Forum Discussion

Susie9's avatar
Susie9
Member
7 years ago

Feeling down

Hi,everyone,just an update..went back to PS yesterday,i now have nipple necrosis and have to go back to surgery tomorrow to remove dead skin and make sure there are no other issues.he was going to do first expander fill,but now that's been delayed..just feeling bit like its two steps back and haven't started any other treatment yet,chemo ect,feeling a bit overwhelmed,and on another I'm angry with myself that I can't stop smoking,feel like bit of an idiot about that,anyone else have this problem
nipple
smoking
surgery
treatment
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    7 years ago
    Wanting to give up is the trick. I 'tried' a few times (light smoker so no excuses) but my heart wasn't really in it and so I didn't. Giving up when you are stressed is even harder. I gave up twenty odd years ago because I really wanted to - threw a half empty pack of cigarettes and a really nice lighter in the garbage bin. Never lit another one, never wanted to. Agree with @iserbrown, you'll know when you are ready. Good luck. 
  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    7 years ago
    @susie9

    You've got plenty to contend with at present.
    When you are ready non smoking will become your norm. Until then it's a guilty pleasure.
    From someone who quit cold turkey at the age of 28 and haven't craved one since.
    Take care
  • kezmusc's avatar
    kezmusc
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hey @Susie9.

    I swore I was giving up after surgery.  Didn't happen.  I had this discussion with my BCN back then and she said (after giving me the lecture she was professionally obliged to) "do what you can but it's going to be a long year, one hard thing at a time" 18mths track and it still seems too hard. It's another up and down roller coaster to try and get through.

    @Zoffiel, maybe you don't want to.  I know if I told myself I am never going to do that again I surely will do it twice as much!

    Interesting fact:  Some public hospitals (Qld) will not do reconstruction on smokers (unless they quit prior to surgery of course) due to high complication and failure rate. They refer to PS or larger hospital to be reviewed on a case by case basis.

    Ouch for the nipple. Hope it gets better soon.

    Be good to you.
    xoxoxx
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    7 years ago

    I immediately thought of that quote form 'Airplane' "Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines" Yeah, I know we shouldn't joke about things like that, but sometimes what choice do you have.

    Smoking is a bad idea, it's also an addiction and if it was that bloody easy to give up, none of us would do it. There is a whole industry devoted to helping us quit, with mixed success rates . I'm down to one or two rollies a day at most and can go weeks without one. You'd think at that level of consumption I could just stop. Seems not. Maybe I don't want to. The money is a serious motivation which has probably been my main driver but I somehow can't take that final step and say 'never again'  Even having this conversation is making me wonder where my tin of tobacco is. Cut down as much as you can without driving yourself nuts.  The nipple thing sounds very stressful, I hope it turns out OK. Mxx

  • Flaneuse's avatar
    Flaneuse
    Member
    7 years ago
    @Susie9 Sorry you're feeling so low. Understandable, given the news about your nipple. Like you need any more challenges at this stage ! Good advice from @kmakm. Take care. F x
  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
    Member
    7 years ago
    Dear Susie, as you've no doubt been told, smoking is not a good habit to have if you're having operations. But if you can't stop now, cut yourself some slack, and deal with it later. One thing at a time darl!

    You have to be kind to yourself at this time. Most of us beat ourselves up about the shoulda coulda woulda but right now you have to let that shit go. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't here yet. Focus on today. If you want to feel like you're achieving something on the quitting front, can you break it down into a smaller task. Can you smoke one less cigarette today than you did yesterday? Make an appointment to see your GP about a quitting plan. Think of the money you'll save! Set up a piggy bank to put the ciggie dough in and plan the holiday you'll take with that money.

    I know nicotine is one of the most addictive substances going so don't beat yourself up because you're struggling. I know there'll be others out there who are also trying to give up. You're not alone. Keep trying and hang in there. Big hug. K xox