Reluctant Newbie

[sunshine82]

Hello, I am Sunshine. I signed on last night. You see I have breast cancer and can't get cut on till I'm 3 weeks nicotin free. Hmm, I have to admit I like my smokes. I attempted cold turkey and my roomate bought me a pack of smokes. As a rule I live up to my cheerful name. so here's the deal, are there any others out there that are or were where I find myself? The sooner I can do this the sooner I get my "boob job" LOL. I still have my funny bone.

[Ex_Nancy]

You may be reluctant but we need to get you started before that cancer spreads and kills you...there are many of us facing breathing, cardiac problems,etc. but we realized we don't 'love' something that will end our lives. It's just an addiction...welcome Sunshine! 

The most IMPORTANT thing you can do for your quit now is to educate yourself about the addiction and the mind games it plays on us....READ,READ,READ for a successful quit...the more you read, the EASIER it is...

CHOOSE to quit smoking, not TRY. Educate yourself by reading these links that most of us have used to help us quit and STAY quit! This is about making a DECISION to never put another cigarette in your mouth, mean it, and be committed to follow through on that decision. Also allow NO excuses AND hang in there for as long as it takes, no matter how uncomfortable you become.... This is about re-learning your life WITHOUT cigarettes....start changing your "normal" routine....because a smoker's routine revolves around cigarettes. You will be a nonsmoker so change how you start your morning so it doesn't revolve around cigarette breaks, etc. You CAN do this! ....http://quitsmokingonline.com/

Allan Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking -
http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

[Yaya2.6.10]

Welcome!  Nancy gives the best advice here, so I won't add to it.  I will say that I had two weeks to become an EX before a doc would even see me for a blocked carotid and it did get my attention.  You need to put yourself first and get on with things. Ni know you are mad, scared, etc. but you must concentrate on not smoking today.  You can do this and we can help if you ket us.

[candylance]

Sunshine, I added you as a friend, and if you need to talk , write on my message board or send me a message.  So sorry you're going thru all of this, but listen to Nancy and stay close. There's always a hand reaching out to you.    Fondly, Candylance

[mygirls-6-5-17]

Welcome, I hope you find all the support you need here, I have found it is so helpful to come here everyday. The last time I relapsed I wasn't coming to the boards so I wasn't staying accountable. read all the great stories here and post as much as you can, please get nicotine free so you can have your operation. 

[stonecipher]

Follow Nancy's advice and do the recommended reading.

You should know that you do NOT have to WANT to quit, in order to quit.  But you do have to DECIDE to quit.  Then, DECIDE that you will not be miserable.  DECIDE that you will not go back. 

This is for keeps. Let us help you through the tough times.  And cheer you on.  You will be so glad you quit smoking.  You'll see.

[lois13]

listen to this great advice here Sunshine, you can quit . NANCY and the other has good advice, take care, oh welcome to the site.

[Strudel]

Welcome to the site! So sorry about your diagnosis - but, you have come to the right place for sure. Please do the reading Nancy gave you. That's what I did and I quit - after 40 years of smoking!! And, that was over 2 years ago - you can do this!! Stay close! 

[Brenda_M]

I am so sorry for your diagnosis, and I hope you make a swift recovery!

But yes, quitting is super-important. Not only for your surgery, but also for recovery in general. The reading is really important. I imagine that ater you quit for awhile, you'll be surprised you ever said you liked your smokes.

And what kind of person buys a cancer patient cigarettes????

[Sootie]

As you can see---there's lots of support here! You can do this it is so possible. Do the reading...it really does help with the quit. And stay close to the site especially when you feel like smoking. I know you asked for responses from people who have been in your situation...and I have not. However, please stop by my page anytime. This is a fantastic community of people who will not only support you in your quit but will be there for you thru your operation, treatment---whatever you need.

[housabstew12]

So sorry for your diagnosis!  I have to agree with everyone that has responded.  I have smoked for 30 years and I am now smoke-free for 1 week, 1 day, 6 hr. and 44 min.  I would not have gotten this far had I not read about everything I could regarding the quitting process and preparation before my quit date.  I also must say that I would probably not have gotten this far had it not been for this EX site and the wonderful people that keep encouraging me each and every day.  This site is a wonderful tool.  Good luck to you!  Toni