I'm so sorry, I didn't know @ammonite was going through so much at home, though now thinking back he may have mentioned something about his wife's health.

A friend of mine discovered she had stage four bowel cancer about 8 or 9 years ago. Luckily she pulled through her treatment. She's lost a lot of weight since, but I guess that's the least of her problems in the scheme of things. She still leads an independent life now.

As to those close friends who have betrayed you, shame on them. Who needs friends like them!! Quality over quantity!!

Stay strong and positive!