That's a tricky one.  Obviously if you ask a dr they will say to quit, but being an ex smoker I know that's harder than it sounds.  I've heard before with pregnant women that some drs have said if you only smoke a couple a day then it's more stressful to quit than it is to continue.  But my opinion is to quit, you'll feel better if you do.  Ask if you can try a patch and see if that helps.  Then try finding something to do that will help relax you - crafts, walks, yoga, etc.  Plus think of how much money you'll save if you quit!  You can do it - just find an alternative, and in no time you'll forget all about smoking.

I smoked for 13 yrs and quit nearly 10 yrs ago.  I started smoking in 6th grade!  I find myself fortunate that my lungs were clear when I got my first breast cancer.

Good Luck to you!

Cressida, I agree with Angi -maybe a patch, or some other recommendation from the hospital, which must have smoking cessation programs - I'm sure they have them in hem-onc for lung cancer patients. I'm sorry to hear you feel less womanly with one breast- SO not the case. We're women from the inside out - our breasts are simply the cover over our hearts and souls. However, I understand wanting to feel normal. And where I got my reconstruction done, there was no age limit - BUT if you smoked AT ALL, they wouldn't do a reconstruction, as the blood supply to the new tissue has to be absolutely unimpaired by nicotine. So there's another reason to quit - I know it's a terrific challenge - but good luck. - PJH