Sometimes docs tell you this to get you good and scared. The "beginning stages" could mean anything. I'm sure you read about emphysema and it can be really bad (late stage) and irreparable. I'd say to you that what matters most is your quit. I have a friend who had severe COPD- on nebulizers and puffers and prednisone and now, after quitting for 3 years, she barely uses a puffer. It's a hell of a lot different than cancer, as you know. I'm an RN, so I'm not just spouting at the mouth. I have seen docs say this a lot ("beginning stages.."). With our first drag off our first cig, we all are at that stage, if you want to get technical.
Keep up the good work, Kare. Don't let that diagnosis concern deter you. Exercise, deep breath. You'll be amazed, I'm sure of it.
45 days is amazing, given the fact you were one of those patients with pneumonia smoking in the bathroom!!!
Bob
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 26
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,068
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $234
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 21 [B]Seconds:[/B] 21