| From: kito40 - Gold (Original Message) | Sent: 3/7/2003 10:33 AM |
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March 7, 2002 is the day I started two journeys, a day I will never forget. Journey #1 - Quitting smoking............ I knew my smoking days were over. There was no choice in the matter, nicodemon had already started his death wish. My sister found Whyquit, we educated ourselves and now there is no looking back. I would have done anything for nicotine, but not anymore. I do feel so much better, no more coughing up phlgem or going into coughing fits when I laughed. When I would walk outside in winter and breathe in that first cold breath, it was an instant coughing fit too. The days at first seemed so long, but then I turned green, then silver and now GOLD......One whole year! I am so happy to be nicotine free. Journey #2 - March 7 was also the beginning of my battle with cancer. I was a person who believed that it would never happen to me, it only happens to other people. Being told I had lung cancer was not only a total shock to me but for my family as well. How could I possibly continue to smoke? The thought of "Oh well why quit now I already have cancer" never crossed my mind. Smoking was definately not an option for me anymore, it was starting to kill me. My health was too important now, I couldn't keep doing this to myself. As most of you know, I had my lung removed April 23, 2002. I recovered quickly from that surgery and was feeling great. My 6 month checkup came back clean. Then on December 18, 2002 I suffered a seizure, was rushed to hospital and a brain tumor was discovered. I saw the neurosurgeon on January 9, 2003. He made me do all these coordination tests to make sure the seizure had not affected my motor skills. He then asked me if I had a cough, I told him I used to but not since I quit smoking. After his examination he said I was a good candidate for the surgery. I didn't realize there were good and bad candidates. On the morning of the surgery (January 13), he asked me again if I had coughed. I finally figured out why he was asking. He couldn't risk me coughing and moving during the delicate surgery he was going to perform. So I have to wonder....if I hadn't quit smoking and still had that smoker's cough would he have said "sorry I can't do the surgery on you, you are too much of a risk." A scary thought! He said he removed all of the tumor but I still had to endure two weeks of radiation. Thanks to the radiation, I have no hair and I had a bad burn on my forehead, eyelids and parts of my head, it's now peeling. So newbies and lurkers I have to say withdrawal is nothing compared to what I have been through this year and who knows what the future will bring. Anybody can quit as long as they can accept the fact they are nicotine addicts and educate themselves. Believe me when I, and the others say it gets easier, because it really does. I can honestly say I can't remember the last time I had a crave. I want to thank John for asking me to put my story on this site, I know it has helped many. I continue to share it in hopes that it will reinforce all of your quits and inspire others to take control of their lives by "NEVER TAKING ANOTHER PUFF"...........Now let the Party Begin!!!!! MSN will not let me post any gifs : ( ..................Kim.....Golden!!!! |
