Have you tried to quit smoking while undergoing treatment?

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Jun 7, 2018

The decision to quit smoking is a very personal one. Everyone has his or her own reason that helps start the journey to quit smoking. The diagnosis of a serious illness or chronic condition, like cancer, a heart condition, lung condition, diabetes, might be one reason to quit smoking as part of treatment and recovery.

Are you currently undergoing treatment for a serious illness or chronic condition, or are you a survivor of a serious illness who made the decision to quit smoking while undergoing treatment? If yes, and you feel comfortable doing so, please share the experience of your journey to quit smoking.

Thank you for sharing your experiences anonymously in the online survey. The survey is now closed.

However you can continue to share your experiences here in an open discussion with other members. Your story can help others on their journey to quit smoking.
- Did you decide to quit while undergoing treatment? Why or why not?
- What uncertainties or challenges did you face?
- How did your care providers support you to quit smoking? How could they have supported you differently or better?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.

lynann99 | @lynann99 | Apr 16, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "Good morning @kowalski- Yesterday was D day for you. How are you doing today?" + (show)

So far In doing pretty good 🙂

virgo1952 | @virgo1952 | Apr 16, 2020

👍

JK | @contentandwell | Apr 16, 2020

In reply to @lynann99 "I stopped yesterday so far so good. Trying it without using any meds like Chantex or..." + (show)

@lynann99 congratulations! Keep it up, it’s worth it. Along with your health, think of the money you will save. I can’t believe how expensive cigarettes are these days.
I’m sure you will get urges, but try to think of a distraction you can use when you do. We are all rooting for you.
JK

lynann99 | @lynann99 | Apr 17, 2020

In reply to @contentandwell "@lynann99 congratulations! Keep it up, it’s worth it. Along with your health, think of the money..." + (show)

Thank you so much for your support. Its really hard to quit with everytging thats going on

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 17, 2020

In reply to @lynann99 "Thank you so much for your support. Its really hard to quit with everytging thats going..." + (show)

@lynann99- Yay! You did it. I have to tell you that quitting smoking is tough no matter what's going on. And as JK said, think of the benefits of quitting. Something that helped me was coming up with a mantra. Mine was, if you smoke, you'll die. I was just told that I had lung cancer, 22+ years ago and my husband kept saying to me, "If you smoke, you'll die". I'm still here!

virgo1952 | @virgo1952 | Apr 17, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "@lynann99- Yay! You did it. I have to tell you that quitting smoking is tough no..." + (show)

@lynann99. I second that “yay” Put all that $ you would be spending in a can, account or whatever. Do something nice for yourself down the road! virgo

lynann99 | @lynann99 | Apr 18, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "@lynann99- Yay! You did it. I have to tell you that quitting smoking is tough no..." + (show)

I like that idea thank you

meka | @meka | Apr 19, 2020

In reply to @lynann99 "I like that idea thank you" + (show)

Keep on keeping on, you can do it and will do it!!

tinajackson40 | @tinajackson40 | Dec 30, 2021

i getting weigth loss surgery done next month on 26 i get nicotine testing done how long nicotine get out my blood can i drink alot of water can that to get the nicotine out my blood

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 30, 2021

In reply to @tinajackson40 "i getting weigth loss surgery done next month on 26 i get nicotine testing done how..." + (show)

@tinajackson40- Welcome to Mayo CLinic Connect.

Water helps flush a lot of things out of your bloodstream faster, including nicotine. But it takes about 4 full days for it to leave your body. I know that quitting is difficult. I quit one night after 35 years of smoking, a week ahead of open chest surgery for lung cancer. I was determined and had changed my mindset, but If you are planning on trying to fool a blood test then perhaps you should wait until you are ready to quit.

My cousin, several years ago, took out additional life insurance on his wife and found out that she was a smoker.

I wish you the best in your operation. I know that you have a large prep of having to do certain things by certain dates. And I'm certain that are finding these difficult but manageable. But trying to quit nicotine and reduce a lot of weight will be very trying. Please, please make sure that you are ready and determined for both.

Merry