I also had a throat issue kick-start my quit. It took 8 months to resolve, ended-up being a silent GERD issue related to stress. I've also coped with other health issues I thought were due to cancer. Thankfully, these have been ruled out and the underlying cause of my symptoms were likely stress and anxiety. Well, today I know I don't have cancer. That feels great. I also know I'm not putting nasty dip and nicotine into my body, causing my body to heal daily lesions that permit unnatural chemicals (in addition to nicotine) into my bloodstream. I also know that these chemicals are not changing/mutating the way my body heals, therefor adding risk for cancer. My dentist appointment earlier this month, passed with flying colors. My blood pressure is down, and my personal health goals focus on clean eating and fitness.
I am 38 years old and dipped for 18 years. I have 2 kids and my mother and father were smokers (sound like someone you know). There are lots of us here who make us see ourselves in the mirror. I have also been quit for 144 days and for 144 days have not been a slave, I've been free, and live without worry. Anything that happens to me from this point on is out of my control. I control nicotine. Yes. But it requires daily work. A daily task and commitment. Post roll and promise. Build accountability to that word. Do it every day, one day at a time.
