Stop Smoking Support Thread

jo1955

MinusTwo - I spend all my extra money on fabric for quilt projects.  I love to quilt and it does keep me busy - less time to think about smoking.

                        

beegee

Seaside, thanks for the big words of encouragement.  And, no, I wouldn't slap your lips off for saying it will get easier.  I know how hard you worked to get to the point where you're at right now, and I respect that.  I also respect where everyone is at in regards to quitting smoking, even those who havent quit yet.  It's effin' hard!!

Minus two, I like your perspective on the savings of quitting smoking.  It's been nice having the extra cash in my wallet on a daily basis.  

o2bhealthy

(((Seaside and Karen)))  I am so pleased to have been such an encouragement way back then...

I find the further I am away from my quit date the less I remember so I don't post much anymore but I still lurk...I think I need a little reminder every now and then so I don't slip.  

Both of you, plus Jo, VSJ and Barbara, do such a great job encouraging the newbies that I feel redundant

Been having a bit a of a rough time emotionally and financially that I don't have a lot of positive stuff to say, however I do want to let you all know how much I enjoy visiting this thread, the encouragement everyone offers and the fact that you all keep this thread alive.

MinusTwo

Jo - Quilting sounds great.  You get the double benefit of spending money on something fun and keeping your hands too busy to smoke.

O2B - sometimes we can't be positive.  You're in our thoughts.

jo1955

(((((((((O2B))))))))

MinusTwo - It really was a pain in the butt to quilt and smoke.  I did not smoke in my sewing room but the smell was on my clothes and hands so it would get on my fabrics.  I no longer have to worry about that and yes, I do get to spend my money on fun stuff.  As a matter of fact, I am going to lunch and a quilt show on Saturday with a dear friend.

SeasideMemories

O2B.... You could NEVER be redundant!!!



I do know that you are going through some rough stuff right now.... Just so wish that I could make it all go away... After all you have been through, you deserve some peace and definitely don't need all this insurance BS....



Sending you the hug that I wish I could deliver in person! You are in my thoughts and prayers!

SeasideMemories

Jo,



You post the best pictures!!! That one just made me smile this morning!



I never noticed the smoke smell on me or my clothing before I quit although my son did! I will say, now when I am at the store, I can sure smell it on people who walk by.... Glad that quilting has become even more enjoyable since you quit.... What a Great extra perk!!!



Enjoy your lunch and quilt show!!!

jo1955

Seaside - I am go thrilled I can make you smile. 

I could smell the smoke on my jackets and light sweaters I would wear around the house.  They would get washed often.  What I did not realize was just how bad I smelled.  My assistant manager smokes and I can smell the smoke on her when she comes back in from a smoke break.  The things we learn the hard way.

            

VJSL8

http://www.quit.org.au/keep-quitting/

(I don't know how to make the link above a hyperlink, I'm just a low tech person in a high tech world, hopefully you can cut and paste.) 

This is a great commercial from Australia about never give up giving up. It's cute and I love the accent. 

LadyinBama

I'm such a dunce, I don't know how to post pictures or encouraging words, but you all know I'm in your corner (pretend picture of boxer in his corner with his fists up!)

Everybody keep up the good work!

LadyinBama

PS, Seaside, must be that time of year for everyone. I saw the NP at the onc's office last week (got a good report, counts all good). Today I had my teeth cleaned, and in March I see the eye doctor;  my breast surgeon, and my onc (scans this time, 6 months! post ovca chemo, woo hoo!)

karen333

Bama, so glad you got good reports, if I was there we'd do a happy dance.  I can vissualize your boxing pose very well, I can't do pictures either!  hugs, Karen

SeasideMemories

Bama,



Yay on the good report!!! It does seem, at times, as though I am doing more than my share to help my doctors maintain their standard of living....



It's stressful and I am always so grateful when it's over! I can't believe a year has gone by since your ovarian diagnosis....



Karen has her round of testing coming up soon, too.... Here's hoping we all get a big thumbs up!

karen333

Yes, I start my rounds late March and the first week of April, scanxiety time coming up.  My neighbor is 10 years out and still doesn't sleep the night before her mammo. Boy does my blood pressure go up and my pulse is just racing.  Love, love, love months without tests.

jo1955

Here is the happy dance for Bama.

             

SeasideMemories

Jo,



Love the picture!! Once again... it captures the mood so well!!! Love it!

karen333

Jo, yup, that's the happy dance!!!!

jo1955

                    

karen333

DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  enjoy Jo, you've earned it, why do I think you work the weekends too?  hugs, Karen

jo1955

Karen - Not if I can help it.

Off to a quilt show and lunch with a dear friend tomorrow.  Plan to do as little as possible on Sunday. 

karen333

Oh Jo, you make me laugh, and I needed a laugh.  So - the snowbirds are on their own on weekends, seems they could be very demanding, if given half the chance.  Is that the answer, don't give them half the chance?  Enjoy your day out with your friend, sounds like a wonderful day, hugs, Karen    : 8/8/2009, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 1, 0/1 nodes, ER+, HER2+

jo1955

Karen - We all them recycled teenagers - at least that is what they act like.  They can manage on their own for a few days.  It took DH and I a couple of years to convince them that we have a life too. Yes, they can be demanding but we don't let them.  You have to picture this - DH and I are the parents and these are all our kids.  We are in charge and what we say goes - LOL!

karen333

I'd for sure follow your orders Jo.  I have two just cycling through teenagers, my grandchildren, 13 and 14, I used to get by having them listen when I said cause I am taller than you - that is no longer true, so now I just use my age since I will always be older than them. hugs, Karen

jo1955

                         

mrkffr11

Thanks to all for showing I'm not alone in this.  I have been searching for this thread again, had lost it and glad I found and could return.  I'll have to mark it as favorite so I can find again.

I'm planning another attempt to quit this week and know I'll need this support thread for encouragement.  I've scheduled my lumpectomy for about 1 mos time and would love to go into it as a non smoker.

I've elected not to do follow up radiation because I fear my history (30yrs) of smoking and I don't want radiation anywhere near my poorly abused lungs.

Anyone else struggle with the rad thearpy ? due to smoking history?  I have not talked to the radiologist yet - scheduled to see her next week.  My BS is still recommending it even though I have concerns but the more I consider the more I resist radiation.

jo1955

mrkffr11 - I had a lumpectomy and 30 rad treatments.  I was a 40 year smoker.  After treatment I had to have a bone scan for another issue and I found out I did have some very minor damage to my left lung.  A pulmonologist told me that is to be expected after any rad treatment and should not be a problem in the future.  If any RO tells you you will not have any damage - they are lying to you. The ROs try hard to prevent any harm being done to your lungs but a little is to be expected.  I finished rads 12-3-10 and have been just fine since.  It is a good idea going in as a nonsmoker and you will get lots of support and encouragement here.  I made the decision to quit July 15, 2011 and have not looked back.  Right now I am used an e-cig to help me get through a very stressful time in my job.  Come summer that is going to be a thing of the past as well.

mrkffr11

Jo - thank you.  you've inspired me.  I will redouble my efforts on the non smoking front.  Today has been a bad smoking day.  I struggle when I am at home at work I go all day without a thought or tremor of urge.

Thanks again to all on this thread!

karen333

Dear mrkffr11, when I was cutting back drastically on the number of cigarettes I smoked, I was fine when I was engaged in other things, like shopping, driving, talking on the phone.  I had to create distractions during the hours I would usually smoke, boy was my house clean, drawers organized, bags to the Salvation Army,...  The urges will taper off in time till you have few if any.  I chew gum now and make sure I have several flavors to choose from, it satisfies the oral fixation.  Coming to the thread for support and encouragement is also good, the weekend is usually slower on posts than a weekday.  Keep on keeping on, Karen

LadyinBama

MRK: Mark this thread as a favorite; then you won't lose us again

Thanks for the pictures Jo, they made me laugh. Thanks all for the good wishes. Yes, it is hard to believe it's been a year since OVCA diagnosis. In May, it will two years since BC diagnosis. That one really seems impossible!

Galsal

 Keep up the good work!