Have you tried to quit smoking while undergoing treatment?

There was a time I was surrounded by smokers and did not start until I was 40. I learned that I blended better. Dumb reason to start. Yesterday was one of those dreadful days where I wanted something tangible for comfort and company. I had not thought of a cigarette in a long time. I wrestled with this thought for a while and realized my trigger was the neighbor above me going in and out her sliding door with others for a smoke. I am glad she smokes outside as she is on oxygen and lives most of her life tied to a home unit. We all need something at times and I chose to not need that as they now make me dreadfully ill as does anything in the Nightshade family. Also a reminder that it could as easily be me trapped by tubes because of smoking.

@parus- Good for you! The mental picture of your neighbor smoking and on oxygen could also help! I certainly don't want to be trapped by tubes!

@rchan - Congratulations on quitting smoking. I did it after 35 years. I only used a patch for a week. But it was extremely difficult for a while. "If you smoke you'll die" was my mantra. I'm not sure that it was my love of life or love for life..I didn't want to leave my world, my son, husband, sisters, house, trees in my yard, friends, etc. But the motivating factor was not wanting to die. It's an either or situation for sure.

@merpreb Thank you for the feedback. I have known several. I am thankful the neighbor chooses to do so outside as the thought of a big boomey above my head...I would also like to clarify I was not being critical. I know some on oxygen for other reasons too.

@parus- I didn't find what you said at all critical.

I have never smoked, but my father did for 50 years. The day he learned he had SCC of the mouth he quit. Just did it. What incredible will power. The desire to live is strong. Unfortunately it was too late to change the course of events and he died of his cancer a few years later.

@spedvm- I am deeply sorry that you lost your dad. A lot of times with addictions we unfortunately stop when we are in a health alert mode. Sometimes it's too late like your dad's. But that is the nature of addiction. Smoking unfortunately is so hard to quit that a lot of people delay it. The thought of stopping brings on cold sweats and panic. To avoid this we continue to smoke (or take pills, etc..). It's a horrible circle.

I quit smoking cigarettes at the same timei quit drugs and alcohol. Cigarettes was probably the hardest thing to overcome, but there were many resources. I went to a treatment facility that was non smoking and that helped alot not having other smokers around me when I was struggling

I was diagnosed with SCC in January 19 and scheduled for surgery in February. I scheduled my "Quit" to coincide with my surgery. I was on the patch for a week before surgery. I was in the hospital for 4 days, but pretty heavily sedated for 2 days, so I figured that would cover the 3 days of physical withdrawal from cigarettes. I haven't smoked since.

@karenjf I quit in 1995 after about 25 years of smoking. It too several tries, but nicotine gum helped. Still after all these years diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma in my lower right lung. Had a lobectomy. Mercifully the cancer was small--hadn't spread and I feel blessed. There are still times, I miss smoking! I won't do it again, but I've heard quitting cigarettes is worse than quitting heroine--much more addictive. Anyway, good for all of us for quitting.