Hello @marieameehan, I'm not sure @anya is still following Connect as the last time she posted was when she started this discussion. You are not alone being scared when being diagnosed with a new condition like GCA. There is a lot of members with experience to connect with and learn what they have shared. You might want to look through the following discussion started by @novabill as it is more current.
--- Think I have Giant Cell Arteritis (or GCA): https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/think-i-have-gca/

Did your doctor or rheumatologist start you on a treatment?