Jim, there used to be some cigarettes named "Mule Shit, not a fart in a carload". I actually smoked one and it tasted like it!!

They were apparently replaced by the higher quality Horse Shit cigarettes, "Horse Shit Cigarettes are made from the finest grade of domestic and imported horse shit obtainable. Only fresh mild horse shit is used. NOT MULE SHIT. And they are roasted to keep that mild, sweet taste."

http://arbroath.blogspot.com/2006/08/genuine-horse-shit-cigarettes.html

Rita,

My diagnosis changed how I look at our food supply and the choices that I make. This second diagnosis and treatment has made significant changes in what I can eat - probably not so much what I WANT to eat. I now look at supplements and try to buy organic when it is not cost prohibitive. I buy a lot less at the grocery store so I can buy organic milk and things like that. I have almost always had a garden, but since I live near farms I can only control what I put on my garden.

I had quit smoking for a year when I was diagnosed in 2006. I also used to drink a lot of beer - I liked it. I had an unsually stressful year the year before I was diagnosed - divorce, everything ugly that goes with that, moving, changing jobs. I have wondered if that effects whether you get cancer or not. I have been told by someone that the lifestyle choices I made did not cause my cancer - some people get cancer, some don't. I would do a lot of things different in retrospect, but all I can do is take better care of myself for the future.

i have heard smoking for the older generations did not do as much harm many times on their systems because they did not have all of the chemical preservatives on the tobacco that is on there today - in fact many of the old timers rolled their own tabaccy to roll their own cigarettes.

I hear ya Jim - when I smell people who smoke now I think OH MY I didn't know I smelled like that LOL ... guess it is true when they say a skunk can't smell its own odor? LOL - So glad I don't smell like that any more

Just about everyone I know who did smoke has quit - at least of those I hang with ... I think only 2 of my relatives still smoke and I don't think I have any friends who smoke - and only a couple of neighbors have I seen smoking ... I remember when it was so popular - now it is more rare than common - and THIS IS A GOOD THING !!!

I too catch myself thinking of a smoke now and again and then it dawns on me those days are gone and I think to myself - dummy! LOL ... but I really did not go thru any withdrawals at all this time when I quit - I guess because I was so determined whereas in the past I wanted to but didn't want to if you know what I mean ... so all it took was feeling irritable and I would start back up again ... but now I figure it would be the most stupid thing I could do on earth to start again after this long without one - not only for health but because I conquered it so why go thru that all again.

I remember my uncle was a heavy smoker - got emphysema and would still smoke till his dying day. I remember walking in and seeing him remove his oxygen mask to inhale a smoke .... so sad ... would probably still be with us had he not smoked... but hindsight is always 2020

I think the most profound change in my life has been that the biggest innocence we all carry from birth was shattered when I was told that I had to have surgery, radiation and chemo and after all that I only had a 60% chance of living for 5 more years. To this day if I verbally tell that story to a group or a camera I swell up like a baby. Whenever I read about someone Dx'ed with cancer I feel those emotions as well. It's been 31 months since I was Dx'ed and if anything my emotions are stronger.

[quote=azcallin]
I remember my uncle was a heavy smoker - got emphysema and would still smoke till his dying day. I remember walking in and seeing him remove his oxygen mask to inhale a smoke .... so sad ... would probably still be with us had he not smoked... but hindsight is always 2020 [/quote]
Likewise my Dad, emphysema and smoked 'til he died (aortal aneurism), but he refused to use oxygen because he believed it would make his lungs atrophy (as if they weren't already doing that!).

I visited the radiation center the other day and in the patient's parking next to me was a vehicle with the ashtray literally overflowing with butts.

Back when I smoked (for eight years), I tried ripping the filters off some cigarettes and they sure tasted nasty compared to those blended to be without filters.

My sister who is 38 smokes like a chimney. My father died at age 62 due to heart failure and emphysema. Her father in law died a horrible death from lung cancer. Now my husband. I guess she'll never learn and it breaks my heart.

It's hard to describe the difference not smoking makes in ones life. The feeling much better, the breathing better, taste of food and especially in the house. I did my smoking in the basement with an aircleaner running. Now without tha polluting the air, the house smoke free and smells great.Pete, You had me laughing on the Mule Shit one. That is one I never tried, but did bugler, prince albert and corn silk.

Like a lot of people here I stoped smoking a few days before surgery and after just over 2 years have not had another cigarette. Like all addicts I think it would be dangerous for me to have even 1 as I think that may start me back on that rollercoaster.
Like Jim, Rita, Pete and others it is great that I now have an apartment that I am not embarrassed to open the door to. Mind you I don�t recall noticing the smell then but I do now if I even walk outside a building where people are standing in doorways smoking. Also I was a heavy smoking and had that terrible morning cough which is now gone. Lot�s of other positives but have to also mention the extra cash
I used to buy a carton at the supermarket with my groceries and now that bill still amazes me at the check out as it would be at least � of what I would have paid.
For me that is only one of the changes and I will maybe list some more another time.
Gabriele

I've been told that the first one tastes horrible, the second in neutral and the third has you hooked again!

Trust me, the first one tastes GREAT, the second even better and you're right you are hooked again. Don't even think of going there.

Take care,
Eileen