Good morning @lroestorf. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Good for you. I quit 24+ years ago because I found out that I had lung cancer. I have never been so afraid in my life. But, I didn't quit right away- I mean, how could I do this without cigarettes? I finally came to the conclusion a week prior to surgery that I could do it without cigarettes. I was more afraid of dying than giving up cigarettes. I also had a child and family, but it really broke down to being way too afraid of dying, for me.

This thing about coming to Connect is that you aren't alone. All your support, suggestions, love, and caring are right here. But this is a tough thing to do. I'm not going to gild the Lilly. You might not feel good at the beginning and some cravings can be very overwhelming, but you will no longer stink and you can clean out your drawers, coset, and car! And your health, well you just won't believe how great you will feel!

What got me through post-surgery and cravings was a mantra that my husband said to me when I was whining. "You will die if you smoke". Pretty powerful, eh?

Hi Lorné, Having someone to inspire your quit can be really helpful. You've got my support too. How are you doing?