It's great that you have a literary model that helps you stay strong. I'm so not a Scarlett, not from privilege and also not a warrior-type. I've followed my true north throughout life, blessed to have amazing experiences with the most common people all over the world.
When recently diagnosed with clear cell endometrial carcoma, my husband and I were days away from a 5-month adventure. We had rented our house out so we were beholden to a legal contract. My surgery is in 2 weeks. We are staying with friends who don't yet know about this latest development. They're hosting us thinking we're just having fun until our flight to Spain.
Physically and emotionally, we're in free fall. The present is all I have. And, like you, I'm doing all the normal things to keep me sane.
We're trying to hold out, until all my appts for pre-op are set up, before we share our news with family and friends. Telling those close to me is the hardest...I loath the idea. Everything depends on the surgical pathology. Did we catch it before the lymph nodes are impacted? That is the line in the sand.
My desire is to listen deeply to my inner voice, not allow those around me to persuade me to "fight" if letting go is my soul's truth. I hate second guesses...