Stop Smoking Support Thread

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  • Jamie30
    Jamie30 Member Posts: 117
    edited June 2011

    Hi.  I was diagnosed on April 11 2011 and I am trying to quit smoking.  I was very happy to find this forum!  Will you please share some of your tips for quitting.  I am finding it SO hard.  I thought I was the only one who had cancer and smoked and had problems quitting...silly me, lol.  Any advice will be SO great.  I do good until I start stressing out.  I depend on smoking at times...feels like a friend to me when I have no where else to turn.  Thanks

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited June 2011

    (((Jamie))) - I just wanted to welcome you!  I have passed the two year mark of being smoke free.  I used gum, straws and bubbles to help me focus when cravings hit.  There are some great women on this thread with a wealth of information.  Hang in there, you are not alone and we are here for you!

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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited June 2011

    Jamie30,

    Just wanted to pop in quickly tonight before bed time to say welcome!!!  You are NOT alone in smoking after a cancer diagnosis!  Quitting smoking IS hard but you will find, not so much in the beginning, but as time goes on, you will NOT regret your choice to quit!

    Will try to post more in the next day or so on what worked and what didn't!  In the meantime, LOTS of info to be gained by reading back through a lot of this thread... That will also help you out in "getting to know us all"! 

    Also, one of the girls who posts here (VJ) is a smoking cessation counselor as her job and she has graciously offered the workbook that she uses for her classes to anyone on this thread who requests it, free of charge!!  Lots of helpful tips there! 

    Unless someone beats me to it, I will try to go back and find her e-mail address !

    Best of luck to you and we look forward to hearing more from you!!

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  • LadyinBama
    LadyinBama Member Posts: 1,132
    edited June 2011

    Seaside: DId I wish you happy anniversary??

    Jamie: Welcome, lots of good info and support here. Read back a few pages for some great tips. I'm just past 10 months quit, woo hoo!

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  • jan508
    jan508 Member Posts: 1,330
    edited June 2011

    Seaside:

    Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary!!  I've been so so busy I forgot to check in...

    UGH...all is fine and I'm 9 month on Monday...

    Jamie:

    Where in NC are you?  I'm near Wilmington, NC. It is so doable to quit and you have come to the right place for support and encouragement..these ladies are awesome!!!

    Jan

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited June 2011

    Hi Jamie, welcome to the group, you will find that the women on this thread are a source of encouragement, support and empathy in your efforts to quit smoking.  I was a 30+ yr. smoker, who thoroughally enjoyed smoking and thought I'd never be able to quit unless my jaw was wired shut.  I was also a stress smoker and you know all about the stresses following a Dx. of BC. But as of yesterday I am a 5 mo. non-smoker.  These wonderful women pulled me through a really tough event and I made it with the words "stay strong" emblazoned in my mind.  You can do it, we will help.  Are you going to use any of the nicotine aids available, ie. gum, patch, e cig?  Karen  ps.  you can begin by postponing your first cigarette of the day by 5 min. and gradually increase the "wait" time on each cigarette.  Karen

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  • Dutchy
    Dutchy Member Posts: 432
    edited June 2011

    Hi Seaside,

    How are you doing?  I am doing fine and unfortunately still smoking.  I thought I'd drop by and say hello.  Hello!!!  I am doing well.  My son got into a rehab program for his drinking and doing great.  He was one of my big stressors if you remember.  I am so happy he is doing well,  There are lots of changes going on at work that continue to stress me now.  Ya know if it is not one thing, it is another thing.  I need to start planning to quit again and need to start with the basics like picking a stop date and buying some stop smoking aids this time.

    I had my stage 3 where I got my nipples.  I am a little disappointed though. as they seem to stick out a little bit more than I anticipated they would.  They were done June 6th and are still healing.  I hope they shrink down some but they do not appear to be swollen so I doubt it is going to shrink down.

    Well please tell me how you are doing and it is great to post again.

    Dutchy

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  • BarbaraA
    BarbaraA Member Posts: 7,378
    edited June 2011

    {{{DUTCHY}}} Missed you gal. Jamie, welcome. It has been almost 13 months for me and I was a dyed in the wool hard core smoker of 35+ years. You can do it!

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  • jan508
    jan508 Member Posts: 1,330
    edited June 2011

    dutchy:

    I know you can do this...I, too, was a 35+ year smoker and it will be 9 months for me this week.

    I also am getting my nipples next Friday and I'm a little concerned about the size too.  I plan on telling the PS I want very small projection.

    Jan

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  • Jamie30
    Jamie30 Member Posts: 117
    edited June 2011

    Thanks so much!  Jan, I am near Raleigh, well about 30 minutes away from there.  We are about 1 1/2 hours away from Wilmington.  We go there a few times a year around the river and then go to Carolina Beach.  I actually cannot wait to go soon.  I REALLY want to get away from here for a bit, lol. 

    I do plan on getting something, I just do not know what yet.

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  • ssmith37
    ssmith37 Member Posts: 65
    edited June 2011

    webwriter, thank you so much for posting the study and starting this discussion.  I was diagnosed in April with TNBC.  I am still smoking and will start chemo right after the July 4th holiday.  I knew I needed to quit smoking to help with the ill feelings and to finally make a new healthy start to my life, but I had no idea that nicotein interferes with the chemo drugs!  I'll be reading these posts and posting my own.  I hope to quit before July 4th.  Wish me luck, and good luck to all of you!

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited June 2011

    Yay DUTCHY is back!!!  So glad to hear from you. 

    Re Nipples:  on a majority of the nipple discussions I have read, the projection decreases almost 50% or more as they heal (usually over several months time).  Give it a few months and you will probably be thrilled Laughing

    Stephanie Welcome!

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited June 2011

    Stephanie, welcome to our group, you will find support and encouragement here, as well as tips for quiting.  When I joined I found that reading past posts very helpful in getting to know the group, discussion of stop smoking aids and other quiters'  original programs for quiting.  I was a 30+ yr. smoker who never thought I could do it, but I am a 5 month non-smoker.  Others will be along to welcome you.  It helps to have a plan in mind when you set your quit date.  Again, welcome.  Karen

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  • BarbaraA
    BarbaraA Member Posts: 7,378
    edited June 2011

    Welcome Steph! This group is very supportive. We have all been down the path many times and totally know how hard it is. You can do it, though.

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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited June 2011

    YAY DUTCHY IS BACK!!!!!!!

    Glad to hear that things are going better for you!  I've been going through a bit of teenage boy trouble here but that seems to be wrapping up now! 

    Been busy with prom/graduation plans (somehow I got roped into being prom planning mom so had to make all arrangements for transport/dinner/after prom,etc)  Been SUPER busy!   Prom was Friday night and they all looked so handsome/beautiful that it was enough to make you cry!  They had a blast and of course slept all day yesterday.  Still trying to figure out where all the years went??!!

    Graduation this coming Friday and then I can kick back and relax for a bit!

    Get yourself back in the saddle and ready to quit!! This time should be a bit easier because you know what to expect PLUS, if you are done with your surgeries, you can use some of the aids to help you!   Meanwhile feel free to post!!

    We missed YOU!

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  • VJSL8
    VJSL8 Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2011

    I've mentioned before that I will send anyone on this list a copy of my stop smoking workbook that I use in groups. I also have 2 different e-books that I will also send. So you can have your choice of what you think would work best for you:

    1. 60 page workbook

    2. 50 page Tip book--top points with bullet points

    3. 150 page How to book 

    If you want a copy, just send me a PM or email me at VJSL8@CS.COM.

    Wishing everyone a joyous day. VJ 

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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited June 2011

    Welcome to both Jamie30 and ssmith37!!

    You will find this group to be a really friendly and supportive bunch of ladies!!

    One of the women who posts here occasionally (VJSL8) is a smoking cessation professional.  She has a workbook that she uses in her classes that is really jam-packed with great information from how to get ready to quit on through the actual quitting and staying quit!  She has offered to send anyone from this thread a free copy via e-mail!

    Here is a snippet from her original post:

    "Hi, my email address is VJSL8@CS.COM or send me a PM. I just need your regular email address and I'll send anyone on this list a copy of my workbook-no strings, no spam, just want to help. "

    Welcome and we look forward to hearing more from you both soon!

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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited June 2011

    LOL VJ!!!

    We were posting at the same time!!

    Use the instructions in VJ's post of either of you would like the workbook!!

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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited June 2011

    Thanks All for the Happy quit-aversaries!!!

    It was 1 YEAR and 5 MONTHS for me yesterday!  I really still can't believe it!

    This was the message from QuitNet in my e-mail yesterday:

    Your  Quit Date is: Monday, January 18, 2010 at 11:01:00 AM
    Time Smoke-Free: 515 days, 18 hours, 15 minutes and 51 seconds
    Cigarettes NOT smoked: 10315
    Lifetime Saved: 2 months, 18 days, 19 hours
    Money Saved: $4,953.60

    WOW!!!!

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited June 2011

    Seaside, good for you girl, now you get to spend some of that money you saved just on you!  Even if it is a small thing, earrings perhaps, they are a tribute to your non-smoking.  They should also serve as a reminder of all the women you have helped along the way, you are a special lady.  hugs, Karen  

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  • jan508
    jan508 Member Posts: 1,330
    edited June 2011

    Jamie:

    I live in Carolina Beach so be sure to let me know when you come down. We are at the boardwalk on Tuesday nights volunteering for Family night for the kids and Thursday we volunteer for the fireworks.  Lots going on over the summer so PM me your email and I'll give you mine, if you wish.

    Jan

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  • jan508
    jan508 Member Posts: 1,330
    edited June 2011

    Hi All:

    Well tomorrow is 9 months for me...WOW!!! I still can't believe it. I've been so busy with work and traveling I really haven't had a chance to catch up with y'all.

    Stay strong those on the quit wagon and for those in the process, you have come to a great thread for encouragement and support!  Listen to these ladies..they know of which they speak :)

    Jan

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited June 2011

    Yay Jan, happy 9 mos. anniversary.  You were here to welcome me when I came along, it meant so much to me!   Karen

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited June 2011

    Guess it is time I joined this group.  I know BarbaraA and o2bhealthy from some of the other threads.  I am still smoking but have made the decision to quit.  I am going to inquire about the ear acupuncture procedure - mainly to find out the cost - it will be well worth it in the end and get it done hopefully this week. I have done extensive researh on the internet and even located a doctor close to where I live.  Have his office number and will be calling when I get done with my MO  appt in the morning.

     I have tried multiple times in the past and always went back to the habit.  This time around I am not interested nicotine patches, gum, or sprays.  Been there, done that and am still smoking. I would very much welcome any advice and would like very much to hear others stories.

     Thanks for listening

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited June 2011

    Hi Jo!  Welcome to our happy little gang of quiters! 

    I quit using gum until I was told by my PS 'no nicotine of any kind' GRRRRRRRRRRR! I went to doublement gum, straw's and blowing bubbles.  I quit reading books because I used to spend hours on my back porch reading and smoking. Had to give up coffee for a while too.  I am doing ok now, 2 yrs later, rarely have any cravings but I do know I can never go back.  Not even one cigarette or I will be back to a pack a day in no time (I have quit before for several years and that was all it took).   

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited June 2011

    Michelle - Thanks for the welcome.  I have my mind made up that I want to do this ear acupuncture. I have read really good things about and have convinced myself it will work for me.  I have cut down quite a bit - 1 pack in 2 days and still have 3 left.  I am happy with what I am doing so far.  I am going to get some sugar free candies to refresh the breath.  After 40 years of smoking and several failed attempts - this time I am going to go for it.

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited June 2011

    I think BarbaraA used ear acupuncture and it worked for her.  I think that making up our mind to quit, just for us not anyone else, is the key to being successful.  It sounds like you are ready, go for it!

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited June 2011

    Dear Jo1955, you can do it!!,  welcome to ourr group, we will be here for you, good for you on the cutting back, that is a quite impressive first step.  Karen p,s, not usually up this early but a skunk must have been hit by a car - out front, it is such a strong smell it woke me up, then the cat decided it was time for breakfast and of course had to check the computer.  Karen

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  • BarbaraA
    BarbaraA Member Posts: 7,378
    edited June 2011

    Jan, CONGRATS!! Welcome Jo. You can do it!!

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited June 2011

    Michelle - I did get the idea from Barbara.  I am going to make some phone calls to day.  Will post what I find out.  

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