Let's Talk About Smoking and Cancer

I was a smoking addict, to the extreme. I took a class in an organization called "Smokenders." It was rather expensive, 30 years ago, it cost 350$, and I took the course with NO expectation that it would work. I was an MA degree psychologist, and noticed quickly that the program was an aid to help break all the habits that stimulate one to smoke. The only way possible to end such a deep addiction. I had smoked 30 years, 3 packs a day for about 10 of them, that was 40 years ago. I am still smoke free. But now, my son, age 50 is dying of lung cancer brought on by smoking...........Charlotte

One of my kind of "ex-friend" as I realised after trying for more then 25 years to get him to stop as well as other lifestyle issues, health problems mainly his own making my position became an-tenable if I choose not to be an accomplice he wanted me to be. All my energies and considerable skills I developed and use free of charge effectively for those who allow me but not him. His brother said my visiting upsets his brother, and better if I stay away. I noticed the tension of my efforts does not matter how gentle or forceful, ended up unwelcome nuisance for him. I won't gloat how much I have done for him so many ways as he is also a schizophrenic I studied deeply but he became comfortable after getting the new generation Zypprexa with its bad side effects he was lazy to mediate with minor dietary adjustment and increased physical activity which also precipitated type 2 diabetes. There is a smorgasbord of other condition he ignores and tells me his destiny is un-alterable, the genes will do the work God choose him to end his life prematurely and in agony. I held his erroneous belief in check till recently but failed now. I left the friendship without abandoning him, as I will help if I can but not indulging him. No person will collapse trying to stop smoking even when forced. I think it was North Vietnam at the time drug addict who given the option between jail sentence or to get off drugs wre assigned to a Buddhist community held captive and severely disciplined but kicked the habit. He agreed the only way he would give up the fags if forced to. Pity my magic wand gone flat.- It bothers me what is happening and by enduring it taxes me to some extent. If I don't care no problem. And no friendship, nor humanity. While this is not a politically correct thing to say I believe we should use ANY means to get people off cigarettes. In case like these the end justifies the means given it is sensible and not a power-game. It is cowardly and evil to oppose solutions by saying everyone has the right to choose the lifestyle regardless of consequences. Right to become and maintain illness. Luxuriating in comfort that is killing the person and enjoyable murder. The foregoing was secular stuff. Some would say it is up to God to make the person accountable at last judgement. This is TAURUS EXCRETUS! I could be more severe and challenging. I practised being "my brother's/sister's keeper" for many decades. It pains me when I fail. I am also angry at the system that accommodate this abandonment of sick people by not making them accountable for the social support provided which in Australia is a pretty decent assistance. My friend in question is abusing that help.

I strongly recommend Allen Carr's book "easy way" and I think the genetic test is well worth the money as a motivator to stop this horrible self-abusive behavior . Be strong and throw them away . I wish for a day when the world is compleyely rid of smoking.One can only hope.

About 87% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, and is one of the most difficult cancers to treat. It is very hard to detect when it is in the earliest, most treatable stage. ==> http://www.justcancer.org

Great post Melanie. My grandmother is still smoking and I fear there's no way to get her to stop. Anyway, look forward to following you in 2010!