Don't do anything rash. Be prudent sure, e.g. move assets around before a big surgery. But don't retire early, don't upset your daily existence any more than

Don't do anything rash. Be prudent sure, e.g. move assets around before a big surgery. But don't retire early, don't upset your daily existence any more than you have to. Collect as much clinical data as you can. My oncologists encourage me to troll the internet, and give me URLs to check out. Be data-driven. Don't sweat the unpleasant possibilities so much, and deal with what is. You may have more than one oncologist: I've got a surgeon, a radiation oncologist, and a GI oncologist. Keep them all informed of what the other is doing; you shouldn't count on them to touch base with each other regularly. I went totally open-book with my friends and family and employer. Anything they want to know, I deliver in clinical detail. Some folks don't want to know and that's okay. I've gotten tremendous support from everybody. Keep a positive attitude. That's key. Better for you and better for your loved ones. Tell jokes. Co-worker: "How are you doing?" Me: "I'm glad to be at work! You can't wipe this smile off my face. How weird is that?"