Thank you DesertLili for your encouraging response.
I will do my utmost to find the courage to push through with this. The pain has increased markedly in the area - I am hoping this is a sign of healing and rebuilding (day 12 of the Water Fast now).
I really don't want the surgery and need to believe that our bodies are capable of healing on their own. Everything I am doing and have done in the name of natural healing in the past few years will be confirmed if I can get through this.