You will, Barb. As much as I loathe being around people who smell like an ashtray, I would be a smoker in a New York minute - I loved it too. And I have buried several loved ones including 2 husbands. You never quite get "over it" so to speak, but you move on and totally love life again. It will happen, I promise. You just have to take that final step and let go forever.

Thanks, Drac. So many here have quit & it helps to know it can get better.

Barb, On Dec 16th we lost 2 of my childrens biological mother to lung cancer at the age of 55. It did not need to happen. Having my kids tell me how proud they were that I and their dad quit so that we can be here for them is all the inspiration I need to continue to stay away.

Ana

Hi Barb. It sounds as though you are well on your way to being smoke-free. I gave up cigs about 6 years ago. Just put them down, stopped cold turkey. My husband still smokes but now is smoking outside. I found that if I changed things a bit it helped. Like in the morning, don't drink coffee or tea, drink something else. Use the phone in a different room of your house. Just switch things around that you normally do! At one time I cut straws in half and basically chewed on them, used Vit.C tabs to chew on, sometimes I will still pick up a straw.
One word to anyone that smokes........if anyone in your family, Mother, Father, Sister, Brother has been diagnosed with COPD, I can just about guarantee you that you will eventually have it too! So please try to quit.
Terri

Thanks, Terri, good ideas. One thing helping me is that we have never smoked in this house. Also, my husband quit at the same time I did. That helps a lot. I can't give up my coffee, so I just have to get through it without a cig!

Heaven forfend we should give up our coffee in the morning! I have a feeling you're going to finally break the cycle and it won't be nearly so hard for you from now on. Just don't let that depression get ahead of you. 2012 is the year for you!

Right on, Drac! I think I AM going to do it! I feel much better today. I'm thinking the depression will ease with time. I have a lot to be thankful for and much to be happy about, so I have no real reason to be depressed.

Thank you to everyone who wrote with encouragement and suggestions. It is much appreciated.

Love,
Barb

Hi OldBroad, Don't know how I missed your post. I quit and then one day thought I could just smoke one, big mistake. I think I quit the last time 09/2005.
I have no doubt that you can quit, and I do understand your fear. Might I suggest that you go to a doctor/pulmonologist and have some tests done. (Xray/Cat Scan) Talk with the doctor and he will be able to ease your fears. Just because your sister had L/C doesn't mean that you will. The sooner you go to the doctor, the better. Anyone that smokes has that same fear!
Hugs,
Terri

Hi Terri,

I started writing some stuff here but it sounded kind of negative so let me just say:

Thank you for your confidence in me and the Hugs!

Jackie

Barb my sister quit cold turkey after over 40 years of smoking. Ana is right exercise, eat right, and take one day at a time and you can do it. You will feel better physically and that can help you feel better mentally. Knowing you beat smoking will make you feel great! It is an accomplishment that should help keep that depression under control! Good Luck!

If anyone ever needs some encouragement, Ghostlady has created a Facebook page chronicling her smoking cessation journey the last 5 months. She offers support and tips to get through all those cravings. Just look for How I Quit Smoking if you are on Facebook.

I quit when my lung collapsed one night while I was on BFG at midnight.I had my sons call 911. I have not smoked a cig yet. But--- about 3 years later I got lung cancer and have had 32 radiation treatments and went to get blood test today for a cat scan to see if its spread anymore.If so I guess they'll try chemo. I hope notHang in there, I have no depression at all. I should because my husband of 61 years is in a nursing home with alzheimers. one of my sons that live with me "to help take care of me" has liver cancer and is on chemo. Please don't be depressed, it only makes things worse. I ate cookies,candy & cashew nuts.Been quit a long time! Good luck.

Patsy
My house and clothes smell good now also

God Bless you Patsy. I hope your CT scan doesn't show any spreading. You have a wonderful attitude!