Yeah... fear and depression... the very toughest parts. After the consult, the uncertainty is gone, and it's easier to deal with. Time for the shock to wear off, and more familiarity with the options helps.
I recall my own colon cancer... unexpected in 1989, which led to the decision to retire early. Not a pleasant time, but a c section, over and done and cancer free now, for 24 years.
Then, a year later, a 29 PSA led to urgent biopsies (12), with negative results ... (bad PSA reading). At the time... 1990, PSA testing was still in its infancy (approved in 1986), and there was great uncertainty and division among doctors as to treatment. A week of waiting builds anxiety, and the biopsy punches (needles) left memories. Even this procedure has now improved, thank goodness.
On the leukemia part... My next door neighbor just turned 80 and has been living with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia for almost 20 years.
Its ugly stuff no matter what, but we deal with it, and life goes on.
Best wishes for a good outcome... Hopefully this will just end up as a blip on the memory, many years from now.
