Hey MG,
I just checked my cravings diary, and days 9 thru 12 were pretty rough for me too. To answer your question "when will this lighten up", well, your mileage may vary but, for me, it was soon after that. After day 12, I only recorded mild cravings, if any, and today (at day 50, woo-hoo!) I've stopped using the diary. I don't really have cravings per se - every so often the thought that I could quite fancy a cigarette will pop into my head, but it's quite easily banished.
I guess the only thing you can be absolutely sure of is that it WILL get easier. All you have to do is keep your quit, and that will be your prize. I, and anyone else on this site who's made it through heck week will promise you that.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/1/2008
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 50
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,000
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] �265.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 8 [B]Hrs:[/B] 7 [B]Mins:[/B] 24 [B]Seconds:[/B] 51