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A diagnosis that changed me life Cancel The title field is required!

1. athenafrantz

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   28 Feb 2018
   28 Feb 2018

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   Hi all, 
   
   I am new to this forum and wanted to tell you my story. I was a smoker for 25 years and i truly loved smoking until 3 weeks ago when my father who is only 68 was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. He had no signs or symptoms just a little back pain, we are now waiting for the biopsy results so he can start his treatments.The Dr. said it was from all the years of smoking. 
   This has scared me straight and I have been smoke free for 3 weeks now since we have found out. I did it cold turkey and the cravings some days are worse than others but I know that I have to be healthy not only for myself but for my father and my family. so to the people out there that think they cant quit, yes you can. 
   
   
   
   
2. ocean

   

   286 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   28 Feb 2018 in reply to athenafrantz

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   You're so on point!  I just lost my dad to Metastatic Colon cancer that had spread to his lungs and liver and prostrate.  He coped quite well with his disease until the end, and he  never smoked.  I think seeing first hand the suffereing, life changes, the need to protect him, and still let him have a primary voice in his decsions, even if those were not what the medical team thought would be useful, really made me grow up.  I was so proud of him and his strength, and he showed me how we can get through anything, even when we have no choice.  So I quit smoking too.  And I really prepared for it because I wanted it to last.  My dad's experience showed me how strong we are, and how much love and dedication there is right in front of us.  Prayers for you and your family.
3. marianne, quit coach

   

   278 posts
   Registered:
   30 Nov 2017
   28 Feb 2018

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   Hello Athenafrantz,
   
   So sorry to hear of your father, that is so very difficult.  And definitely a scare.  You being smoke-free now certainly takes pressure off the worry for anyone else and yourself indeed.  
   
   They say everyone has their time when they take that step to quit.  Yours has come and will stay.  Here for you as you continue along your journey.  And as you are supporting your father through his.  
   
   Yes you can!  
   
   Marianne
4. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   01 Mar 2018

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   Hi athenafrantz,
   
   Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.  I hope and pray that your father gets better with the treatments.
   
   I admire you for quitting cold turkey after his diagnosis.  I can tell you that I never quit when people in my family were diagnosed with cancer.  You would think that I would change my ways, both for my family and for myself, but no, I did no such thing.  I just kept on smoking.  How pathetic is that?
   
   I know it is extremely hard to quit cold turkey, because that is what I did eventually.  I have now been a non-smoker for about 14 months.  But you have every reason to be motivated.  Please do your best to keep your quit.  Trust me when I tell you that it should get better after about the first month.  Your cravings will start to ease off.  You will start to notice small changes in how you feel, and your breathing will no longer be laboured.  You can share your feelings about how much you are progressing with your father, because I am positive that it will give him some degree of comfort.  And he will know that you are going through withdrawal just like he is, and that you are truly supporting him as best you can.
   
   Please keep us posted on how you and your father are doing.  My thoughts are with you both.
   
5. athenafrantz

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   28 Feb 2018
   08 Mar 2018

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   So my father's biopsy results came back and he has a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with Mets in his liver which is a rare form of cancer. His diagnosis is much better than we first thought. He now has more options including surgery and hormone immune therapy. I am 21 days smoke free the cravings are slowly getting better. 
6. lillian, quit coach

   

   216 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   08 Mar 2018 in reply to athenafrantz

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   Hi,
   
   21 days is wonderful. Congratulations on keeping that quit going athena..
   
   Having options for your father must be a huge relief for all of you. Now you can all focus on healing and recovery. 
   
   Keep us posted, one day at a time!
   Lillian
7. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   09 Mar 2018

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   Hi athenafrantz,
   
   So happy to hear that your father has options.  I am sending positive thoughts his way.
   
   You should be really proud of yourself for staying smoke free 21 days.  That is truly a remarkable achievement.  It just goes to show how committed you are to making this huge change in your life, and I am sure your father is really proud of you.  He is probably relieved as well.
   
   Keep the quit, Athena.  It is so worth all the effort.