Stop Smoking Support Thread

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

    Seaside and DH, Happy Anniversary, much happier occasion to celebrate.

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

    Happy Saturday everyone.  Haven't posted for a bit - I have to be honest with you gals and tell you why I have been away.  Someone on here hurt my feelings AGAIN!  and it has taken me some time to get over it.  Funny, I would have blown the whole thing off before BC - but not now.

    Had a wonderful trip with the gals in San Antonio last weekend.  Stayed with one of the ladies from the boards and felt not only honored but priviliged to meet ChrissyB.  If you don't know who she is, she is an amazing lady who is stage IV and is from Austrailia and is doing a 6 week trip around the US.  She has been staying with ladies from this website all along the way.  Here is a picture of the group.

     

    From left to right - Jo (me) Gina, Annette, Sherry, Timothea, Jana & Chrissy.  

    We had a wonderful lunch at the Spaghetti Warehouse.  It was a weekend I will never forget. 

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

    Thanks Karen!



    Definitely both occasions were worth a celebration and celebrate we did!!



    We stayed at a beautiful bed and breakfast and ate at some wonderful restaurants.... The bed and breakfast thing was something I had always wanted to try but, couldn't because most times they are smoke-free.... So this was a real treat and a nice reward for quitting smoking!



    It was a little different than staying in a hotel and the jury is still out as to which we like better but, it was a cool experience... The inn owner is a professionally trained chef and the breakfasts were sooooo delicious! I could definitely get used to that!



    Enjoy this great weather we're having this weekend!

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

    Jo,



    I was about to send a search party out for you...lol



    I knew we hadn't heard from you in a bit but,I figured you were busy making plans for Chrissy's arrival in the Lone Star State!! Sorry to hear that something someone said hurt you but glad you're back now!



    I've been following along with Chrissy's journey and it sounds like you all showed her a great time!!! Just love seeing all the pictures! The signing of the traveling pants must have been a really unforgettable moment....

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

    Barbara,



    A cruise sounds great!! Where are you headed?

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

    This is a picture of Chrissy & Timothea with the traveling pants.  Timothea is 27 years old and stage IV - she is definitely an inspiration.  She has a wonderful outlook on life and has 2 adorable children ages 4 & 6.  

     

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

    Jo,



    Thanks for the picture!!



    To be only 27 and having to deal with all of this, is just the height of unfairness!! BC really doesn't discriminate or play fair, does it?



    I read on one of the other threads that they may start including a small video camera with the pants so that the recipients can record some of there stories to pass along as well! What a powerful story that would be!

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

    Dear Jo, thanks for including the pictures, I have been following her posts from her tour to see so many of her sisters.  No, bc doesn't play fair at all - Timothea is a very young mother, it breaks your heart to hear her story, you said she has a marvelous attitude as well, no fair bc, no fair,  So glad you were able to connect with Chrissy, I know friends of mine from another thread check in on her too, marveling at her many adventures.  Karen

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

    Right now the pants have been included in a display at Lee Jeans Headquarters.  Timothea was to overnight them after she got back from San Antonio.  I don't know for how long but I think that is marvelous.

    Chrissy, Gina, Sherry and I were interviewed by a reporter for the San Antonio Express News and from what I understand that article is to  run tomorrow in a feature article.   Sherry is supposed to send me the link and when I get it, I will post it here.  The reporter told us when we agreed to do the interview, she thought we was coming to meet a group of ladies that wore wigs and were sick.  She was pleasantly surprised how healthy and happy we looked.  I can't wait to read the article myself. 

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

    Check out this link -

    Traveling Pants sisterhood provides support

    www.mysanantonio.com

    I couldn't get it to copy/paste.

    You can also go to facebook and click the link there.  It is on the newsfeed page or my page. 

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

    Jo, thanks for posting the link.  Great article, I'm so glad you got a chance to meet Chrissy and the other women, it's like you have known them all your life.  So true, I tell my cyber sisters at the WNY thread things I could not share with my non-bc friends.  We are so lucky, we are all within an hour's drive from each other and get together for luncheon about every 2 mos. or less.  This bc.org has had a profound positive experience for me, even though it is the club no one wants to join.  Karen

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

    Karen,

    You are right when you said you can share things with your cyber sisters that you can't share with anyone else.  I do have a few survivors friends here and we can talk about all kinds of issues related to bc and they understand.

    The one gal - Timothea - who is 28 years old and stage 4 lives two hours from me and we have agreed to meet in the middle more often for lunch.  

    BC.org is what got me through this journey. I would be in the lunybin by now it wasn't for all the support here. 

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

    Jo,



    Thanks for the link! What a well written article....



    Timothea's young age I'm sure was an eye opener for many! Plus the fact that you all look so darn fabulous, I'm sure was a surprise to many...



    And the story of Chrissy's trip and taking a leap of faith by traveling the US staying with people whom you've never met along with the shear numbers that have hosted her and traveled to meet her is JUST awesome!



    So sorry to have 'met' you all under these circumstances BUT, sooooo glad I have!



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

    I'm telling you, it is a trip I will never forget.   Very emotional and humbling.  Timothea lives 2 hours from me and I am going to get up to see her more often.  There is a place we can meet in the middle and I just have to do it more often.

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

    Dear Jo, you will find it really enlivens your life to meet with Timothea on a regular basis, I meet my WNY sister every other week or two and it is a treat for both of us.  As you get older it is harder to find a best friend and I am lucky to have found her.

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

    Timothea is my hero and such an inspiration.  She is 28 (old enough to be my daughter) and has 2 children - ages 6 & 4.  

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  • akeefe7
    akeefe7 Member Posts: 19
    edited October 2011

    Havent been on for while tomorrow is my 3 month smoke free:) Its been hard 3 months especially with planning my wedding and its now 12 days away. I often find myself reaching for one. Glad I haven't been around anyone that smokes otherwise with the stress I might crack.  Hope everyone is doing well.

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

    Hi akeefe, Happy three month anniversary!!!  You certainly are one strong, determined young woman to "stay strong" while planning a wedding.  A friend of mine is in the planning stages for a wedding next August and she is stressed already and here you are a non-smoker with only 12 more days to go.   Hope your wedding is all you have dreamed it to be.  Karen

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

    afeefe - Congrats on your 3 month anniversary.  I just past mine it has also been hard.  My DH is still smoking  and it makes it so tempting for me.  Wishing you all the best on your upcoming wedding.

     

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  • texasrose361
    texasrose361 Member Posts: 1,829
    edited October 2011

    Aw Jo i love to hear that!

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

    Texasrose - Aw Shucks!  Thanks!!

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

    CONGRATS to both Jo and Akeefe for passing the 3 month mark.... That was a big milestone for me....



    Jo,



    I know that it's been a struggle since your husband hasn't followed.... As you get further out, I sure hope he decides to join you but, till then, keep going... You are doing great!



    Akeefe,



    I hope you have a wonderful wedding! When I got married, my Mom didn't want any photos taken with me smoking... I swear I spent half my reception hiding out with my bridesmaids, smoking... Not sure that's what she was going for.....lol



    As time goes by, you will find that you really just don't think about smoking much anymore and even if it pops into your head, it is just a fleeting thought!!



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

    Hi all, just checking in. Had a great trip to Colorado, got to see lots of animals, elk, antelope, a few buffalo, it snowed while we were there! Walked in a local breast cancer walk today, I'm the one in the middle in my new avatar.

    Hope everybody is well and smoke free!

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited October 2011

    Hope everyone is doing OK. This month makes 6 years for me. If you haven't succeeded don't worry. Just keep trying.

    My husband is still trying. Something I bought him for encouragement: http://mcbittersons.bigcartel.com/product/sad-ciggie

    http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/38435240/300.jpg

    My luck he loves it. Teases me with it all the time. Tongue out

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

    Bama welcome back!  happy to hear you had a great visit & love the new avatar!

    Congrat's on 6 months Lago!!!

    Way to go Jo!!! Stay strong, you are doing great!

    Welcome Akeefe!

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited October 2011
    o2bhealthy that's 6 years not months.
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  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited October 2011

    Bama,



    So happy to hear that you had a good time in Colorado!!! We went to Maine not too long ago and saw a Moose.... I am still in shock as to how large they are!! I had no idea....



    Lago.... Yeah for 6 YEARS!!! As for your husband... Each in their own time.... We miss you over on the 'What's For Dinner' thread.... Especially your pics of delicious food!!



    Michelle,



    Always good to hear from you!!



    Jo,



    Haven't heard from you in a bit but, I do think about you! Hope all is going well for you!

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

    Iago: Congrats on 6 years!!! I'm lucky to not have any smokers around me now. That has got to make it harder, especially when those ocassional cravings hit.

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

    Tomorrow is MRI day.... Hate the stress but it is at my insistance that they do it once a year.... My BC didn't show up well at all on mammo....



    Here's hoping that ll checks out as normal! I thought as I got further out that the anxiety would decrease but, if anything, I think it has increased as time goes by.... Strange.....



    My Dr. prescribes a Xanax tablet since, I am claustrophobic... Once I take that, the procedure itself is smooth sailing.... It's the waiting for the results that causes the stress!!



    Hope you all have a good night!

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  • khegidio
    khegidio Member Posts: 100
    edited October 2011

    So I cannot believe that having breast cancer has not made me quit smoking as soon as I found out.  Initially, the thoughts were there.  The day I found out I had breast cancer (9/7/2011) I doused my pack of cigarettes with water.  But then the appointments started, the stress set in, real life picked back up and I bought more cigarettes.

    So I confessed to my oncologist that I was embarassed that I was still smoking but could she please prescribe me chantix.  I had quit for over 6 months before on chantix and I remember it being fairly easy.  This round it is not.  I cannot stop thinking about cigarettes.  I will start my 3rd week of chantix tomorrow.  I did not quit after my first week - I couldn't.  I quit after my second week (so 1 week now) and I have had about 5 cigarettes since then.  What is the deal????  My husband seems to think that when I quit before, its because I wanted to.  Now, cancer is forcing me to quit.  Why don't I want to quit after this horrible disease has already ransacked me and my family? Why would I intentionally partake in something that will give me another type of cancer?? I cannot answer this question.

    But today... i got an electronic cigarette.  IT IS AMAZING!! It lets me inhale (water vapor with a little nicotene) and it totally takes the edge off.  I think this may be what I need to help me quit fully.  It has stopped me from smoking.... and it has stopped me from ripping my husbands head off (God bless him).  I take a few "puffs" and it totally takes the edge off without giving me the carcinogens.  It seems like magic to me right about now.

    Anyone have such a hard time quitting when they already have cancer?? Anyone have success with an electronic cigarette?

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