Ran across this and just had to post of my experience with the patch. I quit over 3 years ago using the patch. I quit at a time when I didn't particularly want to - I was being supportive of my husband who wanted to quit (he didn't but I did...).

Use the patch for the full 6 weeks like they say! My husband came off it after 3 weeks when he thought it was useless, I stayed the course. He smoked, I didn't. Don't try to cut the corners and stop the patch quicker. Regardless of what anyone says, nicotine absorbed through the skin is harmless contained to nicotine inhaled in the lungs.

Keep it up and congratulations for your success so far!
Lori