need help to stop smoking

Petula

Hello new friends. I have recently been diagnosed w/ IDC Stage 2 and have surgery scheduled for 9/25/15. I am a current smoker and can't seem to quit even though I'm scared to death that bc patients who continue to smoke are 3 times more likely to die of recurrent breast or lung cancer.

This is my first time on these discussion boards and I'm hoping you can help me quit!!!

Many, many thanks!!!

Itzy

Petula, I'm so sorry about your new IDC diagnosis and want to encourage you that you can and will find that the voice telling you that you can't quit is a liar!! You absolutely can quit and will find a way!!! I tried to quit many times without success. But, the successful effort was no where near as difficult as earlier ones.

I would encourage you to declare your intention to everyone. And also talk to your doctor. Plan to execute a strategy that seems best for you. But believe me when I tell you that you can and will quit cigarettes!!

songbird68

Hi sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

I think the actual craving lasts only 10mins or so, so if you can ride that out you'll get there:)

As Itzy says, get a strategy, like avoiding an after meal coffee if that's when you usually have a smoke. Also, certain friends and places where you usually smoke. I used an e-cig, they take a bit of getting used to, but worked for me!

Good luck

x x

Zero7

I was able to quit by vaping...get a quality kit from a vape store, whole set should be under $100. Many flavors and nicotine strengths to choose from. Cheaper than smoking, and while there is no long term data on its effects, generally considered much less harmful than smoking tobacco. Let me know if you want more info

Petula

thank you all for your advice and words of encouragement. Went out and bought the gum today. Thought I could do it cold turkey starting today but will try again tomorrow using the gum. Surgery is just 2 weeks away and for sure I will be going through Radiation - which is why I'm so worried. Won't know if I'll need chemo until after surgery.

God Bless!!!

Petula

MinusTwo

Petula: There's an active thread for stopping. Each of us has different tips. Take a look for VJ's offer and a recent posting of videos on her web site.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/152/topic...