Waiting is the worst!!! Im so sorry you are going thru this right now. You are in the very best place for info and support. Dont worry, we will help you get thru whatever treatment plan you select.
The very best thing you can do is focus on what is controllable... your intake. This is what will make or break how easily you go thru your treatments. I know with chemo its not easy to always take enough in every day. Im glad you have taken advantage of extra hydration. This helps most patients to instantly perk them up, at least it did for me. I hope your physician has written a standing order so you can do hydration a few days a week. Some days you may have to push to make the daily minimums of 48-64 oz of water and 2500+ calories daily so any extra help (like getting hydration) will make it easier.
You will also want to schedule a dentist appointment to get a good check up and you may need flouride trays made if you will be having rads. I think I remember reading you already went to the dentist. You should have a complete blood work done including thyroid levels (men also should have their testosterone levels done too). Its easy to take care of this now before treatments, but its impossible going backwards to get your baseline numbers after you have had treatments.
Anyone who offers their assistance when they find out about your illness, tell them when the time comes you will let them know what they can do to help. Write down their name and contact info so if you (or someone helping you) needs a hand they can reach out to the people on your list. Theres a million minor things that others can do to help. All the small things can add up to being overwhelming when you are sick and cant do everything you used to. If you have radiation you may need someone to help you get back and forth to the treatment facility, pick up prescriptions, etc. When feeling bad and taking strong pain meds driving a car isnt the best idea so if possible line up a couple drivers now. You can also call the American Cancer Society 24/7 ask about their volunteer driver program and their prescription reimbursement grant of $300 . Theres many more little tidbits like this you will learn as you go. Read thru the posts here and also read and absorb the main OCF site. Theres tons of important info in both places. By learning about your illness, you will become a strong advocate for yourself. Ive included very important links to help you find important info.
As you are finding out, there are many appointments before you get treated. If you havent had a second opinion I would strongly recommend getting one. If you are able to find a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), that would be an excellent choice for a 2nd opinion and even a treatment facility. They use a team based approach so all the experts are on the same page and work together to create your treatment plan. Tumor boards are when all the specialists get together and discuss each individual case. Then a treatment plan is created well before any surgery is planned. There are even places that provide free or very low cost airfare and rooms for cancer patients who travel for their treatments. Find the very best medical team you can and get started on the road to eliminate the cancer.
Hang in there and always know its ok to lean on us. We have been thru it and can give you tons of pointers to make this as easy as possible. Best wishes!!!
List of CCCs OCF main pages... Financial Assistance OCF main site --- DIAGNOSIS OCF main site --- TREATMENT