I have been going through something somewhat similar for over a year. In November of 2015, my biopsy showed a strange melanoma/lymphoma cancer combination.
Doc's are puzzled, but testing me every 3 months, head to toe, for anything that shows up.
So far nothing, but stress levels are still insane.
The only saving grace is good health insurance and determination to make a awesome Mead for others to enjoy.
For Ryan and anyone else who may go through this; It is very hard to deal with at first, but if you can wrap your mind around it, it is easier to deal with than a 3 day old batch with no bubbler action.
Maybe not, but nothing is written in stone, there is always hope!
Good vibes your way, Ryan
Wayne