It's too early to make big plans. This time after diagnosis is a vacuum and not one for making any decision that doesn't need to be made. With your husband overseas, you probably do need someone to lean on and take to appointments - friend, family? Someone with a level head that you trust. And as for work, is there someone in a high enough position you can ask to keep things confidential but run interference for you? (Actually, they're obliged to keep it confidential if you ask for that.) Remember, you don't have to go into details with anybody, even friends. You are perfectly within your rights to say that you're going to tell them something but you're absolutely not ready to elaborate or answer questions. For me, I bunkered down after diagnosis. My husband told his family (had no choice as his Mum was looking after the kids at the time), and I spoke briefly to 2 key friends and asked them to pass on the info to others but that I did not want people calling me. Everything went out to the friendship groups through them until I started a blog a few weeks later. At work, my line manager knew I had the appointment - I sent an email to her and another manager that night. They acted on my wishes as far as letting others know.
It's hard for you in particular with your husband away but we're here to sound off with whenever you need it.
