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Vivian, I have dealt with very abusive parents in my lifetime and over the last three years I have been taking care of them because they are old and have failing health. I was so beat down and very depressed. I then found this forum and started to quit smoking. As I posted SOS's and my feelings, many people here noted that I was dealing with abuse. They encouraged me and made sure I knew that I was gaining power with my quit. It is now a year later and I have walked away from the burden and feel so powerful and in control of my life. Yes the addiction is going to try and play on these emotions but you need to realize how strong you are. I have been so impressed with the way you are pushing through your quit. I promise that as you keep powering through, you will become so strong. You are an awesome woman and your new relationship sounds wonderful. I know you are going to have a happy smoke free life!

Doing great Viv. As you power through each day, you become more powerful and strong. Be proud of yourself.

I love your pictures and the best thing you are doing is staying on the forum. I was addicted to the forum when I first quit. I am still addicted to the forum and love watching quitters like you succeed. I am so grateful to have quit, I have no urge to go back. I was so ashamed of smoking and was so afraid of getting a smoking related illness. I am a little over a year quit and feel that I have been given a second chance at life. Maybe that thought will pop into my head sometime and I will just redirect that thought. Don't let that thought lead you back to smoking. You just completed hell week. You are on your way!!!!!

mrsguest seven days is huge. You should feel so proud. That nose running could really be allergies. They have been saying the pollen has been awful and you live kind of close to me. I drank a lot of water and sucked on ice cubes. Maybe warm tea would be soothing. Remember you have made it through hell week and it will get easier every day. Keep looking ahead and concentrate on that smoke free life!

I had very little confidence, when I started my quit. I was so ashamed of smoking. The forum really held me up through my quit. Every day without that cigarette, gives you so much power. Stay close and we will help you get there too!

A very sweet picture. My father-in-law also died of smoking related lung cancer. I thought it was a terrible death. I still continued to smoke thinking it would not affect me, I am young and will quit, .........................42 years later and I was still smoking and making excuses. I pinch myself everyday and can't believe I have finally quit and how powerful I feel. You will get there too mrsguest.

Hellkatbaby, it is so great to hear from you. Cut yourself some slack on how you are feeling. It is normal for your emotions to be all over place. Try to start your day with the confidence that you are beating this battle. Listen to your body each day. It is letting you know what you need at the moment. I do think you should try another therapist. Sometimes it takes clicking with the right person. Lean on that family. Love is the best medicine. Know that I continue to pray for you and hope you can start seeing some positive results. X Linda

Dear Richard, so glad to hear from you and know that you have not caved to smoking. I can not imagine the pain you are experiencing now and hope that your family is there to help sheer you up. I do hope the doctor can find an answer to your fatigue and brain fog. I am sure your emotions are playing a part in that. I know that words can not ease your pain right now but hope that you feel you can come here to talk or share your feelings. We are not just here to help you beat the habit.

It is wonderful to hear from you. I do know you are resting and your body is healing. It is important to direct your strength where it is needed. I think talking to a counselor is a great idea. Sometimes it is easier to bounce your feelings off someone who is trained in listening. Your family is emotionally invested in your illness and may find it difficult to talk with you. It sounds like you are incredibly close with your sister. You are so lucky to have her. The Yoga classes sound great. It is important to stay relaxed and free of stress while you are battling this illness. I will continue to pray for you and the results of your upcoming appointment. x Linda

Richard, we understand your grief. Know that we are here if you need us. May the love of your family help sustain you in this sorrowful time.

Oh Richard, I am so sorry for the sudden and difficult loss of your wife. I so admire you writing this message to others as your heart is breaking. This addiction does not just affect the person smoking, it also affects our loved ones. You must have felt very powerless in helping your wife. I pray that you can now focus your memories on the happy times and rely on the love of your family. Keep that wonderful quit going.

I am so glad you connected with your neighbor. Sounds like you both will be supporting each other. Hellkat, you are doing awesome. I don't think your doctor will have a problem with the cannabis. I am finding more and more people who have had there doctors recommend it. Sleep well tonight.

Boy hellkat, I was beginning to think you were superwoman. I knew that radiation had to hit sometime. Your body needs to recoup from the radiation. Accept the fact that you are going to be tired for a while. Fortunately, it will not last forever. Can't believe Deadpool jammies come in adult sizes. I bet you look cute! I just googled the CBD/THC. Isn't it amazing how they have found cannabis to have such great medicinal value. You are doing so great handling all these new challenges. That positive attitude is going to carry you through all this. Take care and rest.

They are so cute. Love the devil horns. My Angel needs those. She looked like an Angel but I think she is the instigator in my pack. One looks like a big guy. How old are they? What are their names. You said they have been out of the crate. I don't think I will ever be able to take mine out of the crates. Those pups are the best medicine for you. Don't worry about the hair loss. My friends, who lost hers, during treatment, had it grow back much thicker and curlier. It was beautiful. Now is the time to rest and mentally prepare for the next battle. You are doing great.

hellkatbaby, dinner sounded wonderful. My husband is a chef too. He loves the cooking channels. Yay! last treatment. That will be a big relief. You need to share pictures of those pups. There is a dog section but you can post them here. Mine are early risers. I think there was a rooster on the farm, where we got them. They will be two in October but are still a work in progress. You definitely should go back to painting. I did a ton of crafting while I was recuperating. Art is so soothing to the soul. You should celebrate your day today and then come home and relax. Go Team Deadpool!

@hellkatbaby I love the selfie also. My kids and grand kids would take a homecooked meal and games over going out. I bet you are a super cook. Quitting smoking, I had not patience. I would have set the BF straight. You definitely do not need stress in your life. Puzzles and mind games are the best way to keep that brain in tune. I keep hoping you will finally be able to relax and get some good rest. That is important in your recovery. Have a wonderful day with your family.

Sweetie, you need to cut yourself some slack. It is okay to rest and recharge. You need to let your body heal. It is okay to exercise but realize your body is going to react to your treatments and that you will need to rest. It is also normal to feel overwhelmed. I think writing your blog is the best medicine for you. Were not just here to shore you up and help you quit smoking. We are here to support you through this also. Hang in there. You are doing great.

OMG a girl with ferrets. My son has those darn pets. I keep thinking he will never find a girl in his life. He is 39 years old and has had up to 6 at one time. I keep thinking, what girl is going to want a man with stincky ferrets. Now you give me hope!!!!!! You are doing so great hellkatbaby. I wish you lived close. You could come clean at my house lol. From someone who has done this battle, your positive outlook is amazing. It is definitely hard not to go down that rabbit hole. I felt so numb through the process. You are so fortunate to have family support. I will admit I am not a fan of the movie but TEAM DEADPOOL is awesome!

Pups are in the crate and being good! I have two that are driving me crazy. I have never had two dogs that feed off of each other looking for trouble. They are white goldens and they are 1 and 1/2 years old. My husband tells me they are teenagers now and should be getting better. I truly wonder. I am glad you have those fur babies. They sure make you feel loved. You have had so much thrown at you at one time. The exhaustion will finally hit. Rest today, sweetie, you deserve it.

Well I know where I am going to come when I have an insurance question. I think the Cleveland Clinic has the worst billing system. I can't tell you how many times I have received a bill a year or two after the fact. I have gone and sat with their billing people and come out with my head spinning. They are making it more and more confusing. Hellkatbaby, I know you must feel exhausted but sleep has to be around the corner. Radiation does zap your strength. It took about a week and I was sleeping a lot. I love the mask idea. Go Team Deadpool!

Oh Michelle, I am so sorry to hear you have relapsed again. We are here for you but you don't even seem to reach out with an SOS. Your behavior is more like the drug addict. As long as you are isolated and don't have the means to get out, you are willing to attempt quitting. Knowing you are getting out, you are planning your next fix. That definitely is junkie thinking. I truly think you want to quit but you are not ready to commit. I think the first thing you should do, this quit, is go and read @hellkatbaby post from yesterday. It is the shocking reality of where this addiction will lead you. You can do this.

Richard, I can't imagine it being fun but sounds like a great way to jump start a diet. I have gained 20 quit smoking pounds and am not happy. I have never been this heavy in my life. Maybe you can direct me to some information on what you are doing.

Does this mean you never eat these foods again and you will be vegan?

Well Richard, this does not sound like fun, but if it helps, good luck.