M.I.L has stage 2 throat cancer, but is still smoking!

About 3 months ago my mother in law,age 50, was diagnoised with stage 2 tumor in her throat(partially on her voicebox). She has been undergoing radiation treatments for almost 2 months now,and I told her I will be there by her side every step of the way,but no matter what we say or try to do to convince her,she won't quit smoking! I'm not a smoker myself,but I do understand it's not easy, but I just don't understand why she continues to do something so harmful to herself...any advice?

As an ex-smoker and a respiratory therapist I can tell you that no one will quit smoking untill they are ready to do so and no amount of talking will change that.  Giving up an addiction is a personal choice.  Once the choice is made, then your love and support will be helpful, but until then your well meant conversations on this topic will only frustrate you and your mother in law.

It is a shame that your MIL is finding it so hard to give up.  Has she tried patches or any other nicotine replacement type things? 

Good luck and I hope you can manage to get through to your MIL eventually.  :)

Julie

On Apr 25, 2012 2:02 AM tylera92 wrote:

About 3 months ago my mother in law,age 50, was diagnoised with stage 2 tumor in her throat(partially on her voicebox). She has been undergoing radiation treatments for almost 2 months now,and I told her I will be there by her side every step of the way,but no matter what we say or try to do to convince her,she won't quit smoking! I'm not a smoker myself,but I do understand it's not easy, but I just don't understand why she continues to do something so harmful to herself...any advice?

It's actually pretty common but some won't admit it. I can name a few that kept smoking; even while hooked up to chemo. My dad smoked during his cancer altho only a few a day & when he had one; a few relatives would give him crap which made him smoke more. Being diagnosed with cancer is very stressful & having someone bugging you about the one thing that calms you down makes it even harder to want to give it up. Best thing to do would be buy her some patches & tell her how to use it. I warn you; they are expensive.

I don't know how she manages to smoke after that many rads & am curious how many she actually smokes?

I tried the patches after hub was diagnosed. The trick was to put it on when you 1st wake up; it stopped me from wanting that 1st smoke & when I did; it was a few drags. I was down to no cigs- took hub for an appointment; we had to wait or something; he was pissy when we got in the car & the 1st thing I did was light up when we got home. Life has been too stressful for me to quit but I'm going to.

Whatever you do; do not give her chantix. I tried it & it killed my taste buds.

On Apr 25, 2012 2:02 AM tylera92 wrote:

About 3 months ago my mother in law,age 50, was diagnoised with stage 2 tumor in her throat(partially on her voicebox). She has been undergoing radiation treatments for almost 2 months now,and I told her I will be there by her side every step of the way,but no matter what we say or try to do to convince her,she won't quit smoking! I'm not a smoker myself,but I do understand it's not easy, but I just don't understand why she continues to do something so harmful to herself...any advice?

You've got to be kidding! Friends Mom smoked and was warned to stop.  She finally did but then she was dead,

Husband was diagnosed in june with stage 3 lung cancer, and still smokes. I quit 7 years ago, and I know its hard but you have to, to make the rest of your time, quality time. Did I also say he is on oxygen 24x7 (except when he is smoking). Went through 7 weeks of radiation and 7 weeks of chemo. Whats next health wise. HELP!!!