 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Judith,
I find it to be amazing that your husband's doctors have NOT told him that he MUST stop smoking. Saying it would be "ideal" and not pushing him to stop, really shows a lack of professionalism. I would try to get them to change their approach and help you out here. It's a known fact that smoking will slow down any healing process.
I can't imagine that they will let him smoke in the hospital. If he will be in for 2 - 4 weeks as you mentioned, I think he will have to stop smoking. You better keep his door locked when he starts getting around, so he can't go outside. Believe it or not, there are people that smoke through their trachs.
Good luck with his surgery and the smoking cessation.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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