[trishstoppedsmoking]

I read Allen Carr's EASYWAY to Stop Smoking - great book - but I feel I left quitting too late.

He talks a lot about quitting before irreversible damage has been done.

In my case, a precancerous lesion was taken from my tongue and I go back to the oral pathologist next week for 2 biopsies.

I'm pretty scared.

Does anyone else know the book? Has quit smoking?

[scatterbrained04]

I don't know the book but want to lend my support.

I have 3 areas in my mouth. I'm 34. I saw the oral pathologist about a week ago, who said she was leaning towards a fungal infection because of my age. However, from what I can see in the floor of my mouth, the medicine is not working. So it sounds like Monday I will be likely having a biopsy done in 2 areas of my mouth. I'm terrified. I've smoked 16+ years and have been a pack a day smoker for last 2 years.

I'm trying to make peace with the fact I'm about to have to quit smoking most likely. It's going to be so hard.

Hugs to what your going through. It's so anxiety provoking and tough for sure.

Are you currently quitting, or have you quit?

[trishstoppedsmoking]

I just quit.

Thank you so much for your support in writing. I, too, would like to offer my support.

My precancerous mass (1 cm long and deep) was cut from my tongue. At fist I had thrush which penetrated the tongue and became candidiasis erythematous which turned to the precancerous mass. Dry mouth from psych meds is responsible, as is my smoking.

Try to get the book by Allen Carr, it will help you quit... you can get it secondhand on abebooks dot com

The part I find most difficult is he says quit while you haven't developed an irreversible disease, so I kick myself at that part.

I understand the terror ...

I feel great remorse and self-blame, and of course with the fear you just want to reach for another cigarette ...

I'm going to read the book again to help me cope with the brainwashing that the cigarette is my crutch or friend.

Please let me know how you get on ...

I, too, smoked a pack a day for several years...

[trishstoppedsmoking]

I also was drinking, too, so I've had to cut that out, as well...

The oral pathologist prescribed pilcarpine to open my salivary ducts because psychiatrist doesn't want to change my psych meds at this time.

Thanks again for the hugs and support ... sending them right back at you.

[scatterbrained04]

Had biopsy done today. Oral pathologist pretty much said they are precancerous lesions. May take up to a week to get the biopsy results back to know exactly what we're dealing with. Will have to give up smoking. Sucks.

[trishstoppedsmoking]

It's good to hear that it is not cancerous.

My pathologist said mine was Verruciform Leukoplakia, precancer.

I'm going back to the pathologist on Thursday for additional biopsies.

If you have a dry mouth, as I do, from psych meds, ask your pathologist about prescribing pilcarpine.

Sending you many good wishes and strength to quit smoking!