I feel the need to encourage anyone living with a smoker to insist they keep it away from you and everyone else. I've lived with a smoker for 27 years. In Feb., 2007 I was diagnosed with lung cancer; my smoker husband wasn't. I didn't feel that was the way things should be, but I guess God had a different plan. Anyway, after coughing for a few months, one evening I coughed up a little blood, and it scared me into going to the doctor the following morning. After numerous tests I was diagnosed with carcino-sarcoma lung cancer, for which I understand they have not found a treatment. I was so blessed because I was scared into going right away and my cancer was contained. The doctors told me it was stage 1 and they hurried to remove the upper third of my right lung. The lymph glands were not affected. My only goal now was to get to the other side of recovery and continue with my life. After one and one-half years all my 3-month x-rays have been fine. I pray every day the cancer beast will leave me alone. Oh, and, now my husband has cut way down on cigarettes and each one is smoked outside away from us.
Please don't allow smokers around you and your family....and if you think you may be dealing with an illness, as scary as it may be, hurry to your doctor for treatment as soon as possible. I appreciate life with a new perspective each day now, say my prayers and am closer to God, and don't sweat the small stuff. I try to stay positive, altho, some days I just worry about it in general, but try to get out of that state of mind quickly. Life can be good. A cancer diagnosis doesn't have to mean your life is over. We hear a lot about the bad, but there are many cancer survivors. I plan to stay as one of the survivors. I pray God has the same plan.
Good luck to everyone.
Jacquie