(I posted this on one of the blog pages, but thought would be better here)
My name is Kevin. IÂ’m 40 years old, and have a wife and two boys. Live in KS.
IÂ’ve chewed for 20 + years. Started in college and havenÂ’t quit since. In that time IÂ’ve chewed Kodiak, Skoal, Skoal Bandits, Redman, Levi Garrett, and most recently I switched to Camel Snus Frost Pouches. Love the flavor of the Frost pouches from Camel.
Anyway, my story is only a little involvedÂ….
I don’t know how common this is, but I learned to swallow (rather than spit) from day 1. The guy that gave me a dip said it was a lot easier to do that than spit all of the time – so that’s what I did.
As a result, I have BarrettÂ’s esophogus, and have to have an upper GI every couple of years. Chances of cancer are increased dramatically.
My sister is a dental hygienist, and so I get to hear it from her all of the time.
VERY recently my father in law, an alcoholic, was diagnosed with mouth cancer and next week will have his tongue and the lower part of his FACE removed entirely.
I canÂ’t tell you how scary this is to me now that IÂ’m faced with it on a more personal level.
I just quit TWO days ago, and itÂ’s actually not quite as bad as I thought. I have had sweats, and after eating is obviously a bear, but IÂ’m getting by with nicorette.
I am THINKING about picking up some smokey mountain and giving it a try, but I have a feeling that it will do me more harm than good. I have tried Oregon and a couple of others, but really didnÂ’t care for them. I like chewing gum better when I tried them.
