will try!!!!
Hope you all were not too shock with my first Facebook boo boo. That was pretty embarrassing,. I have deleted that post but kept it up to warn you all. After I did, as was like, "What was I thinking! That was pretty dumb!"
Got to work hard before surgery, best wished to all!
Love Janet0 -
Nadine, hang in there. Malle, you too.
Janzin, I love your idea. Walk for the living!!! Isn't that the truth? I am sure there are just so many of us out there all in the same situation. Funny thing is, no matter how broke I am (or any of us for that matter) we would donate to the "walk for the living" because there is always someone out there even MORE worse off. BC ladies are just like that.
Hang tough ladies!
Ellie
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Okay girls, maybe I am twisted but I am having so much trouble with the site, I do better with fight sites. I know we were not thinking about black, but check out this site.
http://www.servingourworld.org/index.htm?gclid=CNO_o4isjZwCFQKHxwodjEfLYw
Perhaps black is where we sit sometimes and gray is a serious color. Can lighter colors to make it more bc, let me know what you think!
Best,
Janet0 -
Okay, I have been playing with black and I do much better but I will show you my light versions but they are terrible. Have to hustle on this, a website is never down because you will want to revamp so often.
Best ladies!
Janet0 -
"Walk for the Living", now I like the sound of that. Ellie, you are so right on people being worse off. I believe its time that people take care of people. We are not scientists but while we wait for a a cure something has got to be done to help~~~I can't think of a better way than us BC ladies doing something like this to help others who are far worse off.
Janet I like the black and grey.
Well hanging on to the smoke-free today and eating sunflower seeds.
Nadine
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Hi Fellow Butt Kickers!
Wow! I've been out of the loop for a few days and can't catch up. I agree with what everyone says. My mum used to say. " Charity starts at home." Maybe Janzin's " lay down " will open up an avenue for us to educate others about people who are falling through the cracks because they are making too much ( oh, wow !! Maybe they are eating or trying to keep a roof over their heads ) money for assistance. One rotten thing I have found out, even when you do have assistance ( I've been disabled since '98') is that they give with one hand and take away with the other. There is absolutely no way I would have been able to make it if it wasn't for my DS and BIL. I would be dead by now and the damnedest (word?) thing is, is that they know it!!!
This is my favorite personal theory and every day I am more convinced that it is true. Remember what I said. Paranoia is perfect awareness. I believe that Hitler's regime is alive and well. Imperfect people like us, and others with health afflictions, are not wanted. We are surplus baggage. Would you believe that there are still certain counties in Vermont that perform forced sterilization on " undesirables." Those of us that are undergoing chemical trials are guinea pigs. Albeit, we do have a choice, but look at the stakes.
I don't believe the government has or will do anything for us unless it's done by the demand of the people. But we need a voice! Collectively, we need to be that voice! " LAY DOWN " so we can get up and be noticed! Do I hear an Amen, or a Steady On?!!!!!!!!
Thank you ladies. Pain, again, bids me to lay down and rest but I am going to be smiling because no knows the strength that we are, the people that we are, but they will! Good night ladies. Fantastic for those who are beating that urge and don't worry for those who are still trying. You will get there!
P.S. Janzin, why don't you try farting instead of blowing your nose? Who knows what reaction that would elicit?
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pantufas good to hear from you and thanks for the honesty and laugh.
Still no smokes today.
Have a great night sleep
Malle
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Pantufus, you are the best. I am not sure if that was from Pat or if it was Susan's "stop the insanity" plea....but I will give you an AMEN!
Happy Thursday BC warriors!
Ellie
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Hi malleme, glad I could make you laugh. Keep on keeping on!
Ellie, thanks for the AMEN. I think it was both of them actually. I agree with your Happy Thursday to all the BC warriors!
Nancy, Pat, Susan
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Janzin, I like the black background just fine and it suits our group. As long as it is easy to read like that last site was, it looks cool.
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Hey ladies, will catch up later but wanted to post this joke as I think we have all been there.
How is Norma ?
A sweet grandmother telephoned St. Joseph 's Hospital. She timidly asked, 'Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?'
The operator said, 'I'll be glad to help, dear. What's the name and room number?' The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, 'Norma Findlay Room 302.' The operator replied, 'Let me place you on hold while I check with her nurse
After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said, 'Oh, I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing very well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back as normal, and her physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged on Tuesday.'
The grandmother said, 'Thank you. That's wonderful! I was so worried! God bless you for the good news.'
The operator replied, 'You're more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?'
The grandmother said, 'No, I'm Norma Findlay in 302. No one tells me shit.'
Be back later, hope all is doing well!
Hugs,
Janet0 -
Hi ladies. I just had to announce that yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since I quit smoking. Come on ladies you can do this. I know its like losing your best friend and I know you think that you can't do it, but you can. Just think of them as one of your friends who stinks, they always leave you feeling like crap, they take your hard money. They only come around when you want to feel good for a few minutes. Next time you want one take a $5.00 bill outside (since that is how much a pack costs, in my area) and burn it because that is what you're doing. I have faith in you guys that you can quit. Quit now so you don't have more problems later in life. We are fighters.
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Fifish, you are so right about others being worse off. I have always been passionate about helping the world, one way for me was to speak out in my artwork and then I met you and now with your thoughts and ideas, my brain for once is going non stop. Thank you ladies!! All of you!!! Also, thanks for the input on colors, working with black has made me move forward faster. Never done a site like this so it's a little harder for me, lol.
Nadine, that is what bcbk is all about, helping causes and people. I like the way my parents church was, they would give to a cause but also help the individual because help is needed everywhere. We are going to do great things with BCBK and our spirits will grow with giving out our love!! You are beautiful!!!!
Pantufas, so glad to hear you back. I am with you on putting a voice out there! It saddens me to hear all of your struggle and even more so because I have grown to love you all, makes me more passionate to do something. If it takes something silly like Lay Down to make people noticed, that is awesome. Worse case scenario we could do the Wally World crusade, lol. Thanks for the advice on my hot flashes, will try to fart next time, lol.
Malleme, congrats on your no smoking. I hope you are doing okay, don't forget that this is a place to rant and rave if need be and we want to be there for you. Much love to you!
KK, thanks so much for the support. You rock!!! We really need to hear this for not just the women who post, but also the lurkers!
O2Bhealthy, haven't seen you in while. Hope chemo hasn't been too hard on you!
Well, going to try to put in a good work day. The rest of you, looking forward to hearing from you.
Hugs,
Janet0
