"But I guess it is better that I can be healthy and well to be around long enough to help them as well as help myself and my family."
Sona, as one who has experienced a varied 'buffet' of medical troubles, i can say you're darn tootin' it's better!!!! Surrogacy, adoption, teaching, being a docent or involved neighbor...... there are many many ways to become part of the next generation. All of them are much more possible with a healthy, strong body.
As a doc of course you know that surgery is no walk in the park....at the same time, i've seen my mom and my 'bonus mom' both have their lives turned around by successful surgeries (to stop asthma due to gastric 'upflow' and knee replacement). So i also feel excited thinking about how great you'll feel when all this is resolved!!!
My prayers are with you and your family. Take care, steph