Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Random thoughts to the latest posts: Cravings come in all shapes and sizes, some are physical, others mental, emotional or a sense memory-- our brain has so many different memories of smoking. We know so many of our triggers that we can prepare for--which makes it easier to resist those ones but the ones that come "out of the blue", where we can't put our finger on, are often the hardest ones to resist--because we arent' prepared. There are really only two things we can do --change the way we think and change our behavior. Often when quitting we think of the things we're giving up when we quit but it is more motivating to focus on what we are gaining instead (LadyinBama--great suggestions!). Often what we think we want from the cigarette is not the cigarette but what it represents to us---"I smoke to relieve stress"--smoking is a low effort way to relieve stress but there underlying desire is relief of stress--which can be gotten in another way but often it requires more effort than just picking up a smoke.
Strong emotions, such as guilt can keep us wrapped up in smoking as well. As smokers, we already feel enough guilt. I remember my first bout of cancer--I was still smoking and even other smokers would chastise me--"VJ--why are you still smoking when you've had cancer?"--it used to make me so mad because I knew I should quit but it's was so very hard. Instead of focusing on feeling guilty, it often helps to focus on our strenghts--such as how you were able to resist a particularly tough craving or focusing on what is really important--having good surgery results, ete.. Just my two cents. Good luck to all and have a joyous day, VJ
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Hi Anne:
It has been 7 days for me now since I quit smoking. I am like you I enjoyed smoking very much. My last cigarette was the day of surgery (my mastectomy) on Sept. 1st. If you go back and see my post, my surgery was delayed 11/2 hours as they were having a problem with my breathing tube due to my smoking. They worked on cleaning my lungs for that long and almost cancelled my surgery because of it. The only thing I keep thinking is that if it had have been an emergency and I didn't have that long, I would hae been dead. So to me, life is better than smoking
I know it is not easy and I am far from cured, but try your hardest its worth it. For you, your family and your friends to keep us a little safer for each day we are without the cigarettes. All the best my friend xoxoxo0 -
Dutchy,
Those cravings that just kind of hit you out of the blue are the roughest ones. I think maybe because you don't see them coming and can't kind of brace yourself. I had no problems with my in-laws being here last weekend and smoking, I think because I was prepared for it but, sometimes I'll just be sitting somewhere and a really strong one hits.
Remember back from your first quit earlier this year. The worst cravings often come when we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired (HALT) or when we experience a situation for the first time (or times)where we used to smoke. I have no doubt that you are exhausted trying to get through all that work so that may have had something to do with it. Also sometimes those "firsts" are so subtle that only our sub-conscience senses it so it seems like its out of the blue.
Smoking will not solve anything! Break out the bubbles or the straws... lol!
Thinking of you and hoping you got through the night OK!
Jennifer
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Anne068,
We have all been where you are right now! I know, I for one was absolutely terrified at the thought of quitting! I think quitting smoking scared me even more that having cancer did. In my experience, the THOUGHT of quitting was far worse than the REALITY of quitting.
Are you doing cold turkey? I will not lie. If you are going cold turkey, the first 3-5 days are pretty hard but then it gets steadily and rapidly better after that.
I got through those first days by telling myself that I will give it 5 days and, if at the end of the 5 days I could honestly say that I wasn't feeling any better, then I would smoke again and try a different way. I had my last cigarette on a Monday and felt pretty crappy for a few days BUT, by Saturday felt good enough to go out with my husband, without fear of killing someone...well not 'too' much fear of it...lol!
LadyInBama and VJ both had really good tips. It really is a very subtle change in the way you think. Smoking is not a friend that you are losing, it is a controlling enemy that will stop at NOTHING to get you to give in to it. The thing the smoking habit doesn't get is how STRONG we all are just by nature of what we have been though! Focusing on the things you have to gain (no matter how small) will help you, too.
Hang in there!!!
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Kody22,
Glad to hear that you are on the mend!
Congrats on your 7 days (although I think 8 now)!!!! Is it getting easier for you? Any pointers on what worked for you? You are doing GREAT!
I know what you mean about sometimes forgetting that I don't smoke. I STILL find myself checking my purse to make sure I have my cigarettes before I leave the house. Then I remember, oh yeah, that's right, I quit. It's been almost 8 months. Guess I'm a bit slow.. lol!
LadyInBama,
Congratulations on your 1 MONTH Quit-aversary! Here's to MANY more!
VJ,
That awful "I can't believe you are still smoking after you've had cancer" look used to really make me mad too. In fact, not having to be embarrassed because I smoke was one of the reasons on my list of reasons to quit.
Probably the best feeling in the world was when not one but BOTH of my children told me separately how PROUD they were of me for quitting!!
Good Night All!
Jennifer
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Thank you everyone for all the support! Keep the advice coming! I'm getting motivated to quit!!!! (My husband and kids want me to quit too, they want to keep me around!)
Yes, the "looks",,, like I DESERVE cancer because I smoke.. really gets under my skin! Grrrr... I'm quitting the day I start chemo.. so I'm not sure I'll even know what's making me miserable.. the chemo, the neulesta, or the quitting! haha!!!
Okay... Some reasons to quit:
I don't have to go outside and freeze my bum off just for a cigg!
My clothes and hair won't smell.
Food will taste better.
I will save a TON of money! (and save it for that trip to Ireland!)
I can get reconstruction and feel confident that if I don't heal, it's not because I smoke!
I will think of more...... feel free to add to my list!!
(((hugs))))
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OK folks. Ta Da! 14 weeks and 820 bucks! I can't believe it and the cravings are becoming less and less. You can do it, too, because if I can, you can!
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Anne068,
Noooooowwwww your talkin'!
Let me add a couple more!
Reason 1: Extra Time Each Day for YOU!
A couple of months before I quit I started making myself go outside to smoke so pretty much while I was outside smoking I could do nothing else. Now I smoked, at that time, around a pack a day (which was actually down from when I smoked in the house) so, figure 10 minutes per cigarette, that was 200 minutes per day spent smoking and doing nothing else. That's over 3 HOURS each day! Even if I really outdid myself and sucked them down in 5 minutes each that's STILL over 1 1/2 hours spent smoking each day. I now do not feel bad if I spend some of that "saved time" on me.
Reason 2: Being Able To Do Things I Would Have Avoided In The Past
Before I quit, I couldn't remember the last time I went to see a movie in the theater because No Way could I sit there for 2 1/2 hours without a cigarette. I passed up a trip with a big group of friends to go by limo to NYC for dinner and a show (something I would have LOVED) because no one else smoked and there was no way I could go 4 hours down and 4 hours back without smoking!
The MONEY!!!!!!! Unbelievable how fast it adds up! This is ONE place where I guess having smoked MORE is of benefit! Who would have thought...lol A trip to Ireland sounds incredible!
There are so many other reasons that I only saw AFTER I quit.
I was a hard-core long term (over 30 years) smoker who had never tried to quit before. Just was able to do it when the time was right for me. It was the hardest thing I have ever done but, it has really been worth it.
You can do it!
I will try to think about some suggestions for what helped during the first few days and will post back later.
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BarbaraA,
WOOOHOOOOO!!! Clap, clap, clap..... Whistle.... Clap, Clap!!!
Isn't it amazing how fast the money adds up??? $820.00 is some SERIOUS cash! I hope you are spending at least a bit of it on yourself!
Keep It UP!!
Have a great week-end!
Jennifer
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Barbara, that is a fantastic amount to save...great job.
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I have surgery one week from tomorrow and I've been a smoker for 45 yrs. I smoke about 10 cigarettes a day.
I know I need to quit but is one week enough?
jan508
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Jan, FYI, I didn't quit until 2 weeks AFTER my surgery. I think a week is fine.
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Jan508, I think what we all want from surgery is the best possible outcome. This will depend on many factors such as your age, general health, the type of surgery, and your smoking status. By quitting now, the nicotine will be out of your system by the time you have surgery (half life is 2 to 4 hours, so it takes 3 to 5 days to be gone) which will just improve your chances of having better results. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how smoking may affect your outcome. I just encourage you to be honest with both your surgeon and the anesthesiologist about your smoking. Good luck, it's not easy quitting but it can be done and best wishes for a successful surgery. VJ
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Jan: Yes, ask your doc. Mine basically said the sooner the better, so if all you have is a week, that's all ya got, right?
I quit SMOKING about a month before surgery hoping to improve my oxygen level, breathing capacity, etc., but I used nicotine patches to help with withdrawal. I quit the patches 3 days before surgery because I read that it takes 72 hours for nicotine to be totally out of your system.
I smoked 30 years and I did fine with anesthesia and surgery. We are all different. A week's quit will definitely help you. Hang in there, you can do it!!! And it is sooooo worth it.
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Well girls still going strong. My wheez has gone and I am getting some extra breath back. I just need to shed this stupid drain tube and I will be much happier. I think Seaside is definitely right about the time in the day. I seem to have alot of extra time during the day and I think it is because I haven't been smoking. I was so sure that I smoked because I was stressed out, but how much more stressed can you be than going through this. I am proud of all you girls and my self. Keep up all the good work and give yourself a pat on the back. We all deserve gold medals!!!!0 -
Sounds like everyone is doing well!! I am really glad to hear it!
Jan508,
I think LadyInBama is correct in saying if you only have a week then that's all you have. That being said, it is really difficult to quit on someone else's timeline! I did smoke during the timeframe of my surgery (had lumpectomy), as well as after. Hoping that you can stop but, do understand that this is a very stressful time for you! If you decide you cannot stop prior to surgery, just be sure, as VJ said, to be honest with your surgical team!
Your surgery will be the day before Dutchy's reconstruction surgery so you will be in GREAT company!
Kody 22,
Glad to hear that you are starting to feel some of the benefits of stopping smoking (and, yes, losing that pesky drain will make you feel MUCH better)! You SHOULD be very proud of yourself. I think quitting was one of, if not THE, hardest things I have ever done and I quit AFTER my treatment was over. I give you ladies who are quitting while going through treatment all kinds of credit in that I'm not sure I could have done it!
I was also a huge stress smoker and had suffered from anxiety as well. I find I am much calmer now that I have stopped smoking. I think it may have to do with the fact that, in addition to having calming effects, nicotine can also be a stimulent. Guess in my naturally hyper state my body didn't need any more stimulation.. lol!
Just a heads up... I was also a big boredom smoker. With the extra time that you have in the day, especially in the beginning, you may start to feel that too. Once you have recovered a bit more, it may help to try to stay busy especially during times of the day (and it varies individually) when your cravings are the worst. Mine seemed to be in the late afternoon so I hit the treadmill (added plus in that it helped to curb weight gain).
Okay Ladies... I think Kody22 is right in that we ALL deserve a gold medal... SO whether you have already quit, are just beginning or are just thinking about it.... Here ya go.....
Hope all of you have a GREAT night!
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Dutchy,
How are you doing, my friend? Your surgery date is rapidly approaching! Are you doing (feeling), OK?
I know this is probably a time of mixed emotions for you. Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you!
Jennifer
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Hi Jennifer,
Yes I am having an array of emotions. One minute I am happy and the next scarred. I continue to wonder what I will look like again with breasts. I have gotten so comfortable without them on and wonder if they will be appreciated or thought to be in my way. It is so easy to lay on my stomach now and I know it will not be once I have the breasts back, but that is ok...just things that are going through my head. Thanks for the medal and you better give yourself one too. How much time do you have now? Evelyn
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Many smokers think that it reduces stress but smoking actually adds to the physical symptoms of stress. Smoking is a "low effort" coping mechanism because it is so automatic,we dont even think about it, just reach for a smoke and light up.
When we're under stress, if we go too long without smoking, we start experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which we attribute to our "stress". Nicotine enters the brain and releases dopamine --the "I feel good" neurotransmitter and we perceive that smoking has helped with our stress. But it is actually putting more demands on us physically by increasing heart rate etc. So the challenge after quitting is to find other methods of coping with stress instead of smoking and often these other methods are "high effort" or we have to "do something" instead of automatically reacting by lighting up.
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Anne068,
Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you tonight and will be tomorrow as you begin your chemo! I pray that all goes well for you! Hope that you will post and let us know how things are going when you can!
((((((((((Anne068))))))))
Jennifer
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Dutchy,
It is very natural to have mixed feelings with something like this! You have been waiting for this for so long that, I'm sure in the back of your mind, you are thinking that your expectations cannot match the reality! I'm thinking you are wrong! You have waited (and fought HARD) for the opportunity. Now is your time!
As one who has struggled with anxiety going into just follow up testing, I know, stepping into the 'unknown' is always scary BUT you are going to a top-notch facility with a highly experienced DIEP doctor (an EXPERT in the field)!! That is a VERY good thing!
You are going to go through a bit of a rough time with your recovery, BUT you WILL come out the other side!
Thinking of you this week, my friend!
Sending you strength to face whatever comes your way!
Jennifer
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46 mintues down.. a lifetime to go!
I promised to quit at midnight, and I finished my last cigg at 11:58pm. so I guess it's actually 49 mintues!
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Anne you can do it, one minute at a time!
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Anne,
Bravo for you for going ahead and jumping in! By now it has been several hours. Hope you are doing well!
Some suggestions for the first few days based on things I thought were helpful when I first quit...
Drink LOTS of fluids (especially fruit juice) and eat regular meals to flush out the nicotine and keep your blood sugar level. It takes a couple days for your body to figure out how to do that again without nicotine. Alot of the feeling really crappy is due to blood sugar levels being all over the place and, believe me, till your brain re-wires hungry feels a lot like I want to smoke.
Sleep when you can. I didn't seem to crave a cigarette when I was sleeping. Quitting smoking is tough on the body in the beginning!
Another thing that worked to get the urge to pass is to breathe as though I was inhaling on a cigarette. Or as O2B suggested sometimes blowing bubbles helps. Sounds goofy but, it forced me to take really deep breathes. Remember the urge to smoke will pass within 3 minutes whether or not you smoke!
Hang in there! As Barbara, take it minute by minute for the next few days. That will become hour by hour which gives way to day by day until finally you are free!
Rooting for you!
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Barbara,
BEAUTIFUL picture!!
Don't know what it is about sunsets/sunrises that I just love! I was looking over the pictures we took when we were at the beach in August and I swear most of them were sunrises and sunsets.
The view from your backyard is certainly better than the one I see from my window!!
Jennifer
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THanks. The sunsets here are mind boggling. It's like a new piece of artwork every night.
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Just dropping in to say Hello and that my surgery is Tuesday. I hope all of you are doing great with your stopping smoking. Not much time to write anymore as I have alot of work to complete by tomorrow as it is my last day at work.
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Hang in there Dutchy. Best wishes for a smooth surgery. Be sure and let us know how it goes.
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Dutchy,
So far, so good here! It will be 8 months for me and almost $2,000 this coming Saturday!
I imagine that you are just absolutely swamped at work trying to get everything taken care of for the next few weeks. Hopefully you got through today and now can focus on YOU for the next few days (and really the next few weeks)! You are out on leave at this point and, while, in my experience, I know it is hard, they will do fine without you (although no one wants to think that... I know I did not). Your focus needs to be on YOU for the next few weeks!
Have you gotten your supplies together for your hospital stay as well as your first few days at home? Do you have someone who can help out for your first few days at home? How long will you be in the hospital recovering?
I know that you will need to have some time to recover and won't be able to be here! Know that I will be thinking of you! Hope that you check in before you have your procedure done on Tuesday.
Sending you strength and HUGE hugs!
Jennifer
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LadyInBama,
Great new photo! I really do have to find out how to post a picture!
Thought your avatar couldn't get better than a photo of your two puppies but, I was wrong!
You are one beautiful woman!!!
Jennifer
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