So, I've just been to the doctor. A1C is 4.4. ( I was never diagnosed as pre diabetic or diabetic, but I suspect that's because I hadn't been to a doc in ages.)
My partner (whose A1C was 7.2 in July) is now 5.0 -- he was "undiagnosed" as diabetic.

But the bad news -- I have thyroid cancer. And also another condition (tests still outstanding, not thought to be another cancer, but the is a possibility) -- regardless of what it is, it will also require major surgery.

Not good news. But I think I am holding up okay. It is nice to be on an anonymous forum, where people understand the goods and the bads of regaining one's health. Until the last couple of tests come back I'm sort of in limbo, and don't really want to talk about this with anyone.