Non-Smoker In Training, Daily Journal

my own personal Hell | 21OCT03 | King Prout

[King Prout]

A net-buddy of mine was recently diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer in the upper lobe of his right lung: stage 3a, locally metastatic, possibly operable, possibly terminal. His odds are not good. He is 53, married. He has been a 2-pack/day smoker for 30 years. I -and others- have begun sending him surplus cash to help him and his wife keep beans on the table and a roof overhead as he pursues treatment. Something about the situation struck me as beautifully symmetric: I smoke, spending about $30.00 every two weeks on cigarettes; I intend to send him at least that amount every two weeks. In order to do so, I have decided to cease purchasing cigarettes. De facto, this means I am quitting. I have smoked for some 12 years. This will be interesting. I'll be posting daily notes here as this goes on. Today is Day 4 of no cigarettes.

[No Blue States]

Im glad you are still winning the battle.
As of 6:45AM this monday morning i smoked my last cig.

Approaching only my 4th hour and starting to Jones, but being able to get some nicotene from the gum really does help me.
not giving in this time, victory is mine for the taking.

[dyed_in_the_wool]

I caqnnot remember being this generally cranky.

I can.
How's it going?

[King Prout]

(high-school don't count)

just gave myself a "dope-ring" sighting in the optics on my AK.
Otherwise, things are going well. no cigs in... what? 11 days? It got a little rough this weekend, doing CAD work on a notion I'm working on. I'm really used to smoking when I pause to think things through.
Snickers-bars (Halloween sized ones) worked well enough.

[King Prout]

COOL!
Keep it up!

[No Blue States]

11 days, thats great King Prout!
You keep it up too FRiend, very good job.

3rd day cig free here.
Walked for miles yesterday, breathing Much better, smelling scents long forgotten that bring back pleasant memories.
My family is very happy about it too.
Cronic sore throat, nearly GONE.
BWHAHAHAHA!
:D

[King Prout]

One unexpected side effect: my cat seems to appreciate the change in the odor of my breath, and now sleeps next to my head instead of on my feet. I wouldn't mind that, except that I am allergic to cat dander!

[Remember Ruby Ridge]

Prayers going out to your friend. Good luck with the smoking. I quite 4 years ago -- but it took a triple bipass for me to get the message;-) I will keep your friend, you, and your success in my prayer.

Ruby

[No Blue States]

lol I think my family appreciates my fresher breath too.
The house already smells better.
Notice how there is less to keep up with now?
Cell phone and keys...billfold and sunglasses maybe..
No lighter or cig pack to keep up with.
This being the 4th day i will have saved $10 @ 2.50 a pack..
At that rate the gum will be paid off in 8 more days.
(cartons not always on sale..a pack was as high as 3.20)
Im sick of this gum though, its nasty.
Think i will move to some real gum soon that tastes good.

[No Blue States]

Ps: I have been praying for your friend too.
He might be happy to know his plight helped influence my decision to stop smoking.

[AppyPappy]

Walking really really helps. I quit after 10 years abd walking kept me sane

[No Blue States]

I agree, must have walked 5 miles the other day.
Hope to do that again soon..i spooked a big owl (and he spooked me)..enjoyed the nature, sunset, fresh air, scents and scenery.
10 yrs for You? Congrats!
;)

[FourPeas]

You can do it. I honor you for caring for your friend so much. It's amazing how sad news can change lives for the better. I'll pray for your friend and for you. And, I'll be looking for your updates. Remember: you can do it.

FourPeas

[AppyPappy]

I smoked for 10 years. I quit 21 years ago. Best thing I ever did.

[GoredInMich]

Hang in there, my friend. I smoked 1.5 packs a day for almost 20 years. I quit on April 16, 2002. Cold Turkey. 18 months ago, and nary a puff.

I used the money savings to start my own business..a fishing lure business, and I have never been happier.

If I can quit, so can you. YOu MUST break the mental habit. You CAN DO IT.

[Cold Heat]

Glad to see that you have made progress.

I am starting my 4th day today. The first three were a real *itc*!

Seems the major physical with-drawls are receding.

Now we shall see if the Zyban gets me through the psychological addiction.

I have failed to get through the 30 day marker many times.

[Cold Heat]

Im sick of this gum though, its nasty.

Just a personal obsevation on the gum and patches. I ended up depending on them and blew my quit on three occasions.

Get off the gum as soon as you can. I have used three pieces in three days and will stop using it today. I used it when I had the crazies. It helped, but it is nicotine!

[No Blue States]

True wirestripper, im finding myself starting to like this gum! lol My plan was always to use one carton of gum for a month instead of the recommended 4+ months. (its $29 generic, sale) Ive been chewing 6-10 pieces a day. now i will start to wean off of it. But if i get one more pack of the gum that is fine with me. My hmo wouldnt cover the zyban last time i tried, they suck. This is day 9 and ive gotten used to my hands and lips not doing anything with cigs. The joneses are definately starting to taper off, the 1st week is the hardest. My goal is one year which will be a record for me.

Although the gum is nicotine, its not as bad for you as the smoke. And im pretty sure it will be easier to quit the gum soon. (it was pretty easy last time) I think the gum has kept me from biting peoples heads off, or failing. Im pulling for you to break your 30 day mark my FRiend, going to Freepmail you.

[spectre]

I use the gum to take the edge off, to keep me regular, and have managed to keep the weight off.

I have to withdraw from the gum, but it beats smoking. I quit after I fought and beat a serious illness, and said to myself, "smoking is not an option". It's been 3 years on the gum. I wish I were as strong as you. Only Don Imus chews more. :~(

sw

[No Blue States]

correction this is day 8 for me. i havent felt this free or strong in years. the confidence of victory will spill over into other areas of my life producing other desirable dividends.

like GoredinMich i plan to use the money to start some small garage business, already cleaned off my workbench. my hands need to do something...i have more energy now. it may be my imagination but im pretty sure im more handsome too. hahah

[Cold Heat]

I have been a smoker for 40 years.

I started when I was 13 and have been a two packer for most of the 40 years.

I have tried and failed to quit several times and this time, failure is just not an option.

If I were to fail, I would never attempt it again. I detest failing at anything.

I have studied/ or experienced all the quit methods. I even tried hypno.

It seems that cold turkey, or as close to cold turkey that you can manage is the way to go. It is harder on the system for the first days, but you do not replace one addiction with another.

I have broken addictions before. I had a drug problem when I was in my early twenties and then there was alcohol in my 40s.

Now there is pain killers in my 50s. (cannot function without them) I am a chronic pain patient.

Cigarettes have been the hardest addiction to break by far. Even harder than than the drugs. I hate it when something controls me and I am helpless to stop it.

That is why the cigs must go! My health is not affected as of yet. I can afford them so the controlling influence of the nicotine is what gives me the strength to fight.