I have put on the patch, tried to stiffen up my backbone, talked to myself day and night, and am ready to kick a--, my own. I will restart my quit meter, it makes me sick to see how long I would have been quit if I hadn't fallen on my face.
The doctor business just sent me in a tail spin, and I fell off the wagon. OF COURSE, it hasn't helped me one bit except pilled on the guilt, cost me a lot of money, lost face with family and friends, caused a lot of self discust, etc., etc.,. I am even sick of smoking. Two or three puffs and I put it out. I am ready to end this sick habit for the rest of my life.
I saw about 7 drs. and the final diagnosis is a form of neuropothy called Momoclonal Gammopathy, that will require me to have monthly infusions of human immunogloblin to keep it in check. It is a form that affects the feet, arms and hands, causing numbness, tiredness, nerve flashes, feeling of coldness, bad balance and falling. I had my first treatment 2 weeks ago and it really helped. About half of the systems improved, especially my balance and the sense of coldness. I think I will have to do this the rest of my life but after all the fear I had during the testing, the bone marrow test was the worst, I feel lucky to have a condition that is treatable. They did find some lymphoma cells in my bone marrow, but several doctors said the usual way it is handled to a wait and see. It could never cause a problem. As the doctor said, I could have died at 90 of something else and noone would have even known i had it. It is not uncommon in us seniors. They will keep me coming every 3 months to the cancer clinic, and every month to the neurologists. Everyone has to make their money. Thank God i go on Medicare 4-1 this year. No more co-pays.
I see so many neubies, it is wonderful. I guess I will be a newbie now. My daughter, DFWGal is still quit. She will be thrilled to read this. I just made up my mind tonight and haven't told anyone yet. I know I can do this. i was over 100 days and doing great. I will always have to be on guard against lifes chalanges. The first one to come along knocked me off the wagon. Next time I will get online and work through it with my friends here. Wish me luck. I really want this for myself and my family.