Hi Chris,
I'm sorry to hear of your situation and wish you well in treatment and management.
On the issue of the AP mount with or without absolute encoders, you mentioned it not being a money issue, but that you might not want to spend it if you didn't really need it. Well, only you can judge "if you really need it", but you could also opt for a "lesser" Skywatcher EQ8 which has a 50kg capacity and absolute encoders for $6K new or around $4K on the used market.
https://www.bintel.com.au/product/sk...v=6cc98ba2045f
Keep well.
Best
JA