I don't know. I thought it was starting to get real when they put the marks on my arm for the radiation track, but it wasn't so bad. Then I thought it was starting to get real when I had to wear something on my arm to protect it.
Honestly, the checking into the hospital part was the biggest wake up call. But it gives you a lot of time to think.
I think I'd feel better about the baldness if it would finish up. The worst part is being in transition - it doesn't all fall off in a sheet, it comes out in clumps or thins out when you shower.