"I began experimenting with cigarettes at the age of 11. A few of my friends and I would steal cigarettes from our parents who smoked and share them with each other. By the time I was 16, I was a regular smoker. In all, I smoked for 54 years. 

"I'd been wanting to quit for years due to the stigma around smoking. Plus, I didn't want to give my grandchildren the impression that this is a good habit. What led me to finally quit for good was when my son's father contracted stage 4 lung cancer. He'd also been a smoker for years, and upon learning that he'd contracted this disease, I became determined to find a way to quit. 

"I made a promise to myself that this time I would stop and never go back to it. An advertisement for Quit With WakeMed came through my WakeMed MyChart. I eagerly scheduled an appointment with Jessica Revels, RN, FNP, and had my first appointment with her on November 12, 2024. We discussed my relationship with smoking. The fact was that cigarettes were my best friend and constant companion. I could rely on them to soothe me, help think through a difficult situation and comfort me in a way that nothing else could. Revels helped me learn how to "turn the other cheek," which to me means, "turn to another thought." Each time I had the thought of going back to cigarettes, I would make the decision to think positive thoughts related to quitting, and before the end of the year I was able to give up that final habit of smoking to end my day. 

"Revels also got me started with Chantix. I was terrified to take Chantix because I'd heard it could cause vivid dreams. A nurse friend of mine swore that Chantix gave her husband Parkinson's disease. Despite the rumors, I made up in my mind that the only thing that mattered was quitting and that side effects of Chantix had to be less toxic than cigarettes.

"Revels assured me that Chantix did not cause Parkinson's disease. She prescribed the drug. Ultimately, I agreed to try whatever it would take to finally give up smoking forever. I began having vivid dreams, but they weren't scary. They were peaceful and immersive. 

 "When I saw Revels in January 2025, I had not had a cigarette in days, and I haven't had one since.

"Giving up smoking allowed me more hands-on time, money and freedom for my love of expressing my creativity in artwork through watercolor, printmaking and more. I also breathe better. I no longer have heart palpitations. My sense of smell and taste have improved. I now go for walks on a pretty regular basis. 

"I've come to understand that cigarettes were a toxic best friend because they consumed my thoughts. I was constantly wondering when I could sneak off and have a cigarette. I smoked in secret, so my grandchildren would not see me as I was embarrassed by the habit. I am glad I no longer satiate my dependency on nicotine.

"In the end, I don't think there are words powerful enough to express my gratitude for Revels assisting me in my journey to quit for good. We would talk about how many urges I'd had in a week and ways to replace the urges. She is extremely insightful and knowledgeable. I don't think I could have done it without her."