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Cigarette smoking kills an estimated 142,000 women in the United States every year.
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Smoking & How to Quit

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Smoking & How to Quit Home > Tools > Share Your Story

Have a helpful hint or motivating thought to share? Tell us your story. Encourage others. Share strategies for quitting smoking. This area is for you.

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I decided after 30 years of smoking, 2007 was the year to finally make changes. Jan. 2nd landed me in the ER after having what I thought was a heart attack. Turns out it was a severe warning to start making changes in my life. I've quit smoking for 38 days. It's the hardest thing I will ever do in my lifetime. But it's a decision I will stick with because my new saying is "smoking is not an option". My time spent smoking is now occupied with other activities. I realized that if I'm going to make a major change in my life, it also required making major changes in my lifestyle. I can't wait for the time to come when I stop marking my quit days on my calendar, just because I'm too busy to even think about cigarettes! It's never too late to quit.

Karen from Ohio

I am 43 years old and I quit smoking January 4, 2007. Most recently I was a pack a day smoker, although in my younger days I smoked as much as 2 packs a day. I still cannot believe I stopped smoking yet. I know that sounds crazy, but it is true. I won't lie, I still want to smoke very much, and I do miss it terribly! I have also gained about 12 lbs. What keeps me going? My 4 year old son and the memory that my father died when I was young from lung cancer (he was a heavy smoker.) In my mind I still think of ways that I could sneak a smoke and how much I miss the burn in my throat from smoking. I just will not do it! I am terribly tired and still lack clarity of thought. However, I just keep reminding myself of how far I have come and how much I do not want to go through the withdrawals again. Stay strong all, you will find your way! By the way, I quit cold turkey because I was already sick with a sinus infection and already felt horrible. Great news, I can breathe again! Not winded at all and have some great stamina. Getting better day by day and you can too! Best wishes to you all!

Roslynn from California

Hello, I am 31 years old and have finally quit smoking. This is my 2nd day and sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy! I have 2 beautiful daughters and a non smoking husband. My oldest was really worried that I was going to die and reminded me of the commercial with the lady who smoked and now had to talk through a tube in her throat. It really made me think. This isn't my 1st time quitting. Sometimes it's so hard! Thanks and good luck to you all on this wonderful decision.

Dana from North Carolina

I've been smoking a pack a day for 36 years; I'm now 51 years old and have been smoke-free for 27 days. The cravings drive me nuts, but I'm going to live the rest of my life as a non-smoker. I've quit every year for the past 5 years but I had a plan this time and it's working. It helps to know other people are struggling as I am with feelings of frustration, agitation, aggravation, sadness, loneliness, depression, etc. I'm gaining weight but breathing much better. It'll all be worth it in the end. Good luck to all of you, and remember: the benefits of not smoking start within days of quitting, so hang in there!

Anonymous

Hi, I'm Lin and I smoked for 36 years. I quit on January 14, 2007 and it's been the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.

Lin from Maine

I'm 4 weeks pregnant and need to stop smoking! I smoke a pack a day. Yesterday, I had 2 cigarettes, and feel terrible about myself. I want to protect the health of my unborn baby, but don't know if I can quit. I suffer from anxiety and depression periodically, and smoking really helps with that. I am so scared!

Hi my name is Liz and I have smoked for 22 years a pack a day. I am proud of making the decision to quit, it was the hardest part. Everyone be proud of yourself and remember the craving will go away whether you have a cigarette or not.

Liz

I have been a non-smoker since New Years Day 2007. It feels really great to say non-smoking when I go to a restaurant. I can honestly tell new people I'm dating that I'm not a smoker! I was motivated by the fact that you don't always die from smoking. You usually don't die; just suffer.

Melissa from South Carolina

I haven't smoked in 3 months! It was so hard you guys! But now, when I have some extra cash, I'm not thinking about cigarettes! I don't cough in the morning, and I'd like to think that I'm going to be here longer for my kids. You can do it! If you're thinking of quitting you're already on the right track. My husband doesn't even want to quit and I hate it. Don't let it control you anymore and vow to be here for the people that love you.

Anonymous from Washington

Hi! I have been a "non-smoker" since the week before Thanksgiving 2007. Everyone I know and pretty much anyone that I'm related to are smokers. I started when I was 14 and when I turned 24 it scared me! I'm a mother of 3 and it scared me that I had already been smoking for 10 years! I smoked when I was stressed, argued, drinking, or eating, and now nothing. I make everyone smoke outside now. If you're thinking of quitting do it! I'm a mother, and it scared the hell out of me to think about who would be raising my children when I was dead. That thought alone was enough to make me think again. Sure I've gained 12 pounds that I can't afford to gain, but I'm putting my kids first this time, and trust me; if I can do it, so can you!

Cassandra from Washington

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Content last updated February 20, 2007.

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