April 26th, 2006!

  About 2:25pm, April 26th, 2006 I smoked my last smoke.  Today is the 10th anniversary.  I owe my successful quitting to Dr Alan Hornell and to Chantix.

  I know I must have tried to quit smoking or told myself I was going to at least a hundred times in the 40 years or so since I started and did not really think that this time would be any different...it was different.  There was no conscious stopping and with Chantix, you begin the oral drug and you continue smoking...until you don't.  That simple.

  There is no withdrawal symptoms for me, other than I did have some weird dreams.  Chantix is not for everyone though.  Psychotic changes and events have been reported, including suicide thoughts so one must be aware and be ready to discontinue and consult their doctor in the event any of these symptoms appear.  That said, it is well worth the risk if it will help you quit like it did me.

  It wasn't only me that Chantix helps.  My wife, Leslye, began Chantix, along with my daughter Kathy, shortly after me.  They both were successful too and they both will have a 10th anniversary later this year.   Our best friend, Patty succeeded too.

  Leslye and I were raised in home that smoked and in that age, there was peer pressure as well as social acceptance of smokers.  You went to the doctors offices and generally there were ash trays in the waiting room.  You went into any office and there were ash trays on desks.  It was just everywhere and you didn't give it another thought.

  But now, thankfully, smoking is on the wane.  It is so obvious when you pass a smoker as the smell is so strong.  I think back now when I had that odor on me and I apologize to everyone that I offended.  I truly did not know how offensive that could be.

  I am not crusading against smoking, I really am giving thanks for the help I got to quit and for anyone that really wants to quit, talk to your doctor and if he's agreeable, try Chantix.  It will cost you about what 2 cartons cost.