I quit for seven years.... (Using Chantix) and stupidly started again during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. I wish I didn't.
Smoking is just plain bad. Not any better or worse on cycle or off. Cigarette smoking is the worst way to feed a nicotine addiction for many reasons. And, IMHO, nicotine replacement therapy will not help you quit, because its still feeding the addiction.
I definitely feel for you, bro. Smoking is a terrible monkey on your back. (And mine too) quitting may be the hardest thing you ever have to do. Chantix is a miracle! It works... But it can be hard to take.
I wish you smooth sailing in this endeavor. I'm starting Chantix again soon. And I'm using an upcoming Tren cycle as incentive. I love tren, but I can't imaging doing it while smoking. The shortness of breath thing you get tren would probably be intolerable while smoking.
So my best advice.... Do some research.... Check out Chantix. Take the endeavor to quit smoking VERY seriously. It's a horrible addiction.... But you CAN quit. Millions of others have. There's no reason you can't join them. You'll actually like being a non-smoker. I did and can't wait to get back!