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Staying (Lung) Safe this Holiday Season
My husband and I recently picked up holiday decorations. One thing that I love to hate is candles. If they have scents or smoke they aren't allowed in my house. I can't handle them, no matter how gorgeous. I have to be very careful around roasting chestnuts on an open fire because all fires are smokey! We tried this once and I had one very apologetic husband, lol.
It really isn't funny anymore because after so many years with lung cancer and COPD anything that sets my lungs to swelling hurts a lot.
I am very careful of wearing masks, getting any vaccines I need. To stay healthy, I wash my hands, or use a sanitizer. I make sure that all of my medications are filled as much as they can be, especially my inhalers!
The holidays can be one of the most wonderful times of the year, With some planning and care, we can do our best to protect others and ourselves.
It has been an honor to be your mentor. I want to take this time to wish you and your families a healthy holiday and new year!
I know that I have missed some helpful hints to stay safe this year. It would be a wonderful gift to share what you do!
Warmly
Merry
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MODERATOR'S NOTE
The knowledge exchange shared in this discussion helped to create this article written for the Mayo Clinic app and website. Knowledge for patients by patients and beyond Mayo Clinic Connect.
– How patients with lung conditions avoid winter irritants https://www.mayoclinic.org/connected-care/how-patients-with-lung-conditions-avoid-winter-irritants/cpt-20525811
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@sueinmn I agree with you
September of this year 2025 they took half of my right lung out due to cancer. I am 74 years old.
My husband 77 years old loves plug in air fresheners and spraying bb
I can’t get him to understand how much it is hard to breathe and it is dangerous
Please pray for my!
Thanks
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2 Reactions@please I have a number of family members that have not understood how serious these types of issues are. I can't go in musty mold homes or homes where air is not circulated. I finally had to stand my ground tonight and tell my husband that as long as his Mom shuts off the air, turns off fans and close all windows in her home thus I have breathing problems and get headaches that I am just not going in. YOU are important. I finally told myself, empower yourself and do not enable others to be insensitive to your needs.
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4 Reactions@please
How hard for you! My Mother and my Husband both had breathing problems. My Mother had pulmonary emphysema and my Husband had lung cancer. Sprays and scents, perfumes bothered them terribly. I was very glad the University of Washington Medical Center where they both went had signs up saying no perfumes!
Can you throw out the sprays etc. when your husband isn't home?
As you requested, I will say a prayer for you and your situation. God is there for us. I wish you the best.
Merry Christmas!
PML
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1 ReactionThanks very much
Merry Christmas to you all too. ❤️😁✅💕👍🏻
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2 Reactions@please, I’m also surprised how many people still want to breathe in these chemicals.
Maybe your husband needs to hear the message from someone other than you. If he goes to any of your follow up appointments, maybe you could ask the clinician to explain why your remaining lung capacity needs all in oxygen that it can get, without these extra particles getting in the way.
How is your recovery going? What type of lung cancer do you have? Will you face any other treatments?
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4 Reactions@lls8000 good suggestion in February I go again to the Cancer Center for another ct scan and appointment. I had half lung removed last September and they are watching a spot on the left lung now to see if it changes. I am fortunate than most.
I will ask the doctors to explain things to my husband.
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
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2 Reactions@carolplatt3
Hi, I Have MAC disease and recently was invited to a couples home for a party. They have a townhome and there were a lot of people squeezed in to a small area. She had 3 different scented candles going. I wasn't going to say anything and just tell them I didn't feel well; but one of my other friends asked me what was wrong and then told the hostess. She apologized and said she would just put them out. The scent lingered for awhile. I wear a mask everywhere I go including in Church for 1 1/2 hrs. Trying to stay healthy.
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