After my lobectomy in Jan (RLL >8mm), it was staged 1A, no lymph involvement. Caught early thanks to my GP for doing an early scan considering my age, history of smoking. Doctor after surgery & after getting the staging was very encouraged. I'll have scans done every 3 months...then 6 mo...for 5 years. Smoking is stressing me out right now- feeling shame, guilt & stupidity. Reading how smoking postsurgical lobectomy increases your chances for the cancer to come back, slow healing or complicate healing, so today I am done! No more. I don't want to go through this again.

A bit of a background: I'm an identical twin. Almost 3 yrs ago, my twin was dx'd with ALL (an agressive form of leukemia). I've been her caretaker when needed, we're neighbors so we help each other out when needed. She's had her problems in the 2.75 years, mainly from meds she's on (targeted therapy). So, I've put alot of this into prospective now. This lung cancer should've made me realize that things change so fast, but actually I think I've been in a denial that I even had it. I always thought if I got lung cancer, it'd be the end of me, period, but aside from the surgery, finding out I was stage 1A, I figured I had it licked. SO, I guess I'm still in some sort of a denial. The dangers of another cancer hasn't hit me yet. I only know that I must quit.

My challenge is on! Today I'm slapping on a patch & I quit! Goal is to be cancer free & for my sister to stay cancer free soon to be 3 years!