Good luck, Rebecca. I, too, was a smoker for over 25 years. The day came when I thought I was having a heart attack (terrible chest pains). I was at work, and they insisted on taking me to my doctor to be sure. I actually went to the break room and smoked a cigarette before going! I still remember my last cigarette was at 9:45 AM, January 20, 2000. It turned out it wasn't a heart attack, just my "warning", as the doctor said. My cardiologist said he would be my doctor if I quit smoking for good. If not, don't come see him again. I really liked him and knew he was a good doctor, so I quit. My medical doctor prescribed a mild antidepressant, which under another name was used to help stop smoking, but the insurance wouldn't cover the anti-smoking one. I took that for about a year.
Still don't smoke, and I realize now how bad everyone smells who has been smoking. I'm embarrassed that I once smelled like that.
I worked at a trucking terminal, so everyone smoked in the break room/lunch room. I had to stop going in there for about 3 months, until I was over the hump. There are days when I would still love to have a cigarette, but trying just one more puff isn't worth risking being smoke-free.
Drop me a line if you get discouraged. I've been there!! But it's sure nice on the "other side".
Brenda