Dear Lynn,
As one who went back to smoking 1 cig a day six months after having cancer the first time, I know how hard it is to quit. What that got me was cancer of the voice box 4 years later resulting in a total larygectomy. As a singer this is the last thing you want to risk. The smoking is also going to damage your voice more now since you have had radiation. That alone should be enough incentive to quit.

When I finally quit for good, I just threw them out. No patches, no drugs, just cold turkey. I was miserable to be with for the first week. Walks around the block helped when I wanted to throw something at someone or rant and rave. By the end of the first month, my nerves had calmed down and the urges had mostly stopped. One of the problems with smoking only a few a day is that they cigarretes get so old and dried out that they are worse for you than they normally are because they burn at a higher temp. So no, don't have hubby hold on to them, toss them out, find some hard candy like lemon drops to suck on instead.

Good luck. I know you can do it. If I can, anyone can.

Take care,
Eileen