I decided since it is the last month of the year, I would wrap up some topics that I started to write about and never did finish. This post I started earlier this year, and then it sat quietly waiting for me to complete it.
Because my OCD tells me that if I start something I must complete it; this also applies to posts I write – I will be bothered if I do not complete them – so, here I am finishing this post and concluding this topic.
I believe next year will bring many different topics to write about and I have a feeling this one will not be one of them and will be left in the past.
So here we go –
This past year was significant for me – I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bladder Cancer.

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Here are some excerpts from previous posts I wrote since the beginning of this blog back in May, 2015 referring to smoking –
Post: My Life My Way
I am currently 55, so I am expected to die in 21 years. And then take into account I need to minus an additional 10 years because I am a smoker, this takes me down to 11 years before I die. Interesting to think about; I have 11 years before I die. I am unsure why I am writing about this particular subject except to say, I really am not afraid to die and really have no doubts for those bad behaviors that could cause my death – I am living my life my way.
Post: Smoking Past – Smoking Present
On social media, I recently read about a person’s encounter with people who smoke. This person observed a smoker who had no teeth, was coughing and had a ‘smoker’s voice’. This person wrote that is was clear to them that this was cancer waiting to happen.

Image Provided by: http://www.telegraph.co.uk
Post: Early Morning Rambling Thoughts
So today is day #5 without smoking and day #4 knowing I have bladder cancer.
Post: Decisions, Choices, cause and effect
As they have made decisions and lived with the outcomes, the results and consequences, so have I. I made decisions in my life to smoke and then to stop and start again and stop only to start again. The smoking picked me with regards to giving me bladder cancer. Yes, I did think about the consequences of my actions, but made the decision anyway.
Post: A Breakup Letter
I love you –
But your toxic love created harm in me.
I will miss you, but will move on, because you know –
I love me –
Terry

Image Provided by: health.clevelandclinic.org
Today, I end with the following thoughts –
January 27, 2016, the day I quit smoking. That is the day the new habit began.
What once brought me comfort and pleasure is no longer in my life. Smoking most likely is a factor in my bladder cancer and it may be the death of me. I deal with and accept the consequences of my actions.
Wow!! Almost a whole year now! Congratulations! And I’m very glad this is one ‘bad habit’ that you were able to change to a good one! Cheers and happy sailing! 🙂
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Thank you dear, I do not miss the smoking and also am glad I have a new good habit. Happy day my friend! 🙂
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You can do it..
yes you can..
I believe in you..
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Thank you very much – I appreciate your support. Happy day my friend. 🙂
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So exciting almost a year! Congrats
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Thank you Lynn, your support is greatly appreciated. Happy Tuesday! 🙂
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So happy for you Terry! This is a huge accomplishment!
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I quit in 2012, the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Congratulations on being free for almost a year now!
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Thank you Paula, I must say the past year has flown by quickly and I do not miss the smoking. Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂
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Congratulations! This is not an easy task. I quit in 1999 after starting and stopping so many times. So proud of you for making that step. I wish you well.
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Thank you very much – I appreciate your support and well wishes. And good for you for quitting also – thanks for stopping by to read and comment, always appreciated! 🙂
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Anytime, my brother! Anytime.
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Yay ! well done ! Nearly a year, that is fantastic, and a great habit to kick. Your new habit is a better one, I am proud of you. Happy Tuesday my friend. 🙂 x
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Thank you Lynne, I like the new habit also – I appreciate your support! 🙂
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Good job! from a past smoker…. ❤
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Thank you Jodi – there seems to be many past smokers around us – nice group of people to be around! 🙂
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Congrats on the almost-one year anniversary!
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Thank you Sarah, the year has come and gone quickly! Hope this week is a short one for you and you are enjoying it! 🙂
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I would enjoy it even if it wasn’t going to be a bit short – have a wonderful one down there in Florida as well!
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Big step, big congrats, you have done really well !! ❤
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Thank you very much Brooke – I have great support here! 🙂
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Congrats! We’ll have to have a cyber party on the 27th! 🙂
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Sounds like a great plan Laurel. I will be over soon to catch-up on your posts, I am behind since I was away most of last week. I have not forgotten about you. 🙂
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I understand. I’ve been keeping up with you. I decided to wait until you were “back in commission” to post about Gary. I’ve already written it. 🙂
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Good for you! I only just made it one year myself!
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That is great news, we can celebrate together my friend! 🙂
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Congratulations on developing a new habit. I stopped smoking more than 10 years ago. I don’t say I quit, I say I’m boycotting the cigarette companies. No matter what they said, they always knew it was bad for us.
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Yes I agree, and the new habit – I like it much better than the old one! Thanks Peggy, have a great day. 🙂
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There is always a light at the end of the tunnel I believe. Don’t despair.
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Thank you very much – I will always believe! 🙂
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Congrats on the year, Terry. I married a smoker, who has quit, many times over. I understand how hard it is. Be proud of yourself.
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Thank you Van, this is the last time for me – no going back again. Thanks for reading and commenting – always appreciated. 🙂
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Congratulations on quitting! I quit in 2009 after 20-some years of the habit, and glad I did. I am also glad you finished this post!
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Kathryn, I am glad I quit for the last time – never to go back. And, yes that OCD makes me finish posts – it would drive me crazy if I did not. Happy day my friend. 🙂
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Congratulations for being able to really quit, Terry 🙂
I’m on the way to quit too, after much too many years, I just need to be totally ready, otherwise I will not succeed, I know from earlier.
Wish you a new and beautiful year.
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I do understand Irene – it was the same for me – I had to be really ready to do it. Good luck – have a great day! 🙂
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Thank you Terry.
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Well done
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Thank you Derrick! 🙂
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Congrats on quitting smoking. That’s a huge accomplishment. A friend of mine had such a bad smoking habit, they were able to smoke in the rain. I’m like how the eff you keep a cig lit in the rain… Somehow they managed. He went cold turkey and quit after a health scare and have been smoke free for about 5 years. Oh yeah, my 3 month anniversary is coming up on the 27th of this month of being diagnosed with Leukemia. Great post!
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It was the same for me in that it took a health issue for me to quit – and I did – and I am glad for it. Good luck on your journey, I appreciate you stopping by to read and comment.
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Thanks. Your blog is giving me life. I’ll be back for your next post.
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Very kind words – thank you.
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Congrats on quitting smoking. Not a good habit, though, I admit, at times it provides temporary comfort. I’m sharing the post on Twitter. I think more people should know about your determination and learn to say’no’ to smoking.
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Thank you Maniparna for your very kind comment and for the mention on Twitter. I appreciate the support I have received here on WP with all the wonderful friends I have made, including you. 🙂
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🙂 …..
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Congrats! 🙂
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Thank you very much, I appreciate the comment. Have a happy day! 🙂
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Many congrats, Terry! Quitting smoking isn’t easy and it’s even more difficult to not get back to it. When my mom quit smoking she was so bad- tempered that I even said to get she should start again! 😉 Luckily she resisted and is a non-smoker for over ten years now! 😄
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Thank you Sarah, I am very glad I am no longer smoking – and Gary quit at the same time – we both feel better because of not smoking. And congrats to your mom! 🙂
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Wow! That’s wonderful that Gary stopped smoking too! My mom also noticed how much better she felt very quickly although it’s said that it takes about 2 years until all the nicotine leaves the body.
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Reblogged this on jcubehealth.
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Thank you for the reblog! 🙂
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