Mercy, according to one of the most respected authorities in the world, the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, I have a 2% chance of developing Lung Cancer in the next decade (with respect to the fact that I'm male, 50 yrs old, and that I've smoked about 25 cigs a day for 35 years).
I certainly could develop lung cancer, and smokers generally have a substancially higher chance of developing that disease... but it's not like smokers are 'likely' to develop lung cancer. Even the heaviest smokers are quite unlikely to develop lung cancer.
But some do, and it could be you or I, or anyone posting here at SSC that ends up getting it.
But you know what? If we don't die of lung cancer... we're going to die of something else. We're all going to die.
I think the main thing for any of us is what we do with our lives this day. We know we're only here for a short while... and however long that is, we need to make our time here count for something.
I've quit smoking because I want to be here for my children and my grandchildren. I hope and pray that God gives me a good long run, and that my presence on this Earth makes a positive difference in the lives of those around me... but in order for that to be true, I have to make today count. None of us are promised tomorrow.
I hope you live for many, many more years, Mercy. But most of all... what I wish for you is that you live today, as fully as you're able... and free of addiction.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 17
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 425
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $157.25
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 18 [B]Mins:[/B] 39 [B]Seconds:[/B] 4
