Smile and the world thinks everything is ok

What lies behind a smile?  Happiness, joy or is it a mask to hide the feelings you don't want anyone to see.  I am an expert at keeping my feeling hidden inside.  I smile, say what is expected but it is just a mask that I have developed.   No one really wants to hear the answer when they ask "how are you?" It is a phase that is a social statement but truly they don't really want to hear the answer. 
  My feelings are easily hurt, I carry a lot of pain from the past and fear for what I am going thru now.  On the Cancer board yesterday there was a sign that said "Cancer is lonely'"  It truly is.  On YouTube you will see videos of cancer patients who have friends gather and shave their head in solidarity with the cancer patient,  It contains inspiring music, tears and a happy message.  In  true life, that happens in 1 in 100 people.   I have been in this battle for a while and though I have friends and family, I still feel lonely.  I spend hours on end by myself with the company of our cat.  Days, weeks and months go by that I don't hear from my close friends.  When they do call there is always with the promise that we will get together soon...I have learned to smile and say yes soon but know inside that it is not going to happen.  People are busy with their own lives and don't have the time to take the time to fulfill the promise or their word.  I look forward to the weekends, but they have been lonely too.  Staying home all the time and with plans that never come to be fulfilled has become a norm.  I hide behind my mask...smiling and saying everything is fine.  Cancer is not only lonely it just plain sucks.