A method begins by a load balancing module of a distributed storage network (DSN) determining availability of a plurality of DSN processing units of a set of DSN processing units based on availability information associated with the plurality of DSN processing units and in response to determined availability, selecting a DSN processing unit form the set to process a data access request. The method continues with the load balancing module receiving an indication that the DSN processing unit is no longer available from the DSN processing unit while the DSN processing unit continues to process previously pending data access requests. The method continues with the load balancing module cancelling selection of the DSN processing unit to process the data access request; and receiving a second indication from the DSN processing unit indication that the DSN processing unit is available.