My wife found out this morning her best friend of forty years is dieing of lung cancer that has spread to her liver. This woman has two children, a husband and my wife who love her and she will be gone in two months at the outside. Her first grandchild will be born within months of her death. If you smoke and can quit, you should, if not for yourselves, for those who's hearts will be broken if you follow my wife's friend.

My granddad died of heart disease related to smoking. He made me promise him before he died that I would never smoke. I never have and wont.

Sad and so unnecssary.

I ususally shoot pool Sunday evenings, but I'll be staying with my wife tonight.

Thanks Bruce.

Bill - sorry about the bad news. I have a couple 5 cigarettes a month when I'm with friends, but may cut that back to a couple 0 soon - definitely not worth it...

That sucks. Cancer is evil. I wish her the best.

Hey Dice, I was never able to quit incrementally. I tried a hundred time and always ended up back at a pack a day. The only thing that worked for me, after thirteen years of smoking, was cold turkey and some Nicorette chewing gum. Quitting was a bitch, but not impossible.

Please understand guys, I told this story in the hope someone would reevaluate their priorities. This woman's imminent premature death could have been prevented, had she the stones to quit.

One study I read concluded that quitting nicotine was more difficult than some more "hardcore" drugs. I used the patch to quite smoking, now the darn things piss me off and I can't even be in the same room when someone is smoking. I can't do bars anymore because of the smoke, not that I go to them anymore anyway.

Bill - I smoked about 1.5 packs a day from 18-22 or so, not a long time I guess - but I never had a problem "quitting." My wife didn't like it (before we were married), so I cut way back. I effectively stopped for about 6 months - no smoking - but when I started playing in a band again, and the guys smoke, I have a few during practice. We were gone for almost a month on vacation, and I didn't have a smoke or any "cravings." I guess I'm lucky in that aspect - I'm the same with alcohol - I've had months where I drank 4 or 5 days a week, followed by months were I didn't have a drop.

Having kids and a family really make "quitting" easier though, I think - it makes a person a little less "selfish," at least it did for me...

I know what you mean Jeeps. My dad smoked all the years I lived at home and it never bothered me. Once I quit though, I cannot stand being around second hand smoke. I'm glad you quit man.

I saw the pitures of you and your family Dan, over in the "Who are you" thread. You're right, having such a beautiful family must be motivational.

I'm so pleased you are continuing your education and planning ahead. Your family must be very proud of you.

Thanks, Bill. My wife is pretty understanding - which is an understatement, considering we went from making good money when I was in the Army without her working, to being broke while I go to school and she is working full time. I'm banking on having all of that pay off in the end!

Sorry for the loss Willieboy!!!!

The thing that finally made me quit was having one of my vocal cords removed last year and radiation the year before for laryngeal cancer. Cancer is evil.

willieboy,

that's horrible news. i hope that your friend can go comfortably and that her family and friends all get the chance to say their good byes.

life is too short not to have fun, but smoking really does kill and just isn't all that fun. i quit 8+ years ago now and am very glad i did.

Yes, my avatar smokes...but I quit. Actually next month it will be 2 years smoke free. I had to use the patch for a month- but it did the job. I envy you though Diceman, I STILL get cravings when I'm around smokers. I keep waiting to get to the point when I can't stand the smell of second hand smoke, but no luck so far. Still smells like sweet goodness to me.

Bill,

Sorry to hear about your wifes friend.

At the rate things are going Tobacco will be a thing of the past before long anyway...

Sorry for your wife's loss, Bill. Hope the two of you are okay.

The lady in question passed away this morning. What a waste.

Thanks all for your kind thoughts.

Sorry to hear the bad news mate, glad it wasn't YOUR nearest and dearest!