good luck Dr Pete! Sounds like you are ready.

When you get out there, set goals for yourself: "I'm going to do 10 more/20 more strokes before I rest"- remember, you are expending the same energy in a doggy paddle or treading water as you are making forward motion, so just set a comfortable pace.

I'm kind of scared to do a back stroke, as it would be difficult to figure out what direction? I'd probably head way off in the wrong direction. But, that might just be me