Stop Smoking Support Thread

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited January 2012

    Karen - Sorry I have not gotten back to you sooner but like others have said, do whatever you need to do to keep from going back to smoking.  Right now the e-cig is definitely my lifesaver.  You have so much time and effort invested in this and you know the e-cig is not going to sabotage what you have done so far.

    Hope all you gals are having a good day. 

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2012

    Hi all, cleaned the whole house, oh the stuff she pushed under furniture, even found one of my grandson's matchbox cars.  He hasn't played with those in a while, boy does that speak to my housekeeping!!  Will order a new e cig tomorrow, I have too much time and effort involved as you all said.  hugs to you, Karen

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    Karen - So glad to hear you are doing the e-cig again instead of going off the wagon - so to speak.  It has been my lifesaver lately.

    I am so glad I found you ladies and quit - 61/2 months now!  Yeah for me!!!

    I met with a PS today. I had a lumpectomy but am really deformed now and I think I finally reached the point I am tired of looking at it.  The entire area under my nipple is gone and it looks like a huge dimple.  The PS said the best thing he could do is a lattissimus dorsi flap.  He even showed me what I would look like after.   I am amazed.  Anyway, I am so glad I quit smoking as he would not even consider this until I had quit at least 6 weeks.  With this much time behind me all I need to get is a surgical clearance from my primary doc - EKG, CBC, CMP (don't know what this one is but will find out).  This is a simple thing - don't have to spend days at a cardiologist.  Will be in the hospital 2 -3 days and then 2 - 4 weeks recovery basically consisting of no heavy lifting.  I think even I can manage that - LOL!   I am shooting for the end of April.  All I have to do at this point is get the clearance and then call him 4 weeks before I want this done.  He will get me on the schedule and then have me go back for one more appt before surgery so I can ask any more questions and make arrangements for pre-admit, etc.  

    Wow!  Look at me - Miss Motormouth.  Sorry I went on for so long, but I am excited about this.

    Again, I can't begin to thank you ladies for all your support.   

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2012

    Dear Jo, I am so happy this is all working out for you, nice to see such excitement on the boards.  You were so easy to support, you were so determined that it was quit time. hugs Karen

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  • VJSL8
    VJSL8 Member Posts: 652
    edited February 2012

    Jo-what a blessing to be able to get the type of surgery you want and when you want it, because smoking is now a non-issue. Congratulations. VJ

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    Karen & VJ -Thanks so much again for all the support.  You gals made it easy for me.

    Karen - I sent you a PM. 

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  • BarbaraA
    BarbaraA Member Posts: 7,378
    edited February 2012

    Hugs to all  my fellow quitters! Today is 20 months for me! Woo Hoo! You can do it!

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    BarbaraA- Big Congrats!!

                               

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited February 2012

    Jo so happy for you!!!! 

    Congrat's Barbara!!!!

    ((((Karen))))

    Hi Seaside :)

    Stay Strong!!!!!

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  • BarbaraA
    BarbaraA Member Posts: 7,378
    edited February 2012

    Thanks all. I am living proof you can do it. I was a die hard smoker. Not now!

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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited February 2012

    Yay and Congratulations Barbara!!!



    Can't believe so much time has passed since we first 'met' on this thread!! We're all very proud of you as I am sure you are of yourself.... Brava!!

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2012

    YAY Barbara, Congratulations on 20 months!!!!   Karen

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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited February 2012

    Been so quiet here, you can here the crickets chirping!! How's everyone doing?

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    Good Morning SeaSide - I know.  It is pretty quiet here.  I am doing very well thank you so much for asking.  Been super busy at work and not on the computer much.  Been sewing alot lately.

    How are you doing? 

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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited February 2012

    I'm doing OK! Seems like I've picked up bit of a cold which doesn't happen nearly as frequently as it did when I smoked... Trying to take it a bit easy today since I feel so cruddy!



    It's been awhile since I did any sewing. Last thing I did was to make Roman Shades for my bedroom. I still have yet to do the one for the bathroom although, I have the material and everything... Hoping now that both of my college age kids classes have started, I'll have a bit more time to do things like that....



    What types of things do you sew?

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    Seaside - I make quilts of all sizes.  Right now I am working on a king size quilt for a good friend that cuts my hair and won't let me pay her.  She is so sweet.

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  • BarbaraA
    BarbaraA Member Posts: 7,378
    edited February 2012

    Hi y'all, popping in to say HI!! and 'YOU CAN DO IT!!" to all the quitters. Don't give up.

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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited February 2012

    Jo,



    Quilting is such an art form... The visualization that it requires to find a combination of fabrics that looks good is not a skill that I think I possess. Although, I've never tried so, who knows...lol!



    There is a website that I used to learn how to make the Roman Shades (as well as purchasing some supplies). This woman makes 'pieced' roman shades that are just GORGEOUS! It involves stitching fabrics together to essentially create a piece of art using fabric (very similar to quilting) and then using this created fabric to make a shade.... Her work is just beautiful! I am nowhere near that skill level!



    It's hard to describe but, if you're interested, here's the link where she shows some of her pieced shades!



    http://www.terrelldesigns.com/Galleries/Pieced-Roman-Shades

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    Seaside - Thanks for the link. I will give it a look.

    As far as choosing colors for quilts, it is just a matter of what appeals to your eye not someone else's.  What I like, someone else may not.  Sometimes it takes me days to match fabrics and other days just a few minutes.  Some of it depends of what kind of mood I am in at the time. 

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2012

    Ha, the Patriots did not win, what an exciting game it was!!  All you crafters put me to shame.  hugs, Karen  (can't spell either)

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    Good Morning Karen,  Just checking to see if you got your e-cig yet?  I know you said you ordered one.

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2012

    Hi Jo, I'm hoping it will come in today - that is 5 business days they quoted me. Meanwhile chewing gum so constantly my jaw hurts.  Really needing the sensation of holding a cigarette and smoking. Thanks for asking Jo.  Hugs to you Karen

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    Karen - I know the feeling.  Work is so hectic and I am now in the process of exploring recon options for my poor deformed boob.  I had a lumpectomy and a good amount was taken out and I am tired of looking at it.  Now that by itself is motivation to stay quit and if that means I stay on the e-cig for the time being so be it.  Please keep in touch and let me know when you get it and how it is working.

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  • LadyinBama
    LadyinBama Member Posts: 1,132
    edited February 2012

    Hi all, I've been sick, then depressed, then not sleeping ... I'm so sick of dealing with problems. So haven't been checking in; but I just had to share this Youtube video. I like this woman's attitude. Hope everybody is well.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZwpSwm_4as

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    LadyinBama - I loved the video.  I have not supported Komen for quite some time.  When I heard they were using research money to pay lawyers to sue others using the "For the Cure" in their campaigns I was so angry.  I can't believe they would do that.  This is just more politics.

    Recently had a followup with the pain specialist.  He had to change the medication I am on for the nerve damage from rads - that is on the left side.  Now I have tingling in my right hand which he thinks is a pinched nerve.  Going for a spinal MRI this afternoon.  I tell you, if it is not one thing it is another.  Crap like this could drive me back to smoking but I will not give in.  I have my trusty e-cig and lots of hard candies to get me through.  Will get the results on Tues.

    Karen - Just checking in to see if you got your e-cig??? 

    Hope everyone is having a great day.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited February 2012

    IIharper..I am doing exactly what you are doing to quit except I am also taking Chantix...just half a pill to start. Pharmacist said to start slowly because I took it before - years ago - and with the meds I am taking with BC dont want to interfere with Arimidex. Oncologist said no problem take it. Have to watch the SEs with Chantix like any other drug. Tried the patches before and quit for 3 months but had weird dreams and a rash and got invited to a wedding; lots of alcohol...game over. Had friends quit with Smokenders. They do what you are doing to quit. Pick the time you least want one and get comfortable with not smoking then and move to the next time and so on until you get to the time you really want one which for me is first thing in the AM with coffee. I dont allow smoking in the house and I dont smoke in the cars. I am tired of being a slave to it and frankly after being dx with bc dont want the fear of lung cancer added to the fear factor. I have learned from my previous attempts - water, water, water and exercise more. I am doing both. I gained 10 lbs right off the bat the last time and my clothes didnt fit. I am small so it was more obvious. I know weight gain is not as serious as smoking but people at work made constant hurtful comments to me and I caved. Not working right now - on leave from job - so this time no grief and very determined. Congrats to you guys who have already quit for days and months. Not there yet but will be. By Spring I wont be smoking. I love being outside and in the south it comes sooner rather than later. And I am sick of everytime you have any kind of illness they ask you if you smoke. Done...great thread I need all the support I can get. By the way harper my husband doesnt smoke and never has so I think your plan is a good first one to try. Good for you not forcing him because my friend tried that and he got ticked and smoked anyway. Now he has quit for several months and she is back taking Chantix. She tried the electronic cigarettes too and said they were helpful. I am winging it only with Chantix for now...Not ashamed I need help because I do. Diane

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2012

    Bama so sorry you are going through all this, we are sending prayers your way. Jo, I got the ecig yesterday, it is helping oh so much, just the ritual of hand to moutth is comforting, a lot of times I just hold it in my hand and that brings me comfort.  As I've said before it is a adult binky to me I am so sorry you are having to worry about an MRI, it is a truely devastating fact that if it is not one thing it is another.  Thinking of you, Seaside, o2b and Barbara, this thread is a lifeline,  hugs to all, Karen.

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2012

    Hi edwards, you posted as I was,so welcome to you, it is no shame to have to use a smoking alternative, I use the ecig, strong flavored gum, usually cinnamon and try to always keep in mind the mantra stay strong which was given to us awile ago by an adored former member.  You will meet the greated support group there is, people will be responding as the day goes on hugs, Karen

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2012

    Back from having the MRI.  Was in the machine for 10 long minutes.  I did not think I was claustrophobic but I think I am a little bit.  I kept my eyes closed and was able to do some deep breathing to calm me down.  The tech said I did great and to him it looked like I was calm the whole time. Told DH if I had to do that again, I would like something to keep me calmer.  This was the first time I had this done so at least next time I know what to expect.

    Karen - I like your reference to the ecig being an adult binky.  That sums it up nicely.  Got a chuckle out of that one. 

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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited February 2012

    Jo,



    I have a Breast MRI done each year as part of my follow-up.



    I am claustrophobic and they absolutely can give you something... I get a very low dose xanax and take it about an hour or so before my appointment... Believe me...after that you really just don't care WHAT the heck they do!! As a plus, I typically come home (have to have someone drive me, of course) and take a nap!! And i'm telling you, it is probably the BEST sleep I get all year!



    Glad to hear you made it through!



    Welcome Edwards750!!



    Sounds like you have a really good plan in place!! Post whenever you need to! Lots of info and support here!

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