Martyn is a 61-year-old project manager who has smoked roll-up cigarettes since he was 18. In April ’22, he was diagnosed with cancer, and shortly afterward, he reached out to Total Wellbeing Luton’s Stop Smoking Service.
Martyn's Journey to Stop Smoking
Martyn smoked what he described as ‘well below 10 a day with probably just a few more at weekends.’ He had undergone a series of investigative tests last year, including lung scans and ultrasounds, but they had all proved negative. This New Year, however, proved to be a turning point. A change in his health raised red flags with his doctor, and he found himself in hospital. A cancer, known to be difficult to diagnose, was confirmed.
Martyn has now undergone a course of chemotherapy and is currently at home waiting to undergo surgery to remove a tumor. The positive news is that the cancer is contained in one area and hasn’t spread.
Why Quitting Smoking Became Crucial
Martyn had never really wanted to give up smoking prior to his diagnosis. He felt his smoking of roll-ups was relatively low and ‘under control.’ He felt healthy, walking 5–6 miles weekly in the course of his job with no real health problems. But Martyn also had a history of battles with smoking within his family. He said:
‘I just didn’t want to fail. My dad was a heavy smoker and had emphysema. He had been desperate to give up and even tried a rehab clinic to help him further. He was a bricklayer and regularly smoked whilst he was in a very dusty environment. He had been in and out of hospital since his 40s and died in hospital following another course of treatment when both his lungs unexpectedly collapsed when aged 62.’
Martyn had tried just once before to give up smoking, having been advised by his doctor but without success. He said, ‘Nicotine replacements were costing me a fortune, more than smoking. I had been spending £16 on tobacco but £20 and more on patches, chewing gum, and vapes. Having prescribed nicotine replacements and a planned course of treatments was a godsend.’
How Stoptober and Support Made the Difference
This time, however, the stakes were much higher. He was aware of the programme offered by Total Wellbeing Luton from previous contact and picked up the phone to register his interest.
Martyn was telephoned back by Izabela, who worked through with him what was needed. He decided to use a combination of Nicotine Replacement 24-hour patches together with gums to help manage his cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Martyn has now completed 12 weeks smoke-free and during this time went from 21 mg patches to 14 mg patches to 7 mg patches at the end. It certainly did the trick. He said:
‘I’m not tempted to go back to smoking, I’ve just not had the urge to smoke.’
When asked why he felt it had worked for him, he said:
‘The patches take the edge off it, they take away the general desire for nicotine, and I use gum if required and I use vapes to replace the habitual and social aspects of my smoking.’
For Martyn, the Service has given him that extra boost to stick with the programme and encourage him to stay smoke-free. He said:
‘The service has been very good. Prescriptions have come through and Izabela has kept in weekly contact to check on my progress and that I wasn’t smoking.’
We wish Martyn well.
Find out more about our Stop Smoking service www.totalwellbeingluton.org/healthy-body/stop-smoking