Yesterday morning I went for a CAT scan, and I found out that "There was nothing to see!" So?........
It's nearly 5 years of scans and treatment since I received my diagnosis of inoperable cancer. I fought my way through the treatments and recovery, much as I fought through the first part of my quit, with a determination that I would win the battle. At the moment, it seems that I have.....so why am I posting?
Well, my original tumour, in my chest cavity, has gone, but the cancer treatment was very harsh, and damaged much of my left lung. We do have 2 lungs, but both of mine have COPD from smoking for 40 years. The result is I am restricted in what I do due to breathlessness. I was a very active person, and, for a while, thought that would prevent me getting diseases associated with smoking. How wrong I was. While my cancer is not a 'smoking cancer' i.e. one normally associated with smoking, no doubt smoking must have had an effect.
My main aim in writing this post is to beg everyone to quit as early as you can, and not to wait until it may be too late. I quit 7+ years ago, but had only 2 years before being diagnosed. When you are tempted to have 'just one' think of this and do not light up.
I've been reading posts lately about 'slips' in peoples' quits. Oops! is the wrong word. Think of it more as a possible disaster. Believe me the stress of having cancer is so much greater than whatever made you 'slip!'
Sermon over! Please think about what I have said. I am so grateful to have a life at all. The freedom from addiction in that life is fantastic!
Stay strong! You CAN do this!
Love Lolly.