Well....it sounds like you have a very hard decision to make...but, I am glad the surgeon is giving you choices...rather than rushing you into another surgery.
Phsst..I wish I could say/do anything to help you. It is very hard for the people that care about you to feel so helpless...BUT, I appreciate you sharing his with us.
It is a good reminder for me...when I start feeling sorry for myself for much, much less than what you are going through..and you DON'T wallow in self pity...you work harder.
I know if it were MY decision, I would never want to turn down a change to be wined and dined...and to schmooze and hear gossip....
Besides, Santa Claus can find you wherever you are..and recuperating then, might be a good time...it will be slower in politics and such..hopefully, there won't be any national catastrophe...so, if you need to sit out the weekend preview a few weeks..you won't be missing anything that important.
Just my opinion, re: what I would do....don't mind if you take it or leave it....just recycle what you don't use..
What sleuth said (when you can't improve on something, adopt it without shame).