I posted about a month ago under the heading "Will I Ever Do It?" Well, I have managed to cut down drastically but not stopped. 5 days ago I had a gastroscopy done and the doc seemd to imply that I very likely have stomach cancer, though he did not confirm it. Tomorrow I have to go for a CT scan for all my inner organs to be scanned. They would not go to that extent if they thought it was just an ulcer.
I am still hoping and praying that it is "just an ulcer" and I have tried to cut down my cigs to 2 a day. So now I am struggling with the stress of that as well as with the concern of what may be waiting for me around the corner. If it turns out to be stomach cancer then, at my age, my days are numbered anyway. I will not know the truth for at least another week or so. What would you do in my shoes?
I'm really sorry to hear about the turn of events in your life and I'm sure you feel very nervous about the CT scan and potential for cancer. I would get through the next day or so being very gentle toward yourself. But after you're done getting the results which should be right away, you'll need to think about stopping smoking completely. It's good you're down to 2 smokes per day, but better if you can quit. Cancer or no cancer, it's just so bad to smoke, none of us can recommend it. Please let us know your results and keep posting here for support in your quit!!
Hey Ayayay. I’m with Qfm.so sorry you have this nastiness to deal with, and I know it must seem like we are saying stop smoking just when you need it most. But actually, they aren’t helping. I know you think they are but they cause cancer and anxiety, so they really are not.
I see that people are often advised to cut right down prior to stopping, and it’s obviously better to smoke 2 a day than 20. But cutting down can make smoking seem even more precious and desirable?
I So hope that you get some positive news, but either way, please stop. You don’t want to be lying in a hospital bed desperate for a smoke, or dragging yourself and a ton of lifesaving equipment outside for one?
Thank you for your reply. I know you and Qfm are both right. I am ready to stop right now and will do so whatever the results of the tests may be. It's just the waiting that is so unsettling and hard to deal with.
Hey Hidden - so sorry to read of your possible diagnosis, I think with your age of being 82 continue with doing what you are currently doing and when you know what is going on in the next week or so, reassess and plan then. We will all be here for you.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on, will be in our thoughts
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