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Dear Sue, I was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer at the end of November 2010 which had already spread to the sentinel lymph node - I underwent 2 operations in December of that year, including level 2 node clearance, followed by 8 cycles of FEC75 and 6 weeks of radiotherapy. Yes, I lost my hair - quite novel being an 'egghead' at my age and yes, there are side-effects that seem to be universal BUT, there are also many medications on offer to mitigate those and there are so many tips one can learn about from this site that make life more bearable. I think for many of us, after diagnosis, the focal point becomes the loss of hair - there are so many lovely wigs/scarves, hats about and there is the option of the 'cold cap' although, as my hair was very fine to start with, I declined that...and, it really does grow back thicker! It makes it a bit easier to have your hair cut short and I found less distressing and eventually I had a 'shaving party' with my kids and a close friend and stocked up on pretty scarves, a couple of wigs, etc. I also had my nails cut short and 'coated' to protect them. Priorities change with the same main aim for all of us - to 'fight' and win! Losing hair etc. does not alter who you are inside. Radiotherapy is painless and mostly taxing because of having to go for treatment on a daily basis 5 days a week - I thought 6 weeks sounded soooooooo long - but it went surprisingly quickly! Another point to remember is that whilst there are common side-effects, each of us reacts individually too. I am now on what is called 'maintenance therapy' i.e. a daily pill and termed 'in recovery' - so the 'light' at the end of what was a very dark 'tunnel' at times does start to shine brighter and brighter. I wish you well on your journey xx Apologies for there being no paragraphs but somehow I am unable to do that here! Oh, and don't forget your team are there for you every step of the way and to answer any questions as long as you ask and express your very normal anxieties and fears and I found this site to be invaluable. Hugs.