It's difficult sometimes when people use specific words to express something and those words can be hurtful. Sometimes, they don't think or they don't see that word in the same way as someone else might see the word. I'm sorry what your friend said hurt you Liz.
It's also difficult to put a smile on one's face when one is in pain and exhausted. It can take everything we've got to just get up and show up, nevermind smiling too. UGGGGH!!!!!!
Hang in there Liz.....I like to think that April is just around the corner.