Yep... I became a statistic!

I know what you mean about watching those close to you struggle with all this. I think in many ways it is tougher for them because they feel so helpless. My husband and I spent a lot of time talking and I think being honest with each other helped. We both wanted to shield each other but it worked better for us when we were completely open about things. You do get through this (I had chemo and radio too) but you need support. My family, friends and this network got me through things. I had very thick shoulder length hair. I had it cut short before chemo started and my husband and daughters shaved it on day 14 after my first chemo when it started falling out by the handful. It was sad but for me it was minor in the scheme of things and I have since discovered that short hair is very liberating (I am not spending lots of time blow drying it!). I did use cold mits to prevent damage to nerves and fingernails. These were uncomfortable but definitely seemed to work. My chemo was in winter and I just could not have dealt with having cold caps on. Good luck with everything. Deanne xxx