June 17, 2009:
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I just need to vent and let my dear friends know about my current condition. Come August 1st, 2009, I will have 2 years of smobriety – praise the Lord! It has been quite the journey and well worth it! Not only have I met all of you dear and beloved family and friends, I have also been successful in squashing a horrible addiction that could have very well put me in the poor house.
I went to my pulmonary specialist today and was given the usual lung function test and the news was not good. My lung function is now at 4 percent. My doctor explained this dire situation to my son and what to do when the time arrives. I will not be put on any sort of life support – I do not want that. Though the unknown is a little scary, I am definitely not afraid for my body to expire, for my soul shall live on in a much greater place. He further explained to my son that most people with lung function this low are unable to even manage to get out of bed. That I am still attempting a life to some degree has him truly amazed.
I pressed him for a time frame because this sickly body is just so tired and worn out. He said probably a matter of months. I know that this isn’t written in stone, but the suffering has to stop soon.
I beg you all to pray for the outcome that is right for me -- which is to join my parents and my Lord in Heaven! Please do not be sad, for this passing should be celebrated. Just pray for the pain to be minimal in the end. Remember that I love you all, and for now I am still here and will continue to live the best life that I can. Without all of you, I truly believe that I would have passed over long ago. This forum gave me a sense of purpose and pride. This is not goodbye just yet, but I wanted to prepare everyone for when the time comes.
Please know that every single one of you can and do make a difference in someone's quit!
First and foremost, she has improved her quality of life by leaps and bounds! This little lady is at 4% lung capacity as I write this. Her doctors are amazed at all she can do considering that fact.
Secondly, this strong woman is showing each and every one of us that regardless of what comes at us in life, we can conquer nicotine addiction, one day at a time.
August 1, 2009:
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Hello friends,
As I look back in reflection on the past two years, I am astonished that I was able to cope with the normal stress of life without even one puff! But here I am, beaming with pride and humbling myself to the best forumily that has ever existed. Without the love and support of all of you, I may not have been here today celebrating this wonderful milestone.
As I have recently looked around the forum, I have noticed all of the new names and faces. A smile appears on my face knowing that there are so many people who get what this horrible addiction is all about and want to rid it from their lives! Anyone who has ever started on this journey of freedom, whether successful or not, knows the fear and strength it takes to admit to ourselves that we were all powerless over this filthy nasty habit we call smoking.
I would like to congratulate all of you for taking the steps necessary to reclaim your lives. They are the best first steps anyone can ever take and some of the most important too. It is great to realize that we do hold our own fate in our hands and we have been graced with the freedom to choose for ourselves. I am so glad that two years ago today, I chose to live the daily NOPE. I will continue on with my NOPE until I get to where I am going!
~Jacki~
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If you haven't yet quit smoking, use Jacki's quit story as a meaningful springboard to make smoking cessation a reality in your life too. We all have the ability to quit smoking successfully, and we all deserve a life that is free of addiction. Honor your precious, irreplaceable life by putting your quit program at the top of your list of priorities for as long as it takes.
You can quit smoking. Believe in yourself and the sky is the limit.
