Volvo: 1995 850 GLT, head gasket, white smoke

Question
Hello and thanks in advance,
While sitting in the line at a fast food drive through, white smoke come out of the exhaust...it has a rich or sweet smell.  When I begin to drive the white smoke exhaust stops.  My car stutters slightly while taking off when it is smoking, but drives normally when it isn't smoking.  I have read blown head gasket for similar symptoms.  What do you think, and if it's a blown head gasket what does that mean and how much should it cost? Also, how much longer do I have before that car stops running?
Thanks

Answer
Kevin,
Yes the white sweet smelling smoke means it is burning coolant. Probably getting in from one of the cylinders, causing the sputtering. Get it looked at as soon as possible before other problems occur. Cost is hard to determine until taken apart, but $2000.00 is the neighbor you are in.