Im gonna go bald at this rate!!!
A shorter cut is usually more flattering for thinning hair. Color apparently plumps up the hair shaft of the remaining hair as well. Try to concentrate on what you have left, not what's in the hairbrush or shower drain. I had surgery July 10th and am dreading the same. But we have to remember it's only temporary! I personally am hoping that if mine falls out it comes back curly!
It'll grow back, trust me! I freaked for a bit and was constantly checking for bald spots, but eventually the scary fall out stopped and now at almost a year out I have an attractive 1.5 inches of regrowth all over my head ;) I kind of look like a dandelion puff. But its growing! There isn't anything you can do to stop/slow it, just get in your protein and try not to stress! Its only temporary.