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I can remember being 17 and smoking for the first time. My friend asked me "What about cancer?" I with my infinite wisdom answered, "By the time we're old enough to get cancer they'll have a cure for it." Little did I know the effects this addiction would have on me. I'm sitting here now with Stage III throat cancer at the age of 50. My life is in a tail spin and I'm living with such remorse for my stupidity. I'm in daily radiation treatment and weekly chemotherapy. My voice is gone and I have such difficulty swallowing that I'm on a feeding tube temporarily. My daughter is getting married in three weeks and I hate that she is so worried about me during what should be the most wonderful time of her life. Fortunately I have great support from my friends and family and this journey has brought us all so much closer. I'm at a point right now where gratitude is starting to replace fear. Prayer & faith have returned for the first time in decades and I take nothing for granted. I've quit smoking (finally)and I share my experience with others on the importance of not smoking. Because it can happen to you.
Tags: smoking-&-cancer
Posted By: dotgirllb Posted 2 Years, 11 months, 2 Weeks, 3 days ago
All Votes: 22
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