New to this and it is hitting me that it is a waiting game.

Welcome @LisaJHM I can't give you much insight into the process you're going through as I had surgery first, then chemo and rads, but I do hear that it is can be very effective.  As @allyjay says, chemo is heavy duty stuff so there needs to be some baseline measures taken.  You would also be fluffing about with tests if you were doing surgery first.  Just try to take it one day at a time and breathe.  You will get there.