Jump to content
RemedySpot.com

Re: smoking, depression

Rate this topic


Guest guest

Recommended Posts

Guest guest

Deb wrote:

<< Believe it or not my depression was set off by quitting smoking 6 years

ago. >>

Deb, i stil feel that quitting smoking was one of the most positive things

I've ever done. My husband also quit, and he also feels quite positive about

it. On another diabetes group, we just lost a good friend to lung cancer,

just three months after diagnosis. Right now, my husband's sister as well as

three of my first cousins are dying of lung cancer. It's not a good way to

die. I get e-mails every day that are wrenching to read.They all either

smoke like chimneys or were exposed to toxic fumes.

Since diabetics who smoke are at approximately five times the risk of

complications as non-smokers, I think our esteemed moderator Rick

would consider the subject of smoking on-topic. I'm curious about why you

associate your decision to quit smoking - a positive, healthy decision -

with your depression. I haven't smoked in a really long time, but when I

don't eat " bad foods, " I feel good, not depressed. Why would doing a

positive thing bring you down? You are brave and honest, Deb. I'd like to

hear more about how you made the association.

Susie

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Deb wrote:

<< Believe it or not my depression was set off by quitting smoking 6 years

ago. >>

Deb, i stil feel that quitting smoking was one of the most positive things

I've ever done. My husband also quit, and he also feels quite positive about

it. On another diabetes group, we just lost a good friend to lung cancer,

just three months after diagnosis. Right now, my husband's sister as well as

three of my first cousins are dying of lung cancer. It's not a good way to

die. I get e-mails every day that are wrenching to read.They all either

smoke like chimneys or were exposed to toxic fumes.

Since diabetics who smoke are at approximately five times the risk of

complications as non-smokers, I think our esteemed moderator Rick

would consider the subject of smoking on-topic. I'm curious about why you

associate your decision to quit smoking - a positive, healthy decision -

with your depression. I haven't smoked in a really long time, but when I

don't eat " bad foods, " I feel good, not depressed. Why would doing a

positive thing bring you down? You are brave and honest, Deb. I'd like to

hear more about how you made the association.

Susie

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Deb wrote:

<< Believe it or not my depression was set off by quitting smoking 6 years

ago. >>

Deb, i stil feel that quitting smoking was one of the most positive things

I've ever done. My husband also quit, and he also feels quite positive about

it. On another diabetes group, we just lost a good friend to lung cancer,

just three months after diagnosis. Right now, my husband's sister as well as

three of my first cousins are dying of lung cancer. It's not a good way to

die. I get e-mails every day that are wrenching to read.They all either

smoke like chimneys or were exposed to toxic fumes.

Since diabetics who smoke are at approximately five times the risk of

complications as non-smokers, I think our esteemed moderator Rick

would consider the subject of smoking on-topic. I'm curious about why you

associate your decision to quit smoking - a positive, healthy decision -

with your depression. I haven't smoked in a really long time, but when I

don't eat " bad foods, " I feel good, not depressed. Why would doing a

positive thing bring you down? You are brave and honest, Deb. I'd like to

hear more about how you made the association.

Susie

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

<< Believe it or not my depression was set off by quitting smoking 6 years

ago. >>

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

That's not at all uncommon. I know!!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Why would doing a

positive thing bring you down?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Susie,

I'm still smoking very heavily and am trying to quit. I have cut down by

well over half over the last couple of months and still working on it. It's

an horrible addiction and lifestyle and depression caused by quitting is not

at all unusual, as a matter of fact, for heavy smokers, it is common.

Wellbutrin, an anti depressant, under the name Zyban, is one of the major

prescribed drugs to assist people in quitting smoking is common. Many

people who succeed in quitting must remain on it or another anti depressant

for years after quitting smoking.

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

<< Believe it or not my depression was set off by quitting smoking 6 years

ago. >>

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

That's not at all uncommon. I know!!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Why would doing a

positive thing bring you down?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Susie,

I'm still smoking very heavily and am trying to quit. I have cut down by

well over half over the last couple of months and still working on it. It's

an horrible addiction and lifestyle and depression caused by quitting is not

at all unusual, as a matter of fact, for heavy smokers, it is common.

Wellbutrin, an anti depressant, under the name Zyban, is one of the major

prescribed drugs to assist people in quitting smoking is common. Many

people who succeed in quitting must remain on it or another anti depressant

for years after quitting smoking.

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

In a message dated 4/15/02 1:49:37 PM !!!First Boot!!!, moseart@...

writes:

<< Susie,

I'm still smoking very heavily and am trying to quit. I have cut down by

well over half over the last couple of months and still working on it. It's

an horrible addiction and lifestyle and depression caused by quitting is not

at all unusual, as a matter of fact, for heavy smokers, it is common.

Wellbutrin, an anti depressant, under the name Zyban, is one of the major

prescribed drugs to assist people in quitting smoking is common. Many

people who succeed in quitting must remain on it or another anti depressant

for years after quitting smoking.

Art >>

I just wanted to make a comment and I am a former smoker and I mean I was a

part-time chimney, I lite one cigarette with the last one. My hubby also

quit smoking back in 1987 and I kept telling him just quit and if you don't

smoke the first cigarette your not a smoker. It worked for both of us. Well

actually I was in the hospital for 3 weeks with pnuemonia and almost died but

that is another story. Anyway, my hubby last year had a horrible time

breathing and he went into the hospital and was diagnosed with emphysema. My

hubby was amazed because all the hype that if you quit smoking your lungs

will heal themselves and be just as good as anyone elses. The doc told him

that this is not true. The lungs will heal themselves and ultimately improve

but any damage done is permanent. That doesn't heal. One thing that I

observed is that everyone says that smoking is an addiction to a chemical and

I believe that might be partly true but for me and my hubby it was the

addiction of constantly putting something in our mouths and something to

fiddle with.

Once you quit smoking when you get the urge I would get up and go do

something and it went away. I know I am going to get a lot of guff for my

post but this is just MHO and I am sorry if I ruffled anyones feathers.

Kathy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Once you quit smoking when you get the urge I would get up and go do

something and it went away. I know I am going to get a lot of guff for my

post but this is just MHO and I am sorry if I ruffled anyones feathers.

Kathy

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Kathy,

You sure are not ruffling my feathers (I don't have any), but most of the rest

of the world disagrees with one aspect of what you said: the physical addiction

part. It's the Nicotine that is addictive and even the Surgeon General says

that, for long time heavy smokers, quitting smoking is more difficult than

quitting heroin or cocaine. I've smoked for 49 years and an unknown # of those

years at the rate of 3 packs per day, sometimes a little more. Over the last

two months I've cut that in half to 1 and 1/2 packs per day and that has been

extremely difficult for me although it is still well over what the " average "

smoker smokes per day. A number of years ago the Chief Administrator of the

local VA hospital told me " don't waste your time, you'll never be able to do

it " . . . .not at all what I expected him to say when I told him I was planning

to quit. There are the fortunate few who, like you and your husband, were able

to just put them away, but you are faraway the exception rather than the rule.

Congratulations to both of you for doing something that many people are unable

to do. AMA statistics say that it takes the average smoker who is highly

motivated to quit, fifteen (15) attempts to actually do it.

This is my first try, and I pray that I will succeed completely. Only God's

intervention has kept me alive this long.

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

In a message dated 4/16/02 12:03:48 AM !!!First Boot!!!,

moseart@... writes:

<< AMA statistics say that it takes the average smoker who is highly

motivated to quit, fifteen (15) attempts to actually do it. >>

I agree with the physical addiction I said that in my post but a lot of it is

putting something in your mouth. I smoked for 15 years and as I said I was a

part-time chimney. I smoked 3 packs of Marlboro 100's and I would light one

cigarette with the next one. My husband who is 20 years older than I am also

smoked 40 years till he quit. It is hard to do I absolutley agree with that.

But it is like an alcoholic if you don't take the first drink your sober.

One drink is too many and a million is not enough. With alcohol you wouldn't

give a drinker a couple drinks a day and wean them off of it. I didn't mean

to start something I just wanted to share my experiences. My husband when he

quit smoking was ready and he just gave me his lighter and said I am not a

smoker anymore and he did it. He didn't use the patches or anything like

that cause we really couldn't afford them so he just quit. Now that it has

been years I wouldn't think of lighting a cigarette. One funny thing is I am

not one of those people that go to places and tell people to put out their

cigarettes cause I actually like the smell of cigarettes. In fact my dad was

a smoker and I never said a word to him about it. I don't know why I got off

on this. Oh well I hope you have a great night and please don't anyone be

mad at me.

Kathy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

In a message dated 4/16/02 12:03:48 AM !!!First Boot!!!,

moseart@... writes:

<< AMA statistics say that it takes the average smoker who is highly

motivated to quit, fifteen (15) attempts to actually do it. >>

I agree with the physical addiction I said that in my post but a lot of it is

putting something in your mouth. I smoked for 15 years and as I said I was a

part-time chimney. I smoked 3 packs of Marlboro 100's and I would light one

cigarette with the next one. My husband who is 20 years older than I am also

smoked 40 years till he quit. It is hard to do I absolutley agree with that.

But it is like an alcoholic if you don't take the first drink your sober.

One drink is too many and a million is not enough. With alcohol you wouldn't

give a drinker a couple drinks a day and wean them off of it. I didn't mean

to start something I just wanted to share my experiences. My husband when he

quit smoking was ready and he just gave me his lighter and said I am not a

smoker anymore and he did it. He didn't use the patches or anything like

that cause we really couldn't afford them so he just quit. Now that it has

been years I wouldn't think of lighting a cigarette. One funny thing is I am

not one of those people that go to places and tell people to put out their

cigarettes cause I actually like the smell of cigarettes. In fact my dad was

a smoker and I never said a word to him about it. I don't know why I got off

on this. Oh well I hope you have a great night and please don't anyone be

mad at me.

Kathy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Congratulations on that improvement, Art...keep up the good work! Vicki

In a message dated 04/15/2002 8:07:58 PM US Mountain Standard Time,

moseart@... writes:

> I am doing a lot to improve my health

> including quitting smoking. I've already cut down by over 50%. . .a major

> accomplishment for me and will continue to cut back until I am completely

> done with the smokes.

>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Congratulations on that improvement, Art...keep up the good work! Vicki

In a message dated 04/15/2002 8:07:58 PM US Mountain Standard Time,

moseart@... writes:

> I am doing a lot to improve my health

> including quitting smoking. I've already cut down by over 50%. . .a major

> accomplishment for me and will continue to cut back until I am completely

> done with the smokes.

>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

In a message dated 4/16/02 4:17:15 AM !!!First Boot!!!, whimsy2@...

writes:

<< I am doing a lot to improve my health

> including quitting smoking. I've already cut down by over 50%. >>

OH and Art I don't want to discount your accomplishment. I am sorry if I

sound like your not doing a good job cause you are. I absolutley envy your

stamina with the exercise thing. You are an amazing man. Oh and behind

every successful man there is a strong woman tee hee I know your wife is

whipping you into submission cause your family obviously loves you and they

want you to be around for a very long time.

Kathy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

In a message dated 4/16/02 4:17:15 AM !!!First Boot!!!, whimsy2@...

writes:

<< I am doing a lot to improve my health

> including quitting smoking. I've already cut down by over 50%. >>

OH and Art I don't want to discount your accomplishment. I am sorry if I

sound like your not doing a good job cause you are. I absolutley envy your

stamina with the exercise thing. You are an amazing man. Oh and behind

every successful man there is a strong woman tee hee I know your wife is

whipping you into submission cause your family obviously loves you and they

want you to be around for a very long time.

Kathy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Art Mc wrote:

<< Many people who succeed in quitting must remain on it or another anti

depressant for years after quitting smoking. >>

I need to know why, Art. Why does going off an addictive, killer drug make

people depressed? I quit, my husband quit ... no drugs. We're fine. I need

to know why doing something healthy sinks my fellow diabetics into profound

depression. I try to reason it out ... " I'm doing something that will

definitely kill me. I quit. Now I'm so depressed I need antidepressants "

You're working out two hours a day because you're so concerned about your

diabetes but you're doing the ONE THING that will kill you. " I just don't

get it. Time for a reality check, Art?

Susie

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Time for a reality check, Art?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Always time for reality checks Susie:-).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I just don't

get it.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Obviously.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

With all the research you do, you might want to check my facts. Why do

people get depressed? How the hell would I know? Something to do with a

chemical imbalance most of the time, I think. Why does the person who seems

to have it all, handsome or pretty, wealthy, outwardly happy to all around

him or her one day jump off the closest bridge? Can you answer that? I

can't. Reason means nothing when one is dealing with mental illness of any

type, I'm sure that you know that.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

You're working out two hours a day because you're so concerned about your

diabetes but you're doing the ONE THING that will kill you.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I work out for several reasons, diabetes is not the only one. I feel great

about doing it, I love it and can only wish that I would have discovered it

years ago.

BTW, I don't remember exactly what I said in the post that you refer to, but

I know that I would not have said that I am depressed, because I am not, I'm

really a rather happy person. I have bad days just like we all do, but they

are simply cursory and fleeting. I am doing a lot to improve my health

including quitting smoking. I've already cut down by over 50%. . .a major

accomplishment for me and will continue to cut back until I am completely

done with the smokes.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I quit, my husband quit ... no drugs. We're fine

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

And you are fortunate:-). I would like nothing better than to be one of the

fortunate few like you and your husband. I'm not using any drugs either,

nor do I plan to. What I am doing is slowly getting my body used to less

and less nicotine, much in the same way that, for many diabetics, the body

has to get used to different BG levels.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I did not send the post that I sent for any reason other than to inform

those on the list who were interested in the topic.

What I " presented " are the facts, not pipe dreams. " That's my story and I'm

stickin' to it:-) " . I did not expect to be " dressed down " for making an

honest observation or for stating a fact about myself. I am addicted to

nicotine, and am doing the honest best that I am capable of doing and I will

succeed with or without your criticism based only upon your success. I

learned long ago that each of is different in many ways and Thank God for

that.

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Time for a reality check, Art?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Always time for reality checks Susie:-).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I just don't

get it.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Obviously.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

With all the research you do, you might want to check my facts. Why do

people get depressed? How the hell would I know? Something to do with a

chemical imbalance most of the time, I think. Why does the person who seems

to have it all, handsome or pretty, wealthy, outwardly happy to all around

him or her one day jump off the closest bridge? Can you answer that? I

can't. Reason means nothing when one is dealing with mental illness of any

type, I'm sure that you know that.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

You're working out two hours a day because you're so concerned about your

diabetes but you're doing the ONE THING that will kill you.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I work out for several reasons, diabetes is not the only one. I feel great

about doing it, I love it and can only wish that I would have discovered it

years ago.

BTW, I don't remember exactly what I said in the post that you refer to, but

I know that I would not have said that I am depressed, because I am not, I'm

really a rather happy person. I have bad days just like we all do, but they

are simply cursory and fleeting. I am doing a lot to improve my health

including quitting smoking. I've already cut down by over 50%. . .a major

accomplishment for me and will continue to cut back until I am completely

done with the smokes.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I quit, my husband quit ... no drugs. We're fine

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

And you are fortunate:-). I would like nothing better than to be one of the

fortunate few like you and your husband. I'm not using any drugs either,

nor do I plan to. What I am doing is slowly getting my body used to less

and less nicotine, much in the same way that, for many diabetics, the body

has to get used to different BG levels.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I did not send the post that I sent for any reason other than to inform

those on the list who were interested in the topic.

What I " presented " are the facts, not pipe dreams. " That's my story and I'm

stickin' to it:-) " . I did not expect to be " dressed down " for making an

honest observation or for stating a fact about myself. I am addicted to

nicotine, and am doing the honest best that I am capable of doing and I will

succeed with or without your criticism based only upon your success. I

learned long ago that each of is different in many ways and Thank God for

that.

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Time for a reality check, Art?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Always time for reality checks Susie:-).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I just don't

get it.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Obviously.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

With all the research you do, you might want to check my facts. Why do

people get depressed? How the hell would I know? Something to do with a

chemical imbalance most of the time, I think. Why does the person who seems

to have it all, handsome or pretty, wealthy, outwardly happy to all around

him or her one day jump off the closest bridge? Can you answer that? I

can't. Reason means nothing when one is dealing with mental illness of any

type, I'm sure that you know that.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

You're working out two hours a day because you're so concerned about your

diabetes but you're doing the ONE THING that will kill you.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I work out for several reasons, diabetes is not the only one. I feel great

about doing it, I love it and can only wish that I would have discovered it

years ago.

BTW, I don't remember exactly what I said in the post that you refer to, but

I know that I would not have said that I am depressed, because I am not, I'm

really a rather happy person. I have bad days just like we all do, but they

are simply cursory and fleeting. I am doing a lot to improve my health

including quitting smoking. I've already cut down by over 50%. . .a major

accomplishment for me and will continue to cut back until I am completely

done with the smokes.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I quit, my husband quit ... no drugs. We're fine

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

And you are fortunate:-). I would like nothing better than to be one of the

fortunate few like you and your husband. I'm not using any drugs either,

nor do I plan to. What I am doing is slowly getting my body used to less

and less nicotine, much in the same way that, for many diabetics, the body

has to get used to different BG levels.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I did not send the post that I sent for any reason other than to inform

those on the list who were interested in the topic.

What I " presented " are the facts, not pipe dreams. " That's my story and I'm

stickin' to it:-) " . I did not expect to be " dressed down " for making an

honest observation or for stating a fact about myself. I am addicted to

nicotine, and am doing the honest best that I am capable of doing and I will

succeed with or without your criticism based only upon your success. I

learned long ago that each of is different in many ways and Thank God for

that.

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Art,

Good for you....When I was Dx'ed 3 months ago I kew I had no choice

but to qiut! My partner and I went home and smoked everylast cigarette

we had; about a pack and a half each. We woke up the next day and began

living lives as non-smokers...We didn't do it cold turkey, we used the

patch, and I kept looking at a picture of my mother with about 300+

staples in her leg before the amputation! I only smoked for 9 years,

but believe me, I feel for ya...I know it's hard, and anyone who says

it's easy is either a LIAR, or has never smoked.....Before I was Dx'ed I

could smoke and put the consequences out of my head, I thought I'm

young, I'll quit if I feel bad, or I'll never get cancer.....Well

instead I got Diabetes, and Felt relieved to quit, but also jilted. I

don't know if anyone can understand that, but I felt singled

out...Almost a feeling like the entire world can smoke if they choose,

or eat whatever they want, except for me....In the long run I know it's

better, and after only 3 months I feel great....I still want to grab a

smoke, but then I think better of it.....Good Luck, Dawn

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Art,

Good for you....When I was Dx'ed 3 months ago I kew I had no choice

but to qiut! My partner and I went home and smoked everylast cigarette

we had; about a pack and a half each. We woke up the next day and began

living lives as non-smokers...We didn't do it cold turkey, we used the

patch, and I kept looking at a picture of my mother with about 300+

staples in her leg before the amputation! I only smoked for 9 years,

but believe me, I feel for ya...I know it's hard, and anyone who says

it's easy is either a LIAR, or has never smoked.....Before I was Dx'ed I

could smoke and put the consequences out of my head, I thought I'm

young, I'll quit if I feel bad, or I'll never get cancer.....Well

instead I got Diabetes, and Felt relieved to quit, but also jilted. I

don't know if anyone can understand that, but I felt singled

out...Almost a feeling like the entire world can smoke if they choose,

or eat whatever they want, except for me....In the long run I know it's

better, and after only 3 months I feel great....I still want to grab a

smoke, but then I think better of it.....Good Luck, Dawn

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

I don't know why I got off

on this. Oh well I hope you have a great night and please don't anyone be

mad at me.

Kathy

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Nothing to get mad about Kathy. Maybe it's a good thing that this topic came

up. . . I'll bet there are other smokers or ex smokers on the list as well as

those who would like to quit but haven't for one reason or another.

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

or eat whatever they want, except for me....In the long run I know it's

better, and after only 3 months I feel great....I still want to grab a

smoke, but then I think better of it.....Good Luck, Dawn

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Nice message Dawn. Thanks.

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

or eat whatever they want, except for me....In the long run I know it's

better, and after only 3 months I feel great....I still want to grab a

smoke, but then I think better of it.....Good Luck, Dawn

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Nice message Dawn. Thanks.

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

know your wife is

whipping you into submission cause your family obviously loves you and they

want you to be around for a very long time.

Kathy

>>>>>>>>>>>

Thanks Kathy,

My family is pretty tight:-)

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Congrats to all of you that are staying QUIT. As illustrated in your

messages, there is no one right way to get off nicotine.

Art, cutting down on the number of cigs/day is a terrific way to prepare for

a quit. Some also " fade " , go to cigs with less tobacco. Once your nicotine

level has been reduced, the quit may be easier.

A lot of the quitters who stay quit report they follow a multi-faceted plan,

combining:

initial nicotine reduction (like Art's starting with)

Substitutes for mouth and hand (like coffee stir sticks, hard candy, gum,

squeeze balls, etc)

Routine changes to break the habit - must identify triggers and modify them

Support from friends and family

Caffeine reduction (nicotine blocks some of the caffeine so when you're quit,

you feel the caffeine effects more)

Adjunct pharmacotherapy - appropriate for some, if used correctly

Many people feel really well on Zyban and want to continue since they were

self medicating the depression with nicotine all those years. Others take

Zyban and feel no difference. Patches work well for some if they are used as

directed. You may NOT take in nicotine while on patches. Nicotine gum is not

as effective for some because it plays into the " mouth habit " , but others do

well with it.

In other words, you have to address the physical, behavioral and emotional

components all together.

Many states have paid quit programs out of the tobacoo money settlements. I

work with people from 7-8 different states programs in addition to many from

all overe the US who have our program available through insurance plans.

Oh...one more point......some of the most successful quitters did have

" practice " quits before. That gives you an opportunity to reflect on what

worked and what didn't. It usually does take more than 1 attempt to stay

quit.

Since I do talk to successful quitters every day, you can email me with

questions.

Carol T...OK...back to catching up on email.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Deb wrote:

<< we are talking about a drug here that is harder to kick then heroin ...

As I said before...quitting smoking is the second best thing I've ever done

for myself....LC woe is the first....I do believe this is a bigger issue but

not necessarily as hard to deal with. >>

It is hard. My husband still chews nicotine gum once in awhile. I keep

worrying about recidivism. I'm just freaking out lately because of the lung

cancer in my husband's and my family ... these depressing reports on a daily

basis ... " On her good days, J____ can get by on two shots of morphine; on

the bad days, she begs, and no amount helps her. " " Now J____'s son has been

diagnosed with lung cancer. " " R_____ was able to walk all the way to the

lake, dragging his oxygen tank. He had to sit down and rest a few times. "

" Now they found out the tumors are wrapped around R____'s bronchial tubes. "

Oncologist, chemo, radiation ... Those depressing terms are about all I

hear.

We're going to see my sister-in-law in a few days, to help her prepare her

legal documents. She has been too weak for company for weeks, but we don't

know how much time she has left, since the cancer has spread to her brain

and liver.

Before all this, lung cancer was an abstraction ... not even the main reason

I quit smoking. Now the close association between smoking and diabetes

complications is known. Some people are finding great help with the newer

antidepressants. (It may take months of experimenting; things can get worse

before they improve.)

Susie

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...