5 Years ago today I quit smoking! Not even one puff! If you thinking about quitting, do it. I know everyone tells you that it "gets easier." Well, it really does. I know, I used to smoke a pack of cowboy killers every day. I hardly ever think about cigarettes now except how bad they smell. Chantix worked for me but talk to your doctor or call your local quit line.

Day 1563

Still smoke free, not a single one in 1563 days. I never even think about smoking anymore. I used to smoke a pack a day. That's 31,260 cigareetes not smoked!

One Year Smoke Free!

I did it! One year! You can do it too people! It was one of the hardest things that I have ever done but nothing worth doing is ever that easy.

DAY 100!

Today is day 100 smoke free! I can't believe it. I have been off the Chantix for an entire month now. I still feel the urge now and then but a piece of gum usually knocks it out fast. Time to celebrate!

Day 84 - Eleven Weeks Smoke Free!

Today marks:
77 days without smoking and 7 days without Chantix!

I think my energy level is improving since stopping Chantix too. I am so excited. For the first time, I am starting to truly feel like a non-smoker. I don't miss the hassles of smoking one bit. I no longer have to go outside in the rain to get my fix. My clothes don't smell like smoke anymore. I'm doing great things for my health and I'm saving lots of money. The best part is that nicotine is no longer in control of me!

As excited as I am though, I will continue to take it day by day. Even at day 77, cravings can still strike out of nowhere.

Day 77 - Quitting Chantix

Report for March 17, 2008

Days taking Chantix: 77
Days left: 7
Percent Complete: 92%
End Date: March 24

Smoked? no
Cigarettes Not smoked: 1400
Money Saved: $280

Cravings: No Change, still mild and infrequent.

Side Effects: the same stuff I have been complaining about for weeks. Upset stomach and lack of energy.

Comments: Well, I have decided that 11 out of 12 weeks is close enough! I took 92% of the pills. I am tired of the side effects so I am stopping. I just took my last dose this evening. Overall, I would have to say that the good out weighed the bad. I am glad that I took Chantix, I think it helped me get through this whole ordeal more easily if I had done it alone. I still remember how amazing it felt around day eight, when I basically just lost the desire to smoke. The website support has been pretty good too. Logging in each morning and reviewing my progress and reading the helpful hints has helped me get prepared for the daily challenge of staying smoke free. Thanks to all who have left comments on this blog and kept encouraging me to succeed.

I will continue to post for the next few weeks on Mondays about how I am holding up post-Chantix. Once I feel that I am out of the woods, I will probably just provide monthly updates. I encourage anyone reading this who is thinking about taking Chantix to do it. I really think it helped me and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process.

Bye for now and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Day 70 - 9 weeks Smoke Free

Report for March 10, 2008

Days taking Chantix: 70
Days left: 14
Percent Complete: 83%
End Date: March 24

Smoked? no
Cigarettes Not smoked: 1260
Money Saved: $252

Cravings: No Change, still mild and infrequent.

Side Effects: The stomache aches are getting worse this week. Even Pepto Bismol has trouble stopping them. I still feel out of it a majority of the time.

Comments: Well I have decided that I am going to stop taking Chantix one week early. I am tired of the side effects and I can't see how 11 weeks is much different than 12 weeks. So I will take my last pill on March 17. I will continue to report my progress.