Ok, so I started out around December of '08 with Mild-Moderate Dysplasia and was warned that I needed to quit smoking or else my body would not be able to clear the virus and there would be a higher chance of it getting worse, or even turning into cervical cancer. In June of '09 I went for my follow-up and found out that it did, in fact, worsen to High-Risk and I still haven't quit smoking. Granted, I have tried, and have cut down quite a bit, but there are smokers in my family, and my boyfriend and his entire family also smoke, and I'm always around them. Not to mention, I buckle under pressure and smoking feels like my only getaway. I really want to quit, because I have another biopsy appt. in over a week and I want to be able to tell my doctor that I was finally able to quit. If anyone has ever been in this situation or has any advise that can help, I'd really appreciate it.
ftr: I know it's something I have to do for myself, but I just cant get myself to. Maybe if anyone has some tips to keep my mind off of it, I may be able to faster.
Thanks in advance,
Kayla
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High-Risk HPV and cant get myself to quit smoking
Explore topics in this discussion:
Exercise Cancer Surgery Counseling Nicotine patch Chantix Cervical cancer Anxiety HPV Stress
11 replies
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- Newest first
- By mobilis
- Posted August 4, 2009 at 5:59 am
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Hi Kayla
Isn't it crap, just when you really need a smoke they tell you to quit!
I started smoking again when my baby daughter died. A couple of months later I discovered I had cervical cancer and had radical surgery. It took another 6 months after that for me to stop smoking.
Two major points of advice -
1) Don't set yourself up for failure. If you are going through a time of great stress and anxiety (and I mean GREAT stress, dinging your car or fighting with your boyfriend doesn't count!), don't try to quit, you'll fail and that will make it harder next time. Work out what you need to do to get mentally stronger - counselling, anti-depressants, exercise, yoga, whatever, and do it. Give yourself a timetable to achieve the frame of mind that you need to quit smoking, and do what you need to do to get there within that timetable. Make the timetable realistic and achievable, but stringent.
2) When quitting time comes, you will have to choose your own method. I just stopped. Reading Allan Carr's Easyway book helped. You need to work out which method (or combination) will work for you - workshops, hypnotherapy, patches, Zyban, whatever.
Good luck
- By dazednconfused
- Posted August 4, 2009 at 10:04 am
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I agree - try anything and everything that might work for you - or a combination of methods-- counseling or hypnosis plus nicotine patch, etc. Your health is too important, YOU are too important! I don't really understand why smoking is a risk factor for cervical cancer (something to do with circulation perhaps?), but you want the odds all in your favor--
Take care, and good luck!
- By bella24
- Posted August 4, 2009 at 10:04 am
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I know this means nothing coming from a non-smoker, but you should start trying to quit, for your health! I was just diagnosed with hpv and had a colopsy and that was the first thing she asked, I really don't drink either. You can do it, it's a good habit to break especially if you want kids later.
- By 4health4
- Posted August 4, 2009 at 4:43 pm
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I quit smoking several years ago, and if I did it, anyone can. Get yourself some Commit lozenges, it REALLY does take that awful edge off of going crazy or wanting to scream. Don't wait too long in between lozenges, follow the directions. If you wait until you're having a nicotine fit, you'll surely reach for the cigarette rather than the lozenge. I never even needed a full lozenge and usually spit it out before it was done. Be a good example to all of those UNHEALTHY people around you! You CAN do it.
- By mobilis
- Posted August 5, 2009 at 6:56 am
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The reason smoking is such a risk factor is because the carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco accumulate and concentrate in the cervical fluid which coats the cervix.
So you can visualise that every time you light up - all that tarry, yellow yuck coating and bathing the dysplasia on your cervix.
- By thankfultarian
- Posted August 5, 2009 at 4:36 pm
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hey there - i am in the same boat as you. i was first diagnosed with dysplasia in march of 08. it seemed to get better, but then last week i went in for second colposcopy and though i haven't gotten the results yet, i am pretty sure that the dysplasia has gotten worse. i can ditch coffee, alcohol, sugar...no problem... but cigarettes are the one thing i am struggling to let go of. i roll my own (have for years) - organic tobacco even - but its just so hard. but i feel like im at the point where i just absolutely have to do it or i will have no one to blame but myself if it turns into cancer. the poster above me who said that the carcinogens hang out on your cervix - i have heard and read that elsewhere. theres a new pill called Chantix. its supposed to operate on your brain and remove the desire to smoke. i hear its expensive and gives people weird dreams - but hey - maybe its worth it? anyhow... just wanted to reply. you're not alone sister.
- By kaylaxo91
- Posted August 5, 2009 at 4:52 pm
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thank you all sooo much... i will definitely take these into consideration and, heck, probably try a little bit of each! :D
- By mobilis
- Posted August 5, 2009 at 4:54 pm
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Coffee, alcohol and sugar may or may not pose long-term health risks. Smoking without question is far and away the biggest risk factor for your most proximate health risk, which is your dysplasia. Keep the coffee, alcohol and sugar (for the moment) if it helps, but ditch the cigarettes.
- By Turtletime
- Posted August 6, 2009 at 9:35 am
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I tried quitting a month after I was told I had HGSIL. I wasn't successful in REALLY quitting until 8 months later. The doctor used an effective scare tactic by saying, "If you don't quit, this will turn into cancer within the next couple of years" (I had waited a looong time for a pap so the dysplasia had plenty of time to set up shop).
Keeping the idea that your condition will, without a doubt, become worse if you don't quit should give you more motivation that the average smoker looking to quit. Keep that idea on your frontal lobe.
A recomendation for quitting while being surrounded by smokers: Teatree Oil Sticks chewing sticks (you can get them at health food stores). They're like toothpicks with a mint flavor. They're actually good for your dental hygene and satisfy the oral fixation. When I was quitting, I'd chew the crap out of these sticks while my friends were smoking. I'd even hold it like a cigarette (you do what you have to do!).
If you're quitting cold turkey, be prepared and accept the three week period of feeling out of your mind :) If you know it's coming, you'll be more equipped. You can do this. Just keep telling yourself that! Good luck!
- By england921
- Posted August 6, 2009 at 1:34 pm
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Chantix definitely helps. It really takes the edge off and I enjoy the crazy dreams... haha. It is expensive and you need a doctor's prescription but have found it was the best remedy.
- By Tavy
- Posted August 9, 2009 at 8:46 am
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I quit smoking the day I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. My Doc explained the risks of smoking and how it feeds the cancer. I then went home, told my husband I have cancer and we quit smoking (together) that evening. It will be 2 years in October :) Yep, we just quit! Both of us were smokers for 20 years.
It helped so much having someone quit with me. Someone who loved and supported me so much to quit those nasty things right along with me. Perhaps you can find someone to do the same? If not...try to picture that with each inhale you take of a ciggy....you are feeding, yes literally feeding, the monster that desires to take your life. You are giving in the nourishment it needs to grow.
It's not going to be easy for you no matter what method you choose to help you quit. Like I said, it's been nearly two years for me and I still have horrible cravings at times. Every time I have those cravings I instantly think of what I will go through, what my family will go through if I have a recurrence. When thinking on that it's a fairly easy decision to not light up.
I have no doubt you can do this. You are a bright, intelligent and strong woman. You definitely have the power to take control of this thing that wants to destroy you. Whether it be today, tomorrow, next week or in the coming months...YOU WILL BEAT IT!
Saying a prayer for you right now!
STAY STRONG!
Tavy
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