the new girl has some questions................

Sorry you have to be here, it took me a month or so to get my full movement back. That was surgery on the sigmoid [lower] part of the colon, and the incision ran from above the bladder to up and around my navel [hernia repair there]. More fruits and veggies, less red meat, and very less cured meats [bacon, sausage, ham], is the standard reccomended diet. I worked through my chemo treatment, even went out towards the end of the month after each of three surgeries, so I don't know of available financial help, though there are foundations that offer grants in particular areas. Ask your local Cancer Society group. There's a number of women here, on this blog, under 40, raising kids. Very scared is very normal, few people are ready to battle a dangerous disease, and face their mortality, especially when their in the prime of life. I was 49 at diagnosis, and would have been scared to hear it at 75, it's a hard, cold slap in the face, that reoccurs every day when "I have cancer" pops back into your head. Stage 2 means they may have caught it early, some get chemo, some don't [my dad didn't need anything]. Take each day and stay in the moment as much as you can, the 31st is a couple days away and you'll know more. Stay tuned in here, and you'll get even better answers to your questions, and more of the support we all needed........................................................Dave

Aren't you the lucky one (NOT) to find yourself on this forum. 

You are young, pretty and hopefully, very healthy. Two of these will get you a long way with your recovery and future prognosis. Young and healthy obviously didn't mean you were exempt from getting Cancer, but it will be a bonus as you recover from the surgery and if you go into treatment. 

Don't get the feeling that because you are 'only' Stage II, that you shouldn't be experiencing all of the emotions that a Stage III or IV expreince. I remember, when I was initially diagnosed as Stage IIIB, being told 'At least you're not Stage IV'. Really?!!! Having Cancer, regardless of its stage, is a horrendouse experince, and a shock, and frighteneing and scary and everything else. 

So, to your questions.

1. Recovery from surgery, as posted above, is a personal thing. If you are healthy, you should be up and around and walking as much as is comfortable. Lifting, no, walking, yes. It took me about four to six weeks to feel 100%, by which time I was back in surgery for the placement of a Port. 

2. Diets are also personal. What works for one, may not work for another. Sugars are known Cancer feeders, so cut them down, but don't cut them out, as the body needs natural sugars. I always suggest keeping a notebook and record what you are eating; and then, if something doesn't feel right, or does feel right, you will know to leave it out or make it a prority in your diet. I have this thing about juicing an orange and lemon each day. Does it work? Who knows! But my gut tells me to do it. I feel good when I do it, so I do it. Find what you feel works for you. 

3. Lovekitties mentions above about social services and look here on the CSN for links that might help. 

4. Sorry, but I do not know. We have had under 40's posting here, but with their healing and ongoing health, they do not post any more. 

5. Scared as a cat in a cage of dogs, I would say. You will never be the same. Cancer will always be a part of your psyche, even when you are years out and NED (no evidence of disease). But, it must not rule your life. You will see. These first months are totally scary. Once you get your first clear scan, it will still be scary, but as the years progress, its there, in the back of your mind, but not scary anymore. 

Go with the flow. Fight it with all that you have got, and soon, you will be NED and Cancer will have changed you and made you appreciate everything and everyone and your precious life on earth. 

Oh, and before I quit. If you haven't already, get yourself a nice note book, and write down all the questions you have; and take them with you to the Oncologist appointment. Don't worry if some of the questins seem ridiculous or silly (I once asked if Talcum Powder caused my Cancer. My Onc laughed and said 'no') ask them. 

Good luck on the 31st. I hope you pop back with wonderful news. 

Trubrit