We are taking that exact route leaving Howell, MI on 10/1. Try to not need to stop within about 100 miles of Albuquerque the first of October as the balloon festival is 10/1-10/9 and if you don't have the sites already you will NOT find them unless you are real lucky.
We take this route each October and have not had weather problems yet. The only toll road is into Tulsa on I-44. The only rough traffic is Indy and Albuquerque.
I-40 near Flagstaff will be the worst road you will be on.
Good travels and prayers for the MD Appt results.