So, I had my yearly GYN appt with a new practitioner (my former GYN retired - he was a gem) and she advised I not stop until the summer is over because the high heat/humidity we've been having. She said it would be much easier on my body to wait a few months until the fall weather/cooler temperatures. At that point, I can start cutting the patch or drop down to the next one (which is the very lowest available).
She was phenomenal. I've not had a female practitioner in ages. She is maybe 10 years older than me and said she's been through it all and is sympathetic. I felt that she had a very thorough knowledge about HRT, the history of its use and all the issues surrounding recommendations for using/not using it based on both past and and more recent studies of HRT use. All in all, she was a delight to dialogue with.
So for now, after really having a good think on her recommendation, I will remain using the patch and revisit in a couple of months. I will be glad when i finally transition off of it though. The progesterone part is just...ugh.