Health Scare

[mrs.-almost2]

I found out on Friday that I have a neuroendocrine tumor on my pancreas.  The doctor is recommending surgery in the next few weeks to have it removed.  I'm not sure if this was caused by smoking, but something tells me that it was.

I've still been smoking but have re-set my quit date for this Thursday, 8/22.  After many failed attempts, I have retured to this site to gain the guidance and support I know that I will need.  (Last time I quit, I made it 72 days, right in the middle of No Man's Land!)

I've been doing all of my reading and prepping for the big day.  I've made a committment to myself to quit drinking for 90 days as well.  In my readings, I hear about this "click" that I am supposed to feel while reading these quit smoking resources.  Why am I not feeling it?  Even with this health scare, I still haven't "clicked."  What's wrong with me?  Allen Carr says that if you haven't felt it by the end of his book, read it again.  Is it something you have to feel before you can truly quit? 

I'm very confused, scared and bewildered.  Any comments would be much appreciated.

Monica

[jim_ohio]

MONICA,   EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT........TRY JOEL SPITZER ON U-TUBE...HE IS A SMOKING CESSATION EXPERT.....HE IS FROM WHYQUIT.COM.......HIS VIDEOS ARE GREAT...HE IS A GREAT GUY....U CAN LISTEN TO THE VIDOES WHILE DOIN UR OTHER THINGS ...HE HAS MANY............THEY  SAVED MY LIFE ALONG WITH THIS SITE....GOD  BLESS AND GOD SPEED ON YOUR JOURNEY...JIM OHIO

[YoungAtHeart]

There is a old saying, "fake it until you feel it."  All you need to quit is your decision to do so - and to not smoke another cigarette NO MATTER WHAT.  That's it and ALL you need to do.  I think it helps to prepare your quit kit and write down the list of reasons to quit so you have something to look at during any uncomfortable times.

You CAN do this - believe in yourself!

Nancy

Quit 7/4/12

[Jordan-11-1-12]

You can do this!   Please forgive me if I've already given you this advice, I can't remember but.....    I never would have been able to quit without reading Allen Carr's book.  And, reading it with an open mind.  I knew that he was trying to re-brainwash me against smoking, and I was determained to let him so, even when he was repeating himself I read the repeated words, out loud, to help them work and sink in.  Here's the link if you're interested. 

http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

I also love Joel's videos like Jim was talking about. You can find them on youtube, or on "whyquit.com"

Take smoking off the table. It is no longer an option PERIOD. Get rid of your smokes and lighter, and when you "crave" one don't even let negative words form in your mind. As soon as you crave, say aloud something like "I don't do that anymore, I'll do this instead"  You will retrain your brain by saying the words over and over, and distract yourself right away. A crave only lasts 3 minutes unless we make it last longer by dwelling on it.  Have plans ahead of time to distract.   It can't be   to smoke or not to smoke anymore.  Its just "I don't smoke anymore, what do I do instead"

You can do this!!!!!  We're all here fo you! 

[mrs.-almost2]

Thanks, everybody!  Feeling the support and I love it!

[Jordan-11-1-12]

If you do read Allen Carr again....... If you read a sentance or two that you think is helpful to you, repeat them aloud as if you're studying for a test.......  If you think what he's saying makes sense but your just not "feeling it"   Well,  for ME, it takes repitition to convince myself of things.  My mind knew that it was possible to quit smoking, before I really believed that I could. Its hard to explain the difference, but if you're willing to read it again than you are obviously wanting this. Don't give up!!!

[Jordan-11-1-12]

Also (hi, me, again!)   What Nancy said up there, about not smoking NO MATTER WHAT.  For me, I accepted the fact that for the first week I wasn't going to like telling myself no.  I accepted the fact that it would feel uncomfortable when I craved, but that .... so what???    A crave lasts less than 5 minutes if we distract and ENDS WHETHER WE SMOKE OR NOT.  That was big for me..... it ends if we don't light up!  I went through labor 3 times..... I could handle being uncomfortable and having cold like symptoms for two weeks.   It wasn't magical, suddenly no cravings.... It was uncomfortable, but didn't hurt and got less uncomfortable every day.    😃   k, leaving you alone now.... but please make sure to blog and let us when you set a date for the minor surgery.

[Nyima_1.6.13]

Fake it till you make it! I didn't have the "click" until somewhere between two and three months quit! You can do this and your health is telling you, "it is time"!

[SRMezler]

Everyone above gave you great advise. It too early in the fight for me to give you advise. I just know this web site is the best place to be. I am learning so much from reading the comments. Fake it till you make it. I love that.  Thanks for that. Going to post it where I can read it often. You will be in my prayers----that I can do for you right now. Hang in ther and please give it your all. Everyone is here for you. God bless. Nonna

[shet206]

You are in my prayers and everything will be find...you must change your thinking as well also I cleaned my house ,washed clothes in my closet because they do smell like smoke if you smoked in your house like I did and I threw out all smoking utensils,went to Walmart to the candy aisle and bought the cinnamon disc candy and I would pop one in my mouth when I got the urge.......keep the faith and imagine yourself feeling healtheier and not stinking....good luck shet206-sheila

[dixiequit8-7-13]

Monica, anytime there is a major medical concern it can provide the impetus to finally move in the direction that is best for our well being and health. Your body needs to be in the best position possible. That means quitting and not looking bak. Stay strong in your resolve.

[wishingstar]

Just wanted to say Hi. You got alot of great advice.  Stay close to the site, you in with the best support group, will keep you in my prayers

Renee 4 weeks

[mrs.-almost2]

Thanks again everyone.  I am overwhelmed with emotion right now.  People giving me great advice and offering to pray for me, WOW!!  And y'all don't even know me!  Such a great feeling.  This site, and the people on it, are such a blessing to me.

God speed on your journey, no matter what stage you are at.

Monica