Chemotherapy works because it kills all fast-growing cells. The hair goes because it's made of fast-growing cells. (And bad bumps on unprotected bald heads heal very slowly.) Since red and white blood cells are fast growing, thus are inadvertent victims of chemo, blood counts must be monitored closely. That means drawing and testing blood every week.

When white cells plummet, you're left with no immune system: open to deadly infections. A low red cell count signals energy-draining anemia. For people with decent insurance, there is an answer in new biogenic medicines. White cell production can be pumped up with four to six daily ($325) shots. Anemia can be staved off with one or two weekly ($875) shots. Weekly blood draws produce the news about whether we will be going back to the clinic each day for shots.